This was the only video I could came across that explained the differences between a serger and a sewing machine very clearly. I'm getting into making my own clothes, and I thought that a serger could do everything a sewing machine does and even more. Turns out a sewing machine is still needed because it can sew far away from the edge of the fabric, whereas a serger can't. So, a sewing machine is basically the most basic machine I would need, and then I can get a serger. Thank you so much!
Hi! I’m a total beginner sewer, but am in love with it already. I’m starting to take some sewing classes at my local sewing studio, and I watch many videos and have done some little fun projects on my sewing machine. However my ultimate goal is to be able to sew my own clothes, alter clothes, etc. So I really would like to get a serger. If I’m going to put money into buying a serger, what do you recommend? Do I buy the basic Brother serger? Or do you recommend investing in a higher-level one? I’m not planning on doing quantity, it’s just for personal use, but I plan on sewing for many years to come! Thanks for any suggestions!
Hi - I only have experience with Janome sergers (which I love!) but I have heard good things about the Brother sergers, they seem to be much better value than the entry level Brother sewing machines (which I would not recommend). Generally though, you do get what you pay for with sewing machines and sergers, and more expensive machines are usually more durable and less finicky.
You cannot do a top stitch with a serger but you can definitely do a zipper and blind hem or rolled hem and flat lock stitch to join fabric with the serger. The serger can also be used with 2 threads besides the 3 and 4 threads you mention.
You are right. This was intended to be a basic overview for beginners, so I did not go into detail about some of the other stitches it can do. I do think most zippers require top stitching, so while you could technically install one with a serger (if you skipped the top stitching), it would be much easier with a sewing machine and in most cases it would have a nicer finish. And while there are hemming options, I would not recommend them for a beginner.
I love 3 tier skirts with the seems out. That would need a clean professional seem, correct? Something a normal sewing machine couldn’t give me? Or is there a stitch I’m not visualizing? New to sewing 🧵! Thanks
Very useful, thank you. My sewing machine has broken. I have an old one that does straight stitch only, so was wondering if this might be a good addition since mostly I only use zig zag plus straight stitch. I think I still need a sewing machine after all as I do need to do zig zag away from the edge.
The purpose: I always thought the overlock stitch was meant to allow flexibility of the seam of stretchy knit fabrics, like on rugby shirts, polos, and tees. I thought this because this is the type of stitch I tend to see inside the side seams of those types of shirts, whereas I tend to see a pair of straight stitches on denim and other stiffer fabrics. Was I incorrect? Can I go ahead and use a straight stitch to tailor my knit-fabric shirts?
Sergers do work very well for creating stretchy seams, yes, but their main purpose is finishing the seams. When sewing stretchy knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine, you need to use a stretch stitch (not a regular straight stitch) - in this video I go over the different kinds of stretch stitches that you can use: ruclips.net/video/Fk604ObY7Xs/видео.html
Hi I’m thinking of investing in an serger for my Scrunchies. What would you suggest? Would it be good? I’ve got a sewing machine and very use to it but I find myself spending extra time cutting off fraying fabrics, or re-sewing parts of opening gaps. Please let me know 🥰
Personally I'm not sure I would use one for scrunchies - it makes the seams more bulky and it doesn't really save any time on a small fully enclosed item like that. You can use pinking shears to cut your fabric to reduce the fraying.
@@SewPDF thank you for that yeah after seeing a few videos of Scrunchies made with a serger it seemed to flattened the Scrunchies because of the bulk look along the seams. Glad I asked and did some research before investing in one 😊
Thank you! I have Singer 4423 machine. What's the best that I can do with it alter T Shirts and Pants that have stretch material? What settings do you recommend? Thank you :)
I can't help with advice on specific machines, but I do have a video that talks about the common settings on machines that can help with sewing stretch fabrics - ruclips.net/video/_ea7gT90r7w/видео.htmlsi=7ONthZJvofqmN6De
The vast majority of projects will need a sewing machine, and a swimsuit is definitely one of them. Sergers cannot hem or topstitch. You can get away with making something like a sweatshirt or joggers completely on a serger, but not much else. It's designed to be used only for seams, in combination with a sewing machine.
Yes, sergers are perfect for sewing seams on stretchy material! You will still need to hem on a regular machine though. Check out our video on hemming stretchy fabrics for help.
This was the only video I could came across that explained the differences between a serger and a sewing machine very clearly. I'm getting into making my own clothes, and I thought that a serger could do everything a sewing machine does and even more. Turns out a sewing machine is still needed because it can sew far away from the edge of the fabric, whereas a serger can't. So, a sewing machine is basically the most basic machine I would need, and then I can get a serger. Thank you so much!
You're very welcome, I'm glad it was helpful!
Newly subscribed. Now binge watching all videos. Thank you for answering my questions about sergers.
Awesome! Thank you! So glad I could help :)
Great video, informative, detailed, engaging. Thank you taking the time to create this content
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very informative video for beginners. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent explanation of a serger. Thank you
Glad it helped!
You answered all the questions I had and didn’t even know I had! Thank you for this very helpful video 🌸
You're so welcome!
Hi! I’m a total beginner sewer, but am in love with it already. I’m starting to take some sewing classes at my local sewing studio, and I watch many videos and have done some little fun projects on my sewing machine. However my ultimate goal is to be able to sew my own clothes, alter clothes, etc. So I really would like to get a serger. If I’m going to put money into buying a serger, what do you recommend? Do I buy the basic Brother serger? Or do you recommend investing in a higher-level one? I’m not planning on doing quantity, it’s just for personal use, but I plan on sewing for many years to come! Thanks for any suggestions!
Hi - I only have experience with Janome sergers (which I love!) but I have heard good things about the Brother sergers, they seem to be much better value than the entry level Brother sewing machines (which I would not recommend). Generally though, you do get what you pay for with sewing machines and sergers, and more expensive machines are usually more durable and less finicky.
You cannot do a top stitch with a serger but you can definitely do a zipper and blind hem or rolled hem and flat lock stitch to join fabric with the serger. The serger can also be used with 2 threads besides the 3 and 4 threads you mention.
You are right. This was intended to be a basic overview for beginners, so I did not go into detail about some of the other stitches it can do. I do think most zippers require top stitching, so while you could technically install one with a serger (if you skipped the top stitching), it would be much easier with a sewing machine and in most cases it would have a nicer finish. And while there are hemming options, I would not recommend them for a beginner.
Thank you . 🇯🇲. I was wondering if i would need the serger but now i know.
Glad I could help!
I love 3 tier skirts with the seems out. That would need a clean professional seem, correct? Something a normal sewing machine couldn’t give me? Or is there a stitch I’m not visualizing? New to sewing 🧵!
Thanks
Exposed seams, from what I have seen, are typically done on a serger.
Excellent 😊
Thanks for watching!
Very useful, thank you. My sewing machine has broken. I have an old one that does straight stitch only, so was wondering if this might be a good addition since mostly I only use zig zag plus straight stitch. I think I still need a sewing machine after all as I do need to do zig zag away from the edge.
Glad it helped!
The purpose: I always thought the overlock stitch was meant to allow flexibility of the seam of stretchy knit fabrics, like on rugby shirts, polos, and tees. I thought this because this is the type of stitch I tend to see inside the side seams of those types of shirts, whereas I tend to see a pair of straight stitches on denim and other stiffer fabrics. Was I incorrect? Can I go ahead and use a straight stitch to tailor my knit-fabric shirts?
Sergers do work very well for creating stretchy seams, yes, but their main purpose is finishing the seams. When sewing stretchy knit fabrics on a regular sewing machine, you need to use a stretch stitch (not a regular straight stitch) - in this video I go over the different kinds of stretch stitches that you can use: ruclips.net/video/Fk604ObY7Xs/видео.html
Thank you! Great tutorial
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! Would you use a serger or sewing machine for making sweatpants?
I would use a serger because it is faster, but sweatpants could be made on a sewing machine too :)
Thanks for the info. Awesome 👌.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you! Great video
Glad you liked it!
Hi I’m thinking of investing in an serger for my Scrunchies. What would you suggest? Would it be good? I’ve got a sewing machine and very use to it but I find myself spending extra time cutting off fraying fabrics, or re-sewing parts of opening gaps. Please let me know 🥰
Personally I'm not sure I would use one for scrunchies - it makes the seams more bulky and it doesn't really save any time on a small fully enclosed item like that. You can use pinking shears to cut your fabric to reduce the fraying.
@@SewPDF thank you for that yeah after seeing a few videos of Scrunchies made with a serger it seemed to flattened the Scrunchies because of the bulk look along the seams. Glad I asked and did some research before investing in one 😊
Great Video
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ordered a Serger today
@@SewPDF
Thank you! I have Singer 4423 machine. What's the best that I can do with it alter T Shirts and Pants that have stretch material? What settings do you recommend? Thank you :)
I can't help with advice on specific machines, but I do have a video that talks about the common settings on machines that can help with sewing stretch fabrics - ruclips.net/video/_ea7gT90r7w/видео.htmlsi=7ONthZJvofqmN6De
In order to stitch together an one-piece swimsuit, what would I need - a serger or a sewing machine?
The vast majority of projects will need a sewing machine, and a swimsuit is definitely one of them. Sergers cannot hem or topstitch. You can get away with making something like a sweatshirt or joggers completely on a serger, but not much else. It's designed to be used only for seams, in combination with a sewing machine.
Thank you!!
You're welcome!
Can I do also stretchy material, as I struggle endless.... 😢
Yes, sergers are perfect for sewing seams on stretchy material! You will still need to hem on a regular machine though. Check out our video on hemming stretchy fabrics for help.
Thank you!
You're welcome!