I hope to never have to sew w/o a serger....they are pretty much essential for clothes sewing. B U T ....depending on how old your sewing machine is it may have come with an overedge stitch foot. I'm not sure when or on what machine they were first introduced but my Bernina is around 15yrs or older and it and my H-Viking (much newer) both have them. It sews the edge of your cut piece to encase the threads much like a serger but it definitely does not have the same zig-zag look like what the seams on a store garment has. I have used the overcast foot many times even on garments and other crafts instead of my serger...don't ask why I don't know. I really think for me it depends on what the garment is....ie- on house dresses for me (I refuse to say moo-moos!!!) I will use the overcast foot but the serger also goes a lot faster....I find I go slower with the overcast foot. Can't help you on your decision but I don't think you'll regret buying a serger.