Sergers are companion products to traditional sewing machines. Also
known as overlock machines, sergers can stitch, trim, and overcast seams
in a single process. Fabric is fed into the machine, knives trim
the edge, and loopers and needles form the stitches to totally encase
the edge of the fabric.
A serger can sew up to twice as fast as a
sewing machine and is ideal
for making finished narrow seams, overcast seams, blindstitched hems,
and rolled hems. Sergers are wonderful for sewing seams with
built-in stretch for sweat clothes or tee shirts and swimwear made from
stretchy fabrics. Woven fabrics, from sheers to denim, sew
beautifully. Special feet can help gather fabric or sew on sequin
or bead edges. Decorative threads can be used to produce special
effects.
Sergers are designed with a variety of needle and looper options in
2-thread, 3-thread, 4/2 thread, 4/3 thread, 4-thread, and 5-thread
configurations. These machines offer various types of stitches,
including 2-thread overedge, 2-thread chain stitch, 3-thread overlock,
4-thread safety stitch, 4-thread mock safety stitch, 5-thread overlock,
rolled edge stitch, and flatlock stitch. Choosing a machine with
differential feed will help ensure pucker-free or stretch-free seams.
Thread for sergers is usually purchased in cones, since sergers use more
thread than a traditional sewing machine. Many thread types are
available, including all-purpose, lighter weight overlock and nylon
filament as well as decorative metallic, silk, topstitching, woolly nylon,
and crochet threads. The needlecraft artist can also utilize certain
fine yarns and lightweight knitting ribbons to add a creative touch to the
edge of a seam!
When choosing thread, keep in mind that sergers sew at high speeds
and the thread must be smooth and flexible, tightly twisted, and soft
enough to slide through the thread guides and loopers. The thread
should also be strong enough to handle the stress put on it. Your
choice of threading material may require tension adjustments. And
if the thread you choose does not feed smoothly, another may give a
similar decorative effect. Not all threads work with all sergers.
When using a serger, remember to keep pins away from the cutting blades
and avoid lint build-up by brushing out accumulated lint after each use.
Choose a serger from the following choices as a companion to your
conventional sewing machine. While you will still need your
sewing machine to install zippers, sew buttonholes and topstitching,
and perform other sewing tasks, your serger will help give your seams
that fine professional edge.
This sewing machine maker offers several overlocks that can help you add a professional finish and decorative details
to your sewing projects. www.HusqvarnaViking.com
This needlecraft products manufacturer offers a series of versatile overlock and serger models to help keep your creative juices
flowing. www.BerninaUSA.com
Pfaff features a good selection of overlock machines, each with different performance ratings, equipment and accessories.
A Pfaff serger can partner with your sewing machine, by picking up where your sewing machine stops. www.PfaffUSA.com
If you love serging, you're likely to enjoy all the innovative features the Baby Lock serger line has to offer. www.BabyLock.com
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Guide to Sergers and Overlock Machines
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