For what do you use a Serger?

[lmariana]

Okay, so I've been sewing for several years now, and I'm thinking of getting a Serger for my birthday. This is probably a totally lame question, but for what types of sewing projects to you opt for a Serger over a standard machine?

Right now, I can only think of sewing cloth baby wipes or diapers, which would be worth it enough for me...but I want to get really good use out of it.

So, share your Serger projects with me and talk me into getting one. :)

Mariana
Owner of HappyDayBaby
Mom to Gabe, 8/03
www.heinzandmariana.com





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[ellies mom]

You can use the serger to finish up the seams you made with your regular sewing machine. It makes them narrower and and gives it a more professional look. Depending on the seam you can use your serger instead. Technically you can use it for decorative stitching, but I don't care for the look. It is also supposed to be good for knits. I have to be honest, I havne't used mine in years, so I don't know it very well. I have a booked called "The Complete Serger Handbook" by Chris James. It has a lot of good ideas and techniques.

[Mikesa3]

Sergers are great.I bought a Brother one from Walmart a few years ago for about $300. I've used mine to serge the edge of flannel to make baby blankets. I've use it to make pants,skirt,drawstring bags,tote bags,pillows and curtains. They make such a nice looking seam.Also if you serge the edge before hemming you don't have to turn the edge under. My serger can't do hems but I know the better ones can do a hem like the ones used on t-shirts. I had to make my dd a skirt for a play she was in.It had a very full skirt and I was running late making it so instead of sewing a regular hem I used a darker thread and just serged it.It was so fast. Get one,you'll love how professional the seams look.:-)
Nancy-Mom to 6 great kids

[m448]

yup a serger is an awesome investment. After I got mine (a kenmore lay in thread type) I've only used my sewing machine for hems, zippers and buttons. I do the bulk of my garment construction on the serger and aside from the better more finished seam, the speed of a serger is amazing compared to a sewing machine. Also, most good sergers have differential feed which helps avoid curled up knits seams.

Mine also does a rolled hem but I prefer to do this (for fine fabrics) on my sewing machine. Oh and I forgot I can flatlock on this one as well. Regarding hemming (that two thread hem that looks like a serger seam on the inside) you'd need a coverstitch machine. Those are pricier and you can ONLY do a coverhem on those.