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What is a serger?
by tbrabend | Mar 04 '01
Can you get by with a sewing machine only? Yes. Can you get by with a serger only? Probably not. A serger *can* add greatly to your sewing experience.

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Comments on What is a serger?" (8 total)  
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Date Written
Re: maybe+more+detail (Reply to this comment)
by tbrabend
:::I appreciate the fact you took the time to do this, but it still does not really help me answer the question "do I really need one" . I have not been sewing long and am undecided about what my needs are.:::

No one can really tell someone else whether or not they really need a serger. If having a machine that seams more quickly than a sewing machine, trims and finishes raw edges in one pass would be valuable for you in your sewing, then you would probably appreciate having a serger. I think I covered what a serger does and some of the features that make having a serger nice. Unfortunately, the reader ultimately has to conduct her/his own research beyond this and make that crucial decision. You can sew successfully without a serger...if you want one has to be up to you! =)
Sep 25 '01
11:19 pm PDT

Re: A+Little+More+Detail (Reply to this comment)
by tbrabend
::.would have been helpful here. I have been considering buying a serger, but still do not know the difference between a 3/4 thread serger and a 3/4/5 thread model.::

This is meant to be a basic explanation about what a serger is, not a complete primer.

::I was looking for information on what difference adding more threads makes. You mention a 8 thread model, but don't tell what might make it worthwhile to own it. Other than that, great job!::

Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of sewing on the 8-thread serger and I am not sure it would be worthwhile for me to own one...it's not of value to me.

For more detailed information, try doing a web search on sergers and check into looking at some books at your local library. =) Also, the sewing machine manufacturers websites are good sources for information as are sewing machine dealers.
Sep 25 '01
11:15 pm PDT

maybe more detail (Reply to this comment)
by sassysan
I appreciate the fact you took the time to do this, but it still does not really help me answer the question "do I really need one" . I have not been sewing long and am undecided about what my needs are.
Jul 26 '01
10:54 pm PDT

A Little More Detail (Reply to this comment)
by baricat
...would have been helpful here. I have been considering buying a serger, but still do not know the difference between a 3/4 thread serger and a 3/4/5 thread model. I was looking for information on what difference adding more threads makes. You mention a 8 thread model, but don't tell what might make it worthwhile to own it. Other than that, great job!
Apr 17 '01
5:19 am PDT

Re: Nice Review! (Reply to this comment)
by tbrabend
Thank-you! Your reasons for not wanting/needing a serger are certainly valid. Most of my sewing is quick projects, kids' clothes, etc, so I just like to whack off the seam allowances and be finished with them! ;) I do occasionally not use the serger on certain items, for reasons similar to your's.
Mar 06 '01
8:44 am PST

Re: I have never heard (Reply to this comment)
by tbrabend
Thank-you, Suzi. LOL, I also consider myself domestically-impaired (just ask my husband about my housekeeping skills!) but with sewing I was really determined to not give up. It didn't come easy for me at all and early projects were total disasters! I wouldn't consider myself an excellent seamstress, but thankfully I can follow a pattern and now have more successful projects than the ones that get tossed out. ;)
Mar 06 '01
8:40 am PST

I have never heard (Reply to this comment)
by Suzer
of a serger, but thank you for your excellent
review and explanation. I am wondering if you
turned out to be a great seamstress. I'm
gathering you are really good. I'm impressed,
as I am so domestically-challenged.

Suzi
Mar 05 '01
5:53 pm PST

Nice Review! (Reply to this comment)
by ClaireKS
I've been sewing for many years, and have never wanted to purchase a serger. This is mainly because of the fact that I like the keep the seam allowances intact on most items (in case of the need for alterations later), and because I already have an "overlock" type of stitch on my regular machine that mimics the serger stitch very nicely.

You made some very good points about its advantages, however!!

Smiles!
-Claire
Mar 04 '01
10:32 pm PST