SERGING WITH A SEWING MACHINE
Serging with a sewing machine. Sergers usually have three to five bobbins, which mean they go through at least three or four additional threads to create a professional and clean result. Quilting and garment making often require sergers, resulting in a much higher quality end product. What if you don’t need your serger often enough to buy this huge piece of equipment.
An alternative to the serger is the overlock, although both perform the same task. In the UK “over locker” refers to the machine and “serger” is the American preference. However, the overlock stitch is a way to achieve a similar effect without buying another expensive machine. However, an overlock foot will create the illusion of a cut edge and still finish the edges. It’s the difference between an expensive designer bag and a perfectly fitting handbag, only you should know the difference.
To overlock, you need an overlock foot, which is an affordable investment. But it would help if you also had an overstitch or overlock stitch on your machine. Most facilities do this as it is a common technique for most drains. An alternative is to have a ladder or pin stitch. The ladder stitch is popular as an “invisible” stitch, but you can use it to create a beautiful surface for seams and edges. A pin stitch is usually used to attach the lace tape to the fabric; they can be beautiful and always safe. What they all have in common is that they provide more security through the stitch design.
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USE SEWING MACHINE AS A SERGER
Serging with a sewing machine. If you want your handmade dress to look good on the inside and avoid bulky seams or fabric unraveling, you need to finish the raw edges of the seam inside your DIY garment. Not only does it give a more professional look to any sewn craft, it also reinforces the seam line and prevents fraying of the edges. Depending on your fabric, project and the purpose of the garment you are making, you may choose a different finish.
Using a serger or overlock machine, you can trim the raw edge and enclose it in a threaded sleeve. A serger is a great machine, but it is an expensive tool and not the easiest to handle. Threading the box and getting the seam right can be a real nightmare. I own a serger machine. It’s a Juki MO-654DE and I currently only have 2 thread colors, black and very light gray.
You need 4 large coils of each to thread through the cabinet. Along with a covered stitch, also called a bound stitch or overlock stitch, the overlock foot creates a serger-like finish without cutting off the extra fabric that a serger does. You can also use a zigzag stitch if you don’t have the settings on your sewing machine turned off. However, the overlock stitch has a nicer look than the zigzag stitch.
SERGING VS SEWING MACHINES – SERGING WITH SEWING
Serging with a sewing machine. Although a serger and a sewing machine have functions that may overlap, they primarily have different functions. Below are some differences between a serger and a sewing machine.
- The main function of a serger is creating seams, trimming excess material and covering. The sewing machine specializes in creating basic stitches including straight stitch and zigzag stitch.
- With variable speed, the serger is able to sew difficult fabrics such as Lycra and stretch knits. A sewing machine can create decorative stitches of various stitch lengths, but it cannot always sew all fabrics.
- The serger can create perfect small, rolled hems, gathers and elastic attachment. However, it cannot create decorative stitches. The sewing machine can produce decorative stitches as well as gathers and hems.
- The serger cannot perform basic sewing functions such as making buttonholes, sewing on buttons, or using special attachments or stitches. However, a sewing machine can do all this.
If you are a beginner who doesn’t have a sewing machine yet, then you should definitely get a sewing machine first. Sergers are extremely efficient, but they cannot perform basic sewing tasks like a sewing machine. So if you have to choose one or the other, get a basic sewing machine. On the other hand, if you don’t have to choose between them, you can buy both of them because they both have their advantages.
As already mentioned, the serger gives the edges of the fabric a professional finish. But that’s not all he does. For a novice, a serger can seem a little intimidating because of the many threads and knives. However, once you become more familiar with its use, you will realize how indispensable it is. A serger is used for sewing, trimming and finishing your fabric.
HOW IS A SERGER MACHINE DIFFERENT FROM A SEWING MACHINE
Serging with a sewing machine. A serger machine and a sewing machine have one similarity, and that’s practically the only one. This similarity lies in the fact that they both sew fabrics. Sewing machines do everything for you; however, serger machines can only do certain things. For example, quilting and zippers are not possible on a serger machine.
A serger machine not only sews, but cuts right before sewing, which is convenient considering that you have to cut the fabric before sewing with a sewing machine. The blade sits just in front of the needles that sew. A locked stitch is created on most serger machines. This is because a serger machine generally uses 3 or 4 stitches. A normal sewing machine would usually only use one.
A serger has a higher sewing and cutting speed than a typical sewing machine. This is fantastic for manufacturers as it takes less time to produce more and this will only improve your profits. It is also useful at home if you are impatient or short on time.
The necks of most serger machines are shorter than those of typical sewing machines. This makes it easy to stock serger machines with faster sewing times and the same amount of power, mostly. You can even combine a serger and a sewing machine into one machine; but of course it depends on your preferences.
FIVE EFFECTIVE STEPS TO BUYING A SEWING MACHINE-SERGING WITH SEWING
Serging with a sewing machine. Have you been thinking about getting a sewing machine but not sure what to look out for with the many different brands, styles, models and prices available these days? It is understandable. After all, a sewing machine is one of the most difficult investments you’ll likely make for your sewing room, so it’s only natural to feel a little nervous and lost with all the information available. To help you with this, here are some guidelines that you should focus on when choosing a suitable sewing machine:
- Plan to use the sewing machine
Ask yourself, what are you going to use the sewing machine for? Is it to sew new shirts for your husband, make blankets for the baby or embroider elaborate designs on your new handkerchiefs? Whatever your specific reason may be, always keep this in mind. Sewing machines are designed for different purposes and getting one that meets your needs is at the heart of a good buying decision. Don’t get something just because your neighbor has it, or you’ll end up with a white elephant!
Next, look at the space available in your sewing room or in the corner of your house where you will place the sewing machine. Is it big or small? Are there electrical ports available? Knowing this will help you decide whether you need a sewing machine that is electric, mechanical, computerized and compact, or simply serge.
- Research available brands and models
Once you have a general idea of what you likely need, research the brands or models of sewing machines that specialize in it. For example, if you are interested in embroidery, searching for that will direct you to brands like Husqvarna Viking etc. Look at the models that offer their features and of course the price range. Check out some customer feedback to see if there is anything good or bad about a particular model.
- Decide on your budget
By this time, you will have a general idea of how much sewing machines that meet your needs cost. Decide how much you can and are willing to spend. The range can vary from less than $100 for a basic model to over $7,000 for a machine that will accept almost anything to cut your fabric. Be firm and don’t fall into the trap of buying something because you think you “might” need it. Go for something you know you’ll definitely use once you hand your credit card to the cashier
- Try the machine
Pick a few sewing machines you might want to buy and try them out at your nearest local dealer. Or instead of someone you know owns the machine. Try out the stitches and features you’ll be using with swatches of the fabrics you work with most often. At the same time, check with your friend or dealer about its lifespan, warranty, easy parts replacement, service costs, upgrades, etc. If you’re checking with a dealer, be sure to ask if they offer free sewing classes as a bonus with your purchase.
- Make a purchase
Once you’ve decided which machine to get, buying is the easy part. You can purchase it from your local retailer or online through reputable distributors. Some online distributors offer great discounts or bargains due to lower operating costs. However, make sure that such savings are not overwritten by an unfair return policy or high shipping costs. Know your rights so that you can shop online very comfortably.
CONCLUSION
Serging with a sewing machine while you can’t create a true serged border without a serger, you can recreate the idea and effect with a locking foot. The presser foot helps make it possible and secure to sew over lock stitches and pin and ladder stitches. Which stitch you use to achieve a serged effect will depend on your preference and the options available on your sewing machine. If you’re not sure which one you like best based on looks or tightness, use some scrap fabric and fold it up to try it out! This method of quilting and edge finishing requires a little patience; give him time to develop this new skill.
