What about that stitch with two rows of topstitching and the serged look inside? You may be surprised to find out that a serger and an overlocker machine are the same! You can’t tell for sure which one to choose by just browsing the internet and comparing several options. The stitch eccentric and stitch width between the two is not the same. Serger vs Coverstitch: The Serger / Overlocking Machine. They have limited functions hence can’t be used as a replacement to typical sewing machines. This is the main stitch you buy a serger for. Can a Serger Replace My Regular Sewing Machine? Using a double-needle on a sewing machine will have the same appearance, but it will not have the same stretch capability that a serged seam will have. This can involve as few as two or as many as eight threads depending on the make and model of the overlocker … As with almost anything you purchase, the more you spend, the more options you will have. They all perform the function of finishing stitches and attaching cloth pieces together. They help make the experience of the typical seamster pleasurable and a bit less demanding. Again, the more you spend, the more options you will have. A machine with differential feed gives you more options. When choosing, always make sure you do a thorough research to be able to locate the perfect machine for you. This machine is also known as a serger. This is the finish you find on some cuffs and seams that appear to be double-needle topstitched. When working with a single layer of woven fabrics, you can "speed up the feed" to create a ruffle. That means, with a serger, a seamster have more sewing options and can perform multiple tasks at once as compared to when they are using an overlock machine. In terms of terms of functionality a serger and overlook machine are practically the same. It cuts the raw edge of your fabric, making it neat, and then loops thread over the edges to stop the fabric from fraying. All Rights Reserved. ; It can be used for knits (stretchy fabric) and wovens (non-stretchy fabric). It is a special sewing machine. Your email address will not be published. ← Top 7 Features to Look When Buying a Serger, Five Reasons Why You Should Invest in A Serger →. It is important to note that a serger or overlocker does not replace a sewing machine. Based on the number of stitches a sewing machine has, it will be able to create edges with varying dense and quality. Sergers tend to have more stitches per inch than overlock machines. The right kind of overlock or serger machine will not only better your sewing experience but also help you sew decorative and stronger edged finishes on your outfits. Although some projects can be done 100 percent on a serger, a serger cannot replace a regular sewing machine. You can create different stitches and different results with the number of threads you use on the serger. Sergers also get very fancy and cut your seams for you. When you are working with knits, you can adjust the feed, to obtain the same results that you would with an even feed foot on your regular machine. An overlocker (or serger) is a type of sewing machine that uses multiple threads to seam fabric while also overcasting to cover raw edges. It does make life much easier on many of today's fabrics and it adds a lot of strength to many seams, especially children's clothing. However, when talking of the technicality part, there is a huge difference between these two sewing machines. It joins 2+ pieces of fabric together to create a seam. A serger trims the seam and encloses the seam allowance or edge of the fabric, inside a thread casing, all in one step. It all depends on the particular brand and the quality of the machine you buy. Since sergers have more stitch width and eccentric, they normally create edges with better strength and quality. A serger specializes in knitting edges of a cloth to give neat and professional finish. Take the time to learn about what is on the market. The fact that an overlock machine has fewer spools of threads mean that they include lesser number of options when it comes to decorative sewing. What is an overlocker sewing machine? So many options are available when it comes to overlock and sergers. A serger (also known as an overlocker) is a machine that sews an overlock stitch. This stitch is called a cover stitch. The feed on overlock machines and sergers isn’t the same as well. A serger performs an overlocking … What this means is that if you want to be creating more solid and dense edges, you should consider buying a serger over an eccentric machine. Your email address will not be published. Overlock stitches. ; An overlock … A serger is not required equipment to sew. By using The Spruce Crafts, you accept our. The Spruce Crafts uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. A serger is the term used for this machine in the USA while other places in the World such as Europe and Australia use the term overlocker. Sergers are available with various thread use options. Required fields are marked *. It is common to find some overlock machines with a better feed than sergers and vice versa. As with any machine purchase, all of our expectations vary. Copyright © 2020 Serger World. They do so by binding together fabrics with overlock stitches. If your dealer offers lessons, take advantage of them, to learn how to use all the machines capabilities. Debbie is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who wrote sewing content for over 18 years for The Spruce Crafts. A 2-4 thread serger: This machine has the capabilities of a true safety stitch and a two-thread overlocked edge.Two threads are used on each operation and you can use the machine to create each stitch separately from the other. You must dig deep into researching the particulars and features of your preferred serger or overlock machine. Get DIY project ideas and easy-to-follow crafts to help you spruce up your space. Based on the number of stitches a sewing machine has, it will be able to create edges with varying dense and quality. Serger vs Overlock. Decide what is best for you. The options are not the same on all sergers. Sergers tend to have more stitches per inch than overlock machines. An overlock machine works by joining cloth edges using an overlock … It will help you create neater, more professional-looking items. You will still need a regular machine for facings, zippers, topstitching, buttonholes, etc. A serger cannot do this job. To everyone who is new to sewing arts, here are several important pointers to help you know the difference between a serger and overlock machine. Sewing machines play a pivotal role in every project, but sergers … A serger and overlock machine are both niche based sewing machines. Two, Three, Four, and Five Thread Serger Stiches, What You Need to Know to Sew Knits and Stretchy Fabric, Controlling Frayed Fabric That Unravels as You Sew, How to Sew a Collar and Cuffs for a Clown Costume, Gathering Fabric - Sewing Techniques to Gather Fabric, Sewing Machine Operation Instructions and Basics, Everything You Need to Sew a Perfect Seam, Sewing Machine Stitches: Which Stitch to Use and When. The width and density of the stitching are two of the many variables available on a serger. While the two have same number of two needles, they don’t have similar number of spools of thread. Always take time to find a reputable dealer who specializes in selling top brands of overlock and sergers. Americans generally refer to these as sergers, and nearly everyone else refers to them as overlockers. It can be used for construction, finishing, or both at the same time. With a serger, you can effortlessly create various decorative stitches for finishing edges which is not common with an overlock machine. There are many books on the market for projects. Meaning your days of carefully measuring out seam allowances every few inches can come to an end if you have a steady hand. Upper-end sergers usually have this capability. They are specially designed to serve the role of sewing the edges of cloth pieces to streamline and provide decorative finishes.