How to choose a Serger Sewing Machine
A serger (or overlock machine) stitches, trims, and finishes fabric edges in one step at a rate of 1200 to 1500 stitches per minute. A serger that uses multiple threads to seam and overcast raw edges can use as few as two threads and as many as five.
Don’t be under the impression that a serger can replace a traditional sewing machine — it works in tandem with your standard home sewing machine. A serger excels at creating fast, professional seams like those found in ready-to-wear garments.
However, keep in mind that in addition to seam finishing, a serger may also be used for decorative stitching on the outside of garments or on home decorating projects.
When shopping for a serger think about how the serger will be used and spend at least 1/2 hour testing each serger you are considering. Thread the machine and try various adjustments to determine the ease of use and last, but not least, make sure you consider the purchase of a serger from a reputable retailer who offers assistance and repairs.
Differential feed (hope you’ve heard of it) is a feature that can be used to gather single layers of fabric. The dual sets of feed dogs work to control the flow of fabric through the machine. Differential feed is very useful when working with sewing fabrics that stretch, (knits or loosely woven fabrics) and those that tend to pucker (lightweight or sheer fabrics).
I would not, at this point, consider any home sewing machine, or serger, that did not have differential feed. With all of the new sewing fabrics out on the market today, differential feed is a must in my books.
I love using my serger for sewing elastic — get an elasticator foot which eliminates the need for casings because it feeds and stretches the elastic so it can be serged directly in place on the sewing fabric.
Those are some of my thoughts that I thought I would share with you. Do you have any thoughts on sergers and sewing machines?
Submitted by: Loretta Crowder
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