bearisgray

I use mine for overcasting raw edges of fabrics before I wash them.

I also use it for finishing seams in garments, bags, pillowcases, etc.

Is it essential? No. But I would not willingly give it up.

When the machine is working well, the finished edges are much nicer than edges finished with a zigzag stitch.

CanoePam

I use my serger in the same way Murphy does. Could I do these things without a serger? Yes, but the serger is so much faster and the final finish is much cleaner than I can get on a regular sewing machine. I used to make clothes with it, but I really don’t make garments anymore. For a garment sewer who does knits, I think it is almost a must-have. For the rest of us, it is one of those handy specialized tools that makes life easier.

Still Sew N

If a person were just to make quilts, I'd say a serger is not needed. I bought my first serger 27 years ago - it still runs like a champ. It was described to me as the microwave of a sewing machine. It is fast and I love that it completely overlocks a raw seam. I still use it to make pajamas. I once timed myself - from cut out to done - 18 minutes. I like to used the rolled hem foot and quick like - a tablecloth and matching napkins are done! My son gives me his old workpants because they have holes in the knees. I use a rotary cutter, cut off the damaged legs, serge the edge, fold under and stitch on my regular machine. In two shakes of a lamb's tail - he now has work shorts! It is a lot like a lot of my tools - it is true I don't use all of them everyday - but when I have a tool that does the job faster, easier and a better result - I'm always happy I have that tool!

maminstl

I love my serger and use it all of the time - if I did nothing but quilt, would not need it at all. I have used it to construct simple charity quilt tops from time to time - fast and easy. I have a Babylock, super easy threading and no fiddling with tensions. It just sews.

leonf

Sergers are designed poorly from a tech point of view. We've all seen felt under a bobbin plate. Sergers not only have fuzz but the blades cut fabric. All that debris should find a way out.. It doesn't. In the three I have opened up. it takes a long time to clean under the needle and you know it will get messy in a hurry.

Rhonda K

I simply open a door and use a brush to sweep out trimmings or threads on my machine.

Peckish

How does the serger speed up the mask-making process?

leonf

That is the first step.

Stitchnripper

I like my serger. I can thread it. I made one quilt with it just to see. I use it for other things now and then but when I need it there it is.

mindless

No...you don't need a serger for quilting.

But they sure can be fun.
Sure, you can do a utility overlock, and use it like many others do above. Seams and hems, etc.

But you can also make miles of ruffles in a flash. More than enough to go around a baby quilt in no time.

Mine will do chain stitching. I can drop the knife and do several different decorative stitches.

Pot holders, coasters and table runners are very fast to do. I use it for Christmas stockings and lots of other small items.
It easily sews through heavy stabilizers, making it useful for fabric baskets and buckets and bowls.
I like using it to make stuffed critters...although I do have to reinforce all the seams that take a lot of abuse.

I like to keep it set up all the time....along with my regular sewing machine and an embroidery machine.

Mine is very old. I bought it used. It gets a regular spa day at the shop like all my other machines.
My sister hates hers....

If you want to see how they work, there are lots of good videos online and free tutorials

you may like these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...er+amanda+wolf

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...o+use+a+serger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YlsUf_RuJw