What is the difference between a 'sewing machine' and a 'serger'?

Question

I'm looking to buy a good machine for home crafts that's easy enough for a novice (who learns quickly) to use. Quilting, pillows, curtains, maybe some simple clothing patterns and/or clothing repairs. But I really have NO IDEA what the difference is between a SERGER and a SEWING machine. Also what brands would you recommend in the 'under $400' price range?

Answer 1

Look at the inside of the shoulder seam on your shirt. See how the seam is finished with the thread going over the cut edge of the fabric? That's what a serger does. A serger uses three or four spools of thread at a time, and has a cutter right in front of the needles. As you feed fabric into it, it cuts off any excess before sewing it. Don't sneeze while serging - you could end up with a piece of fabric gouged out because you swerved.

A sewing machine generally uses one spool of thread on top and another small spool (the bobbin) underneath. A sewing machine does not cut fabric, it just fastens it together, so if you make a mistake you can just rip out the stitches and start over. Trust me, you'll be doing a lot of ripping. It goes with the territory. Sewing machines usually have at least a few different stitches, where a serger basically does just one thing. Most sewing machines are used for basic utility sewing - a straight stitch to join two or more pieces of fabric together. This is what you use for most clothing, quilting, accessories, and home decoration. They can also be used to decorate fabric (and even embroider elaborate designs, on the high end machines). Most have at least a few different specialty feet for things like buttonholes, piping, and zippers. If you're interested in quilting, look for a quarter inch foot, a free motion (darning) foot, and a walking foot.

You really don't need a serger for the kind of stuff you're talking about doing. Stick with a good, basic sewing machine. I always recommend that people buy their sewing machine from a dealer in their area rather than from a discount store. It may cost a little more, but the benefits are worth it. If you go to a dealer you can test drive the machines, ask questions (and actually get an answer), and even get training once you buy the machine. If you have a problem, you can take it back for service. Imagine asking someone at Walmart to show you how to thread the machine - yeah, that's not gonna happen. A dealer can also help you choose the machine that will best suit your needs.

There are a lot of good brands out there in the under $400 price range. Check out Janome, Bernina, Elfa, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Juki and Brother. I have a Pfaff, a Janome and a Brother, and all are great machines with different strengths.

Answer 2

A serger is designed mainly for one or two functions, but it's for sewers that have pretty much mastered the concepts of the craft, and if you are making garments and dresses. If you notice on your clothing the stitches that go over the sewing to give a better lock on it, and it won't unravel, and it's faster than going over it a few times than with a sewing machine. So if you're a beginner in sewing, then I would hold off on investing in one of these until you start getting good enough, because a serger is more complicated in the way it looks as well as how you thread it because it takes 3-4 big spools of thread to do a serging job. But you need to get a basic sewing machine, nothing too fancy yet, and go from there. I would recommend taking some classes if available, or you can look in the classifieds, or even when you go to the fabric store, there are pleanty of instructors or seamstresses that leave their numbers for people that want something made or to teach someone. You can get a decent sewing machine for 90-130 bucks. Singer, and brother are good brands and they are easy to follow. You can always go on ebay. I found my first sewing machine there brand spanking new for 65 bucks!!! So don't spend a lot of money on your first machine, but if you buy it used, make sure it has the manual because that's very important to have. And if you're beginning you don't need to spend a lot on a machine because you need to get a lot of supplies like scissors, pins, needles, needles for the machine, patterns, fabric, rulers, and so on. But good luck on your new hobby!

Answer 3

A sewing maching, quite simply, connects two pieces of fabric together; this is accomplished via a variety of stitch types and lengths. It uses a spool of thread on top, and a bobbin in the bottom. A serger connects the same two pieces together, but also 'finishes' the seam; it trims the excess fabric from the seam allowances, and uses mulitple threads (usually 4) on top and a bobbin in the bottom.

Some people choose to sew a garment together, then "serge" the seams to finish them; others, like myself, like to use the serger to do both; this saves time, and saves machine space!

As far as the "best" machine, it really depends on your use. If you plan to use it to make an impact on the fashion industry, go with a top of the line, best-money-can-buy machine. If you just make your own clothes, you may not need such extravagance.

Best way is to visit your local sewing/quilting/craft shop. I know that Jo-Ann Fabrics has a Sewing Outlet in many of their stores, and they have demo's of their machines. This is the best way to judge the capability of the one you wish to purchase.

BTW, I wouldn't use your serger to quilt a quilt-it's a great way to end up with A LOT of matching doll-sized quilts... ;-)

Answer 4

If you want to quilt and sew pillows and curtains, then you are going to want a sewing machine.

A serger is used for finishing edges of fabric. I've been quilting for years and have not purchases a serger. I probably would if I sewed clothing on a regular basis.

p.s.
get a cheap machine to start out on. you can get a "cheaper" one at walmart for $100. I wouldn't spend anymore unless you find you love sewing.

Answer 5

If you are going to do quilting you will probably need both but can get by with only a sewing machine. but sergers are WAY COOL! If you want to sew a peice of cloth on TOP of another piece of cloth you cant really use a serger. It is more for edging or combining two pieces.

Answer 6

I believe a serger is designed to do hems... more coming

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Actually a hem is an incorrect term. The article referenced below has some pictures of what a serger does. It's easier to see than to describe.