Serger Machine Information
Sergers, or overlock machines, are a classification of sewing machine that specializes in "finishing" or the sewing of seams, hems or finished edges. Understanding what a serger is and what it does will help you make an educated purchasing decision and help you determine whether a serger is a viable substitute for an ordinary sewing machine or if there are special techniques that need to be learned to use one.
-
Definition of a Serger
-
A serger is a specialized sewing machine used to create a finished seam on garments. In general, it is possible to create different stitches and get different results, depending on the number of threads used on the serger. Sergers are available in configurations ranging from two threads up to a maximum of five threads. But there is a point of diminishing returns with respect to functionality versus ease of use. Serging machines are sometimes referred to as an "overlock" or "merrow." Their primary function is to both cut and finish the edging of the material to give it strength and a more finished professional look.
Sergers Differ from Sewing Machines
-
Unlike an ordinary straight stitch sewing machine, a serger simultaneously trims the fabric with a blade, sews a seam and finishes the cut edge of the fabric. The serger also uses loopers instead of bobbins to make the stitch and a set of knives to cut the fabric as it feeds through the machine. The loopers create thread loops for the needle to pass through in a process similar to crocheting. The knives cut the fabric as it feeds through the machine. On most sergers, the lower knife is stationary and the upper knife is movable. Functionally, the knives act like a pair of scissors, except that the upper blade can be rotated out of the way when sewing in an area that does not require the fabric to be cut.
-
Advantages of Sergers
-
Sergers allow seams to be quickly sewn and finished. They eliminate the extra step that would need to be taken with a conventional machine that would require repositioning the fabric to overstitch the raw edges or to install bindings. Sergers both form a chain stitch to make the seam and they also overlock the edge of the seam.
Considerations
-
Despite their seeming similarities, making a direct comparison between straight stitch machines and sergers is not simple. Sergers can perform certain operations significantly faster and more easily than regular machines but at the expense of learning new techniques to do them. In addition, the process of using a serger imposes a limit on the customary operations that can be employed in sewing. For example, the serger is great for straight line stitching but not for making a 90-degree corner or following the curves in fabric. A serger also does not do backstitching.
Significance
-
Sergers cannot replace the traditional home sewing machine, and a serger is definitely not required equipment to sew. They are designed to be used in addition to or in combination with a regular sewing machine. Although certain projects can be done completely on a serger, it is not meant to compete with a regular sewing machine for most home projects. You will still need a regular machine for doing top stitching, facings, installing zippers or making button holes. For those projects that can benefit from the serger's enhanced capabilities, the serger can be a time saver and create professional-looking results.
-
