I haver the opportunity to get an serger for free, the thing is that I have several sewing machines two antique singers that work but aren't used and 4 others that are. I want to make sure that the next machine that comes in my cluttered quilting room has a purpose. I have never used a serger and I am relativivly new to quilting. There are some classes offered here at some of the fabric stores in the late fall. I guess my question is can I use in quilting? I know I could use it in my clothes alterations but I want to make sure that it is VERY useful. Any thoughts?

I don't use a serger for quilting, but there is a new book out that tells how you can. I'll look into finding the title.

Thank you, maybe I can get it from the library.

Sergers can be used in some quilts, but would you use it often enough to warrant the space? Probably not...unless you sew garments. I love my serger, but I see no need to use it for quilting. It adds bulk in seams and a serger is probably not going to be your "go to" machine for piecing.

Could you use it for the appliqué pieces?

I don't know how you could use it for applique. I use mine mostly for making fleece blankets for my bed. I use the serger to finish the edges. Nancys Notions has books on serger use. I would check some out before I took the serger. I find using it for quilting as not practical, makes the seams too bulky and basically a waste of a lot of thread.

I find a serger to be most useful for making children's clothing -- very valuable for that!

I've made a quilt on my serger, but found that I prefer piecing on a sewing machine. Some quilters use a serger on the cut ends of fabric to prevent raveling during pre-washing. I don't pre-wash, so don't use it for that.

I love my serger,since I am only five feet tall everything I buy has to be cut off and hemed.I also use my serger for putting deco edges on placemats and using the rolled hem on napkins etc. Think of a serger like a big pot or pan in your kitchen every one has a useful job and its there when you needed it.

No way to use it for applique. However, it can be used for decorative edge stitching. For example, I have seen it used for a denim quilt. Squares were sewn together on a serger using red woolly thread (thick and stretchy stuff); this was the top of the quilt. The serged seams were sewn down with a sewing machine. This would be a lot of fun to do and is a way to make a denim quilt that is not too heavy -- only a single layer of denim. Back side showed seamed denim; front side had the decorative red stitching along the seams.

I love my serger, but I use it mainly for clothing or costumes. I do use it to finish the edges before I put on my binding. Also great for home dec items!!

I really appreciate everyone's input. I knew asking you ladies on here was just the thing to do. I would love to take the serger but not if is just going to just take up space. You all have brought up valid points that I need to think over before accepting this very generous gift. Thanks so much for your help, I really appreciate it.

The serger is great for clothing and purses but I have never used mine for quilting.

The only thing I use my serger for in my quilting is to quickly run the cut ends through the serger before washing my fabric. Otherwise, it is mainly used for other sewing - I sew a lot of clothing.

I use it to finish the raw edges of fabrics before washing.

It's also great to finish the raw edges of the pieces used in bags and purses. Or to finish off the seam edges. Makes for a nice, professional looking finish instead of all those raw edges.

I do use it sometimes to finish the edge of the quilt before putting the binding on.

I may not use it every single day, but I would rather have it than not have it.

Absolutely, get that serger.
You can actually piece a quilt with a serger, but I use mine more for other projects, like curtains, tote bags, small travel bags, decorative pillows, pillowcases, etc.

Sergers are wonderful whenever you want a nice finished seam. Makes everything look "professional".

I use my serger for the edges of my mug rugs and
even polar fleece when I make a blanket in a hurry.
I am glad I have mine.

It's FREE! Get it, don't hesitate at all. I used mine to piece a turning twenty top and I loved it.

What's the worst thing that can happen? You don't like it, don't think you'll ever use it again, etc, etc. You can always give it away to someone else. Once it's in your house, it doesn't have to stay there! Teehee.