Best Serger Accessories
If you’re new to the world of sergers, you’ll want to get started off on the right foot. While every machine purchase includes several standard accessories, there’s nothing like exploring the possibilities offered by adding to your capabilities and skills by exploring the variety of accessories available to you.
In addition to having plenty of standard backups on hand, you can experience unlimited creative opportunities using specialized accessories. Here’s our list of the best serger accessories for you to add to your toolbox.
Stock Up On The Standards
Anyone with any sewing or serging experience knows that you can never have enough extra needles, upper and lower cutting knives, screw drivers, and other items that are never available when you need them most.
Serger Books
There’s nothing like having your serging questions answered by someone with plenty of experience. Making The Most Of Your Sewing Machine & Serger Accessories is an invaluable addition to any serger owner’s sewing room. It’s filled with useful and ingenious tips, techniques and all the ins-and-outs of serging, fabrics and accessories. Another popular book is The Complete Serger Handbook. These and plenty of other helpful books on sergers, accessories and techniques are available in hardcover, paperback or Kindle.
See our page Best Serger Books for a round-up of some of our favorite books for serger owners to have in their home library.
Dritz Serger Tweezers
Every machine owner can use a pair of these curved, stainless steel tweezers for removing unwanted threads, removing the occasional broken needle or to remove small bits of paper that become detached while paper piecing. They can also be used to assist you while changing or hand-threading needles. These durable, rust-proof tweezers are a must-have for any serger owner.
Dritz Serger Dust Cover
This handy, vinyl serger cover is lightweight, easy to clean and fits most portable or cabinet serger machines. It does a great job or protecting your machine from dirt and dust when not in use.
Paxcoo 36 Pcs Bobbins and Sewing Threads with Case
There isn’t a seamstress on earth who wouldn’t love to have immediate access to a rainbow of pre-loaded bobbins. Paxco is one of several companies that offer a wide range of combination packs filled with full bobbins and matching threads. Unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer, the bobbins are all standard size and fit most sergers, including Baby Lock, Kenmore, Janome and Singer.
BlueArrowExpress Screwdrivers Set
This handy set of three different-sized screwdrivers feature very short handles for easy use on your serger.
NGOSEW Upper and Lower Knife Set
This dual set of replacement blades fits several Juki and Bernina serger models. Kits like these are available for all major serger models.
Specialized Serger Feet
A presser foot is an accessory no machine owner can do without. But custom or detailed work means using specially-designed tools. We’re talking about work that may require using a belt loop binder, hemming foot, shirring foot, piping foot, beading and sequin foot or even a combination of all the above. Most well-known serger manufacturers offer several different specialty feet in combination packs. For example, Juki sells a 6-pack of assorted serger feet, including one of each for shirring, lace, elastic, tape, cording and beading/sequin applications. Buying these tools in combination packs offer great variety and savings.
Scissors
Sewing is really difficult without at least one pair of scissors, and most sewists prefer owning multiple sizes for different uses. With so many choices it’s overwhelming to pick exactly what you need or what brands are high-quality. What you include in your scissor collection is ultimately up to you, but for starters you can’t go wrong purchasing the Fiskars 5-Inch Softgrip Scissors and Gingher’s 8-Inch Knife Edge Dressmaker’s Shears. The small pair of Fiskars have softgrip handles for reducing hand fatigue and the micro-tipped precision blades are fantastic for clipping threads or cutting out intricate patterns. The ultra-sharp knife-edged blades on the dressmaker’s shears easily cut through multiple of fabric, while their bent handle holds fabric flat for smooth, accurate table-top cuts.
Tote Bags and Trolleys
One of the advantages of a personal use serger is its portability – their compact size allows you to pick it up and take it with you to classes, weekend sewing retreats, and even on vacation. To make it easier to transport your machine, spend the money on a quality carrying case. Not only does it organize accessories in one convenient place, but it helps protect your machine from dust, dirt, and damage.
The Luxja Serger Case is a hand-held tote bag (with a shoulder strap) and comes in a handful of different fabric options at an affordable price. For a bit more money, you can purchase a rolling trolley that pulls behind you, to save on your back. The Tutto Serger Tote on Wheels and the Luxja Overlock Sewing Machine Case with Detachable Trolley Dolly make it simple to take your machine wherever you want to go.
Thread Organization
Keeping your thread cones neatly organized prevents them from coming unraveled and getting tangled and helps your sewing space look neat and tidy. There aren’t as many accessories available for keeping serger cones organized compared to standard thread spools or embroidery spools, because of their larger size and shape. However, the Original Thread Net Spool Saver slides over the cones to keep them from unraveling. Depending on the space you have available, store your thread on the ArtBin 6901AB Cone Thread Tray or the wall-hanging HAITARL 32-Spool Sewing Thread Rack.
Serger Pads & Muffling Mats
While incredibly useful in your sewing room, sergers are known for being loud and “dancing” their way across the table when in use. Special absorbent mats/pads help reduce the noise and vibration, keeping your machine from sliding around.
The Cottage Mills Stay-in-Place Serger Machine Pad Mat and the Janome Muffling Mat sit under your machine, on top of the table to protect the surface. A thick foam-rubber backing keeps the pad from moving across the table while absorbing sound; the textured top helps hold your serger in place, preventing it from moving.
Becoming proficient at using a serger takes a little time and practice, but it’s well worth both. Grab some fabric, try out some features and get to know your machine and its accessories. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to take on some highly creative projects!
About Amanda S.: Growing up, I was fascinated by watching my mom and grandma turn fabric into beautiful handcrafted items. In my early 20’s, I finally got brave, buying a sewing machine and teaching myself to sew. As I fell in love with sewing, my machine collection expanded, and I ran an Etsy shop sewing children’s clothing for a few years. As a single mom of 3 great kids, my sewing time has lessened, but I still try to find time to work on quilts, bags, and projects with my kids, teaching them what I love.