Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Is there a way to use a regular sewing machine to do serging? >
  • Is there a way to use a regular sewing machine to do serging?

  • Is there a way to use a regular sewing machine to do serging?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 01-27-2012, 10:57 PM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    kitsykeel's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Sep 2010
    Location: Salisbury, North Carolina
    Posts: 1,046
    Default Is there a way to use a regular sewing machine to do serging?

    I have always wanted a serger but have not had the money to spend on one. Is there a foot or attachment for a regular machine that will allow one to serge?
    kitsykeel is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 04:38 AM
      #2  
    Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2011
    Posts: 45
    Default

    You can use an overcast stitch to finish an edge similar, but it will not cut off the selvage.
    Someone posted a neat machine that was a sewing machine on one side and a serger on the other here, about a month or two ago. I've never seen that before!

    I'm not sure what your budget is, but you could watch Craigslist or mine is from a sale at Hancocks, its a Janome and was $199. It works really well, I use it in construction of children's clothes, cloth diapers, towels, etc.
    SevenupinNC is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 05:00 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Sep 2011
    Location: West Texas
    Posts: 2,073
    Default

    Some machines have an attachment that cuts as it sews. They are called "sidecutters".

    Dayle
    Daylesewblessed is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 05:34 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jun 2010
    Posts: 1,325
    Default

    Gooc question, I have wondered the same thing, I do not have a serger either. Never thought I could justify spending more and then not using it all that much.
    judylg is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 08:51 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Dolphyngyrl's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2009
    Location: Southern California
    Posts: 6,254
    Default

    Originally Posted by Daylesewblessed
    Some machines have an attachment that cuts as it sews. They are called "sidecutters".

    Dayle
    Yes brothers and babylocks have sidecutter feet for the overcast stitches, that are similar, but the strength is still not that of a serger but if you don't want to invest the money in one it is a cheaper alternative
    Dolphyngyrl is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 08:56 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Dolphyngyrl's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2009
    Location: Southern California
    Posts: 6,254
    Default

    I don't have one so I can't tell you if they work
    Dolphyngyrl is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 09:01 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Sep 2009
    Location: Massachusetts, USA
    Posts: 1,775
    Default

    Back in the 70's when I was sewing clothes for my kids I just sewed a regular seam, then trimmed the seams and then did an overcast stitch. It wasn't that much extra work, either.
    cabbagepatchkid is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 09:10 AM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Posts: 1,789
    Default

    Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl
    Yes brothers and babylocks have sidecutter feet for the overcast stitches, that are similar, but the strength is still not that of a serger but if you don't want to invest the money in one it is a cheaper alternative
    I have used the one that comes with my Brother. It does work but as she said , you don't have the extrs strength you get with a serger. If your goal is just to finish the seams it will do what you want. I do have a serger that got quite a workout when i was sewing for my family. If you just need it occasionally the sidecutter should fill that need at a reasonable price.

    The only complaint i had was that it didn't cut as smooth as my serger, that could have been the fabric or the blade.

    Last edited by bakermom; 01-28-2012 at 09:13 AM. Reason: additional info
    bakermom is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 09:36 AM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2008
    Location: chicago, IL
    Posts: 9,589
    Default

    You won't get the best finish with a sidecutter...I would recommend saving your money and getting a used serger.
    Tink's Mom is offline  
    Old 01-28-2012, 09:46 AM
      #10  
    Moderator
     
    Join Date: Mar 2008
    Location: North East Lower peninsula of Michigan
    Posts: 6,231
    Default

    My mom has two that fit her Nicchi machine I wonder if they will work on one of my machines.
    __________________
    Up North is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    quiltingmimipj
    Main
    14
    09-27-2011 12:15 PM
    bearisgray
    General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
    11
    05-23-2011 04:37 AM
    Sadiemae
    Pictures
    8
    12-16-2010 07:12 PM
    hazeljane
    Main
    4
    06-06-2010 07:02 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter