Whats a serger?
A serger is a sewing-machine-like device that simultaneously trims the fabric with a blade, sews a seam, and finishes the cut edge of the fabric. According to “Sewing Secrets From the Fashion Industry,” such a device can only be considered a serger if it both forms a chain stitch to make the seam and also overlocks the edge – this implies that only five thread sergers are really sergers, and everything else is just an overlocker. Opinions on this matter vary widely. Sergers allow you to quickly sew and finish a seam, eliminating the step of going back to overstitch the raw edges or installing bindings or french seams. On the other hand, the process of using a serger limits somewhat the techniques you can use – for example, turning a 90 degree corner or curves is really rather difficult. Comparing a serger to a sewing machine is like comparing a microwave oven to a conventional stove/oven set – yes, you can do things a lot faster, but you have to learn new techniques to do them, and it’
A serger is a type of sewing machine which uses three, four, or five threads to sew with. It is most often used on knits when making clothing. It makes an overlock stitch, which binds threads over the raw cut edges in order to finish them off. You do not need a serger to piece quilts, although you could use one if you had to.
