I have a serger that I mostly use when sewing for the grandchildren, or for an attractive edging making receiving blankets. However when I took my first quilting class at a local quilt shop, the teacher recommended that we serge the long seams of quilt backings as it creates such a clean finish. That was the best tip I got out of that class! I've been doing backings that way ever since and am so pleased with the finished product. While not essential, a serger is handy to have:-)