What Can My Serger Do?

Sewing with Sergers: What Can My Serger Do?

Like Jess, I can tell you I am extremely intimidated by sewing with a serger.  I'm fairly comfortable sewing with a basic machine but deciding to jump into a project with my serger was entirely out of my element.  I'm a big planner and I feel relatively okay doing new things with the wealth of information you can gain by spending a few hours online.  Learning the serger has not been so easy.  I want to say I read the manual and then immediately started sewing but that wasn't the case.

Before I get to an actual project I thought it would be helpful to explain the basic functions of a serger.  As you may already know, I received my serger as a birthday gift.  My mom bought me a Singer Professional 5 that came with 6 additional presser feet.



I was excited and then instantly thought, "wait, what can I do with a serger?"

After a lot of reading and no sewing (yet), I think I know what my serger can do.

Double Chain Stitch

• suitable for straight seams

also used for decorative chainstitch topstitching effect 

Double Chain Stitch

Two-thread wrapped Edge Overlock (narrow)

• provides an elegant fine finish to lightweight fabrics
• when using clear threads the fabric appears to have an invisible edge
• gives a couture effect and looks beautiful on finer fabrics 
  

  

  Two-thread Wrapped Edge Overlock (narrow)

Two-thread Overedge (narrow and wide)

• used as a lightweight seam finish or a lightweight seam
• less thread is used and does not imprint on the right side of fabric when pressed
• creates less bulky seams (ideal for sheer or lace fabrics)

Two-thread Overedge (narrow and wide)

Three-thread Overlock (narrow)

• most commonly used because of its versatility
• provides professional seam finish to woven fabrics
• beneficial in preventing loosely woven fabrics from unraveling
• offers unlimited decorative capabilities
• recommended for finishing seams but not reinforcing the seam 

Three-thread Overlock (narrow)

 Three-thread Flatlock (narrow and wide)

• used decoratively to achieve the look of applied trim
• special decorative threads are used for a textured and dramatic effect

also used to serge non-bulky seams 

Three-thread Flatlock (narrow)

Three-thread Flatlock (narrow)

Three-thread Flatlock (narrow)

Three-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety

• stretches with the fabric, seam will not break when fabric is stretched
• ideal for super-stretch knits like those used on swimwear or athletic clothing 

Three-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety

Four-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety

• stronger than the Three-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety stitch
• the additional thread provided added strength to the seam (good choice for knits and wovens)
• works well when applying ribbing to garment (often seen on cuffs, collars, and waistbands)

Four-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety

Four-thread Safety Stitch

• alternative to the Five-thread Safety Stitch
• offers same type of Two-thread Chainstitch
• used when sewing a medium weight woven fabric because the stitch is less bulky

Four-thread Safety Stitch

Five-thread Safety Stitch (wide)

• combination of a Two-thread Chainstitch and Three-thread Overlock stitch
• Suitable for woven fabrics and provides a durable seam for heavy weight fabrics (denim) 

Five-thread Safety Stitch (wide)

Five-thread Safety Stitch (narrow)

• same benefits as Five-thread Safety Stitch (wide)

Five-thread Safety Stitch (narrow)

Cover Stitch (narrow)

• often seen in ready to wear garments
• two needles crate parallel rows of topstitching and one looper sews an edge finish on underside

Cover Stitch (narrow)

 Cover Stitch (wide)

• same benefits as Cover Stitch (narrow)

Cover Stitch (wide)

Triple Cover Hem

• professional and creative triple topstitch
• three needles create parallel rows of topstitching and one looper sews an edge finish on underside
• ideal for heavier fabrics
• traditionally used in home decorating
• adds unique accent for garment constructions

Triple Cover Hem

Three-thread Rolled Hem

• used to finish edges of scarves, ruffles, table linens, and some garments
• suitable for lightweight to medium weight fabrics
• used for pintucks

Three-thread Rolled Hem

My serger came with a beading foot (used for sewing on beads, sequins, pearls, and thick cord), a blind hem foot(used for hemming skirts, paints, and other sewing projects in one easy operation), a cording foot (used for sewing piping betwe3en two layers of fabric in one easy operation), an elastic foot (used for inserting elastic into a seam), ashirring foot (used for shirring and gathering), and a taping foot (used for inserting a tape into seams that will stretch easily).