Sergers

I have been wondering if a serger is a good thing to own...??? Who owns one and why do you like it... What do I look for in a serger if I was to buy one? I don't think I need to go real expensive... just want to finish off edges.... :?:

I have a Babylock serger. I love mine. I like the threading feature on my model...it threads itself by the push of a button and a puff of air. Mine is an 8 spool but you certainly don't need that. I wouldn't go less the 5 thread though...
With a 5 thread you can do a chain stitch plus the overlock edge. If you were making something like pillowcases say...you could do pretty much the whole thing on the serger. I used my serger to finish the edges on the leaders for my LA. I have made sweatshirts and Tshirts on mine...Some people serge the cut edges of their fabric before washing it to keep it from fraying.
Is a serger and absolute necessity? Probably not, but then neither would a sewing machine be an ABSOLUTE necessity. Oh...and you can get a 1/4" foot for some machines and do quilting too.

I have a serger , thought I really needed one. Haven't had it out in a few years now.....
Mine is a Janome, and like it except when you get the bottom looper unthreaded it is a bugger to get threaded again.

I have a Babylock and I love it! Of course, when I bought mine, I was sewing garments for the public. I still use it, altho, truthfully, less often than usual. I wouldn't give mine up for anything however. I have one like BearFoot's.

I have 2 Whites. Had them for years - the newer one is 12 yo. I don't use them often now - I made the boys flannel shirts & got the first when I had DS#3 - made baby clothes ect. I do serge edges of large pieces of fabric before washing -- Mine are the "find the instructions" for threading type. I am accustomed to it - so works for me. Best advice would be check them out - and self threading sounds great to me. Enjoy - Cindy

Golo I have 2 Janome sergers. One is a coverPro and the other is a regular serger. The CoverPro is used only for hemming. The regular one I use on the edges of my fabric before I wash it. Mine is just a 4 thread and I love it. This is my 3rd serger and if it broke tomorrow I'd be right out there buying another one before night. You can do so much with one. Be sure to take the lessons you'll get so you can learn all the things you can do with one. This sounds crazy, but I still don't know what all it can do!

Mine was $799.00 but I know you can get them cheaper. I just happen to get a really good deal that day and got both sergers for that price. Then got my Memory Craft Embroidery machine at the same price! I only went after one machine and came home with 3! :yahoo:

memaw4

I also LOVE my Babylock serger. I use it for Home Dec ...making curtains, shower curtain, shirts, pillow cases, childern clothes, ANY garment sewing, table cloths AND for quilting!!! Many of my friends use a serger for quilting too, never had any problems with using it. The machine quilting goes fine on a serged quilt, but it is a bit harder for hand quilting because of the seam bulk.
I had a Elna serger with all the bells and whistles including different cards for different stitches. It was a horror to thread and I never used the cards...way too complicated to figure out Then the foot shaft sheared off while serging one day. Took it into a repairman and he said it was common for some sergers to have the shaft shear off because of the fast speed and vibrations. That is when I started looking for a new machine. I actually purchased my Babylock on Ebay for a very, very good price AND it was brand new too :cheers: For the ease of threading (jet puff ) I would recommend the Babylock 110%.

I have a Bernina and haven't used it in years. When I quit making clothing, I quit using the serger. I HATE to have to thread it .

Ditto!! Have we convinced you yet that you need a serger?

Thanks gals... that was good info... Babyloc sounds like the way to go.. I will have to give it some serious thought on how much it would get used... Glad to know about the threading... nice to get the input.... :D

Hi Girls, I have 2 sergers, a Babyloc and a Bernina. I love them both and use them quite a bit. I started my classes on the Bernina but got behind so I need to schedule and start from the beginning. It is amazing what all you can do with it if you learn how to use it. Definately take the classes.

I do some crafty projects and make dolls when I get in a slump with my quilting. I make PJ's, bath robes and shirts for the boys. With the serger, I can whip them up in no time at all. I make quillows and stitch them up in record time. I also use it a lot for home Deco, sheets, pillow cases, pillows, throws, table cloths, napkins and window coverings. I love the finished edges.

My sewing room would not be complete without the sergers.

Dustee

Dusty, sounds like you really get good use with your serger.... glad to hear tha...

Hi, I do use my serger a lot. I use it more and more as I learn what it can really do.

I have to admit though, I may go for awhile without using it. But when I need it, it is worth it's weight in gold.

Dustee

Remember the 3 Janome machines I bought last fall? Weeeellllllllllllllllllll........I was just at my serger class and Bob brought out the latest Janome serger!

It's the 1200 model and I'm going back in sometime this week and taking all 3 of the others back and see what kind of a trade-in he'll give me. I know I'm crazy, but when you see the machine you'll understand.

All you do is dial up what stitch you want or need and it automaticlly adjust the tensions! It has needle up or down position. And the things you can do with it! Oh my! I just hope he gives me a deal I can afford.......like all three of mine even trade for that one! I'll let ya know.

memaw4

Good luck Meemaw... anxious to hear about your deal...

What do you use your serger for? Mom has one and has a heck of a time threading it...all she makes with it are napkins.

I have a Babylock Imagine....it threads itself with a puff of air :yahoo: wonderful! I had a different one and threading was a real B--ch I have made quilts with it...log cabin...drapes, clothes, table cloths, home dec and so forth..... I know some of the newer ones out there can do all sorts of wonderful things...but I like what I have and it works well for me

Sure sounds nice Memaw! I didn't know they did different stitches? Wishing you good luck on trading/dealing for the dream machine you want.

I think I could have used a serger today! Im making a purse with batting, heavy stabilizer, outer fabric & outer outer pocket fabric....I faux serged them with my zig zag....else I'll never get the zipper in straight and even.....put it aside for now...taking my time! But i thought...geez this is what a serger is for!!

CC maybe your mother could take lessons? I was so surprised at what a serger can do. What kind does she have? If it's a Janome I'll be more that happy to sent you a print out of all the things you can do on one! We learned Saturday how to use Pearl Cotton thread and the results were beautiful. Pearl cotton usually is what you'd use for cross stitching.

Let me know,

memaw4

She's not interested...she's overwhelmed with just getting through each day. Its a viking/husquv.

I got it!! :yahoo: Just got back and wanted to let all of you know. I'm going to read the book first. I can't play with it because I forgot to get the foot control! Talk about excited and then forgetting one of the main parts! Hubby just laughted. Ohh well, by this time tomorrow I'll know the book totally anyway.

CC maybe you could take lessons on your mothers serger and then show her. They really are a blessing when you do a lot of sewing. They can cut your time in half.

See mine in the gallery under my name! I'm going to work next on figuring out how to download right here on this page.


memaw4