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Conversational Threads

Reasons to buy a serger?

jatman | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I have a Bernette 80e and it does more stitches than any other sewing machine I’ve ever had before.  However, I’ve had a few problems with it with regard to sewing well doing overlock stitches on knits and sewing through layers of denim.  I’m not entirely sure the problem isn’t me since this is a relatively new machine for me. 

That being said, could someone tell me what the advantages of having a serger are if you have a machine that does a lot of stitches?

Any input I can get would be greatly appreciated!

JT

 


Edited 10/26/2006 11:26 am ET by jatman

Replies

  1. Susan -homedecsewing | | #1

    Sit down and test drive a serger at the sewing machine store. I'm an old dog who 8 years ago thought I'd never need , use or be able to thread a serger, all wrong thoughts, and after you try one you will see how fun it can be.Professional results are rewarding.

    1. jatman | | #2

      Thank you for the advice.  I think that the professional results are a real incentive.  What kind of serger do you currently have?  Are the results professional enough to warrant the cost if I've got a machine that does do a lot of different stitches?  I guess I'm unsure of just exactly what a serger is capable of and that is probably the best reason to go test drive one!  Again, thank you!

      JT

       

      1. Susan -homedecsewing | | #3

        I have several different machines, my favorite serger is my Viking. But I've had a White and a New Home and a Singer. When threading I can usually get away with tieing the top new threads to the old at the spools and pull them thru.I have a computerized machine with tons of stitches, including the overcast, but it is nothing in comparison to what a sergers results would be.A serger stitches, trims the edge and binds the edges and does it smooth and really fast. you can gather, make rolled hems, and probably lots more if you bother to read the manual,which I must admit I don't till I have a problem!Hope this answers your questions . What type of sewing do you do? I've been a seamstress of all kinds, from boat covers,awnings,leatherwork to wedding gowns and everything in between until I found my passion,which is now home dec. You can see some of my work at http://www.homedecsewing.com I'd love to hear any comments . thanks Susan

        1. jatman | | #4

          Oh Susan, you do beautiful work!  How did you learn to do such things?  My sewing is mostly clothes for myself.  I sewed (a little) as a teenager and once I grew up and started working I found it easier to just buy clothes and not make them.  My husband took an overseas assignment (Sweden) and I'm here for the next two years and not working.  I decided that sewing would be a good thing to get back into while I'm here and went and bought a Bernina 80e machine.  So far I've had fun with it but I occasionally have issues with the machine and I really think the problem is more me than the machine.  I'm not sure that I actually need a serger for what I do but I am finding that the more professional the results, the more inspired I get to not buy things but instead make them.  I get a kick out of making an item that is just as pretty on the inside as the outside, not to mention one of a kind.  Thank you for sending me your website - I enjoyed looking!

          JT

          1. Susan -homedecsewing | | #5

            thank you for your opinion,its nice to hear. Actually I learned to sew in 7th grade, and I guess its a gift from God that I taught myself how to do what I do .My Father was a self employed electrician and my Mother an artist,they both died very early in my life, but blessed me with their talents for creativity, and I am truly grateful for that.Wow Sweden how wonderful to see the world, you can be inspired there for sure I'll bet.Sewing is a dying art,although you wouldn't know it from this great forum.But each and everyone of us is important to each other for insight and knowledge that we share.Good luck with your sewing adventure, I used to love to create one of a kind pieces, and you will too ! I'm 51 years old , and you don't Have To have a serger, but it couldn't hurt.Sweden, thats where they make my favorite sewing machines,Huskavarna maybe you can find a nice used one to start.Thanks again for the compliment.I ve been told we are more than what we do,but it is certainly a big part of my selfworth.Nice talking to you, Susan

          2. jatman | | #6

            Nice talking with you, too!  Thank you for the advice and I'm sure I'll be bumping into you again around here!

            JT

  2. ctirish | | #7

    JT, I have a Bernina 800D and a Babylock Evolve. I bought the Bernina first and had such a time threading and getting the tension correct I stopped using it.  I bought the Evolve and loved it and now after learning how to use a serger in general I can use the Bernina too. But my Evolve will always be my favorite. It is so easy to thread and you have a book with all of the settings for whatever you want to sew. They make several different sergers with the jet-air threading. I do use my Bernina, but I usually set it up to do either a 3 or 4 thread overlock or a rolled hem and leave it. The Evolve does a cover stitch and it is a wonder. If you really want clothing to look like RTW then invest in one that does a cover stitch. I agree with Susan though definitely try out different machines they each have there own feel and way of doing things. A good dealer won't rush you in your trying out of the machine or your decision.

    If I had it to do over again, I would spend a year taking classes using all of the different machines I was considering before I spend the money.  This is because I am not the type of person you does or can afford to upgrade my machine every 5-8 years. Although the advances in technology these days with sewing machines is great. My sewing machine is 5 years old and already I feel like it is out of date. I had my last sewing machine 30 years before I replaced it in 2001 and that was because I wanted an embroidery machine too.

    jane

    1. jatman | | #8

      Hi Jane!  Thank you for the advice.  Oddly enough the problem I've had with my Bernina sewing machine has had to do with the tension.  I also went over to http://www.patternreview.com and checked out the reviews for my machine and the two reviewers there had also had the same problem.  One of them pinpointed the issue perfectly and now I will not have to take the machine back to the store to talk to them about it.  What a great resource both the Threads and Pattern Review websites are!  Before I buy another Bernina I will take a look at Babylock and Viking for sure!  Thank you for your input!

      JT

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