Serger Sewing Machines

What is a Serger Sewing Machine?

Serger sewing machines are very different from a conventional Sewing Machines.  They are interesting machines in that they sew, cut the fabric, and bind the seam all in one step.  They are amazing machines that create a beautiful, professional looking seam.

A serger requires four spools of thread to sew the seam.  The four parts of the serger that require the thread are:

• Upper looper
• Lower looper
• Right needle
• Left needle

It is the upper and lower looper that do the actual binding on the seam.

Here is a picture of what a typical serger seam looks like:

  You can see this seam is neat and clean.  There is no fraying or large open seam to look at.

   A serger is epecially wonderful when you're using fabrics such as satin, linings, and wools because the ends will fray.  The serger locks in the fabric making a beautiful, clean seam.

This type of binding can also be used for hems.  Instead of turning the fabric under the 1/4", you can serge the hem then turn it up and finish hemming the garment.  It gives a professional look.

Another type of stitch that I use with my serger is called a rolled hem.  Instead of pressing up 1/4" then pressing the hem and sewing, the serger will create a decorative rolled hem.  For example, you wil see here I rolled the hem of a table runner I made:

 In this project, I used matching thread to roll the hem.  Sometimes it's fun to use a contrasting color to create interest.  Christmas projects are great to use a color thread that doesn't match the fabric.  It adds a different dimension and increases the creative look on the project.

Sergers are great machines.  One precaution, however.  It is sometimes difficult to adjust the tensions.  This can get frustrating.  But, if you follow the manufacturers suggestions, you are in for a fun experience.