A serger sewing machine also called an overlock machine, is a sewing machine that makes use of both the chain stitch and the lock stitch (also known as overedge stitch) to sew seams faster. It sews in multiple steps simultaneously instead of just one step for each seam. So if you have to join two pieces of fabric with a nice looking finish on their edges, then using a serger would be your best bet. If you’re interested I have a dedicated article on the best serger sewing machines in 2023.
Sergers have different kinds of stitches which include 3 thread overlock stitch, overlock combo stitch, cover edge stitch, and stretch blind hemstitch. All these stitches can be used according to the needs of the craft or garment at hand. However, the most commonly used are 3 thread overlock and cover edge stitches. Sergers also come in portable versions such as The Juki MO-654DE Overlocker.
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Sewing Machines for Beginners in 2023
- 2 How is a serger different from a sewing machine?
- 3 Are serger machines good for beginners?
- 4 Can you use a serger as a regular sewing machine?
- 5 Why is a serger better than a sewing machine?
- 6 Which parts make up the serger or overlocker?
- 7 How can I adjust my serger to get different stitches?
- 8 How can I thread a serger?
- 9 Why do I need a serger?
- 10 What should I look for when buying a serger?
- 11 What is a serger sewing machine good for?
- 12 Best Quilting Sewing Machine for Beginners
- 13 Conclusion
Best Sewing Machines for Beginners in 2023
How is a serger different from a sewing machine?
The 3 thread overlock stitch is the basic stitch of all sergers. It functions by using just three threads which are rolled into one that passes through a looping system within the machine called looper to create an overlock stitch. The cover edge stitch also works on the same principle but it has double stitching all around the seam making it stronger instead of having to use a binding fabric strip, which can lead to bulkiness at seams.
A good number of fabrics cannot be sewn with a regular sewing machine because they don’t have enough gaps in between warp and weft or their density are too thin for conventional stitches to penetrate through them. But using a serger can handle any kind of material perfectly, hence making it more popular among crafters.
Since sergers are known for their efficiency, crafters prefer to use them over conventional sewing machines which take more time and effort in making seams due to their smaller stitching space. Professional sewers also consider the serger as an expensive alternative to chain stitch machines because it is made with fewer moving parts than a standard sewing machine, but its benefits far outweigh this fact.
Are serger machines good for beginners?
A serger is very user friendly that even beginners can easily get the hang of how it works. This makes it possible for anyone to use without any difficulties or complications. It is also considered safer than other types of sewing machines since the risk of cutting the tongue accidentally while operating on complicated tasks is eliminated with a knife fixed under the presser foot. So if you want to make quick, neat, and accurate seams in whatever garment you’re making, then a serger should be your choice.
Can you use a serger as a regular sewing machine?
No, a serger is NOT like a regular sewing machine. It’s kind of like the difference between a drill and an electric screwdriver; each has its own function and cannot be used as a substitute for one another (though it doesn’t mean you can’t use it to do both). Similarly, a serger is not simply a sewing machine with more stitches: if anything, it’s more comparable to an industrial chain stitch machine than to other common sewing machines.
Why is a serger better than a sewing machine?
Sergers combine specialized sewing and overcasting stitches to create a finished edge on your fabric. The process is faster than standard straight stitching because the machine sews, trims, and overcasts all at the same time. With a serger, if you sew right sides (RST) together and press the seam allowance to one side (SEW), it will either finish with an overcast stitch or a blind hem stitch, depending on the type of serger.
Which parts make up the serger or overlocker?
A serger or overlock machine takes in 3-4 threads and 4-5 looper threads. The first thread is called the needle thread and goes through your needle just as usual. The looper thread is the uppermost thread in your machine. It goes through the looper, which has many twisting loopers that hold the second thread called the looper thread.
This is then passed to another set of twist loops where the third thread called the lower looper thread passes through to make a 3-thread stitch. The last thread is usually an additional needle or topstitching thread that creates either a 2-thread or 4-thread zigzag stitch.
How can I adjust my serger to get different stitches?
To adjust your level of stitch quality, you’ll want to adjust your presser foot pressure by turning your screw on looking knob thingie which generally says PRESSER FOOT. This is to raise and lower your presser foot as well as adjust the amount of pressure it applies. If you make a single pass with pressed down too much, it will likely pop up making an ugly stitch that can be fixed by adjusting your looper tension knob thingie-looking knob thingie which generally says LOOPER PRESSER FOOT.
How can I thread a serger?
Use a soft, thin thread in the needle and the looper. Avoid using heavy threads such as embroidery floss or yarns in your serger, these will cause problems with tension. The main difference between sergers and sewing machines is that sergers have 3-5 threads whereas sewing machines have only 2-thread stitches.
You want to start off by pulling your lower looper thread down from its holder on the side of the machine, then pull it through the small metal loop at the base of your presser foot where it says “LOOPER.” NOTE: Make sure you pull enough thread so that you have ample thread for the needle and looper, not just barely enough.
Next, pull your upper looper thread up through the same little metal loop at the base of the presser foot where it says “LOOPER.” You can set this to one side or hold it in your hand so that you won’t forget where the threads are when it’s time to start stitching.
Why do I need a serger?
Many people ask why they should purchase a serger over a sewing machine if their needs are simple and sewing is not a daily task. The truth is, a serger will make any task easier once you understand how to use it. Even if you plan on mainly sewing clothes with straight seams, a serger will make your life easier when it comes time to hem or add hems using the overcast stitch.
The great thing about owning both is that you can use one for more complicated projects and save time by having both machines, but if this doesn’t fit into your budget, there are some great quality machines out there that will still give you a professional finish even with straight seams. You really don’t need a serger per se in order to sew clothes, but a serger can make clothing construction much faster and neater.
What should I look for when buying a serger?
Although most sewing machines have an overlock stitch today thanks to technology improving so rapidly, not all of them create such nice-looking hems. This is where a serger really excels – creating a finished edge on your fabric without you having to use a zigzag stitch or another form of finishing.
When purchasing a serger, take into account what features you would like it to have, such as the number of threads and the types of stitches. You may also want to consider extras such as different feet that can be used for other types of sewing tasks, even if they aren’t fully necessary. The most important thing though is getting familiar with your machine by practicing on scraps before attempting any seams!
What is a serger sewing machine good for?
Sergers are used to cleanly finish the edges of seams and hems with a strong overcasting stitch. They’re great for sewing knits such as T-shirts or stretch denim since they can handle multiple layers of fabric with ease. serger sewing machine main brands * The Babylock serger brands are overlock sewing machines that can help you to finish hems without any additional stitching. * Janome sergers come in many different models, depending on the type of jobs they’re able to handle. Some Janome sergers have up to 6 threads that allow you to do more than just hemming.
Best Quilting Sewing Machine for Beginners
Conclusion
Regular sewing machines are the most common type of machine used by many people today. A serger, on the other hand, is perfect for hems – even if your fabric isn’t stretchy at all! It allows you to create professional-looking pieces that are ready to wear or display right out of the sewing machine!
