Questions about sergers

[Onyx]

My youngest is so skinny and tall for her age that nothing fits her. Pants or skirts are too wide for her tummy and if they fit her tummy they are too short. I end up altering everything, but it never looks quite right, so I've been sewing quite a bit for her lately.

My sewing machine is failing, over 10 years old and was cheap to begin with, don't want to pay a repair bill since I could likely replace it with the same model for what I'd spend.

I'm thinking of getting a serger. Am I correct about how these work - do ALL sergers cut the fabric as they sew and make a nice finished edge?

I'll still need a regular sewing machine as well, right? A serger won't replace that completely will it?

[Brenda Starrr]

Good question!! I'd like the answer as well.

[Fierce Critter]

I can't answer that directly.

But anyone I've known who is HEAVY into sewing (as in you'd definitely call them a seamstress) has both, not just one.

I'm not that close, but I like a sewing machine that has a good overcast stitch ability - it sews a straight stitch and then "casts over" to the side to lock together a seam like a professional inseam. My sister's Husqvarna Viking did that the best. it does so with a stitch setting on the machine as well as a special foot.

[Nienna]

My serger is a Brother Overlock 1034D. It retails for around $750. I got it for less than half that at this place called Family Sewing (or something like that) Wayyyyyyy down 28th street in GR. I wanna say it was on alittle more west than Eastern, if heading from the east, it would be on the left hand side. (It was several years ago so I don't remember exactly) It was a refurbished machine, and they had others there. They showed me how to thread and use it, and gave me a video. It is AWESOME! That thing will surge through leather, 5 layers of wool..... yeah. Jut keep in mind that the surging isn't your "seam". You have to follow up with a straight stitch for staying power. This can be done with a normal single needle machine, or by removing one of the needles and the blade from the surger. (A pain in the ass) I have an ancient 50's Singer that my grandma gave me. It's awesome too and the like is easily found at garage sales or Goodwill! If you want more info, feel free to email me or grab me at CC.

[Fierce Critter]

Nienna brings up a good point - yard sales.

I've picked up and sold two sergers from yard sales already. And passed on a few BIG GUYS that cost around $35.00 - a bargain if you're buying it for yourself.

[Brenda Starrr]

I'm totally clueless on how to use one of those, but I'm going yard saling this weekend and next. I'm going to learn how to use one.

[Nienna]

I'm totally clueless on how to use one of those, but I'm going yard saling this weekend and next. I'm going to learn how to use one.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I taught myself to sew at the age of 15. It's not THAT scary, just don't explode a needle into your eye, or run one through your thumb. (Yes, I did both things!) I love sewing. I do costuming for close friends for basically CHEAP just so I have projects. If you need pointers, ask away. (It's too bad you aren't closer or I could just show you stuff.. then you could make corsets too)

[Nienna]

Nienna brings up a good point - yard sales.

I've picked up and sold two sergers from yard sales already. And passed on a few BIG GUYS that cost around $35.00 - a bargain if you're buying it for yourself.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you see any OLD WORKING singers, or industrial sergers, or anything with a walking foot, let me know! I will pay you! *L*

[Brenda Starrr]

I taught myself to sew at the age of 15. It's not THAT scary, just don't explode a needle into your eye, or run one through your thumb. (Yes, I did both things!)  I love sewing. I do costuming for close friends for basically CHEAP just so I have projects. If you need pointers, ask away. (It's too bad you aren't closer or I could just show you stuff.. then you could make corsets too)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If I were there, I would totally have you show me how to do it. I also got a response from the corset supply place you linked to in the other thread. They seem to think that I can do this, in spite of telling them that I haven't sewn in many years and advised me on what items to buy. They were so nice!

[Nienna]

If I were there, I would totally have you show me how to do it. I also got a response from the corset supply place you linked to in the other thread. They seem to think that I can do this, in spite of telling them that I haven't sewn in many years and advised me on what items to buy. They were so nice!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I love that site! It wasn't as hard as I thought. I would start with something more simple like skirts or dresses until you get the hang of the machines. Corsets have alot of curved and eased seams.

[Fierce Critter]

or run one through your thumb.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Been there...

Did it BAD, too. It broke off and I looked like I'd been impaled with a medieval spear. Good thing I sorta went shocky, 'cause it kept me from feeling pain long enough to go get some pliers and pull it out again.

THEN the pain started. Ow.

Anyway, I HATE sewing. But I learned mostly on my own and with some pointers from my mom & sister, both who are exceptional. So I can sew pretty well. Just prefer not to if I can help it.

Comes in SO handy when you're into unusual dress like us punkers/goths/medievals.

[Nienna]

Been there...

Did it BAD, too. It broke off and I looked like I'd been impaled with a medieval spear. Good thing I sorta went shocky, 'cause it kept me from feeling pain long enough to go get some pliers and pull it out again.

THEN the pain started. Ow.

Anyway, I HATE sewing. But I learned mostly on my own and with some pointers from my mom & sister, both who are exceptional. So I can sew pretty well. Just prefer not to if I can help it.

Comes in SO handy when you're into unusual dress like us punkers/goths/medievals.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm still missing my thumbnail from that incident.

[Head Wreck]

my mothers a seamstress when i was younger, my dad one of the most sought after mechanics in the area.

i dont like getting my hands oily too often. so gues whic=h one out of me and my sister took up sewing and which one took up a coachbuilders apprenticeship

[Proscrire]

  Am I correct about how these work - do ALL sergers cut the fabric as they sew and make a nice finished edge?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They do all cut but don't have to. You can turn the razor down into the body to disable it. I agree that you should have a regular machine along with a serger since sergers only do one type of stitch. If you replace you're machine with a new standard sewing machine, you can do amost everything you need except seam and overcast at the same time and have it stretch. Using a small ( like tiny) zigzag stitch with a short stitch length on knits and looks the same as a straight serger stitch on the outside. Good luck.

[Fierce Critter]

Here's a picture of what the Viking's overcast/edging does.

I LOVE THAT MACHINE. It was my sisters, alas, so it went with her when she moved out.

With this, you don't need a serger, if you just want to do projects for yourself & family. The thing is, you cut the fabric to 1/8" of your stitchline, and it automatically overcasts the edge. It is actually VERY easy to use.

Viking Overcast/Edging foot & stitch example

[Fierce Critter]

By the way, I've used Pfaffs, Singers, Whites, Homes, etc. and NOTHING has impressed me like that Husqvarna Viking. I HIGHLY recommend the brand if you're serious about buying a new machine. There's sure to be a dealer of them somewhere near you, I know there was at least a couple in the Detroit area - perhaps you could find a used one.

There are also a bunch for sale on eBay.