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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: anamariacries
Date: 08-08-2006, 10:20 PM (1 of 6)
| I am new to sewing and I keep hearing people talk about it? Do I need one for small sewing subjects. |
User: anamariacries
Member since: 08-01-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 08-09-2006, 12:44 AM (2 of 6)
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A serger does a 2,3,4 or 5 thread stitch (also called an overlock) which is used to finish off edges of fabrics sothey don't ravel or fray. On a RTW (ready to wear) item, if you look on the inside seams many will be finished off with a serger. I know someone will be able to describe this better than I am. You can also gather with it, put on elastic, do lovely edges for hems, blind stitch hems, and other decorative stuff. It's not a necessity but it is a nice machine to have. I sewed for years without one, and I know a number of the people here don't have one and do just fine without one.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: westozmum
Date: 08-09-2006, 06:43 AM (3 of 6)
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Hello! I too sewed for years with out an overlocker but now that I have one I would not be with out it. They can do sew (sorry!!) much as bridesmom mentioned...construct an entire garment,create wonderful finishing touches and of course finish yoyr seams!! The sky is the limit Have fun 
Westozmum aka Laura from the Land Down Under
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User: westozmum
Member since: 02-16-2006 Total posts: 41 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 08-09-2006, 07:06 AM (4 of 6)
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I sewed without one until about a year ago. I could do without it now too. I use it on nearly every project but I could do just as well without it. It would take a little longer is all. I did make some curtains once using only the serger but that's the only thing I've not used my sewing machine on and I could have done as well on the sewing machine. I'd say wait unless you can afford a good one from a dealer who will help you learn to use it because they are complicated and intimidating until you get to know them. I had a cheap one that almost went through my window in a moment of frustration. Instead I gave it away and got a pricier but easier to use machine. Of course, it really depends on what you can afford. Some people here have several expensive machines that they couldn't do without. I have one mid-range sewing machine and fairly high end but not top of the line serger and that suits me. And I sew a lot. I don't know what these people do with five or six machines. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 08-09-2006, 07:42 AM (5 of 6)
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I can't speak for the others but I use all three sewing machines and two sergers all the time. I am planning on getting another sewing machine soon. It depends on the project which machine I use.
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: esrun3
Date: 08-09-2006, 10:02 AM (6 of 6)
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I only got my serger about a year ago and I've been sewing for close to 45 years. You can do without. However, I have to admit, I did some sewing while on vacation and only had the sewing machine-was surprised at how much I missed my serger! I was making maternity tops and could have done the majority of the job on the serger, instead I used the machine, trimmed seams and zigzagged. Which is what I used to do all the time and thought nothing about it! It sure is surprising how quickly we become used to something! I agree with the others though, unless you can afford a decent serger and can get lessons and help from your dealer, you are better off without one. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
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