What’s In a Word!
In today’s online fashion sewing video tutorial, I’d like to introduce the fashion sewing community to a machine that we haven’t yet looked at.
But, before we go any further, what is this fashion sewing tool actually called?
Well!
Dependent on where you’re from in the world, you’ll either refer to it as a serger or an overlocker.
Personally, I call it an overlocker, but as the vast majority of the fashion sewing community out there today refer to it as a serger, then a serger it will be.
What is a Serger?
The basic principle of a serger is to primarily complete a similar job to that of a sewing machine, but along with sewing stitches, it also has the ability to neaten raw edges of a given sewing project.
They do come in many different shapes and sizes, (if you’re going to purchase one, test drive as many as you can), but the functionality, as with a sewing machine remains typically constant.
Sergers are an easy machine to use and master. They do however run a little faster than an average sewing machine so a beginner sewer may well find this a little surprising at first.
Also to note, a serger can not back stitch so finishing off your work is a little different but none to taxing all the same.
Sergers (unlike the sewing machine family) can sew with three, four or even five threads at any one time.
Why the difference in the amount of threads?
Because a serger can act as both sewing machine whilst also neatening seams / raw edges etc, more thread is needed and as it operates, each does a different job to produce the finished effect.
Enough chatter, let me give you a basic introduction to a serger!
Using a Serger
sewing
As I mention in the video, I do intend to film more fashion sewing tutorial video’s concerning the use of a serger.
In the mean time, if you do have any questions, then please feel free to contact me, and I’ll do my best to answer any questions you may have.
Happy fashion sewing and serging
About the Author: Colleen G Lea is the founder of Fashion Sewing Blog and co-owner of DC Media Productions. Get more from Colleen at YouTube and Google+.
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Hey Colleen,
Thank you for this video. I recently purchased a 5 threader Singer serger and I’m still learning how to use it. The threading is torture might I add, but I did manage to do a two thread over edge stitch. My question is I’m about to do a project that is lace and cotton poplin and I wanted to use the serger, so can I do a four thread safety stitch and not use the sewing machine?
Thank you for your help!!
Hi.
You certainly can use your four thread safety stitch on your fabric instead of using your sewing machine. Just make sure you’ve got the right weight of threads. You may have to use the sewing machine if you want to keep the overlocked stitch edge secure, using a straight stitch.
OH great, thank you!!!…I think I”ll experiment
after all…
Always happy to help.
Thank you so much I think you are awesome and so talented, finding your website has made me want to return to sewing and everything I need help with is there on one site
Thank You for being so motivational
God Bless you
Please more tutorials on using an overlocker
Thank You
I will be filming more serger tutorials soon. Thanks.
Thank you Carole for the very kind words and it’s always a great pleasure to hear that my work helps motivate and encourage people to return to the world of fashion sewing. Welcome back.
Thank you for this tutorial very helpful to me.
Always happy to help Carmen.