What is a Serger or Overlock?
A Serger or overlock is a type of sewing machine that is used to deal with the cut edges of the fabric and sew them together giving them a neat and clean look. Unlike a conventional sewing machine, a Serger finishes the raw edges of the material in one go, securing the threads along the way. In most cases, a Serger is used to join two pieces of fabric. It includes several spools of thread and a couple of blades that cut the edges of the fabric.
Why Use a Serger?
A Serger machine is mainly used for hemming and seaming knit fabric, making t-shirts, baby items, clothing and even lingerie. One of the common benefits of using a Serger is that it can stitch and cut the fabrics simultaneously, reducing the time taken to finish the project. If the edges of fabrics are to be overlocked, the Serger can produce neat and strong stitches that won’t come apart. Serger sewing is great for achieving a professional finish and avoiding frayed edges at the same time.
Can a Serger be Used as a Sewing Machine?
In short, a Serger is not a direct replacement of a standard sewing machine. The functionalities of a Serger are different in comparison to a sewing machine. Neither a Serger nor a standard sewing machine can sew in all cases. A Serger is ideal for creating good seam finishes and adding decorative touches to your fabrics. On the other hand, a conventional sewing machine is great for constructing garment pieces, quilting, applique and gathering.
Advantages of a Serger vs Sewing Machine
One of the main advantages of using a Serger is its quickness. The speed of a Serger is hard to beat. The stitches that it produces are much stronger as well so you can save a lot of time hemming and seaming. Another great advantage of a Serger is that it produces professional looking garments with a great finish.
A conventional sewing machine on the other hand, is great for detailed projects such as altering clothes, making handbags, quilts and so on. Sewing machines are better suited for complex projects that need more precise detailing and accuracy.
Drawbacks of a Serger vs Sewing Machine
While there are a number of advantages of using a Serger, there are some drawbacks as well. One of them is the cost. When compared to a conventional sewing machine, sergers are usually expensive and not everyone can afford it.
Another disadvantage is that it takes time for a user to understand how a Serger works. It can take a while to become familiar with the settings and tools of a Serger. While the quality of the sewing is good, it is important to note that you won’t get the same kind of accuracy and performance from a Serger as compared to a regular sewing machine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that a Serger is an ideal choice for hemming and seaming, adding decorative touches to a garment, and making crafts and home decor. On the other hand, a conventional sewing machine has its own set of advantages when it comes to delicate projects like applique, quilting and more. It is important to recognize that neither a Serger nor a standard sewing machine can do all tasks and it is necessary to understand the limitations of both machines before making a decision.
