Frequently Asked Questions About Sergers

When it comes to sergers, users have many questions. Some users have never tried a serger and don’t understand what a serger is capable of or how it works. Experienced users are familiar with the basics but still have questions as they learn new techniques and expand their skills.

The following are some commonly asked serger questions that come up by beginners and novices alike.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sergers

What Does A Serger Do?

A serger is a multi-functional machine that simultaneously trims the edge of fabric while sewing specialty stitches that enclose the raw edges. The resulting finished seam is clean and professional-looking. Using a serger is helpful if you do garment construction or need to sew sturdy, durable seams regularly.

Do I Need A Serger/Overlocker?

The short answer is no. You don’t need a serger/overlocker. Will a serger make your sewing quicker and lead to quality-looking items? Yes! A sewing machine will do almost anything a serger can do, but it will take you longer and require more steps since a serger trims and finishes at the same time.

Sergers also create stronger seams than sewing machines and work great on rolled hems. So, do you need a serger? If you’re an avid sewer or do a lot of garment construction, we would say, yes, definitely. If you don’t sew often and are okay with taking more time to complete a project and having the finished seam slightly lower in quality, then no.

What Machine Is Best?

This answer is different for each person. The best machine for you is the one that meets all your needs successfully while staying within your budget. In turn, the best serger for you may be quite different from the best machine for an acquaintance. To find the best one for yourself, learn about the machines that are currently on the market and familiarize yourself with their standard features. If possible, perform test runs when shopping for one to get a feel for how it runs.

What Is Differential Feed?

Sergers with a differential feed have two feed sources (two sets of feed dogs), one in front of the needles and one behind them. When the differential feed is neutral, the front source feeds the fabric at the same rate as it does in the back, feeding it smoothly and evenly through the machine.

When the differential feed is set higher, the front feed source moves a greater distance than the back feed source, feeding fabric quicker. These higher settings, in turn, are used for gathering and overcoming stretching in knit fabrics.

Is It Necessary To Use Serger Cone Thread With A Serger?

No, it isn’t necessary to use serger cone thread with a serger. Most machines will work fine using standard sewing thread. The only obstacle is ensuring there is enough of it to complete the project. Sergers use much more thread than a traditional sewing machine because of the loops formed encasing the edge of the fabric. You may also need to adjust the tension settings as regular sewing thread is heavier than serger cone thread.

How Do I Prevent The Thread From Looping Off The Edge Of The Fabric?

Threads loop off the edge of the fabric due to incorrect settings. First, check the status of the differential feed, making sure it is appropriately set. Then, make sure the cutting blade is set to the correct width and isn’t inadvertently cutting too much fabric. If it is still looping off the edge, ensure the serger is threaded correctly, and the threads are set at the correct tension.

How Often Should The Serger Be Cleaned?

You should clean your serger after completing each project. If the machine is not cleaned regularly, it could lead to excess noise, inconsistent stitching, or improper feeding. When working on a larger project with a lot of lint build-up, you may need to clean it several times throughout the course of the task. To clean your serger, remove lint and debris that collects around the knives, the feed dogs, and the thread guides. You can eliminate debris quickly by using the attachment hose on a vacuum cleaner.

Is A Serger The Same As An Overlocker?

Yes, a serger is the same as an overlocker – they are interchangeable terms. Serger is the preferred term used in North America, while overlocker is widely used everywhere else, including Europe. Both machines create overlock stitches and cut at the same time.

What Is A Serger Coverstitch?

A serger cover stitch is a convertible machine that will serge and sew a cover stitch, depending upon the settings. A coverstitch machine creates a professional-looking hem on knit items without using a blade as a serger does. The top of the fabric has two rows of straight stitches, and the back has a serger-like stitch that catches and encloses the raw edge. To convert to a coverstitch machine, a serger must have the capability to sew with more than four threads.

How Much Does A Serger Cost?

Sergers vary in pricing depending upon the features they offer and the serging capabilities. Typically, sergers with limited functionality and minimal convenience features start around $175. High-end models with loads of features and professional-grade sergers can cost upwards of several thousand dollars. Features such as air-threading, automatic tension adjustment, and the capability of sewing with five or more threads can lead to a higher price. Most people can find sergers that fit their needs in the $200 to $300 range.

What Is A Serger Foot?

A serger foot or presser foot is an attachment used with sergers (and sewing) machines to hold fabric flat as it is fed through the machine, under the needle(s), and stitched.

What Is An Overedge Foot Used For?

The overedge foot, also known as an overcast foot or overlocking foot, is a specialty foot designed for a standard sewing machine. It creates a stitch similar to an overlock stitch on a serger, allowing the threads to wrap around the edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling.

Can A Serger Replace A Sewing Machine?

No, a serger cannot replace a sewing machine. Although some projects can be done on a serger, you will still need a regular machine for tasks such as sewing hems, facings, zippers, topstitching, and buttonholes. A serger is used mainly for joining seams, and it will finish raw edges and prevent fabrics from fraying.

Can I Teach Myself How To Sew With An Overlocker?

Yes, you can teach yourself how to use an overlocker, but it is different and can be more complicated than learning how to sew on a regular sewing machine. A beginner serging class would be highly recommended.

Why Is My Serger Skipping Stitches?

There are many reasons why a serger may skip stitches. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Improper threading (most common)
  • Needle isn’t inserted fully or correctly
  • Bent needle
  • Fabric is not taut under the presser foot (flagging)
  • Needle is dull and needs replacing
  • Wrong size needle
  • Needle and material aren’t matched correctly
  • Machine needs lubrication
  • Wrong thread for the application
  • Poor quality thread
  • Needle and thread weight are mismatched
  • Worn thread guides, paths, or eyelets (burrs)
  • Incorrect thread tension

What Are The Serger/Overlocker Brands?

There are numerous manufacturers worldwide that make sergers/overlockers. Some brands are well-known, while others aren’t as popular.

Who Makes Baby Lock Sergers

Baby Lock, JUKI, and Tacony Corporation are all interconnected, and people often misunderstand the connections. Baby Lock is one of a dozen divisions under the umbrella company known as Tacony Corporation. At one time, JUKI manufactured all Baby Lock (and Bernina) sergers, but no longer does since it introduced its own line of home overlocker machines. Suzuki Machinery Co., Ltd. currently manufactures baby Lock serger machines in Yamagata, Japan.

An annual retailer show, the Baby Lock Tech event, frequently features the presidents from all three companies.

When Was The Serger Invented

The Merrow Machine Company invented overlock stitching in 1881. In 1965, Koichi Sakuma created the modern home serger.

Read Our Ultimate Guide On How To Find The Best Serger