Do I Really Need a Serger? We Answer This Question

Here, we explain when you actually need to spend money on a serger, and when your sewing machine would be enough.
By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 18, 2023
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If you are a newbie in sewing, one question that may bug your mind is, “Do I need a serger?” However, this question is important considering how expensive sergers cost and the space needed to keep them. Another reason why some folks are reluctant to get one is the cost of getting the supplies.

In this article, we will be showing why you need a serger and also the difference between sergers and sewing machines. You should know these differences to help you decide whether or not you need a serger for your sewing.

Read on to find out more!

How Does a Serger Work?

Do I Really Need a Serger? We Answer This QuestionThe work of a serger is to handle the seams and edge finishing in your fabrics. They are also used to trim off the excess fabrics. One of the benefits of using sergers is that they allow you to complete your sewing in half the time it would normally take, and at the end of it all, you get a very neat job done.

Now, how does the serger work? One thing you should know before buying a serger is that they come in different thread options. You can use them to create several types of stitches but not a straight stitch. The more the threading options, the more the machine costs. The threading options range from 2-3-4 or 5 thread sergers. For instance, the 2-4 thread serger can make two separate stitches. It can make a true safety stitch and a two-thread overlocked edge. The 5-thread option, on the other hand, is the most expensive and has more seam abilities. It can do a chain stitch and also ensure you get a seam finish. Some sergers have as many as 8 threading options. You should get the one that bests fits your needs.

If you work as a professional and need a serger that can handle heavy-duty tasks, you should get the Singer 14HD854 Heavy Duty 4 Thread Serger. Most users agree that it does a perfect finish on any fabric. It is considered one of the best heavy-duty serger.

Is There a Difference Between a Serger and an Overlock Machine?

A serger and an overlocker are the same machines. People use these terms interchangeably, but they are referring to the same thing. Overlocker is more commonly mentioned in Europe than in other parts of the world. It shouldn’t confuse you when you notice some products use the name the overlocker while another one refers to it as a serger.

When Do You Need a Serger?

Do I Really Need a Serger? We Answer This QuestionIf your sewing requires a lot of knitting, a serger is one machine you can’t do without. It helps complete projects involving hemming, faster seaming and detailed edging.

It takes a shorter time to do the hemming in pants when you use a serger instead of a regular sewing machine.

The serger is easier to operate, and the results are the best. It also comes in handy when you want to cut out unnecessary fabric, which a regular sewing machine cannot do.

If you use a lover of quality brand, then you wouldn’t need to worry about the cost. We recommend the 1034D serger. According to most reviews, the sturdiest model must be the Brother 1034D Serger, with its 3 to 4 threading options, it is the most reliable option out there.

Can You Use a Sewing Machine Instead of a Serger

As a beginner, you may think the overlocker and sewing machine are the same. However, these two are distinct and separate from each other. Some people try to substitute the sewing machine for the Serger because they want to save costs. It would be wise to know what each of these machines can do when making a purchasing decision.

Sometimes you can do some sewing tasks on a serger as you would on a sewing machine, but there are still many other tasks you will still need a sewing machine to do on your fabrics. The two cannot replace each other because they have their unique functions and features. It would instead be more convenient if you can work using the two machines to get a perfect sewing job done.

The serger machine will be useful when you need to do sewing tasks like trimming fabrics, cleaning edges and other seaming tasks. sergers are great for knitting fabrics and will stretch the fabric to any place you want. It cannot, however, replace a sewing machine when you need to do regular sewing. The serger cannot make a regular straight stitch, and it also cannot put a pocket on a flat fabric piece. Its limitations are the reason you will still need to have a sewing machine around.

If you only do every day sewing, you don’t need an overlock or serger machine. However, you will need a sewing machine to do a regular stitch. If you only sew occasionally, you can learn how to serge with a sewing machine.

If you want to make quality stitches, serger are the only machines that can give you this. A distinguishing feature between the sewing machine and the serger is its speed. The serger allows you to stitch at a very high speed when compared to a sewing machine. The speed does not in any way affect the quality of the stitch.

So, if you plan on buying a sewing machine or getting a serger, make sure to get one that works perfectly. It should also be one you would need. You should ask yourself how often you would need a serger or if you need one. If you don’t need a serger, there is no reason why you should get one.

Remember that sergers are faster, easier to operate, gives you durable stitches and perfect finishing. It is recommended for professionals who sew commercially and need to do a quality job for their customers.

Final thoughts

In our opinion, we think you can still do your sewing without a serger. Sergers are great, and as we mentioned earlier, they will give you the cleanest finishing touches to your dresses, making your sewing look professional. They are great for making your hemming on pants and give stronger stitches. The Serger may be expensive, but the quality of your work will be noticed, which is great if you are sewing for customers. It will also save a lot of time when sewing compared to a regular sewing machine. We hope that with this information you can now boldly answer your question “Do I need a serger?”

If you have made up your mind to get one, we recommend you go for the best sergers and not let the cost be a determining factor for you.

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