I have never had a serger before but I recently got an embroidery machine and it seems like a serger would go well with the projects I embroider. Like towel, tableclothes, etc. Do any of you use a serger to do quilting? I don't know if I really need a serger so I'm asking your opinion on how you use your serger. Thanks for your help.

I have used my serger primarily for making knit clothing (especially children's clothes) and for hemming curtains and drapes. That's about it.

Serging seams would make them more bulky for quilting, but I can see a lot of benefits for embroidery work. Napkins, resewing knit seams, etc... :D:D:D

I don't!!!!

I use mine on the edge of fabric when I buy it, then throw it in the washer. Doing that eliminates unraveling. I also use it in clothing construction for a prettier finished look.

hate to say I don't use mine either...never got good at the tension issues!

i always used mine for making clothes from kints only had a 3 spool and now i have a 4 spool but haven't used it yet

Well am on my 4th serger, long story. I bought this one a Pfaff 4862 coverlock with auto tension. $1100. + books on serging CDs and thread.
ah used it twice now to make 2 nighties for sumer. VERY expensice nighties if ya ask me LOL
It is on my some day I will learn and use it more, but If I did not have it would I miss it? NOpe not at all.

I have been saying that for about 6 yrs now. Once in a while I will serge around my quilt before I do the binding. I could do the same thing with the zig zag on my machine..

I used mine for one quilt. I may use it again - it was a lot of fun to do. However, I mostly use it on knits to make quick diapers and clothes for my baby!

At the end of the day, I wish I had spent the money on a really nice, new regular sewing machine instead.

I use mine for finishing seams before hemming. I've used it for making curtains and for making ruffles on little girls dresses....and also for quilts if it is strip piecing.

Interesting use on the quilt.

I used mine a lot for kids clothes and knits and some other miscellaneous projects. I most recently made a Christmas tree cover for storing the tree assembled in the basement.

Never used on the couple of quilts I've made, though I did use it to gather a ruffled edge for a quilt.

I consider sergers to be more for sewing clothing and such instead of quilts. My personal opinion. My serger is practically an antique, but it was very well utilized before I started quilting, not so much now, but wouldn't dream of getting rid of it.

Wish I would not have spent the money on the serger!!!!

Before I started quilting, I used my serger constantly. Now, I hardly touch it. But I wouldn't be without it. It is wonderful for other types of sewing, but IMO, not so much in quilting. I think it just all depends on the type of sewing you are doing.

I don't either.

I spent $550 on an Elna 686 back in 2007. Was a fair bit of money to me then. It's nice to have for hemming and going around the quilt before putting the binding on, but honestly I could totally do without it. Now there's a Babylock Lauren serger with a free arm, $299 promo. Very basic, but would be more useful to me. But would rather spend $300 on vintage sewing machines. If only they'd take my Elna in an even swap!

I've used it exactly twice. It is now a dust collector in the basement.

I know what you mean. Mine is set up on sewing table but, I am seriously thinking of sticking it in the closet.

I use it occasionally-but I will not part with it.

I use mine a lot for Apparel sewing ONLY.

I have used a serger for 18 yrs. Always finding things to use it with. I serge around a lot of baby blankets for one thing. Mend seems on clothing, make bibs. All kinds of things, wouldn't be without one! Sure is great to serge the raw edge of material before you throw in the washer, keeps it from raveling everywhere. I am learning to make baby clothes using cotton knits. Can't wait to learn more things, be interesting to see what others post!

My serger is used a lot but not for quilting. I use it for garment construction (I just like the finished seams), rolled hems, etc. There are times when I wonder why I ever bought a sewing machine (that is when I'm making clothes) and then I wonder why I have a serger when I am quilting. I think I'll keep both.

I mostly use my serger in garment construction, and hems. It's good to finish seams on denim shirts and fabrics that ravel. I've also used it to stich around edges of fabric before prewashing to prevent raveling.

I did use it to serge silk squares together to make a quilt for my mom. It sure made sewing the silk much easier. If I have old towels that are raggedy, I cut them up and serge around them. Makes good rags, washcloths, and dish towels.

I like my serger so well, in fact I have two!

I used mine to make my girls leotards when they were in gymnastics (many moons ago!). I also made all our t-shirts and sweat shirts. I haven't used the machine much since the girls have all grown up. I need to get it out and make some more sweat shirts for me! Winter is here!

I also use it to sew around the cushion seams to neaten them as well as clothes I fix or make for myself.

What an interesting finish on your blocks. I like it.

I bought a brand new Singer serger (I know it's not the best of quality) at a garage sale for $50. It has sat in my cupboard unused for almost two years so I passed it on to my MIL a month ago. I haven't needed one for quilting, but I can see the need for one when making clothing. I would check craigslist for a serger because there seems to be quite a few nice ones listed right not, at least in my area.

I sold mine after a year, used it once, saw no need for it

I am using mine in a class making a 6 hour quilt. It has really been fun. It is a Kaye Wood pattern. I have all the feet that come with the machine so I plan on learning what to do with all of them. My first serger if the thread broke it would take at least an hour to get it fixed. My Baby Lock threads itself. Love it.

I have had one for 6 years, had it out once to take a class on how to use it, and I haven't touched it sense. But would like to.

That is amazing! Time to pull out my serger! Thanks for the photo and inspiration!

I keep mine handy and threaded, never know when I will need it especially for long seams for a backing. I use mine to do the edges of bookmarks I embroider, finished the edges of fabric for embroidering other things, repairing seams that come apart. I even bought a book on quilting with the serger and made a whole top using it, trims and sews all at one time. It is a machine you have to use your imagination with and you will it a necessary item when shortening slacks, sleeves, sweatshirts or mending. I have used mine to sew the outer edges of quilts too, cuts off the excess fabric and batting and makes it easier to sew on a binding if I want to. If I buy something, it has to pay its way, can't afford to have it sitting there collecting dust. Mine sits behind the regular machine and is ready to go.

Carol J.

I use to use mine a lot. (use to make many shirts) Though I haven't made shirts lately I do use it when making pillowcases(very quik)and that type of thing. I see there are books for quilting with your serger advertized. I think I will have to investigate one and see how it is done it would certainly see more use by me that way.((giggle giggle))

I think sergers are really underused because we just don't know enough about them. If you do other sewing besides quilting then you will use your serger. You would be surprised at what you can do with them. I think of my serger as an accessory, so if you can afford it - go for it!

You seaming is always nicer when your use your serger. For example if you made flannel pajama bottoms, you would only need your regular sewing machine for the waistline casing and the hems. And they stitch very fast!!

Its so nice to look at something you have made and see those nice finished seams.

There are some good serger books out there. Sewing with Nancy has had some shows and has books on serging as well. Find some books you like and then get them at the library. If your local library doesn't have them, try your statewide library system if you have one.

Janome makes a couple of reasonably priced models, starting at just $200. Hancock Fabrics sells a few models and are frequently on sale. There are even some out there that are self-threading.

I am glad I have mine and would purchase another one if I had to.

I've surged log cabin quilts. Hem kitchen towels, the ones you cut a towel in half and add a fabric hanger. When kids were home did clothes with it.

I wish I had a serger years ago when I was making clothes all the time. have one now and use it for repairs on clothes, and doggy beds and crate covers. I picked up a book in a thrift store . I just need to sit down and learn from it. That is right after I learn how to use everything on my sewing machine and after I get all the UFO's done and all the quilts in my head done.LOL

I am on my second serger (this one self-threading) and I love it. I serge flannel receiving blankets for Project Linus, plus I have made napkins, coasters,table cloths, placemats, baked potato bags, and serged edges on towels that were starting to ravel. There are many good books with nice projects you can do with a serger, or, go online and research projects with a serger. Sergers are wonderful, if you use them.
Jo Ann

I bought mine several years ago - just HAD to have one - used it once - planning on selling it soon.