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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Moonflower
Date: 09-21-2005, 11:50 AM (1 of 9)
Hello, I have just purchased my first sewing machine. I am totally new to sewing so bare with me  I intend on making clothes with my sewing machine and was wondering if i would need a seperate Overlocker/serger? The sewing machine i have has a elastic overlock stich on it (not quite sure what that means yet...) Would this be enough for sewing seams and hems? Or would it be best if i got a compleatly different machine to do this?
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User: Moonflower
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-21-2005, 12:42 PM (2 of 9)
Hi Moonflower and welcome to Sew Whats New.  You do not need a serger. Many accomplished sewers have never owned a serger. Find out how to use the machine you have first before venturing into serging. You need the skills to put garments together. A serger is to finish off the raw edges of your seam allowances. Your elastic overlock stitch is probably a zigzag stretchy stitch of sorts to stitch down elastic or cover the edge. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 09-21-2005, 12:47 PM (3 of 9)
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Hi Moonflower, Welcome to Sew Whats New. As far as buying another machine, I would wait till you are into sewing a little longer. We all have our favorite brand and types of machines. I think trying your machine you have now and seeing what it can do, then see if you need another machine. These of course are just my thoughts on this. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: Magot
Date: 09-21-2005, 01:57 PM (4 of 9)
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You can go a long way with learning how a garment all fits together and finishing your seams simply with a zig zag - get all the basics under you belt before you head back to the shops. It will help you to understand what it is you want from a machine too. There is so much you can do with a standard sewing machine that you will have fun trying out. Welcome to the wacky world of sewing.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: Moonflower
Date: 09-21-2005, 03:24 PM (5 of 9)
 Thanks for the welcomes and replies!!Phew! I was hoping that my basic sewing machine would be enough for now I have been having so much fun with it already and i have only had it home for a few hours
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User: Moonflower
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: esrun3
Date: 09-21-2005, 10:21 PM (6 of 9)
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Welcome Moonflower! I don't have anything to add, I agree with the others. I've been sewing for over 40 years and still don't own a serger!
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 09-22-2005, 09:01 AM (7 of 9)
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Welcome & I agree with everyone here! I actually went many years with only a sewing machine before I every got a serger. On fabrics that might ravel I would generally do my straight stitch then go back next to it with a zig zag. Or you could learn different seam techniques as you go! Not to say as you get going some day you want put a serger on the wish list as I did
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 09-24-2005, 07:18 AM (8 of 9)
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My old Pfaff has a overlock stitch that I used to use before I got my serger. I liked it better than the zigzag finish. When I got my first serger I got an old 2nd or 3rd hand one for $200. The saleswoman gave me a quick 5 minute lesson and my MIL was my tutor. After a month, I was ready to go for a brand new one!!! But I did sew for close to 20 years with out a serger. Have fun sewing!!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: debsews
Date: 09-24-2005, 01:24 PM (9 of 9)
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You didn't say what kind of machine you bought but my Viking has an overlock stitch on it that works great for some things. I also has a seam plus overlock but it doesn't cut the seam away and so you can only use that on things that use a 1/4 inch seam. It is also a lot slower to use than a serger and once you use a serger to finish your seams you wouldn't want to go back to the zig zag or overlock on machine to do it. I don't have a good serger and am trying to decide on which to buy. Just my 2 cents. Deb |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
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