Serger Sewing

What is a serger and how does it work? Does it replace a sewing machine?

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.

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!

How to Sew With a Serger : Introduction to the Serger Sewing Machine

Singer SES-2000 All-in-One Sew, Embroider and Serge Machine NO RESERVE!!!! $535.00

Brother Select O Matic Model HZ3-B1 Heavy Duty Pink Sewing Machine Attachments $56.00

Willcox & Gibbs – Pegasus Overlock Serger DCR-805 Sewing Machine Knife #202570 $4.95

VINTAGE DRESSMAKER HEAVY DUTY SEWING MACHINE & TABLE $229.00

LARGE WHITE & BLACK 3PLY 1000M QUILTING SEWING SERGER THREAD $12.45

Janome harmony 8100 sewing/embroidery machine $300.00

Child’s Singer Zigzag Chainstitch Sewing Machine $14.99

Janome DC2011 Computerized Sewing Machine SALE !!! $499.00

As Seen On TV Sewing Genie Mechanical Sewing Machine $19.99

Singer 1725 Mechanical Sewing Machine with foot control $85.00

BROTHER V41 LATE MODEL HIGH SPEED THREE THREAD SERGER INDUSTRIAL SEWING MACHINE $600.00

Klasse Serger Needles (16×231 DBx1 2053) Size 80/12 #A5-170A $2.99

10 PFAFF OVERLOCK SERGER SEWING NEEDLE ORGAN JAPAN DBx1 $2.75

VINTAGE BERNINA RECORD ELECTRONIC SEWING MACHINE MODEL 830 PARTS/REPAIR + CASE $177.50

(B401) Vintage Elna computer sewing machine 5000+carrying case+bobbins+parts $199.95

Cloth Guide Foot for Kenmore $11.99

DRESSMAKER II MODEL 1100 SEWING MACHINE WHITE WITH BLUE PEDAL $19.99

Linda Lee Originals, Serger Coat, Sizes XS-3XL, Factory Folded, Std Machine Too $4.99

BERNINA RUFFLER OLD STYLE 1030 1130 1230 $24.95

Deluxe Euro-Pro Denim and Silk Sewing Machine Model 6130 New in box w/papers $99.00

CUTE LITTLE USED MINI SEWING MACHINE ~ PURPLE / WHITE ~ GREAT FOR TRAVEL $14.99

Vintage Montgomery Wards Sewing Machine made in Japan $59.99

Vintage Singer 227M Sewing Machine $59.99

Singer Tiny Tailor Sewing Machine NIB $24.99

Vintage Model 328 Singer Sewing Machine $69.99

BERNINA RUFFLER OLD STYLE 1230 1260 1530 1630 $24.95

A&E Maxi Lock Serger Thread 3000yds – Choose your color $3.90

A&E Maxi Lock Serger Thread 3000yds – Choose your color $3.90

A&E Maxi Lock Serger Thread 3000yds – Choose your color $3.90

A&E Maxi Lock Serger Thread 3000yds – Choose your color $3.90

A&E Maxi Lock Serger Thread 3000yds – Choose your color $3.90

A&E Maxi Lock Serger Thread 3000yds – Choose your color $3.90

BERNINA RUFFLER OLD STYLE 800 801 807 810 817 830E $24.95

Klasse Serger Type B Needles (81×1 DCx1) Size 80/12 #A5-170B $2.99

USED SINGER SEWING MACHINE W/FOOT PEDAL & CASE SERIAL# 020406 $39.99

4 Thread Overlock Serger $250.00 4 Thread Overlock Serger… This high quality Serger is built strong and durable. The RX3044 Serger comes with a hand trim catcher, adjustable cutting dial, and quick & easy threading to reduce eye strain. The differential feed allows smooth seams on a variety of fabrics and can also be used for gathering. Easy to operate: Built-in handle for portability; Differential feed can be easily adjusted f…

New – Singer Commercial Grade Serger by Singer Sewing Co – 14CG754 $373.04 The SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish a 4/3/2 thread overlock machine that saves you time with hems seams and seam finishing. Sewing at 1300 stitches per minute while trimming and overcastting you will zip through numerous projects. It includes an adjustable cutting width stitch length control and color-coded lay-in threading. Included Accessories: standard foot needles tweezers screwdriver and spreader. …

Singer Commercial Grade Serger $306.04 The SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish a 4/3/2 thread overlock machine that saves you time with hems, seams and seam finishing. Sewing at 1,300 stitches per minute while trimming and overcastting, you will zip through numerous projects. It includes an adjustable cutting width, stitch length control, and color-coded lay-in threading. Included Accessories: standard foot, needles, tweezers, screwdriver and spr…

Baby Lock: Serger Essentials – Instructional Video for Model BL4-428D and BL5360ED Welcome to the exciting world of sewing with your new Baby Lock serger. You’re going to love the professional results it brings to every project you undertake. It’s easy to learn the basics of overlock sewing and then when you combine your professional finishes and new creativity you open up a whole new world of sewing possibilities….

The Ultimate Serger Answer Video: Troubleshooting for Any Overlock Brand or Model (Sewing with Nancy By Nancy Zieman & Gail Brown) “The Ultimate Serger Answer Video: Sewing With Nancy hostess Nancy Zieman and serging specialist Gail Brown bring this 3-part series entitled The Ultimate Serger Answer Video to you in this 60 minute video. Highlights: * Quick fixes and tips for common serging problems * Achieving balanced overlock stitching: how factors such as threading, fabric thickness, and stitch length affect tension * Using…

Sewing with Nancy: Fuse, Press, Success! [VHS] Nancy Zieman, hostess of TV’s Sewing with Nancy, brings her 3-part series on Fuse, Press, Success to you in this 60 minute video. Highlights: - Selecting the right fusible interfacing for a project - Fusing techniques which assure a durable bond - Custom interfacing technique for finishing facings - Double fusing buttonholes and quarter patch collars - Using stabilizing strips; stabilizing knits -…

Wood Plans IFS-#1013 Sewing Center Cabinet $13.95 When we set out to design this Shaker style sewing cabinet, a compact yet still attractive and functional piece of furniture was wanted. Plenty of useful features and storage options resulted. We included in the cabinet a quality mechanical lift with which you can raise your sewing machine to two working positions, or lower it for easy out-of-sight storage. 27″ Tall, 48″ Long, 18″ Deep….

120 Inch Retractable Tape Measure $9.99 …

Serger Basics: A Palmer/Pletsch Interactive DVD $17.65 Marta Alto shows how to use a serger sewing machine to stitch a seam, trim the fabric, and overcast the edge in one step. Other lessons include tension adjustment, threading, gathering, rolled edges, and flatlocking, and tricky details are explained for collars, cuffs, hems, bindings, children’s clothing, lingerie and swimwear, and home decorating projects. Real people model the finished pr…

Creative Serging: A Palmer/Pletsch Interactive DVD $18.43 Add the perfect finish to any garment or household decoration with this handy guide to serging. All the essentials are covered, such as which threads to use, how to perform flatlocking and rolled edging, and how to make cording, piping, and other custom trims. Special sections go in-depth on garment treatments, explaining how to select appropriate decorative materials and when to apply such techni…

14SH764 Serger Sewing Machine $219 Singer’s 14SH764 Serger Sewing Machine features 2-3-4 Stitch Capability, Differential Feed, Built-In Rolled Hems and much more!

Serger Sewing Basics By Zentgraf, Carol $27.56 Author: Zentgraf, Carol Publication Date: 2011/11/01 Number of Pages: 80 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 0.25 Width: 8.50 Height: 10.50

Serger & Accessory Bag: Black $41.94 This bag was designed to stack on top of the Tutto Machine On Wheels Cases securely or used individually. It will hold your sewing accessories or a serger and makes a great companion piece for all of your sewing travel needs. This bag features 3 outside pockets with zipper closures, padded side walls, and inside mesh pockets. Available in a variety of colors. Measurements: 14-1/2″L x 14-1/4″H x 10-1/2″D.

Serger & Accessory Bag: Lime $41.94 This bag was designed to stack on top of the Tutto Machine On Wheels Cases securely or used individually. It will hold your sewing accessories or a serger and makes a great companion piece for all of your sewing travel needs. This bag features 3 outside pockets with zipper closures, padded side walls, and inside mesh pockets. Available in a variety of colors. Measurements: 14-1/2″L x 14-1/4″H x 10-1/2″D.

Smartek USA RX3044 4 Thread Overlock Serger $410.67 4 Thread Overlock Serger… This high quality Serger is built strong and durable. The RX3044 Serger comes with a hand trim catcher adjustable cutting dial and quick easy threading to reduce eye strain. The differential feed allows smooth seams on a variety of fabrics and can also be used for gathering. Easy to operate: Builtin handle for portability; Differential feed can be easily adjusted from the side of the machine; Sewing speed 1 300 S.P.M.; Stitch Length 15mm; Over Edge Stitch Width 3.5 7.2mm; Presser foot rise 5MM; Differential feed ratio 1 0.77 1 2.00; Needle Singer No. 2054; Builtin large accessory box; Free arm sewing; Detachable fabric waste compartment; Easy threading diagram.

BROTHER 1034D .75 LayIn Thread Serger $360.86 The Brother 1034D Serger features a 3/4 layin thread system with lower looper threader. Stitch options include 4 thread overlock 3 thread overlock narrow hem rolled hem and ribbon lock stitches. Additionally you can sew blind hem pin tuck and flat lock stitches by purchasing optional presser feet. The machine has a free arm/flat bed convertible sewing surface. The 1034D also offers a F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system for easy thread changes. The differential feed improves sewing results on stretch or thin fabrics to give you a perfect finish. Snapon presser feet allow quick and easy changes to transition to each desired stitch. The 1034D also includes an instructional video tape to make serging fast easy and fun. 3/4 layin thread Serger with 22 builtin stitches and interchangeable feet. Includes 3 and 4thread overlock; narrow hemming; rolled hemming; and ribbon lock. F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system; outside differential feed; uses standard sewing machine needles; numerous accessories included. Free arm/flat bed convertible sewing surface; foot pedal speed control. Dimensions: 15.3 x 13.1 x 12.6 .

1034D 3-4 Lay-in Thread Serger with Lower Looper Threader $239.99 Ideal for sewing decorative and finishing stitches on linens, formal wear and stretchy fabric, this 3/4 serger includes 22 built-in stitch functions and interchangeable creative feet. The Brother 1034D Serger features a 3/4 lay-in thread system with lower looper threader. Stitch options include 4 thread overlock, 3 thread overlock, narrow hem, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches. In addition the machine has a free arm/flat bed convertible sewing surface and offers a F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system for easy thread changes. The differential feed improves sewing results on stretch or thin fabrics to give you a perfect finish. Snap-on presser feet allow quick and easy changes to transition to each desired stitch. The 1034D also includes an instructional CD to make serging fast, easy and fun.

14T968Dc – Singer Professional 5 Serger 14T968Dc Electric Sewing Machine $538.16 [14T968DC] UPC: 037431882684 UNSPC: 52141801 24.95 LB