If you don’t know what is a serger sewing machine, simply remember that it’s an overlocking sewing machine. One can say that it’s a particular type of sewing machine because of its function for the seam. But side by side, the two can look alike.
Do not be overwhelmed because it’s easy to differentiate a serger from a sewing machine. This article will discuss the types of sergers and how they compare to a sewing machine. You can also read this guide that outlines how a sewing machine works for additional explanation.
Introduction To What Is A Serger Sewing Machine
What is a serger used for?
A serger is used for trimming and enclosing the edge of the material. And because of how the serger finishes the seam, it is also considered a specialized sewing machine called the overlocking sewing machine. Here are the different types of sergers:
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2-4 thread serger
A 2-4 thread serger uses two threads and creates every stitch individually from each other. This type of serger is also responsible for making a two-thread overlocked edge and safety stitch seam.
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3-4 thread serger
A 3-4 thread serger uses three or four threads, as the name implies. Selecting the amount you’ll use can influence the stretch and strength of the seam. You can also change the throat plate in most 3-4 thread sergers to make a rolled hem.
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5-thread serger
Those who want to do different techniques for the seam can opt for a 5-thread serger. It uses three threads for an overlocking edge and the remaining two for a straight seam line. This way, you don’t need to use various machines to finish a seam and make it stronger.
What Is The Difference Between A Sewing Machine And A Serger?
What do you use a sewing machine for?
- Gather fabric
- Attach zippers
- Make buttonholes
- Attach fabric
- Attach piping
- Rolled hem
- Blind hem stitch
- Overlock stitch and mock overlock stitch
- Zigzag stitch and straight stitch
- Embroidery stitch
What do you use a serger sewing machine for?
- Attach piping
- Gather fabric
- Overlock stitch and mock overlock stitch
- Rolled hem
- Blind hem stitch
- Mock flatlock stitch
Final verdict
The sewing machine is capable of more tasks, so those starting to sew can be satisfied with it. But as you start doing more tasks and want to make your projects faster and professionally finished, it’s worth getting a serger separately. After all, you’re going to stitch the fabric together and finish the edges individually on a sewing machine while the serger can gather the material and finish the edges simultaneously.
Is your sewing machine not performing the tasks mentioned as smoothly? Consider reading about how to oil a sewing machine.
Is It Worth Buying A Serger?
It’s worth buying a serger if you want the benefit of stitching the fabric together and finishing the edges simultaneously. This saves effort and makes the work faster, especially for a professional finish with commercial projects. Furthermore, you might hate to be limited with finishing the seams with a zigzag stitch, or you are sewing products that require a stretchy seam or rolled hems.
Do I Need A Serger To Hem?
You don’t necessarily need a serger to hem, but it’s an easy and quick way to finish your sewing projects. A serger is also especially helpful when you are finishing woven fabrics since they are prone to fraying. Nonetheless, you can always sew the seams with a sewing machine if you don’t have a serger readily available.
How do you finish a hem without a serger?
If you don’t have a serger, you can finish the hem of your sewing project with zigzag, overedge stitch, turned under edges, bias bound edges, or even a French seam. The zigzag stitch is the easiest and most commonly used, and it would be suitable if you’re working with medium to heavy materials. Here is how you use a zigzag stitch to finish the hem:
- Sew the seam accordingly with the correct seam allowance and work zigzag stitches next to it
- Trim the excess material
- Another way is to make the zigzag stitches on the edges of the fabric before you sew the seams if you don’t want to trim
If you also use a sewing machine for a zigzag stitch, you might be interested in knowing how to set it up. For Kenmore owners, here is how to thread a Kenmore sewing machine.
Can You Use A Serger For Regular Sewing?
You can use a serger for regular sewing as long as you’re familiar with how it makes stitches. For example, you might end up with loose stitches or tight stitches, so you need to adjust the tension dial of the machine. However, a serger cannot replace a sewing machine because it’s not capable of various types of stitches.
Conclusion
And that’s it! To answer what is a serger sewing machine, it specializes in finishing hems using overlocking stitches. It’s a helpful machine to get separately because it allows a more professional-looking finish with sewing projects quickly.
Speaking of sewing, are you doing a project with interfacing? Consider reading our article on what is interfacing in sewing to know what it is.