Sewing Sergers

Sewing sergers, also known as overlock machines, are not like regular sewing machines. When you sew a seam on a sewing machine, you have one needle sewing a line with the raw edges lying on each side of it.

Depending on the model and how it is set up, sewing sergers use 2-5 needle threads and 1 or 2 looper threads to knit a finished line around the edges of the fabric, while cutting knives cut off the excess raw seam. This makes a homemade garment look more like one you bought at a store. A serger is the choice of sewing professionals.

People usually do not use sewing sergers as stand-alone machines because they cannot sew certain things, such as zippers and topstitching. In addition, sewing sergers are more expensive than sewing machines. The cheapest, quality serger with 3 threads start at around $200 and the prices go up from there. There are, however, sewing machines with serger attachments that are an option for those who cannot afford both a sewing machine and a serger.

Sewing sergers can also make decorative stitching on the outside of clothing. They make easy work of making rolled hems and attaching lace and beads.

Sewing knit fabrics on a sewing machine can be a nightmare because the fabric tends to try to curl when you sew. Sewing sergers are very useful in sewing stretch fabrics because serger stitches are fairly stretchy. The edges on sheer fabrics tend to fray easily; the serger makes short work of this with a professional-looking seam.

Sewing sergers are not for beginners. They have much faster speeds than sewing machines, which have around 1,500 stitches per minute compared to a serger’s 1,600 stitches per minute. Mistakes made on a serger are not easy to fix because the finished seam cannot be ripped out and started over again, as with a sewing machine. It is recommended to start out with a sewing machine until the basics have been learned.

If you decide you want a sewing serger, then what kind should you buy? Sewing sergers have many options and the more options you want, the higher the cost. There are basic sergers that have the number tension dials and there are the expensive computer controlled sergers with LCD screens and jet air threading. Research sergers to find one within your budget.

Experts suggest that you test-drive sewing sergers at a dealer, taking various fabrics with you. If your dealer has them, take a class to see if a serger is a machine you can operate and feel comfortable using. There are many sergers sitting in boxes in the attic because trying to thread and operate the machine was so overwhelming.