If you have ever sewn anything on a sewing machine, you have used a serger. What exactly is a serger and how do you use it?
We have assembled a helpful guide that should help you understand how they work and how to choose the best one for your needs.
Yes, most sewing machines will serge, but your machine needs to have a serger attachment. Just check online to see if your machine can serge.
Your sewing machine must have a serger attachment to allow serging on a regular sewing machine. In most cases, the sewing machine is the same.
For more information, you can consult with your sewing machine dealer.
But what is serge means? Read on! As we help you learn more in this article!
What is serge means?
For those who don’t know, serging is the process of using a narrow zigzag stitch to finish off a seam. It’s a good way to close up a seam, as it is stronger than a regular stitch and can prevent the fabric from fraying.
However, a regular sewing machine can’t do this by default. If you use a regular sewing machine, you will need to serge.
A serger is a type of sewing machine that forms the edges of a garment by using a small tool to pass over the fabric.
While most people have to buy a serger if they want to finish their sewing projects by hand, there are some sewing machines available that have a built-in serger.
How can you use your sewing machine as a serger?
It’s a common task to sew a small piece of fabric to adjust the length of a larger one. How about sewing a smaller bit of fabric to adjust the length of a larger piece?
Yes, I know that we sew with hems and seams so that the length of the fabric is the same on both sides. But what if you didn’t need to match the lengths of an entire piece of fabric?
What if you wanted to sew a bit of fabric to adjust the length of another? You can use a serger to finish a seam and make it perfect or use a serger to cut multiple layers of fabric at once.
To use a sewing machine as a serger, you have to sew a seam first. Then you flip the fabric over, press the seam open, and use a serger.
This helps it be stronger and more durable. It also makes your fabric look like a professional sewing machine. You can also use your sewing machine as a serger by using the serger stitches.
While a serger can certainly be used for sewing, it’s also a versatile machine that can do a lot more than that. But, you will need to determine which type of sewing machine you have.
Alternatives to a serger
Sergers are a very popular sewing machine accessory, and for good reason. They help you sew extremely precise seams with the presser foot, which is a must-have for any sewer.
But what if you don’t have a serger? What if you’re just starting out with sewing? Well, you don’t need to reach for the serger needle and thread, thanks to these alternatives.
The serger can be a great sewing machine to use, especially for beginners. However, some machines are better suited for different things.
If you can sew a straight line, you can use a sewing machine. If you can sew a zig-zag line, you can use an overlock machine. If you can stitch a straight line, you can use a serger.
- Use overlocking
Overlocking, also known as overcasting, is a method of sewing where the thread is caught above the machine and knotted. It is much faster than sewing on a serger, and it is more precise.
Overlocking is where you sew fabric with an overlock machine. This method is best for fitting tightly to a body or shaping a seam.
It is also a great way to avoid hems. Overlockers are relatively inexpensive tools that can be used to produce great results, but still, a serger can be a time-saver when you are sewing a lot of fabrics.
- Ladder Stitches
Ladder Stitches are used as an alternative to a serger for creating lightweight and delicate projects. A ladder stitch is a double-threaded stitch that utilizes two threads.
A straight stitch would be used to finish a run made with a ladder stitch. To sew edges with a home sewing machine, you should add a seam allowance to the raw edges first (1/2″ for most fabrics).
Then you should sew the edges together with a narrow zig-zag stitch. Then you would sew a ladder stitch at the folded edges to prevent fraying.
You can also sew a ladder stitch down the seam to prevent it from fraying.
Sewing with the overcast foot
One of the most annoying things about sewing with a regular foot is that the thread will get caught on the needle when you’re sewing back and forth, making the needle go left and right instead of up and down.
This does not happen when you’re sewing with a foot of overcast. The overcast thread will stretch so that it will not be caught on the needle and the thread will not stretch so far that it will get caught on the needle.
Also, the length of the stitch will be a bit longer since the thread is longer than normal. A method of sewing with an overcast foot is to allow the foot to go all the way down and then come back up.
When going down, move the foot as if it were a pivot, and when going back up, stop the foot before it reaches the original position. This will allow the seam to be stitched without the regular foot pivoting.
