I took the leap and bought a serger this weekend. I just wanted one for a long time and I've been good, so I finally did it. I had a couple projects in mind that needed the overlock feature, but I know many of you have probably used yours for things that are way more creative.

So, I am hoping you will help me out, for the times when my husband asks, "Now what did you need that for", and post ideas for how you got your monies worth. Pictures would be awesome!

Thanks for the help.

I have never used mine for quilting projects. I only use it when sewing clothing or finishing things like curtains or tableclothes. I know that there are books available for using the serger with quilting.

I use mine for finishing edges before hemming pants, etc. I use mine for rolled hem on napkins to match placemats I make. And I use it to make ruffles for pillows, DGD skirts, etc. It's really quite handy!

i don't use mine for quilting as too much thread bulks up the seam allowances behind the blocks. it is quite useful for the other types of projects mentioned here

I don't have pictures to share, but your serger will make a great rolled hem for lightweight, chiffon-type fabrics. You can also make a great edging for napkins. If you make clothing, it will do a great job with knits and will give the seams a clean, professional finsh. I use my serger before I put the binding on a quilt. I use the three thread overlock or edge stitch around the outside of the quilt. It makes the binding a little easier to put on.
This might give you a little more info:
http://www.sergerplace.com/projects.html

I've heard of some who use it to serge around fabric before washing so that it doesn't fray as much. I know one teacher who does it to all of her quilts once done and waiting for her to get around to quilting it; she knows in an instant that the quilt is ready and not of some stage in between. I have an old serger (around 18yrs old) I haven't gotten it out since I started sewing again to see if it still works; that still on my to do list.

Thank you, these are great ideas. I have heard some people use it for QAYG, but haven't seen any pictures.

I saw a denim quilt of squares that were sewn together with a serger (*right* sides of denim together) using red wooly nylon thread. Afterwards the exposed red seams were sewn down flat with the sewing machine. Very cute, very decorative, and makes for a lighter weight denim quilt.

Made one or two regular quilts with the serger but did not like the bulk of thread in the seams.

1. I used it to piece a Turning Twenty -- worked great, with perfect 1/4" seams. (I did it as a test, which worked.) Was very fast.
2. I used it to overcast around new fabric before washing; also worked great, and fast.
3. I used it to make satin pillowcases (satin REALLY ravels!) using the tube method.
4. I made satin capes for the grands using the rolled hem feature. Awesome!

Have fun, and use your imagination. Anything goes!

I have been sewing for over 60 years and bought a serger about 30 years ago when I did dressmaking. I get it out to use for small jobs but have never wanted to waste all that thread on quilting. I would hate to have to rip out those stitches if I made a boo boo! I can do find sewing on my older New Home computerized machines. Much easier to pick out straight stitches.

June in Cincinnati