serger and quilting
 

Several years ago I was gifted with a serger. I do not make clothes,( can but don't like to) and this machine has just been sitting. Does anyone use a serger in their quilting? What do you use it for? I'm trying to decide if I should keep the serger and use it or pass it on to someone who will use it. Thank you for any input.

I use mine to overcast the raw edges of fabric before washing the fabric.

If you make bags and purses, it's great for finishing some of the edges that aren't hidden.

I think Kaye Woods used a serger in some of the quick kids' quilts that her group made as give-away quilts.

I love my serger and I'm sure I don't use it to full potential but I do love to make napkins (rolled hem) and pillowcases using my serger, finishing seams and other essential sewing needing finished seams.

I say keep it! I also serge the edges of my new fabric before washing. I got sick and tired of threads wrapping themselves around the fabric. Too much ironing ! UGH! The more you use it, the more you will use it! One tip: when you need to rethread, just tie the new thread to the old and pull it thru (gently), making sure it seats in the tension discs. You may have to clip the knot and rethread the needle, but it is OH so much easier than threading the whole darn thing! (ask me how I know!)

I do not use my serger for seams in quilts. I do use it for other projects that may have some piecing work included. Tote bags, pillows, pillow cases , potholders .... Etc. For a while I left my serger covered and in the closet. But I receintly put it on its own table. Now that its more handy to use .. I do use it alot more.

I have used the serger to finish the edges of quilted postcards. It does a much better job than the satin stitch on the sewing machine! But, my favorite project....napkins! No more paper in my house....napkins can be made from those cotton fabrics in your stash! They wash and dry well, and don't need ironing! Cloth napkins aren't just for company :) I've even made "cocktail" napkins as gifts. They're smaller in size and made from fabric with "cocktails" printed on the fabric. Use the "rolled edge" settings for these.

I serge my binding on.

if you have the room to store it, i say keep it. i don't use it in quilting, but for finishing edges, it can't be beat.