I am considering buying a serger, but don't know much about them other than they can do a professional job on seams, much better than a sewing machine. I would like to understand how they work, and what to consider when buying one.
2006-07-16 04:49:11 · 5 answers · asked by cottagecrow 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
A serger is mostly used to finish the raw edges of fabric. It is also commonly used to seam together knit fabrics for things like dancewear and athletic clothes. It is very useful for that kind of work because you can use a four thread serger to seam and finish the edge in one step.
A serger is not a replacement for a sewing machine-- it just can't do most of the things a sewing machine does.
When you start looking at sergers it might be best to start by visiting some sewing machine dealers to get them to teach you more about the serger and how it works. You will probably not want to buy one of their machines, but it will be good education for your shopping.
When I bought my serger I was looking for a machine that is well made (i.e. few plastic gears), with a good warranty, from a brand I know and trust, in a price range I could afford, with four threads and a differential feed. Depending on what you want to use your serger for you may need more or less threads or other options. If you can afford it I would highly recommend Bernina-- they make an EXCELLENT serger!!! However, they are expensive. The best budget option on the market in my opinion is New Home or Janome-- metal gears and a great warranty. Not as nice a stitch as a Bernina, but you get what you pay for.
Good luck!
2006-07-17 02:14:25 · answer #1 · answered by kerith 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A surger can't replace your sewing machine. Look at the inside of almost any garment. See the stitch that holds the seams together? That overcasting? That's what a serger does.
2006-07-16 11:59:02 · answer #2 · answered by Titzen_Ash_23 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't bother getting a cheap one. Buy the best one that you can afford.
I don't consider my embroidery machine to be a replacement for my sewing machine, so I sure would not think that a serger would ever replace my sewing machines (yes, several of them).
2006-07-16 11:54:37 · answer #3 · answered by mrsdebra1966 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you go to a place like Penney's, or Sears, they should have a person there who will demonstrate not only how a serger works, but also they will answer any questions you may have. While you are at it, go see what a blind hem machine does! That is a cool machine too! Professional sergers can be obtained from factories inexpensively every few years as they upgrade their machines. Factories that make clothes or draperies etc are good places to look.
2006-07-16 15:22:16 · answer #4 · answered by ohliela 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
A serget cannot replace your sewing machine. It is best for smocking. I would check with a place that specializes in these products. You can always buy it cheaper elsewhere after you get this info.
2006-07-16 11:57:10 · answer #5 · answered by Heidi 4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋