What Does a Serger Sewing Machine Do?
Sergers are a type of sewing machine that can cut, sew and edge fabric all in one step. They use multiple thread spools and a cutter that can trim a seam allowance while performing decorative or functional stitching. Most commercial clothing and home textiles, such as bedding and drapes, are constructed on industrial sergers.
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History
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Sergers were invented in 1881, just over 50 years after the first functional sewing machine. J. Makens Merrow and his son owned a textile mill that specialized in knitting, so they adapted the sewing machine to perform a looping knit stitch with three spools of thread. Their machine was so successful that sergers are still called Merrows in some parts of the world. While the first sergers were industrial machines, the Juki corporation adapted them for home use in 1964.
Function
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Sergers, also called overlocks, are designed to create strong seams and fray-resistant edges while trimming the excess seam allowance all in one step. Though they do not have a bobbin, their looping pattern also prevents unraveling to some extent, so back-stitching or tying off ends is not necessary.
These machines can create types of stitches that traditional sewing machines cannot, such as flatlock and purl stitches. Particularly in machines with three, four or five spools, decorative edging is a primary purpose for a serger. Some machines can also sew parallel stitches for added strength, such as is found on jeans.
Types
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The two primary types of sergers are industrial overlocks and home-use sergers. Industrial machines are about 10 times as fast as home machines, but are usually capable of only one type of stitch.
Home machines can usually perform several types of stitching. They can sew one to five spools of thread, with more spools typically available on more expensive machines.
Features
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A serger usually has one top needle and one or more threaded arms, called loopers, that swing past one another to create thread loops through which the needle passes. Additional attachments include feet that automatically create ruffles, pleats, shirring, blind hems, beading or cording. Most of the dozen commercial brands offer separate packages of accessories.
Machines can also come with a variety of options for automatically threading the needles and adjusting tension, which has traditionally been the most difficult and frustrating part of using a serger.
Cost
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While industrial overlocks cost many thousands of dollars, a home machine is a relatively inexpensive purchase. Most of the major brands carry machines at the low end between $100 and $200. As of 2009, it is also possible to spend upwards of $500 or even $1,000 on a new machine, depending on its features.
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