Can You Use A Serger For Regular Sewing
Using a serger for regular sewing work will be an excellent choice as it will get the job done efficiently. The sewing machine uses many threads to seam distinct and overcast the raw edges.
Sergers are effectively used for finishes, constructions, and sometimes for both. This might involve around 2 or 8 threads. It depends on the model and makes of the serger and the chosen stitch.
Through this article, you will learn about the things you can do with a serger when it comes to regular sewing. You will learn about everything right from the most remarkable techniques to the tools you need while using the serger.
Can You Use A Serger For Regular Sewing?
Contents
- Can You Use A Serger For Regular Sewing?
- How To Use A Serger For Regular Sewing
- Thread Options Available For A Serger
- Tools Required For The Serger And Your Regular Sewing Projects
- Is It Possible To Do All The Stitching Jobs With A Serger?
- Which machine is the best? Regular sewing machine or serger?
- Parting Thoughts
Yes, you can use a serger for regular sewing. Rather, it would be an excellent choice as that will get the job done efficiently. The sewing machine uses many threads to seam distinct and overcast the raw edges.
How To Use A Serger For Regular Sewing
Sewing with a serger is pretty simple and easy. You have to follow a few steps to use a serger smoothly. Check below!
Step 1: Threading The Serger
Turn off the machine
Before you start using the serger, you need to first place the threads on it. To do so, you must switch off the machine. Find where the power button is located and turn it off.
Determine the proper threading order
All sergers are not the same. Some have four spools thread others have two or three spools. So, before using the machine, you first decide its threading order.
Install a spool of thread on the upper looper
The upper looper of the serger is located on the right-hand side of the sewing machine. Make sure to set up a spool of thread for the right set of the spindle for this one.
Thread the top looper
Pull the thread of the upper looper so that it’s below the needle. Remove the faceplate of the machine. After that, pull the metal loops right underneath the plate.
The serger will carry a color-coded guide, which will aid you in threading up the upper looper.
Thread up the bottom looper
Place the spool of thread on the second spindle and then bring it over the front of the serger. You can use tweezers to get the line through the tight spots of the sewing machine.
Thread the needles
After you have set the threads on the spindle, the next thing you need to do is bring it to the front of the serger. Put the thread right through the needles or needle on the sewing machine.
Step 2: Adjusting The Serger
Switch on the serger
When it comes to adjusting the sewing machine tension, you need to switch on the device.
Decide the type of stitch you want
Sewing machines like the serger have the power to do various things, such as gather fabric, create a rolled hem, and finish the raw knit edges. For such reasons, you need first to decide the stitch you want to obtain your desired results.
Adjust the tension dial of each spool
Once you have decided the type of stitch you want, you need to adjust the tension dial of each spool of thread. You will find the required tension mentioned for all the spools on the manual book of the machine.
Conduct a practice stitch
Everything is all in place, and you must place a fabric underneath the needles to test out the stitch. Put your foot on the machine pedal, and it will make a looped thread.
Investigate the loop thread
By taking a look at the manual book, you will get an idea of how exactly the stitches will turn out on a serger. The interlocking and loop stitches will be even without the areas that are too loose or even.
So, if the stitches are way too loose, try adjusting the tension dial right next to the spool of thread on the serger to make it tighter. On the other hand, if the fabric gets bunched up, loosen up the tension dial.
Try practicing on scrap fabric
Look for a piece of cloth or scrap fabric and test out the stitch. You must constantly test out the stitches until they are even.
Step 3: Finishing Of The Seams
Lift the needles and the presser foot
Lift the presser foot lever so that you can lift the metal pressure foot. After that, turn the needle dial towards you and lift the needles.
Push the fabric under the foot and needle
When you slide fabric underneath the needle and the foot, you must lift the practice string.
Lower down the needles and the foot
To lower the presser foot, you must reduce the presser lever and turn the needle dial towards you to drop it for the needles.
Cut out the edges of the fabric
The serger will cut the fabric and finish the seams at the same time. You will find the seam allowance number located on the right side of the needle and push the material through the blade.
This might be around 1.5cm to 2.5cm as it depends on the seal allowance you use to measure the material or the fabric.
Guide and sew the fabric under the needle
Take the help of the foot pedal so that you have reasonable control over the speed. Don’t try to push the fabric much, and make sure to keep the material straight. The feet of the serger will help in moving the fabric.
Make a tail of stitches
Keep sewing to obtain a few more stitches right at the end of the seam so that you make a tail of stitches. You can either hand-sew or tuck the bottom of stitches at their place.
Thread Options Available For A Serger
There are many thread options available for a serger. You will get the chance to make various stitches and obtain different outcomes with the number of threads you utilize with this sewing machine.
Below listed are some of the thread options you check out.
1. 2-4 Thread Serger
The 2-4 thread serger has the power to conduct a safety stitch along with a 2-thread overlock stage. The two threads are for all the operations. You will also get the chance to use the machine to stitch separately.
2. 5 Thread Serger
The serger with five thread options stands out as the most expensive among all the others. It comes with all the seaming abilities that you need. Three of the threads are utilized for the overlocked edge.
The rest of the two threads stands out for the straight seam line. This is something you come across on ready-mades that comes with an overlocked edge with a straight seam carrying a chain stitch.
So, when you are doing some production work, the machine will terminate the need for switching between machines for a seam finish and a strong seam.
3. 3-4 Thread Serger
You will also come across sergers that work with 3 or 4 threads. Any one of the threads will have a seam with stretch abilities. But the four-thread seam will deliver a more substantial and broader seam.
The three-four thread sergers also carry a roll hem ability by changing the throat plate. When it comes to the rolled hem, the serger moves towards the edge of the fabric and the underside.
After that, the machine encloses the entire edge with thread. The four-three thread seam is also dubbed as the mock safety stitch. It carries plenty of strength of the seam created through a safety stitch.
Tools Required For The Serger And Your Regular Sewing Projects
When you buy the serger, crucial products, such as oil, screwdrivers, and thread nets, will come with it. But the oil that you get for your serger is not the same, which you use for the regular machine, and they are not interchangeable.
Apart from those items, you need several others for the serger and your stitching work. They are:
- Stiletto or awl.
- Wonder clips.
- Clear elastic.
- Sharp tweezers.
- Tapestry needles.
Is It Possible To Do All The Stitching Jobs With A Serger?
Even though people can complete 100% of all the projects through the serger, it’s not possible to replace this sewing machine with the regular one.
It’s because you will still need the help of the standard sewing machine to sew the buttonholes, facings, topstitching, zippers, and many more. These are something, which you cannot do through a serger.
Which machine is the best? Regular sewing machine or serger?
The expectations of all the buyers vary greatly, no matter the machine they purchase. It will be much better to take some time out and learn more about the machines and what’s currently on the market.
Doing so will enable you to decide which machine is the right one for you. Using a serger will provide you with a brand-new experience. If the dealer is providing lessons, make sure to take advantage of them.
It will help you learn how to use the machines and their capabilities. Also, you can check out the books available on the market about them to get some idea.
Parting Thoughts
Sergers or overlockers have become quite popular in today’s era. They offer an innovative and easy way to do sewing or stitching on fabrics or materials without any issues.
With a serger, you can add plenty of strength to the seam, especially on children’s clothing.
Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years.
I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills.
It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.
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