Different model sergers can make ruffles, rolled hems, chain stitches, cover stitches, and other decorative stitches. You can use a serger to finish edges on pieces like silk scarves or anything that needs neat and delicate yet strong edges. The flat, raw-edge-seam-allowance-encased seams produced by sergers eliminate thick, unattractive lines as well as bulk produced by seam lines in projects made with sheer and heavy fabrics. Versatility is another advantage of sergers, which can handle delicate fabrics like silk, satin, chiffon, and organza, as well as heavy materials such as denim, upholstery fabrics, and more. You also can stitch elastic directly onto stretchy fabric to make waistbands and the like. Using a serger to sew clothes made of thin stretchy fabrics, like spandex or Lycra (e.g., swimsuits, dancewear, workout gear), allows for attractive topstitching that looks good, reinforces the seam, yet still lets the fabric expand and move. The resulting seam is not only professional-looking, but also strong, durable, and stretchy.īecause sergers produce stretchable seams, they are great for working with woven or knit fabric without compromising elasticity. How? Sergers secure and finish seams by stitching fabric pieces together, trimming the seam allowance, and enclosing the raw edges - all in one step. With a serger, you can give homemade sewing projects a neat and sturdy finish, quickly and easily. Although my sewing machine has an overlock stitch function, what I really need is a serger (also known as an overlock machine) - a tool that doesn't replace but complements a regular home sewing machine.
![bernette 800d serger bernette 800d serger](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/518UbaNOt8L._AC_SL1000_.jpg)
![bernette 800d serger bernette 800d serger](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/SZkvBN88wK8/maxresdefault.jpg)
But what they lack are finished seams, like those in well-made, store-bought garments. Items I make have adequate seams with raw edges that I trim and press. Since learning to use a sewing machine in middle school, I've enjoyed creating homemade costumes and clothes - even my wedding dress.