What is a Serger Machine? Do I really need one? Which Serger Machine is the best for me, and How do you even use it?
Finally, all the answers to the questions you wanted to know about Sergers are in one place.
If you are looking to buy your first Serger Machine but you are still not sure if you need it or you just decided to have one but don’t know how to use it yet, keep reading.
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A lot of people think that getting a serger is an unnecessary investment of time and money.
But I am here to tell you that that is completely wrong!
While yes, serger machines can be an investment. They can also save time and money in the long run!!
For me, it is all about improving my sewing process by reducing the need for additional finishing steps and preventing fabric waste due to fraying. Not to mention having a professional finishing look in my projects.
One of the best sewing tips I share with my readers is to learn to use a serger machine.
Also, finishing seams with a serger is way easier than using a regular sewing machine to finish the raw edges of fabrics.
But if you are still having doubts about whether to get one of these handy machines or not, let me help you out.
The importance of a Serger Machine in sewing.
When you understand the functions and capabilities of a Serger machine, you will improve your sewing skills exponentially.
This type of machine will not only allow you to create professional-looking garments. But it will also be a major factor in how efficiently you sew your projects. That is because Serger machines work quickly and efficiently.
Also, garments sewn with a serger often have a more professional and polished appearance. This is especially valuable if you are sewing for clients, selling your creations, or aiming for high-quality results in your personal projects.
But first things first.
What is a Serger Machine?
A serger machine (or an overlocker) is a specialized sewing machine designed to perform a variety of seam finishes on the edges of fabrics.
Its main goal is to create professional and clean-looking seams while preventing fraying and unraveling the fabric edges at the same time.
This machine trims, sews and finishes fabric edges all in one pass.
It uses multiple threads (usually 3, 4, or 5) to create the overlock stitches. And the way it works is by feeding the fabric and trimming the excess with a cutting knife while the needles and loopers create the overlock stitch on the edges.
Functions and Uses of a Serger Machine.
What is a Serger used for in Sewing?
One primary use of a Serger is seam finishing and edge trimming. But a Serger can be used for multiple functions as these ones:
- Seam Finishing and Edge Trimming: Create a secure overlock stitch while trimming excess fabric, preventing fraying.
- Hemming and Rolled Hems: Finish hems for a professional look; create rolled hems for delicate fabrics.
- Gathering Fabric Layers: Adjust your settings to gather or ruffle fabric layers, adding texture to projects.
- Decorative Stitching Options: Get creative through decorative stitches, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of garments and other projects.
Learn more about specific seam finishing, hemming, gathering fabric, and decorative stitching of sergers in our post about Serger Stitches 101. Here, I even show you how to do a cover stitch seam with your serger.
For my closing point on this topic, I am going to say that my favorite function of Sergers is sewing knit fabrics with a Serger or Overlock Machine.
Serger Vs. Overlock. What is the difference?
In sewing terminology, the terms “serger” and “overlock” are often used interchangeably, and in many contexts, they refer to the same type of machine.
The primary difference between the two is the regional terminology.
People in the United States and Canada use the word “serger” to refer to these machines. As where in the United Kingdom and Europe, people call them “overlockers”.
Just a heads up, whatever you may call them, all do pretty much the same thing. They can help you finish seams, trim edges, and make those fancy overlock stitches.
In hard theory, there are a FEW characteristics that distinguish each one of them. But for today, we are not in need of setting them apart or discussing terminology.
Differences Between Sergers and Sewing Machines
Can I use a serger for regular sewing?
The answer to this question is no.
While there are lots of ways in which you can use a regular machine to sew stretch clothes from start to finish, like t-shirt patterns, summer dresses, or sports bras, you wouldn’t be able to do the same things as you would do with a regular sewing machine.
Here is what happens when it comes to a serger vs sewing machine:
You can do a lot of things with a regular sewing machine. It has a lot of different stitches, like the straight stitch, zig-zag, chain stitch, buttonholes, and so much more. On the other hand, a serger only makes a serger stitch.
And even though sergers can do many multiple stitches, as I told you above, they are restrained to doing them only on the edges of fabrics.
What you can do, though, is to temporarily use a serger attachment for a sewing machine to make “serger stitches” on it.
Both of these machines definitely compliment each other. So, it is a great idea to have them both as a part of your Basic Sewing Tools and Equipment.
Is it worth buying a Serger?
If, after reading all the benefits that we have listed above, you are still on the fence about getting a serger, then let me list for you the most important benefits you will get by getting a Serger Machine:
- Seam Finishing: Serger machines can trim, seam, and finish fabric edges in one pass, creating durable and professional-looking seams that prevent fraying.
- Speed and Efficiency: Serger machines are faster than traditional sewing machines for some tasks. Learning to use a serger can improve your sewing speed and productivity.
- Versatility: Sergers provide various stitch options like overlock, flatlock, rolled hem, etc. They allow you to create different effects and finishes on your garments.
- Seam Strength: The overlocking stitch created by a serger not only finishes edges but also adds strength to seams.
- Professional Finish: Garments sewn with a serger often have a more professional and polished appearance.
So, as you can see, a Serger Machine will definitely change the quality of your sewing project.
What is the best serger machine?
There are a looot of options out there.
So I am going to do my best to help you narrow down your options and choose the best Serger for you.
The most loved and well-known Serger Machine for Beginners Brands is Brother, Juki, and Singer.
I did my research about the best-reviewed Serger Machines for each brand, a small summary of their features, and what sewists say about them.
But first, I have to say that if you are buying a new sewing machine, you are better off doing it at Amazon.
I recently had a problem with one of my machines and their service is top-notch!! They replace it with a new one in less than a week. Which is better than any brand’s customer service would do in case something goes wrong.
That being said, here are the top 3 Serger Machines in the market as far as this year goes:
How to use a Serger Machine?
This is meant to be a super-duper quick tutorial to get you started with your Serger.
For this, I am going to use my own Overlock Machine: Brother 3034D (the most recent machine of this model is the Brother 1034D, in case you want to check it out).
If you want to learn more about this, there are a lot of great tutorials online and on YouTube, and I also recommend that you follow this board on Pinterest, where I constantly pin related posts about this.
Your first Stitches Instructions:
Make sure your Serger Machine is Off (1).
Lift the needles, turning the handwheel until they are in their highest position (2).
Adjust your tension disks. Depending on the type of fabric, this will have to be adjusted. Sewing is possible at position “4” for most fabrics, so let’s start with that on all discs. If you need a higher tension, go 4 and up. For light tension, go 4 and down, and for medium tension, stay between numbers 5 and 3 (4).
Adjust the stitch length to a standard size of “3”. If you want more closed stitches to reduce the length, and if you want a more separate look of the stitch, use bigger numbers. (5)
The differential feed controls the movement of the rear feed dogs (whoof?) this is a more advanced subject, so, for now, leave it in 1. (Or the standard number on your manual’s machine). (6)
Raise the presser foot using the presser foot lever. (7)
Pull the threads out. (8)
Turn your Machine On. (9)
Place the fabric underneath the presser foot and, using the presser level, put down the foot. (10)
Press the pedal softly, and the fabric will be fed and sewn. (11)
Keep sewing a little bit more when finished, leaving a chain (overlock stitch) of 2” and cut. (12)
What can I sew with my serger? Beginner Projects.
Now that you know how to use a Serger, it is time to see all the wonders you can sew with it. Sergers are good for edge and seam finishes and also great for sewing with knits.
Here is a list of Beginner Serger Projects you can start with your Serger Machine so you can go ahead and start learning and creating.
1. Simple Serger Napkins
2. Easy Blanket
3. Adding Ruffles.
I hope you really enjoyed this post. Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end.
If you have any other questions about Sergers or Overlock Machines, please make sure to post them in the comments so I can help you with them.
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Happy Sewing!!
I have a Bernina serger and I have it on the slowest speed but I still have trouble staying straight even with guide clip. Any tips?
Hi Rebecca! Try practicing with a thicker fabric. It would move less and you can have more control. Also, you can reduce the stitch length so it takes longer to make the seam.