There are different types of sewing machines. Every machine meant for a special purpose. As a sewing enthusiast you must have come across the serger and might be thinking about what is this and how it is different from a normal sewing machine. In this article, I will be talking about Serger and Sewing machines. The difference between a serger and a sewing machine.
If you are a professional seamstress, you need both sewing machine and serger for the work to be done. Serger and sewing machine are too much different from one another, of course they have little similarities also. Here in this post, we will discuss everything. We will talk about the differences and similarities between overlocker and sewing machine. You will get a brief idea about each one in this post.
What Is A Serger
Serger is a different type of sewing machine used for overcasting the fabric to prevent it from unravelling. Serger is also called Overlocker. In US it is called Serger. As per definition, a serger is a type of sewing machine which finishes the fabric edges also sew and trim the excess fabric simultaneously. It uses 3-8 cones of thread.
But if you see the example of overlock stitches then you will get some idea. The seams that you see in t-shirts are the type of seams that are made by sergers. Those garments that we buy from the stores, if you look at them then you can find the seam allowances are finished by a serger.
How Sergers Work
A serger works by combining three steps. First it trims the seam edge of the fabric, then stitches the seam. The last step is to overcast the fabric to prevent it from fraying.
Like the bobbins in sewing machines, sergers have loopers. The loopers are like small hooks, that loops the thread around the needle to form an overlock stitch. Each of the loopers have small holes at the end to insert the thread.
While sewing, the needle enters the fabric, forming a loop at the back of the needle. As the lower looper moves, the lower thread is carried through the needle thread. At the same time the lower looper goes under the fabric and catch the needle thread. Then both the threads interlock with each other.
Sergers have two knives that cut fabric before the needle from the stitch. Upper knife is disengaged knife means it is not locked and the lower one is attached. These knives trim the fabric from the stitch.
The threads used in serger is different from normal sewing machine. These are specially made form multiple thread stands. Serger thread is thinner than the all purpose thread. It 2-ply thread that means two threads twisted together.
Threading a serger is also different from a normal sewing machine. There are 4 threads to be threaded, for two loopers and 2 needles.
The overlockes also have 2 sets of feed dogs. Both the feed dogs move upward and downward along with the fabric under the presser foot. This ensures consistent, even and accurate stitches.
Some sergers also have differential feed mechanism, by which you can adjust the speed of the feed dogs. This enables the overlocker to handle different types of fabrics like stretchy and slippery fabrics.
What Is A Sewing Machine
Sewing machine is a machine which stitches fabrics with thread using needle. All of us know about the basic definition. But a sewing machine is much more than its definition. There are many types of sewing machine like industrial and domestic sewing machine. There many other varieties also.
How Does A Sewing Machine Work
A sewing machine stitches multiple layers of fabric using thread. This can be done in manual way like old days, also in computerized way like todays computerized electric sewing machines.
A sewing uses two threads, a top thread and a bobbin thread underneath the throat plate. It twist the two threads around each other and locks in the middle of the fabrics. Basically a sewing forms a lock stitch.
Difference Between a Serger and a Sewing machine
First note that serger and sewing machine are not same. They are different and made for different tasks. They are not interchangeable. Look wise they are so much different from each other.
Sewing machines use a single thread whereas serger has 3-4 threads.
A sewing machine can sew variety of stitches and designs like making buttonholes, topstitching, creating decorative stitching, or sewing zippers. But a serger can only do overlock stitch.
Sergers have knives to cut the fabric while sewing. But a sewing machine does not have this.
Sergers have much higher speed than the sewing machines. Even it has more speed than the industrial sewing machines.
Sergers sew only on the left side of the needle.
Sergers can perform multiple functions at a time like cutting the fabric edges and simultaneously stitching and overcasting the fabric edges. A sewing machine can’t finish the edges.
When To Use A Serger
A serger finishes the edges which prevents the fabric from fraying. This looks so neat and professional. You can use an overlock foot in your sewing machine. But that will not look professional.
There are some projects where you have to use a serger like rolled hems, sewing fabrics like stretchy, lace, silk and velvet. When you have less time and want to finish it early, you can use serger. You can also sew decorative stitches using a serger.
When To Use A Sewing Machine
When you have to do normal sewing, decorative stitches, zigzag and many more, you can use a sewing machine. A sewing can do every type stitching. You can finish a project using a sewing machine alone.
Can A Serger Replace A Sewing Machine
Absolutely no. There are so many things that a sewing machine can do and sergers can’t. Serger only sew overlock stitches. Whereas a serger can sew many variety of stitches. Sergers are only needed to finish the edge. If you are a beginner, you will buy a sewing machine first, not a serger.
Do You Need A Serger
If You are a beginner in sewing then I will recommend to buy a sewing machine. Because it will all your basic to advance sewing tasks. But, if you are intended to move your sewing work further, then you should invest in a serger. It will give a professional touch to your garments.
Conclusion
We have discussed really a lot about sergers and sewing machines in this post above. With the help of this article, you must have been able to differentiate between a serger and a sewing machine. This help you in deciding, if you need a serger or not.
