Sergers come to the rescue when sewing projects need durable and professional edges. A sewing machine can do most of the sewing project even though it is time-consuming and sometimes requires manual labor.
Serger vs Sewing Machine | Who Races Ahead?
Sergers and Sewing machines are entirely complementary to each other. A serger is a type of sewing machine that trims fabric while creating a neat and professional-looking hem. Sergers are sometimes referred to as an overlock sewing machine as their primary purpose is the overlock stitch.
Sewing machine
The sewing machine is a device that can stitch all kinds of fabric together quickly. Stitching with hands can cost you a good amount of your valuable time, whereas using a sewing machine can be so much helpful, costing less time.
The first sewing machine was introduced in 1790. As time passed, the modern sewing machine has become more advanced and efficient. Most of us use an electric sewing machine nowadays.
Pros of a Sewing Machine
- Though most sewing machines are electricity-related nowadays, you can also find some that don’t require electricity.
- As you can conduct any work with your sewing machine, it reflects its flexibility. If you can detect any wrong lines in your work, you can fix them instantly.
- It is easy to use. That’s the reason the sewing machine got so much popularity in the world. Every one of us has at least seen a sewing machine in our life. It isn’t that difficult to use.
- The work of a sewing machine depends on how you operate and focus. It gives you the chance to edit your work, even during sewing.
- The sewing machine is so beginner-friendly that it just requires a short course to get into work. You will find this work so easy to do.
Serger
A serger can be introduced as a specialized kind of sewing machine. Sergers are a quicker, more accessible version of sewing machines, and they eliminate unnecessary work that a sewing machine can’t take care of. It has more needles and bobbins attached to it than a sewing machine has. It also provides you with more fast-paced and neat results than a typical sewing machine.
Pros of a Serger
- As a serger has multiple threads working a moment. You don’t need to put manual labor to make it work. It works a lot faster than a sewing machine.
- A serger is more effective and efficient than a sewing machine. It provides you with the best way to cut and stitch your clothes very quickly.
- As the sewing machine works like cut and stitch manually, and some of them need manual labor, it does take more time than a serger. On the other hand, a serger is less time-consuming.
- If you compare it to industrial usage, it is pretty useful. Because in industry, time is money, a serger is less time-consuming than a sewing machine. So, a serger is a more suitable option for industrial use.
- One of the coolest features a serger has is its ultimate finish that a sewing machine can’t provide. Also, a serger provides a built-in cutting system it.
In the first picture, you can see a dense, professional durable finish done with a serger. The following picture shows the finishing done by a sewing machine.
- Most of all, a serger can provide you with a more professional look and finish than a sewing machine.
Basic Differences Between Sergers and Sewing Machines
Even though sergers are a type of sewing machine, there are some fundamental differences between them. A serger is a specialized sewing machine that is referred to as an overlock sewing machine sometimes.
Here are some essential differences between sergers and sewing machine
| Factors | The Differences: Serger vs Sewing Machine |
| Needles | A serger has multiple needles in it whereas a sewing machine usually has one. |
| Bobbins | As a serger has more needles it needs to be attached to more threads, which require more bobbins. |
| Speed | The sewing machine is controlled manually, so it can be disrupted or take more time, whereas a serger has an automatic system to control the speed of the work. A serger can trim away seam allowances and encases raw edges at up to speeds of 1700 stitches per minute! |
| Productivity | In mass production, both the serger and the sewing machine are required. They have a big difference in their working methods. |
| Efficiency | If you are talking about efficiency, the serger is the better option as time is money. Also, a serger and a sewing machine have a difference in their design. |
| Finishing | Last but not least, a serger provides a durable and professional locked finish to the stitches that a sewing machine can’t. |
Replacing Serger as a Regular Sewing Machine
Although some of the projects can be conducted by a serger, a serger can’t replace a sewing machine. There are specific jobs a serger can’t do, such as facings, zippers, topstitching, buttonholes, etc. You still need a sewing machine for these kinds of works. A serger is not capable of doing these works.
Worth Buying a Serger or Not?
A good quality primary sewing machine is a must, as you can get away with many projects using only a sewing machine without a serger. When you gain more experience and can imply its features, a serger is something you will add later.
A serger will make your projects a lot faster and easier if you work with many knits. For a professional look and finish, a serger will be essential for your projects’ marketing value. So, undoubtedly, in an industrial or mass-level sewing serger is the recommendation.
Sewing Machine or a Serge Which One Should You Go For?
To be honest, the perfect answer would be to have them both. Both have their pros and cons, but sergers are a more professional tool that provides the most satisfactory outcomes. Again, you can’t do some jobs like facings, zippers, topstitching, buttonholes with a serger. So, having them both is the best solution to offer.
However, if you’re not doing it professionally and do sewing projects as a hobby, stick to the regular sewing machine. Sergers are pretty expensive to get. Considering the price and how serious you are into this, you will do just fine with a primary sewing machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How expensive is a serger?
Primary serger machines that have two to four threads cost around 200$. The more your budget rises, you get sergers with more features. Costlier sergers have like five threads, and high-end machines can cost around several thousand dollars. Some also have differential feeds.
Can you straight stitch with a serger?
As many sewing projects require straight stitches, you need a sewing machine in those cases. If you are only looking to join seams and prevent the fabrics from fraying, a serger would be a good choice. But if you need to sew hems, curtains, or replace zippers, a sewing machine will have the upper hand. A serger can’t do these things.
Can a serger do embroidery?
No, a serger is not capable of doing embroidery. A serger can do some sewing projects, but there are some which can’t. Creating patterns on a piece of fabric is the goal of embroidery, which a sewing machine can do.
Conclusion
Before you get yourself a serger, remember that you need to figure out how to set it up with four different threads and other functions. But once you get hold of it and finally see the results and what’s it capable of, you’ll be utterly satisfied.
Especially the speed, power, and beautifully finished durable edges are something you can’t do without a serger, which can be a reason good enough to get one.
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