The A – Z Of Serger Vs Sewing Machine
As a beginner in sewing, you may be wondering how a serger and a sewing machine vary. Knowing the differences between these two might help you pick which one to add in your sewing arsenal.
As with everything, there are pros and cons to using either equipment. You’ll save more time, though, since the serger is newer and more sophisticated. A sewing machine, on the other hand, is more user-friendly.
We’ll look at the benefits of using a serger sewing machine instead of a sewing machine today. This guide will assist you in determining which equipment is most suited to your requirements.
Table of Contents
An Overview of Sewing Machines
In a matter of seconds, a sewing machine can stitch a variety of different fabrics together. As a result, we’ve been able to free up hours each day.
During the industrial revolution, Thomas Saint was the first to develop the sewing machine in 1790. Sewing machines have had an enormous effect on the globe since then.
When it was initially introduced, it was only able to sew one particular design. However, as time went on, the contemporary sewing machine became more efficient at wasting time. Electric sewing machines, like the ones we use today, offer a broad variety of features and capabilities.
An Overview of serger sewing machines
A serger sewing machine is also known as an overlock machine. When sewing with a serger machine, instead of utilizing a straight stitch, the machine employs an overlock stitch to bind the cloth together instead.
Three or four separate threads are used in an overlock stitch, which explains why there are spools on top of the machine. Using this stitch, the cloth takes on a majestic but ominous aspect. Cutting the material for you as you go along is also a time-saver thanks to the built-in blade.
The biggest benefit of sewing using a serger machine is that it creates a stitch that is very long-lasting. Almost every seam on a commercial garment will work with the overlock stitch, as you can see above.
If you look closely at the inside of your sleeve, you should notice a honeycomb-like pattern of stitching. It takes longer for this overlock stitch to unravel, due to the many threads used in its creation. Normal use and several washing are not a problem for this garment.
Most garment companies use industrial sergers to make the items you wear on a daily basis. Despite being a little machine, a serger is capable of producing a strong stitch that works swiftly and effectively.
Stretchy fabrics benefit from this sort of stitch. It’s almost always on your favorite sweatshirt or pair of yoga trousers. This machine is ideal if you want quilt a blankets, clothing, or any other fabric to have an industrial feel.
The difference between sewing machine and serger
Since it has been around for a very long time, the sewing machine has become much more popular. Because you’re probably already familiar with the features of a regular sewing machine, let’s focus on what a serger is and how it works.
An overlock sewing machine, commonly known as a serger, is a kind of specialised sewing machine that is used to create overlock stitches. When you use a serger, you’ll find that the edges are much more pleasing to the eye to look at. Even if you didn’t understand the benefit, it would seem incomplete and unprofessional. If you didn’t do this, the cloth would fray over time.
Sergers use anywhere from three to eight thread cones at a time to wrap the thread around the edge of the cloth in order to prevent fraying. The majority of sewers use a Singer serger with five cones.
Three to four cones of thread are typically used by the most common sergers. The majority of the time, while sewing with a sewing machine, you just use one thread, or two if you’re using a double needle.
Because it allows you to loop numerous threads together, a serger provides a more professional and durable stitch than a sewing machine. A blade is included that cuts off the seam allowance while it sews, and to avoid fraying, the threads are locked around the seam while it is sewing. It’s also possible to switch off the blade anytime you want.
One of the most impressive aspects of the serger is its speed. 1700 threads per minute is the maximum speed it can achieve while trimming seam allowances and enclosing raw edges.
The Serger and the Sewing Machine Have Many of the Same Features
A serger, on the other hand, can execute many of the same duties as a sewing machine, which is rather exciting. Here are a few illustrations:
- It has the ability to collect cloth.
- It is capable of piping in a tidy manner.
- It is capable of creating a thin rolled hem.
In comparison to the serger, there are some advantages to using a sewing machine
As we go on in our study about serger sewing machine vs sewing machine, we will make an effort to shed light on the benefits of using a sewing machine. So far, you’ve gained an understanding of the foundations of both a sewing machine and a serger. Let’s take a look at how sewing machines may obstruct the usage of serging machines.
Ensuring the Sewer’s Proper Freedom
There is no way to lose sight of the sewing machines since they must be used appropriately by their operators. As a consequence, this particular job component is more efficient than the others in terms of productivity. You have total control over your workpiece and have the ability to make changes anytime you want (also during sewing).
Simple to Understand Even for Newbies
If you’re new to the sector, you’ll find it considerably more user-friendly than the majority of other types of sewing machines on the market. A short course can teach you all you need to know about how to use a sewing machine properly in a short amount of time.
Portable and requires no electricity (In Non-Electric Sewing Machines)
The majority of sewing machines use electricity, although some may be powered purely by hand. Due to its smaller size, it does not need any power to operate.
Workplace Adaptability
Sewing machines enable you to achieve any work that you set out to do with your hands. You may also notice any inaccurate lines in the work and fix them as soon as possible as well.
It Is Simple To Use
The fact that a sewing machine is simple to use is the most important feature to consider. Sewing machines are widely used in all nations. Everyone must have come into contact with at least one sewing machine over their lives. It’s quite easy to use. That is one of the reasons why it has gotten so much traction in such a short period of time.
The advantages of using a Serger as follows:
We will try to shed light on the advantages of a serger machine at this stage of the discussion of serger machine vs sewing machine. To illustrate how a serger stacks up against a sewing machine in terms of points, consider the following.
It is ideal for industrial applications
When it comes to the manufacturing industry, time is money. They constantly replace their old sewing machines with new ones in order to prevent having a substantial influence on their productivity. It will save time and labor in this business, which is a plus.
Of course, enough training will be necessary in order to attain the greatest possible results. What’s more, guess what? That is really worth the effort.
It’s less difficult to get the finishing line exactly where you want it
When you use sergers, you will be able to get the precise finish line. The side seams of sergers have been refined to a degree that the sewing machine will never be able to achieve.
The Advantage of Cutting
Say “goodbye” to your scissors for the rest of your life. Cuts may now be made wherever they are needed thanks to the built-in cutting mechanism. Probably the most significant advantage is that you can quickly and simply cut and sew both sides at the same time. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have a good time.
Increased efficiency in operations
Due to the fact that it can handle many threads at the same time, the serger is much quicker than a regular sewing machine, as you have surely seen. It also does not need the use of physical labor in order to operate. In addition, it will save you time that would have otherwise been wasted throughout the cutting procedure.
Increased Efficiency and Effectiveness
In a matter of seconds, a serger will provide you with the most effective method for cutting and putting your garments together. It has the capability of cutting and sewing clothing at the same time.
It requires less time to complete
Sewing machines take a long time to use since you must label, cut, and sew everything by hand. When it comes to doing several tasks at the same time, the server is the superior choice.
What were the results of the experiment? The benefits of switching from a standard sewing machine to a serger are immediately apparent.
A Professional Appearance
The level of competitiveness in the current market is not fixed in stone. It has been progressively rising in recent years. In order to keep up with all of these new clothing and ideas, you will need a serger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is it possible to use a serger for normal sewing?
Despite the fact that a serger can do certain tasks in their entirety, it nevertheless falls short of fully replacing a traditional sewing machine. Faces, zippers, topstitching, buttons, etc. will still need a standard sewing machine. This can’t be done using a serger.
Is it Necessary to Have Both a Serger and Sewing Machine?
The two items are not required to be purchased together, particularly if you are a novice. It is true, however, that many jobs may be completed without the use of a serger if you simply have a sewing machine. When a result, you’ll need a good main sewing machine, and a serger will be something you add as you gain experience and find a need for its features.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a serger, keep the following points in mind:
If you’re a beginner seamstress, spend some time becoming acquainted with your machine and the foundations of sewing. In the future, you may choose to make an investment in a high-quality one.
If you deal with a lot of knits, a serger will help you complete your tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Having a serger is vital if you want to sell clothing or other items since it allows you to finish the edges and give your products a more professional look.
Overlock foot attachments are included with most standard sewing machines.
The majority of customers are pleased with the level of completed edges they are able to create. Others, on the other hand, contend that an overlock attachment cannot provide a stitch that is as durable as a serger stitch created by several looping threads.
What can a serger achieve that a sewing machine cannot?
The overlock stitch used by a serger, also known as an overlocker, is not available on sewing machines. This overlock stitch and professional-grade binding for cloth are made using three or more thread sources.
Is it possible to straight stitch using a serger?
Because many sewing jobs need straight stitches, a serger cannot replace a traditional sewing machine. The primary functions of a serger are the joining of seams and the prevention of fraying of materials. The complete seam may fray along with the fabric’s edges if you merely use a serger to attach two elements together.
Is it difficult to learn how to operate a serger for the first time?
Soon, your serger is going to be one of your sewing room’s best-loved equipment! Use it, and you’ll be amazed with how much faster and more professional your completed products will seem!
Conclusion
Sewing terminology might be difficult for beginners to grasp. Trying to weigh the pros and cons of a serger vs. a sewing machine may quickly become complicated. An affordable sewing machine can help you pique the attention of a wide range of customers.
To avoid overspending, keep in mind that the best sewing machines may be rather pricey. The cost of a serger is more than the convenience it provides, but that’s a little price to pay.
