I bought my serger many years ago when I was still making all my clothes. So mainly I used it to finish the seam allowances. There are so many other things a serger can be used for, but I did not get into those areas. Now, I need a serger rarely, but I am so very glad I have one for those rare occasions. Just a bit of trivia: I also serge around terry cloth towels and wash cloths and get years' more worth of use out of them.