Sewing machines are staples of modern fashion culture and are made to help us create, repair and modify various types of clothing and materials. Sewing machines are considered essential, especially when it comes to working with fabrics and other textiles, as they make stitching fabrics together much easier and faster. But, can you use a serger as a sewing machine? In this article, we will delve into the differences between sergers and sewing machines, the benefits and drawbacks of using a serger and some practical considerations for the sewer when using a serger.
What are Sewing Machines and How Do They Work?
Sewing machines are versatile machines that can be used to create and repair a wide variety of fabrics such as cotton, linen, and synthetic and natural fibers. Sewing machines work by passing thread through a needle that is set in motion and then through loops in the fabric, which in turn makes a stitch. This stitch can be adjusted in terms of size, strength and length. They can also perform a range of decorative stitches and other tasks such as hemming, top stitching and buttonholes. Sewing machines are usually powered by an electric motor or by a hand crank or foot pedal.
What is a Serger and How Does it Differ from a Sewing Machine?
A serger is also known as an overlocker or a coverlock machine. Sergers are usually powered by electricity and are designed to do one specific task: to trim and overlock the raw edges of fabric in order to create a finished seam. Sergers are often used for construction of garments and for edging on quilts, cushions, blankets and other items. Unlike a sewing machine, sergers have several blades that cut the fabric edge as well as a feed dog to grab the fabric and move it under the needles. Sergers also have thread loops that draw the fabric edges together and overlock the seam.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Serger
The primary benefit of using a serger is that it provides a strong and durable seam finish. Unlike a standard sewing machine, a serger does not require extra finishing steps to secure a seam because the blade will cut and overlock the fabric in one step. This makes serging the perfect solution for creating strong seams on items that will be subject to frequent stress or wear and tear. In addition, the serging stitch is stretchy, allowing fabrics to move with the wearer’s body while maintaining the seam strength.
Can A Serger Be Used as a Sewing Machine?
The short answer is yes; a serger can be used as a sewing machine. However, it is important to note that a serger is not designed as a full-featured sewing machine and that it has a more limited set of capabilities than a standard sewing machine. A serger cannot make turn-of-cloth, perform buttonholes, or do a variety of other decorative stitching typically found on sewing machines. Additionally, sergers do not have a presser foot, which means that it cannot be used for techniques such as quilting or topstitching.
Things to Consider When Using a Serger for Sewing
When using a serger for sewing, it is important to understand the limitations of the machine. As mentioned above, sergers are not designed to do all the tasks that a sewing machine can do. Additionally, the blade that is used to trim and overlock the edges of the fabric can be sharp and may require special handling. If the blade is not used properly, it could lead to the fabric becoming damaged or frayed. Finally, it is important to note that many sergers are only designed to work with certain fabric types. If you attempt to use a serger with a fabric that it cannot handle, it may cause the fabric to become damaged or distorted.
How to Use a Serger for Sewing
When using a serger for sewing, it is important to make sure that the blade is sharp and that the settings for the machine are appropriate for the fabric being sewn. It is also important to make sure that the machine has been threaded correctly, as incorrect threading could lead to fabrics becoming damaged. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the fabric is firmly secured in place as the blade will cut through loose fabric if it is not pinned or held securely.
Pros and Cons of Using a Serger for Sewing
Using a serger for sewing has a number of advantages. The main benefit is that a serger provides a strong and durable seam finish, with the overlocking stitch being both stretchy and durable. Additionally, serging can make sewing easier and faster as it eliminates bulky seams and extra finishing steps. However, there are also some drawbacks to using a serger for sewing. As mentioned previously, sergers are not as versatile as sewing machines and may not be suitable for certain projects. Additionally, sergers require special handling and are not recommended for beginners due to the sharp blade.
Serger vs Sewing Machine
So which should you use, a serger or a sewing machine? The answer depends largely on the project and the desired result. If you are looking for a strong and durable seam, then a serger may be the best choice. But if you are looking for a wider range of decorative stitching and techniques, then a sewing machine is probably the better option. Ultimately, you must consider the type of fabric you are working with and the desired result to determine which machine will be the most suitable for your project.
Determining Which Machine is Right for You
When determining which machine is right for you, it is important to consider your experience level as well as the project you are working on. For example, a serger may not be the best choice for a novice sewer, as the blade requires special handling and mastering its use can be tricky. Additionally, it is important to consider the type of fabric you are working with and the results you would like to achieve. If you are looking for a strong seam with little extra effort, then a serger may be the best choice. But if you are looking for more decorative options, then a sewing machine is probably the better option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to use a serger as a sewing machine, but it is important to understand the differences between sergers and sewing machines before making a decision. Sergers provide a strong and durable seam, but they lack the versatility of a sewing machine. Additionally, sergers require special handling and may not be suitable for certain projects or fabrics. Ultimately, it is important to consider the project and the fabric in order to determine which type of machine is the best choice.
