Why do I need a serger?
 

A friend recently commented that she was surprised that I don't have a serger. That got me thinking do I need one. Why would I need one? Your advice will be greatly appreciated.

Why? Just because! I highly recommend the Babylock. Easiest serger to thread.

A serger is really nice to have *if* you sew clothing (especially knits) and/or lots of draperies and curtains. It's not particularly useful for quilting, although it is possible to make a serged quilt. I made one that way, but did not like the extra bulk in the seams.

I used to use mine for making garments, but now that I only qult, I use it for making napkins, receiving blankets, fabric postcards, and window treatments on occasion. I have serged around the edges of a quilt before binding it, and I once constructed an entire quilt of flannel from my three sons "boxer" fabric leftovers!!! They are nice to have!

I do not have one and I have occasionally thought about getting one. I have never really come up with enough reasons to spend the money for one. I will be interested in the reasons here to have a serger.

I gave mine away.

I went through a short period when I wondered whether I needed a serger. Then I started looking at them and realized that the cheaper ones would not do most of what I thought I wanted to do. I decided not to get one and haven't missed it at all. On the other hand, my neighbor has a serger but no sewing machine. She bought the serger to make curtains, and she doesn't do any other sewing.

I got my first serger 25 years ago. I love my serger. That being said, I have never used my serger for quilting. I sew a lot of clothing for myself, my kids and my grandkids and would not consider sewing garments without a serger. I have also used my serger for many home dec. projects like curtains, tablecloths, napkins etc.

About the only time I use my serger for anything quilting related would be to finish the raw ends of fabrics if I decide to prewash them.

I guess to answer the question of whether you need one or not would depend on what kind of sewing you do.

I am on my second serger and would really like to have a Babylock but I do a lot of garment sewing. Using them for curtains confuses me. Seems a waste of thread. I would not buy one if all I did was quilt.

i've never used my serger for quilting

My serger also is mostly used for garment or linen sewing. I have used it to secure the edges of a quilt sandwich before binding on a quilt that I was sure was going to see alot of heavy use and washing. If your sewing is primarily quilting I am not sure that you would find it all that useful unless you find a lightly used one at a really good price.

I've had one for years and have nothing but trouble with it. On the rare occasion when it did work, it was great for curtains and clothing. I probably won't get another, but if I did, it would be a self threading one.

You only need one if you do garment sewing and then it is if you really truly want one. I, like many others, garment sewed for many, many years without one. Mine sits on a shelf, collecting dust as I rarely do any garment sewing anymore.

Well, you all convinced me that I really don't need one as 99 percent of my time is spent quilting with only some occaisional forays into valances or skirts. Thanks for all your comments.

I have one sitting in my closet. I made 4 napkins for a friend and that is about all. I figured they cost me about $300 apiece. Wish I could send it to you!

Bought one last year but returned it without even opening the box. I realized that I don't sew a lot of knits and I don't like sewing fast. It wouldn't have been worth it for me.

I see no reason to have a serger. Sergers are not used in piecing quilts because it makes the seams too bulky.

Nope, you don't need a serger for quilting. Or for dressmaking, for that matter. I've been quilting for 30 years and sewing for nearly 40. Never owned a serger.

I don't know why you would need one. Anytime I have wanted to secure the edges (which has been seldom except for sewing clothing) I have just used my zigzag stitch along the edge.

Never saw the need for one. A serger isn't on my list of things I need.
Sue

I have a serger and never use it. I probably will donate it to our high school's sewing program.

A serger is nice to have, but, no, it's not strictly neccesary. I am planning on making some baby quilts using a serger when I can. I found a video on The Quilt Show website that I thought would be interesting to try. It makes a reversible quilt that looks very easy and sturdy for a baby blanket. If you want to watch the video, it's under the Bernina video's icon on The Quilting Show.

It might be a case of not needing it but using one and deciding you like it and it helps with your quilting and sewing. Most machines do the binding stitch that sergers do but don't cut off the fabric, but I think a serger makes a lot of other stuff easier. It makes nice finished seams and rolled hems and is great for sewing a flannel quilt so it won't fray away. I think it is up to you if you need one or just want one.

i've been sewing for 42 years & still have never used a serger- i don't know any reason you would need one- some people really like them- if you are interested maybe you could try one out somewhere & see if it's something you might find a good thing to have around- i actually bought one once- watched the video that came with it- i think my daughter actually threaded it & used it once- then it sat in it's case under a bench for a couple years & i finally sold it- i really had no use for it- my sewing machine does anything i need it to-
i know...they finish edges- i learned to finish edges on an old singer many years ago in 4-H sewing
i know they cut too...so does my rotory cutter & scissors...i know they are great with knits.,..how many knits do you use in your quilting? me- not many-
something i've had no problem living without all these years...

I just bought a Serger because I make garments as well as quilt. I'm most anxious to use the roll hem feature to make silky scarves for gifts and make napkins for myself.

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

It's great for finishing the raw edges of bags and purses.

I still do some 'sewing' - and I use it for finishing raw edges of things.

I received my serger as a gift from my husband a couple of years ago. I was determined to learn to use it and have done so with the help of a very knowledgeable dealer who knows every aspect of sewing and quilting. I don't know what I'd do without it.

However, one difference I see with all the other commenters is that I have wanted to learn (and am learning) sewing of garments. I didn't learn to sew as a youngster, but have now developed a desire now that I am in my sixties.

Oh, do we need a reason to buy anything that relates to sewing and quilting? Kidding of course. I use my serger for other sewing projects.

Sergers are great for garment sewing. But a simple 3 or 4 thread model will do. Don't let them talk you into unnecessary bells and whistles unless it is a feature you will use. I had a 3 thread Baby Lock that I gave to my daughter. My mother passed away and I have her 4 thread White. I am equally happy whith it. Watch for used or buy refurbished from dealer.