Best Reasons to Love Sergers
Many sewists love sergers because of the variety of functions they provide over standard sewing machines in addition to the professional look they give to finished pieces. The professional look comes from its ability to sew with multiple threads at a time. A standard sewing machine may only use two threads, while a serger can use up to four or even five if it has an optional cover stitch.
Previously, sergers were manufactured for commercial use only. The machines were large, heavy, and impractical for use in the home. Over time, the machines have been redesigned into more compact units that deliver industrial-level quality in a home sewing studio.
Superior Performance
Sergers can perform tasks and create looks that cannot be achieved using a traditional sewing machine. They operate rapidly, allowing users to complete garments and other projects in a much timelier fashion.
A serger can sew many types of stitches: two-thread overlock, three-thread overlock, three-thread flatlock, four-thread overlock, chain stitches, cover stitches, safety stitches, and rolled hems. The multitude of stitches available with a serger help finish the edges of the fabric with decorative appeal while also reinforcing and stabilizing the seam for functionality and durability. They also sew stretch seams, making them ideal for knit fabrics.
As a serger operates, it encases the raw fabric edges with an overcast stitch while simultaneously cutting the excess fabric. This all-in-one step saves time over trimming seam allowances after sewing seams on a traditional sewing machine.
Impressive Versatility
Sergers can perform tasks and create looks that cannot be achieved using a traditional sewing machine. For many people, rolled hems are an often used stitch on their machines. Rolled hems make any piece of material look clean and tidy but work exceptionally well on delicate fabrics like chiffon and organza. This style rolls the fabric over itself just a tiny amount and wraps it in thread to hide the raw edges, giving an authentic professional look and esthetic simplicity to any garment.
Many sergers also have the ability to add materials like elastic, tape, or ribbon to the fabric as they sew stitches. This gives you the option to create stretchy ironing board covers, fitted sheets, or anything else that needs elastic right in your own home.
Personalized Experience
A serger is also highly customizable to each task. You can adjust the cutting width, stitch length, and differential feed to generate the perfect stitch. The stitch length determines how bound the seam will be. The differential feed prevents unwanted bunching and stretching of delicate fabric, allowing for better control in working with various materials. With all of these elements working together, you can create the ideal garment with all of the stitch or decorative features you want.
It’s Easy To Love A Serger
Sergers are well-loved by their owners for many reasons, but one of the most important is their overall versatility. Using one allows for creating all sorts of decorative edges, durable seams, and high-quality, finished garments. They cut down on sewing time with their stitching speed while simultaneously trimming fabric, making quick work of projects. Many of the stitch aspects can be adjusted and customized to fit the unique needs of a specific task.
For anyone looking to create projects with the most professional look possible, it is highly recommended to take advantage of everything a serger has to offer, and we’ll bet you’ll find that you love sergers too.
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.