Date: 7/21/08 0:34 AM

A group of us beginner sewers got together today and we got around to discussing sergers. None of us were 100% certain of what a serger can be used for (other than making a real nice finish) that can't be done on a sewing machine (but maybe just not as nicely).

Do you have to have a serger to sew certain types of fabric or do specific sewing techniques? Or does it just make somethings easier to do.

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Date: 7/21/08 0:38 AM

A rolled hem for sheer fabrics or napkins, tablecloths, etc. or other fabrics or garments where a traditional hem wouldn't work. Or lettuce edges on a knit fabric.

Knits don't have to be sewn on a serger, certainly, but I do think they come out wearing a little better.

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Date: 7/21/08 8:02 AM

My sewing machine makes a fine rolled hem.

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Date: 7/21/08 8:51 AM

I didn't know sewing machines could do rolled hems! I take back the first part of my post, in that case. ;)

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Date: 7/21/08 9:04 AM

Sewing machines can also do lettuce edges.

I think the only thing a serger does that a sewing machine cannot, is to trim the fabric as it's being stitched.

But, while you *can* do an overlock type of stitch on the sewing machine, it's not the same stitch as a serger's overlock. So, while the sewing machine can mimic or substitute, it's still not a 100% match of what the serger does.

Can you sew without a serger? Of course. You can even sew without a sewing machine.



-- Edited on 7/21/08 9:05 AM --

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Debbie Cook

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Date: 7/21/08 9:10 AM

Mine does a rolled hem too, but with the Creative Foot kit. In fact, I have never used my serger to do it because I would have to figure it out, and I already know how with the sm.

However, I don't really care about rolled hems, have never got into the habit of them. Perhaps I should look into it.

What the serger does that the sm does not do on mine, is it cuts the fabric when it sews it, but you already know that. And it does different kinds of stitches since there are loopers and needles.

Maybe Nancy's Notions has some freebie shows on it, on her site? Or U tube? Or all go down to the serger store together, girls afternoon, and have somebody do a demo for you. I think its better if you see it in person or at least a demo on tv of all the stitches.

I mostly sew with knits, so I use it more than the sm. And I don't do anything fancy with it, except for wrapping the edges with wooly nylon colors, or sparkle thread, something like that.

It takes longer to cut and prep the patterns than it does to sew it with a serger with simple things like yoga pants and tees. Its like a caffeinated sewing machine, kinda gives you a rush to have a leg seam all sewn, encased in like 45 seconds...

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Date: 7/21/08 9:27 AM

The main issue is the finished look when a serger is used.It is very neat.
The stretch fabrics behave very well with a serger.When I use an SM for the stretch clothes, the seams are bulky and really bad .
I think these two are just the things the serger does better.
The decorative stiches are also used by many people to individualise their sewing.

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Date: 7/21/08 9:27 AM

A serger just makes things faster and they look a little nicer but that's a very subjective thing (because it's based on what we are used to seeing in RTW).

A serger also has differential feed which controls the stretch of the seam as you sew it, so it prevents waviness. This is the main reason I got mine--but then I found that I could prevent waviness with my sewing machine by using a walking foot, stabilizers, etc. So really it's mostly a time-saving factor.

I have also been sewing knits for years without a serger. If anything, the SM-sewn seams wear better than many of my RTW clothing's serged seams. (I haven't used my own serger enough to compare). They look pretty nice too, IMO. I finish the seams by stitching them together a second time with a narrow zig-zig, then trimming close to the stitching. This keeps them neat and less bulky than even a serged seam.

Although I'm not as into serging as some people are, I do enjoy using it to finish seams and if I ever get some TNT patterns ready I can see using it to make really quick t-shirts, yoga pants, etc.
-- Edited on 7/21/08 9:29 AM --

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Date: 7/21/08 11:55 AM

I really like the differential feed on my serger. The serger has 2 set of feed dogs, differential feed means the 2 sets are moving at different speeds. This is great for preventing ripples in stretchy rib knits. These are knits that ripple badly even with the dual feed on my Pfaff. I also use the differential feed when finishing edges on silky fabrics that like to pucker.

Joanne

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Date: 7/21/08 1:07 PM

I perfer to sew seams together with my sewing machine and then serge them using the serger. I find I have more precise control this way. It's also easier to fix mistakes.

I bought my serger at Christmas, and it's made a tremendous difference. Before my clothes were neatly sewn on the outside, but the inside was a disaster. Now, my clothes look great inside and out.

A few days ago I ordered a dedicated coverstitch machine, the discontinued Janome Coverpro 900, which is selling for bargain prices on ebay. Now I'll be able to retire my twin needle and have truly RTW hems on all my activewear. I can't wait.
-- Edited on 7/21/08 1:09 PM --

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