Do I Need a Serger and a Sewing Machine?
When it comes to sewing, many people already have a sewing machine. The question they often ask themselves is do they need to add a serger to their toolkit? The short answer is, not necessarily.
A serger is typically a four or five-thread system machine that can overlock fabric edges, create rolled and decorative stitches, as well as gather and ruffle. It can also be used to sew seams and hems and it can sew fabric a lot faster than a conventional sewing machine.
On the other hand, a conventional sewing machine has more traditional features found on a machine that includes vertical needle position, different types of feet, various length and width of stitches, and many other features. Sewing machines are best used for sewing seams, reinforcing buttonholes, add zippers and working on lightweight fabrics.
So, do you actually need both a serger and a sewing machine? The truth is that you can certainly manage with just a sewing machine in most instances. You can stitch seams and hems, sew decorative stitches, gather fabric, sew zippers and more. The only limitation with a conventional machine is the way it overcasts seams and the quality of the stitches.
The consensus tends to be if you want neat and professionally looking seams you should get a serger. But if you don’t want to spend a lot on a machine and you don’t actually want to get into professional garment making, then a serger is not really necessary.
The main difference between a serger and a sewing machine is that a serger trims and overcasts the seams with two or more threads. A sewing machine will use one thread to stitch the seams and overlocks them. This usually results in a more professional and cleaner look. Plus, the thread combination of a serger lends itself to finer needle work.
So, if you’re short on a budget and you’re only sewing basic garments, then a traditional sewing machine is the best solution. You can tackle hems, zippers, decorative stitches and seams easily. And while a serger definitely has its advantages and can help you create beautiful garments or customised clothing items with ease, it’s far from a necessity unless you are a professional seamstress.
Functionality of Sergers
When it comes to using a serger, you may be wondering how it differs from a sewing machine and how it is more functional. Sergers create overlock stitches, which are more durable and virtually eliminate the chances of seams coming apart. Also, sergers trim and finish the edges at the same time, meaning you don’t have to worry about overlocking fabric for seams. This also ensures that the seams are more secure.
Sergers also give you more speed and options when it comes to creating specialised or fancy stitches. You can even create stitches similar to what you might find in a ready-made garment. And with a serger, you can move the fabric quickly and easily in quick, continuous motion, making your sewing much more productive.
Most importantly, sergers provide a professional look to the seams. The stitches are always tight, neat, and even. This makes a big difference in the overall aesthetic of any finished project, especially when making custom clothing. In addition, because sergers can cut extra fabric while stitching, they can also save you time and money, as you don’t have to separately pre-cut fabric before sewing it.
Sergers are also idea for handling multiple layers, such as a quilt or fleece clothing. They can stitch through several layers of fabric, whereas a sewing machine may struggle to do so. Therefore, if you’re planning to use thick or multiple layers of fabric, a serger will provide better results than a sewing machine.
Pros and Cons of Sergers
With a serger, there are both advantages and disadvantages. The good news is that any pros definitely outweigh any cons. That said, one of the main pros to having a serger is the speed in which you can sew. In addition to being fast, a serger also provides a high-quality, professional finish that many people prefer. You can use a serger to make a variety of stitches, such as rolled hems, drawstrings, narrow hems and topstitching. You can also use a serger to make a professionally finished garment or project.
However, one of the main cons to a serger is the cost. Many people are put off because of the price, despite the fact that the benefits of having a serger definitely outweigh any cost. Another disadvantage is that sergers require threading, meaning that thread needs to be manually woven through the machine. This part of the process can be intimidating for someone who is new to serging and may take some getting used to.
Comparing Different Types Of Sewing Machines
When you are deciding what type of sewing machine to buy, you want to compare the main features of each one. The important thing to consider is whether you need a traditional sewing machine or a serger. When making this decision, it’s important to think about what type of projects you will be sewing and how often you will be using the machine. If you are a beginner, a traditional sewing machine is probably the best option, as it is easier to use and will give you more features than a serger. However, if you are planning to do heavier sewing projects or you are planning to do more advanced sewing, then a serger may be the better choice.
When comparing the two machines, it’s important to note that there are certain types of materials and seams that one machine can sew and the other cannot. When sewing a delicate material like silk, for instance, a serger is not recommended, as the stitches will pull on the delicate fabric. The same is true when sewing heavier materials, such as canvas or denim; a serger can be too harsh on the fabric and will not provide neat, secure stitches.
Apart from the materials you will be sewing, another factor to consider when buying a sewing machine is the type of stitches that you need. Both a traditional sewing machine and a serger can do the same straight and zigzag stitches, but the serger can do more complex stitches like decorative hems and multi-thread overlocking.
Accessories Required For Sergers
Sergers require various accessories to use them to their full potential. For instance, you’ll need to buy different types of thread for different types of projects. This will include the cone threads such as wooly nylon, polyester, and cotton thread. Additionally, you’ll also need needles, scissors, and cutting tools, measuring tape, bobbins, fabric weights, and tension adjusters.
Other common accessories which are must-haves include a foot pedal, extra feet, seam rippers, and thread holders. The foot pedal is necessary for controlling the speed of the machine and the extra feet are great for tackling a range of projects. Having a good quality seam ripper will come in handy when making alterations or correcting mistakes, and a thread holder can help organize all those different types of thread.
Most importantly, when buying a serger, you need to purchase extra needles and thread. Needles, in particular, will need to be changed from time to time. In addition, regular maintenance will be necessary in order to keep the machine running smoothly and efficiently.
Conclusion
To sum up, it really comes down to personal preferences and the type of projects you’re planning to do. A serger provides more versatility and a professional finish, whereas a traditional sewing machine is more affordable and simpler to use. Additionally, you may want to compare the features and decide which is more suitable for your needs.
