No...you don't need a serger for quilting.
But they sure can be fun.
Sure, you can do a utility overlock, and use it like many others do above. Seams and hems, etc.
But you can also make miles of ruffles in a flash. More than enough to go around a baby quilt in no time.
Mine will do chain stitching. I can drop the knife and do several different decorative stitches.
Pot holders, coasters and table runners are very fast to do. I use it for Christmas stockings and lots of other small items.
It easily sews through heavy stabilizers, making it useful for fabric baskets and buckets and bowls.
I like using it to make stuffed critters...although I do have to reinforce all the seams that take a lot of abuse.
I like to keep it set up all the time....along with my regular sewing machine and an embroidery machine.
Mine is very old. I bought it used. It gets a regular spa day at the shop like all my other machines.
My sister hates hers....
If you want to see how they work, there are lots of good videos online and free tutorials
you may like these videos:
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...er+amanda+wolf
https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...o+use+a+serger
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YlsUf_RuJw