HOW TO CHOOSE A SERGER SEWING MACHINE

How to choose a serger sewing machine. Most sergers have tension wheels that can be adjusted to even out the threads in the stitch, and for most applications the tension will remain the same. So once you thread the serger and adjust the tension, you can serge and practice before you need to make any changes.

You may have heard that it is difficult to thread a serger. While this may be true, serger manufacturers have gone a long way to make this easier by putting colored dots and arrows on the machines, as well as helpful color-coded charts. Top child restraints use a special threading system that even completely eliminates this frustration.

You may worry about the knife cutting the fabric. Curves and corners require special handling techniques because of the knife, but so many of the grooves are straight seams that the knife is not as dangerous as it might seem at first glance. And any curves or corners that aren’t easy to sew can be sewn on a sewing machine until your sergering skills allow you to master more techniques.

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FOUR GREAT THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE CHOOSING A SEWING MACHINE

How to choose a serger sewing machine. By definition, a serger is a special sewing machine used to cover or overstitch and close the rough edges of fabric. This will prevent fraying and finish the edges. The serger also cuts off excess seams, all in one step. This machine is especially popular with those who sew clothes.

There is no denying that a serger is a very handy tool and there are many benefits to sewing with a serger. They make working with knitwear easier. They are fast and efficient. They add elasticity to the seams, making them more durable. Since the raw edges are sealed, the finished edges create a professional look without fraying. Sergers can also be used in other ways, such as adding elastics, rolling hems, and creating decorative stitches.

As amazing as serges can be, they also have their negatives. It is not a standalone machine that can do everything. Some garments can be completely sewn with a serger, but many also require a regular sewing machine for zippers, buttonholes, and topstitching. More expensive sergers have up to five threads, and some have differential feed, allowing for more adjustments.

Amazon is perfect for this, as is Consumer Research (Read about their top 3 rated sergers here). Don’t forget to visit all the retailers in your area. Many sewing makers like to shop local! This provides an opportunity to try out the sergers and ask questions. When machines are purchased locally, both sergers and regular sewing machines, they are easy to maintain and repair regularly. These stores often provide courses and lessons as well. Sometimes they are free.

WHAT KIND OF SERGER IS PERFECT FOR YOU – HOW TO CHOOSE A SEWING MACHINE SERGER

How to choose a serger sewing machine. Sergers are essential equipment in sewing rooms and garment factories around the world for one reason: They can cut, pull, and sew a seam in one pass—all while sewing at twice the speed of a regular sewing machine. Perfect for any knitted or woven, stretchy or frayed material. Ribbed seams are everywhere, from t-shirts, swimwear and jeans to luxury designer sportswear and evening wear. Sheer scarves, sheets, and elegant tablecloths can all have ribbed edges, and even underwear depends on the tiny seams and soft elastic inserts that are possible with liners.

All sergers have at least one needle and two loopers; the latter are movable metal arms that have an eye that carries the thread but does not penetrate the fabric. The stitch that all sergers have in common is the 3-thread lock. Before the stitch is formed, the fabric is pulled under the presser foot by means of feeders, where a knife moving parallel to the presser foot trims the edge of the seam allowance just before sewing begins.

The two hooks then overlap the edge and weave their threads around a metal stitch finger (which prevents the edge of the fabric from collapsing) to create a bond that is instantly secured when the needle sews what looks like a straight stitch. The 4-thread lock has a second, reinforcing, “straight” stitch that is added at the same time as the second needle. If you are bagging two layers of fabric at once, they will be joined by one or two seams (depending on the number of needles) and the edges of the seams will be covered and cannot be pressed.

Most sergers sew a variety of stitches in addition to the over lock. The versatility of each model is determined by the number of threads it can handle, the available presser feet and the ability to adjust the needle and knife position, looper functions, feed speed, thread tension and threading paths. For each stitch, the user adjusts these items as described in the instruction manual. Subtle adjustments to the basic stitch settings create a variety of sewing, hemming and embellishment options.

FEATURES TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A SEWING MACHINE SERGER-HOW TO CHOOSE A SERGER SEWING MACHINE

These either simplify setup and operation, or extend sewing functions. How to choose a serger sewing machine.

• Differential feeding

Differential feed, once an optional feature, is now seen on most machines at every price point. Its function is to adjust the way the fabric is fed under the needle and thus ensure a smooth seam without creases on different fabrics. This is achieved by two sets of feed dogs, one in front of the other. By changing the speed of the front feeders, you can create a slightly gathered (loose) or slightly stretched stitch. This feature is also used to deliberately stretch or gather fabric for decorative purposes, such as the edge of a salad – a billowing, gathered effect created when the stitches prevent the intentionally stretched edge from loosening.

• Easy threading

The tentacles are awkward, with eyes at awkward angles, and usually have to be threaded in a certain order to prevent thread tangling. Many models offer features for easy threading: snap-on and flip-out presser feet and hinged needle clamps make access to the needle easy. Color-coded threading paths and charts printed on the machine remind you how to thread so you don’t have to follow instructions. Needle threaders, threaders and air threaders make threading easy; and tubular loopers encapsulating the thread can be threaded in any order. These features greatly simplify threading, but they are a luxury that increases the price.

• Voltage setting

Setting multiple thread tensions to achieve a balanced stitch on a serger is more complicated than setting one tension on a standard sewing machine. In addition, different stitches can be sewn by changing the thread tension, so users can change settings frequently and sometimes drastically. Although adjusting the tension is not difficult, the automatic and self-adjusting tension available on some machines virtually eliminates the confusion. Some models set the voltage automatically; others use a graph or LCD to show recommended settings. On several sergers, tension selectors have disappeared entirely because the automatic adjustments work so well.

• Application of decorating

Special feet are available for decorative or trimming techniques such as fagoting, cutting or attaching lace or beading, and for special tasks such as making pins and belt loops. Yarns and ribbons are easy to thread through loopers for decorative sewing, and because they are fed from spools, they won’t run out like on a spool.

• Known as the microwave of the sewing room

A serger will never replace a sewing machine: It doesn’t sew very well in tight curves, the space to the right of the needle is limited for projects that expand like that, and it only sews forward. But even the most functional model can save you hours on your projects.

SOME IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CHOOSING A SERGER SEWING MACHINE – HOW TO CHOOSE A SERGER SEWING MACHINE

How to choose a serger sewing machine. If you want your home clothes to have a professional finish, you will need a serger machine. And if you’re working on ambitious projects like curtains and drapes, you’ll also need a serger machine. For someone who has never used a serger, choosing the best and right one for your needs can be confusing. Fortunately, I have extensive experience with this type of machine. I combine my experience and research to bring you the best serger sewing machines for your needs. You will find my top tips a little later in this article, but first let me look at a few aspects of the serger sewing machine for the benefit of the newbie.

A serger sewing machine is a comprehensive machine that can be used for a variety of sewing projects such as hemming fabrics, finishing seams and hemming garments. The machine also trims the excess fabric from the edge when sewing. In countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia, the word over lock machine is widely used instead of serger machine. Over lock is also the name for the type of stitches produced by a serger machine. In professional circles, this type of stitch is also referred to as merrow.

The serger trims the edges of the fabrics and wraps them with thread. The edges are sewn with locking stitches for a beautiful appearance and also to prevent them from unraveling and fraying. The machine can also be used to sew actual seams. The machine uses multiple spools of thread at once to sew over lock stitches. In general, the more threads the machine uses, the tighter the stitches.

Sergers are usually classified by the number of threads they come with. They can use 2, 3, 4 and 5 threads at once. You usually use 2 and 3 threads to cover the edges of the single layer fabric before you fold the edge back to sew a traditional hem. If you have a baby at home, these are usually the type of stitches you’ll find on the sleeves. So if you are sewing a type of garment that will not be too strained or stretched, you should get this type of sewing machine.

CONCLUSION

How to choose a serger sewing machine. Before you decide to purchase this type of sewing machine, please note that a serger is not a replacement for your regular sewing machine (see my list of the best sewing machines on our home page). But if you’re sewing projects like curtains and drapes, you’ll most likely need a serger. Those who sew commercially also often need a serger. For the casual hobbyist or home sewer, a serger is not essential, but it adds a professional finish to your projects if you have one.