Sergers….101, part 1

Sergers are one of my favorite things to use. Perhaps because they are a challenge. Perhaps because I like the results. Or in reality, its probably because it makes things easier, more professional looking and I feel like I am cheating when I use one.

Sergers, also called overlockers everywhere in the world except the US, are a machine of a different sort. If you mention their name, you often get a couple of reactions. Some sewists love them and smile excitedly. I’m really not talking to those people. Some will smile warily, as if to say, “Yes, I have one, but its gathering dust and I never really bonded with it.” Those individuals will also claim that you really don’t NEED one. And proceed to name off several friends and famous personalities that don’t use them also. Then there is a 3rd group. Those that say, “What? Oh you mean a sewing machine? Yeah, my mother had one.”

So why? Why do you need to put a serger on your wish list? Professional results, thats why. Unless you jet to Paris once a year for a fitting and to order your wardrobe from a couture fashion designer, please go get a garment or use the one you are wearing. Start with a t-shirt. Lift up the hem and look at the seams. See all that thread? Thats what a serger does. Have you ever made a t-shirt whose seams seemed to take on a life of their own? They rippled and wrinkled, no matter what you did? Yep, a serger will fix that issue for you. Now look at the hem. There are usually 2 lines of stitching on the top and a zig-zaggy thing underneath. This is a coverhem. Kind of like a serger and on higher end models you can find that stitch. Next, investigate a pair of jeans. See the line of stitching separated from the edge by serging? Thats called a 5-thread safety stitch and is an industry standard. Please feel free to take a moment to run to your closet and look at the inside of all of your garments, I’ll wait………

So now you think you want one. You are sitting there googling prices. You are thinking that you should sell your sewing machine and buy a serger and your husband will have no problems with this plan. Please stop thinking. A serger will NEVER replace a sewing machine, just like a microwave will not replace an oven. A serger will be a good addition to your sewing studio, but you still need a sewing machine because……

What a serger cannot do:

1. Go backwards, even to lock a stitch (I know, scratch your head, its a new way of thinking)
2. ZigZags. Nope, never.
3. Buttonholes (kind of goes with #2)
4. Stitch in the middle of fabric (like to put on a patch pocket)
5. Apply most decor
6. Zippers.
7. Make dinner or coffee (I’ve tried to train mine. Its been a failure, but I do have lots of chinese delivery menus)

Let me assure you that a well trained serger will change the way you sew. The way you look at sewing. I picture myself in The Sound of Music when I think about sergers. I love them that much.

I used to teach serger classes at a sewing machine store. I taught a LOT of serger classes. I’ve taught older ladies (and men), young mothers, teens, children, and everyone in between. I’ve designed and ran large workshops and helped people one-on-one. I can teach you how to train your serger to make you sing with delight.