I think I need a serger
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Madison, Ohio
Posts: 226
I think I need a serger
Am getting into making quilted items that require finished seams. Don't know ANYTHING about sergers but I think I need one. Currently I am finishing the seams with a zigzag and then trimming them but I understand that this is what a serger does. Need a little help here......Thanks so much for your input.
#2
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Oakville,ON
Posts: 170
a serger uses 3/4 or even 5 threads to cut, and stitch the edge of the fabric covering both the front and back. Exactly like a seam from a ready to wear garment looks like.
I've had 1 since 1996 and I can't live without it now.
I've had 1 since 1996 and I can't live without it now.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
You can piece by serger, there are some books out on doing so. Seams are bulkier, though. If the seams are in something like clothes, then a serger is great. I use a standard sweatshirt pattern, make a quilt top big enough for front and back, line it with flannel and finish with lightweight muslin. The inside seams get serged and so does the ribbing on the neck and sleeves. Looks much better.
Serged overedge can be snagged or cut by careless user. Usually just serge over fixes.
All kinds of sergers around. I'd go look at every dealer you have available, and check on how the serger threads. Some older ones can be a real pain. The self threaders (All Babylock) are very nice, but more expensive. Since I also make a lot of clothes, getting one was worth it.
Serged overedge can be snagged or cut by careless user. Usually just serge over fixes.
All kinds of sergers around. I'd go look at every dealer you have available, and check on how the serger threads. Some older ones can be a real pain. The self threaders (All Babylock) are very nice, but more expensive. Since I also make a lot of clothes, getting one was worth it.
#4
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,536
Yes a serger not only finishes the edges of items but it cuts off the
the "scrap".
They are super fast much faster then a regular sewing machine.
I have two sergers.
They have come a LONG way since I got my first machine 11 yrs ago.
Not to mention the prices have come way down since then also.
I bought my second serger at Joann's it was an "open box" display
machine that I got for about $130 (after the discounts and such). It
is a Singer model and is MUCH easier to thread then my older serger
which is a Simplicity. Also try to get a serger that is easy to change
from a 4(or more) thread to a 3(or 2) thread.
If possible look for one that is easy to thread, has a good clear "diagram"
for threading (second serger has one, but the first did not).
About the only thing I really use my sergers for anymore is for the 3
thread rolled hem. I just love the look of the rolled hem the most.
But if you can "test drive different machines and research the.
Good luck and have fun when you get one.
the "scrap".
They are super fast much faster then a regular sewing machine.
I have two sergers.
They have come a LONG way since I got my first machine 11 yrs ago.
Not to mention the prices have come way down since then also.
I bought my second serger at Joann's it was an "open box" display
machine that I got for about $130 (after the discounts and such). It
is a Singer model and is MUCH easier to thread then my older serger
which is a Simplicity. Also try to get a serger that is easy to change
from a 4(or more) thread to a 3(or 2) thread.
If possible look for one that is easy to thread, has a good clear "diagram"
for threading (second serger has one, but the first did not).
About the only thing I really use my sergers for anymore is for the 3
thread rolled hem. I just love the look of the rolled hem the most.
But if you can "test drive different machines and research the.
Good luck and have fun when you get one.
#5
I have had a serger for 30+ years and love it. My first one still works but I can no longer thread it, I do not see well enough and my fingers do not work well enough to thread it. They are a lot of fun to use, but as someone else said I would go and try them out and see what you need. There is no sense paying for features you do not need. Good luck and have fun.
#8
I bought mine because I thought I'd figure out how to quilt with it. Turns out I want precision too much to use it for that. Every time I do use it for something , I am so happy I have it and would never part with it.
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