I just have to ask the board members if anyone uses an overcast stitch instead of the traditional 1/4" seam allowance.

I think the overcast stitch is cleaner and stronger and less likely to shred, but I haven't thought of it till just now. I mean I just stopped sewing a strip of fabric to post this question.

Now I can only imagine that some of those seams that actually need to lay flat rather than pressed to the side would mean I would need to use the 1/4" seam allowance. Would there be less bulk if I were to use the overcast stitch? or would that stitch create more bulk?

Your thoughts are welcomed

There are some patterns designed for sergers.

I would worry about bulk. I've never tried it though so I could be wrong.

I really don't have an answer but....try it on a piece of scrap and find out! Then come back and report your findings! lol

An overcast stitch would be slower to sew, would add additional thread to the seam, and would be harder to un-sew if a mistake is made. I don't always know that I will want to press a seam open, so pre-planning which piecing stitch to use would not always work for me.

The only advantage I can see to using an overcast stitch to piece is that it might reduce loose threads in the seams. A machine straight stitch is plenty strong enough for piecing -- no need to make the piecing stitch stronger than that.

I use it on denim quilts that will be tied.

i've serged outterinding edges b4 b

i've serged outter edge b4 binding

I think Kaye Woods has a whole book out on quilt piecing with a serger.