If you had a choice, which would you choose and why?
I'm hearing really good things about sergers, and they seem really suited to the kind of work I want to do-makeing clothing out of patterns.
But can they do all the things a sewing machine can? Like basic mending, bringing up the hem,ect? Any downsides? Are they more expensive?
Yeah,I'm pretty new to sewing =)
2007-04-14 11:54:14 · 7 answers · asked by refridgeratey 1 in Games & Recreation ➔ Hobbies & Crafts
You need to get a sewing machine first.
Sergers are great, but you don't get a serger "or" a sewing machine - you get a serger "in addition to" your sewing machine.
Sergers make fancy seams, like professional clothing have. (Look inside your store-bought clothes to see what I mean.) That's the only thing a serger does. Sergers are complicated to thread, and breakdown more often.
A sewing machine could be used to make clothes (you could even make a nice, finished looking seam by taking a zig-zag stitch over it - not as nice or quick as a serger, but it is an option), sew on pockets, zippers, buttonholes, and even do embroidery on some machines.
A sewing machine does it all - a serger does its job better than a sewing machine, but it has a very, very specialized job. Start with a sewing machine. If you find you love sewing and are getting really good, then it will be time to invest in a serger.
2007-04-14 14:53:02 · answer #1 · answered by KristenCO 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The serger is mostly for seam finishing. It can trim as it stitches. Some brands and models have optional feet (not footers) for blind hem (don't care for this one), beading and a few other specialties. The best way to learn more about what a serger can do as an addition to your sewing machine, would be to visit a sewing machine dealer and ask them to demo a serger for you. A basic serger should have the option of 2, 3 and 4 thread stitching as well as differential feed. For a lot more money you can get one that does a hemstitch (like the hem finish on t-shirts). You can get the same effect by using a double needle in the sewing machine.
2016-05-20 00:43:14 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I find the serger to work better at not ruining certain materials (taffeta, silk, thin nylons, etc) and it helps with fraying better. The hem looks so neat when serged then sewn. There is a downside , which is re-threading the needles or changing the blade, or worst yet a JAM. It does cost more for repairs than a simple sewing machine. I still use the sewing machine more, because of simplicity.
2007-04-14 12:37:49 · answer #3 · answered by Jenny 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a serger is fast, does over the edge stitching, i think you need both machines, sergers are a pain in the butt to thread and the two ive had got all messed up in no time flat. they dont make a tight seam on the sides of clothing so it tends to gap open a bit, i perfer a regular sewing machine and yes they are cheaper in many ways than a serger is. if you sew lots of knits a serger is great, if you sew more woven fabrics i like the sewing machine better.
2007-04-14 20:09:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would not be able to use a serger for basic construction like darts, collars & cuffs, etc. but it will give your seams a professional, finished edge.
You know you can't sell clothes made from pre-printed patterns. right? Maybe you have graduated to the next step, which would be to deign your own patterns. there are lots of books and software to do it, just make sure you get something that does not restrict you from selling what you make.
2007-04-14 12:49:35 · answer #5 · answered by Kacky 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the only down side to a serger is it may cost more to have it tuned up which u should do at least once a year with any machine
it does everything a sewer does only can take much heavier and thicker material
2007-04-14 12:01:50 · answer #6 · answered by Nora G 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have both, however, I find myself using my sewing machine way more than my serger.
2007-04-14 12:06:42 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa S 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋