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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: pamlg1223
Date: 07-19-2007, 09:26 AM (1 of 6)
| Is a serger something you add to a sewing machine or is it a separate machine? |
User: pamlg1223
Member since: 07-10-2007 Total posts: 10 |
From: Addicted2Sewing
Date: 07-19-2007, 09:36 AM (2 of 6)
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A serger is a seperate machine. Most of the time it is used to finish seams to make the garment look professional. I believe some people sew with it as well. You can do a search for it on the internet to see what it looks like as well as it's functions. There is one that Walmart carries for $199.00 I think...it is a Singer. Just like sewing machines, some name brands are better than others, and certain people just like certain brands. Goodluck on your search 
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User: Addicted2Sewing
Member since: 02-01-2007 Total posts: 133 
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From: MartySews2
Date: 07-19-2007, 10:24 AM (3 of 6)
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A serger is great for quick and fast sewing. It is a separate machine like a microwave to the stove. It can't do everything but it's great for what it does. I use my serger for decorative stitch patterns, making T-shirts, pants and most all types of clothing. However, my sewing machine is used for zippers, buttonholes, decorative stitching and some seams. Prices for sergers can be anywhere from $199 up to several thousand dollars depending on what you buy. Good luck on your search. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-19-2007, 11:02 AM (4 of 6)
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Most of the time it is used to finish seams to make the garment look professional. Rather than professional I would use the term ready-to-wear. They are handy. I use the serger to finish seams but usually sew them on the sewing machine first. The serger is handy when I don't want to do a finer finish on the seam. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Judi
Date: 07-19-2007, 12:00 PM (5 of 6)
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In some countries they are called 'Overlockers'
Judi
Sewing is almost better than Chocolate. |
User: Judi
Member since: 06-22-2000 Total posts: 85 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-19-2007, 01:24 PM (6 of 6)
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They are often used to do the bound finished on edges of tablecloths, napkins, bridal veils. If you happen to be wearing a T-shirt right now if you'll look at the bottom, it probably has two rows of stitches. If you roll it over to the back you'll see that the edges of the hem are bound. This is a cover stitch which is done with a serger. If you look at sweats and often see the stitching down the arms and shoulders? This is also done with a serger. If you look at a large bag of animal feed, dog food or something similar, you'll often see a little chain stitch at the top. If you pull one direction it will lock the stitching. If you pull with a different thread, it will completely come undone? This is stitch is often also done on clothing with a serger. Quite often you'll see it in pants, where the edges are bound and finished with a serger and then there is a chain stich a few mm away at the seamline. When I was starting to sew, we would look at RTW clothing and my teacher would point out how skimpy the seams were and that this was not a good thing. Now a lot of people prefer those seams. However, the best of both worlds is to use the serger for finishing the edges of your fabric but sewing with a machine and keeping the full seam allowance where it can be preserved. Sergers usually are used to cut away excess and finish raw edges and often to sew the seams at the same time. There are several special types of application that are done with the serger and there are some things that the serger actually does better than the sewing machine (besides finishing edges). A decent serger will compensate for the stretch in knits and do a great seam on knits without too much effort. Because the seams on a serged garment will "give" there is less breakage on knits. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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