thinking of buying an overlocker/serger

[aegokocarat]

hay
i was browsing the internet and i thought about getting a surger, will it be useful to use with my sewing machine?
i am also going to call one of my mates who owns a surger to see what using one is like,
thanks in advance
Tom

 

[ironrite]

Babylock

Will it be useful? It depends on the type of sewing you are doing. Are you sewing a bunch of knits? Is speed in construction more important that finish? You'll find lots of opinions on when to use a serger and for what type of finish. You get a serger in addition to your sewing machine as they can cut and finish a seam at the same time. And they do that very quickly. There are some attachments you can buy for your sewing machine that will also cut fabric and you then use an overcast stitch to finish the raw edge. You can also use a serger to do decorative type stitching using pearl cotton, ribbon and metallic threads. I posted a thread awhile ago showing how I re-edged some frayed towels using my serger and wooly nylon thread.

 

Depending on your budget, look for the Babylock brand. They use an airjet threading system that will save you a lot of the hassle in threading a serger. See if your local shops carry used ones, that have been serviced and they will back them up and give you lessons. The thing that people hate about serging is changing threads, since you have at least 4 different thread paths. Some machines will do a cover stitch, usually found on the hem of your tee shirt or a chain stitch. Those have 5 thread paths.

 

With a regular serger you have to follow a specific threading order. If a thread breaks or the machine doesn't sew properly, you get to keep rethreading until you get it right. With the Babylock, the two looper threads and chain looper (if it has one) are threaded by pushing a button and a blast of air carries the thread through the mechanism.  If a thread breaks, you just rethread that one looper.

 

I have an Elna 945. When I thread it correctly it works like a dream. But if not, it is a nightmare. Which ever brand you decide to go with make sure the salesperson shows you the threading paths and how to thread it. I've found using a dental floss threader, makes threading much easier. Repairing a used serger, say bought at a second hand store can be expensive to fix.

 

[whirlcool]

A serger can put a professional look to clothing that you make yourself. We thought of getting one a few years ago, but the threading path looked like it would give me a nervous breakdown. That was good advice about the Babylock. I didn't know they were self threading.

I see they now make combination Sewing Machines/Sergers. Does anyone know about these?

 

[aegokocarat]

Babylock.............

machines are out of my budget and i do a lot of decorative items, throws, cushion covers, bags,ect
i am looking more along the lines of husqvarna viking huskylock series,
my mate has a surger so i will visit her and ask if she will tech me how to thread one up quickly and how to safely use it, i also looked at janome but as i rememberd the ones in my school unthread themselves even if they are correctly threaded.
i am getting mine from the same shop i got my sewing machine from, only difference is my was sold to my through amazon and dispatched by the company
Tom

http://www.sewessential.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?ProductID=43378

 

[ironrite]

New Language

Allen, I work part time selling sewing machines and sergers...guess what brand. I have had "ladies" come in and start four letter word cursing a blue streak about their serger. Many years ago I do recall a combination serger/sewing machine, but I don't believe there is a current one on the market. I think the old New Home brand made one. The Babylocks with the airjet are expensive, but considering the time it saves threading one, they are worth it. We occasionally get one in a trade and it goes out the door fast. The older airjets has a lever you would push that whooshed the thread through. Now there is an airpump and a button.

 

When I sew clothing I try for the felled seams and such and don't use a serger. I go with the felled seams and such. Though if it is a test pattern, I'll just serge the seams on those. Or if I am sewing a knit fabric, then they are great.

 

[aegokocarat]

well, all i can say is viking won me over with sewing machines and they have won me over with surgers too, a budget brand sold through aldi uk stores sold an overlock sewing machine at one point too

 

[bugsyjones]

I have a Pfaff Hobbylock 2.0.

It's a nice machine and the bottom stitch threading is kind of hard. But it has color-coded guides to tell you what thread goes where.

I only use it for one purpose. Stiching the fabric edges to prevent fraying. I don't use it for anything on the outside of the garment or for decorative use. This is a basic 'one needle, two thread' stitch.

I rarely if ever change threads. I run two big cones of black and thats it. If the raw edge is on the inside, it really doesn't matter anyway. It saves me from having to re-thread every time.

I definitely wouldn't have wanted such an expensive machine but it was a gift.

I have had no issues with thread breakage or operation. It runs smoothly and thread guides are color coded and easy to adjust.

~Tim J.

 

[jeb]

serger

I was once told that the serger is to the sewing room what the microwave is to the kitchen. JEB

 

[launderess]

Have A Bernina Five Thread Serger

Haven't used it as much as one thought one would (purchased to run up laundry and other types of sacks/bags), but it works a treat.

Many vintage and modern sewing machines have serger (more accurately overlock)feet, but the effect varies and IMHO is nothing like a true separate unit.

Depending upon how many threads (two, three or five) a serger will cut and do a three thread overlock stitch. This is a very tight, firm and strong stitch for seams such as found on jeans, cushion covers, and so forth.

Sergers are also good for running up knits and swim wear, anything where you want flat seams.

To get the most use out of serger you have to really become comfortable with the thing.

Many units will run quite fast, much faster than a sewing machine and that scares some sewers. Then there is the dreaded "T" word; threading.

It took me almost an entire day, one bottle of gin, hundreds of swear words, grey hairs and so forth before I finally got my five thread Bernette threaded. Now that it's done whatever is being sewn will used those same colors, PERIOD. Am not going though that again in any hurry.

A good tip I learned rearding threading sergers: when needing to change a color and or at the end of a spool of thread do not unthread the machine.

Instead cut off a good length of the old thread, then tie it with a good firm knot to the new thread and *gently* pull from the needle end. If you are careful and lucky you will be able to swap out the old thread quite easy without having to resort to totally rethreading from scratch.

 

[ironrite]

Viking

Tom, if you like Viking, see if your shop may have a used 910 or 936 serger. Those were pretty good units, two speeds and the 936 will do the cover stitch. I used to sell Viking as well until I jumped ship.

 

Launderess, I laughed when I saw your post. Yes, just like my customers! I forgot, gin also helps in setting up a machine as well as the language. Most people get very frustrated with threading. It actually does become easier once you do it many times.

 

[whirlcool]

Michael:

Thanks for the overview of the serger. There is no better advice than from someone who knows their business!