Difference Between A Serger And A Sewing Machine?

[100%Disney]

What are the differences? Which is best to use? I want to learn to sew.

 

[jfulcer]

A sewing machine uses one or sometimes two needs to do various kinds of stiches based on the 'stitch type' selections that you have on the machine. There are some machines that are all computerized that will embroider really neat designs, but if you are going to be doing 'sewing' only, you don't need to spend the money.

A serger is a multi-needle(4-5?), multi-thread machine that is primarily used to finish seams. Most do many fancy types of stiches to accomplish this, but really that's what it is used for.

A serger is something that I would probably say you invest in down the road a bit. It's not a necessity but will give your seams a more 'professional' look. Most sewing machines have a few stiches that are used to finish seams, but not as nice as the sergers.

 

[tonyswife]

Good news, start with a baisc machine, if you decide you need a serger later down the line, you can get one. I intellectually know the difference, but I can't explain it well, so I stole this from a website...

What is a serger? A serger is a sewing companion for the traditional sewing machine. Also known as an overlock, it can stitch, trim, and overcast in a single motion. A serger streamlines the construction process through convenience and speed. A serger can sew up to 1700 stitches per minute whereas the traditional sewing machine sews from 700 - 1100 stitches per minute.

Sergers can do wonderful things within the construction process, but they are a companion and cannot replace the traditional sewing machine. Sergers work well for making finished narrow seams, rolled hems, blindstitched hems, and overcast seams. Sergers alone can produce garments that only require those applications such as basic t-shirts, swimming suits, and table linens. But, sergers cannot do everything a sewing machine will do, such as install zippers in "inside" areas.

http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/textiles/nf142.htm

Anyway, get a machine that does straight stitch and zig-zag at least. A zipper foot is helpful and a button holer is a MUST. You can get a GREAT machine at Sears (Kenmore brand) that will get you started for around $175. Look around, try different machines at sew shops (sometimes in fabric stores), ask for advice and opinions from experienced sewing friends and family and wait for a good sale. Sears has sewing machine sales all the time. I started about a year ago and it's a wonderfully satisfying hobby. My DD is always dressed in really cute original clothing. After a while, you will learn to takes bits and pieces from different patterns and make up your own style. It's totally trial and error. Get a bunch of cheapo dollar fabric from walmart, some inexpensive and makrked "easy" patterns from a fabric store and just go for it. You have to learn the "language" but if you;re using cheap fabric to learn, your mistakes are just leaning experiences.

Oh, make sure you post pictures of your projects. Good luck!

 

[100%Disney]

Thanks, I am really sewing illiterate. I think it would be fun to learn to sew, or I hope it would.

 

[100%Disney]

Is it best to have the table for the machine or just use your own table?

 

[ilovepcot]

I don't sew at all so I went and read up on this out of curiousity. I was surprised to learn that a particular serger I looked at had 23 different types of seams it could make. Would love to learn to sew! Maybe someday.

 

[100%Disney]

I went on the sears website, too many choices. I guess a 1 step button hole would be the best, what's a drop in bobbin and do I need that?

 

[tonyswife]

Originally posted by 100%Disney
Is it best to have the table for the machine or just use your own table?

I like using my kitchen table simply for space issues. When I'm done sewing, I can put my machine in the closet. That's probably a personal preferenc thing, though.

 

[jfulcer]

I think a drop in bobbin is just trying to indicate how easy it is to replace the thread in your bobbin. The bobbin is the part of the machine that holds the thread for the 'under' side of the seam, so when you are sewing, you are actually using 2 threads. One from the top spool, one from the bobbin. Most sewing machines these days make it very very easy to replace that thread in the bobbin.

 

[jfulcer]

Oh, and I use our dining room table for sewing. Personal preference but i like to be able to spread the fabric out when I'm working and this is the easiest. DW asked me if I wanted a table specifically for my machine, I told her I preferred the dining room table.

 

[tonyswife]

Originally posted by 100%Disney
I went on the sears website, too many choices. I guess a 1 step button hole would be the best, what's a drop in bobbin and do I need that?

I have a four step button hole. Took a few practice runs to learn it, but it's easy now, I can do a button hole in a minute or so now.

My machine has a bobbin case in which I put it in sideways, I suppose a drop in would be easier, but it's second nature now. The bobbin case holds the bobbin thread, which is the thread that is sewn in from the bottom of the fabric. Does that make sense?

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I have both a sewing machine and a serger--the serger is fun, but really more for "serious" seamstresses, I'd stick with the basics at first.

Today's sewing machines are really simple to use and come with detailed instructions (some even with a video/DVD). If you buy a new or gently used one, you should have more stitches and stuff than you need. Drop-in bobbin and one-step buttonholes are just marketing gimmicks--the machines aren't all that tough to thread.

A couple years ago, DH wanted to get me a new sewing machine for my birthday, as he'd heard me complain for WEEKS while sewing the "Belle" costume on my 50-year-old crappy pink machine. I just wanted basic features. Sears runs a sewing machine sale in Jan. (perfect--my birthday's in Feb.), so I went to look--I found all machines 20% off, plus they had one in an opened box that was a returned Christmas present, that was marked down to cheap as the cheapest model. It's mine now!

For a novice, fabric stores frequently offer classes to get you started. I have a sewing cabinet that holds my sewing machine and serger, plus supplies (another gift from DH--he loves the Halloween costumes!). I would start on the table, you can get a cabinet later. Good luck!

P.S. Just got the stuff for DD9's Statue of Liberty costume--she'll be helping me to earn her "Sew Simple" badge for Girl Scouts!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Oh, I wanted to mention, sergers cut your hem while they stitch. This makes for a "clean" finish, but can be murder while you're learning to use it and you goof and your outfit gets smaller and smaller, until you're making a blouse for the cat because you messes up so many times! Sewing machines are much more forgiving.

 

[100%Disney]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice. It is very sad that I am a female and I can only sew a button on. I really envy those people who can just whip up an outfit or a quilt.

 

[crz4mm2]

Drop in bobbin is good, but what is most important is that it rewind while in place. That way you don't have to take it out, put it somewhere else in the machine and then replace itin the bobbin holder.Much nicer. That and the button holer..... I didn't have either with my first two machines. Have both now and it is sooooo much better!

 

[LisaTx]

See if your town has a sewing machine retail store. They can show you machines of all levels and explain the differences. If you buy a machine from them, they usually offer classes to teach you how to use the machine. Even if you don't buy from them, you can still learn quite a bit.

It's tempting to go for a machine with all of the bells and whistles, but if you're like most people, you rarely use them. I make custom dance costumes and as involved as they are, I only use a straight stitch, zig zag stitch and a blindhem stitch. When I'm making regular clothing I use the zipper foot and the buttonhole stitch as well. The only ones that are really necessary are the straight and zig zag stitches.

Sergers are wonderful toys. They can save a lot of time and can make the inside of a garment look a lot neater, but are by no means necessary. As stated above, you can do anything on a sewing machine that you can on a serger but not the other way around.

 

[100%Disney]

I want to find a hobby other than surfing the internet. I also want to be able to teach my kids to sew, I think that it is a great thing to pass on. I am also interested in learning to knit. I can crochet a little and do cross stitch, but cross stitch hurts my eyes. I just think of all the wonderful things that I could do if I could sew.

 

[100%Disney]

One more question, do you need something special to sew on jeans? The material is so think, I want to design some cut overalls for my daughter.

 

[LisaTx]

They make special needles to sew on jeans and most every other fabric for that matter. It really does make a difference too. I use stretch needles for my dance fabrics and if I forget to change the needle it will skip stitches.

Some machines work better on thicker fabrics as well. I guess it depends on the strength of the motor. I usually go much slower when I work on really thick fabric. Especially when you get several layers of thicknesses.

I altered some really cute overalls last year. They had cut shapes out of chenille fabric and appliqued them onto the overalls. The mom had paid some outrageous price at some cutsey boutique, but they would have been so easy to make.

I know what you mean about another hobby. DD and I spent all afternoon yesterday at the fabric stores. I have lots of projects to work on, yet here I sit on the computer.

I learned to knit from my grandmother. I think she called it the German version which is different than what most Americans use. For Christmas last year I found some beautiful fuzzy yarn with silver flecks in it and knit Chelsea a scarf and cuffs which I sewed onto some purchased black gloves. I saw a scarf just like it at Neiman Marcus the other day.

 

[100%Disney]

LisaTx- Do you want to come give me sewing and knitting lessons? I promise to do my homework and I'm a quick study.