Thread: I love my serger!

someone gave me this link in tribe Ruric-Amari.com: Circle Skirts Without Patters

I'm experiencing serger envy. After going years without a sewing machine, I finally got one.

Looks like I know what my next major purchase will be

Well, I was bad yesterday: I found the Singer serger on sale at the local JoAnn for $172 (plus tax), and decided to go for it. I got it through the in-store White (I think) sewing machine store, and I had to pay there, too - but anyways, I have a serger!!!!

My self-imposed penance was to do some serious home improvements (installing a valve to prevent the outside pipe from freezing!), so I haven't even unpacked it yet. I can't wait to have the time to get crackin' once I get a breather in the house.

good luck steffib! I used mine all weekend...and remembered how much I love it!

don't forget to oil. the lady that sold mine to me (local home shop) says that's the number ONE killer of a serger. forgetting to oil or oiling it wrong.

2nd-threading it wrong and f'ing stuff up!

Congratulations on your serger purchase!

Originally Posted by steffib

Well, I was bad yesterday: I found the Singer serger on sale at the local JoAnn for $172 (plus tax), and decided to go for it. I got it through the in-store White (I think) sewing machine store, and I had to pay there, too - but anyways, I have a serger!!!!

My self-imposed penance was to do some serious home improvements (installing a valve to prevent the outside pipe from freezing!), so I haven't even unpacked it yet. I can't wait to have the time to get crackin' once I get a breather in the house.

Originally Posted by jenlindseys

someone gave me this link in tribe Ruric-Amari.com: Circle Skirts Without Patters

Thanks, the pictures help out lots.

I think a serger's is called an overlocker in UK - just to put in my 2p worth - you can do a rolled frilled hem on a sewing machine by putting the stitch to zigzag and stretching the fabric as it goes thru - being careful to stretch the fabric NOT pull against the needle - good tip - wear safety glasses if trying this for the first time but it takes a lot of practise - i gave up on overlocking cos of the huge amounts of thread you had to buy and teh first one I tried chewed lumps out of my chiffon - so I stick with me trusty sewing machine.

Originally Posted by shimmycelia

i gave up on overlocking cos of the huge amounts of thread you had to buy and teh first one I tried chewed lumps out of my chiffon - so I stick with me trusty sewing machine.

wowzas... I started this way. At first thinking... I don't NEED a serger. As time went on, I thought I better go look at them and test one out. On a sewing machine- it took me about an hour+ just to do the rolled hem along the bottom of a plain old single circle skirt. Let alone the cutting, attaching to elastic, seaming, etc. I now can pump out a rolled hem on a double layer circle skirt in about 15 minutes.
Maybe I was just incredibly worried with the sewing machine, but I must say I give you credit for your patience!

this thread pushed me to get a serger...... i found one used where i found my sewing machine a few years ago....it's a Pfaff and i still haven't picked it up yet but hopefully i will have the last bit of $ to pay it off...then it's MINE. It's hard to explain to my husband why i HAD to have it... i've wanted one for years but was too cheap to buy one... i'll have to post a picture of my new baby once i get it. i'm so excited to use it and have some fun or frustration...probably both.

Woo hoo! Can't wait for the "baby" photos.

Originally Posted by lylagus

this thread pushed me to get a serger...... i found one used where i found my sewing machine a few years ago....it's a Pfaff and i still haven't picked it up yet but hopefully i will have the last bit of $ to pay it off...then it's MINE. It's hard to explain to my husband why i HAD to have it... i've wanted one for years but was too cheap to buy one... i'll have to post a picture of my new baby once i get it. i'm so excited to use it and have some fun or frustration...probably both.

Originally Posted by lylagus

this thread pushed me to get a serger...... i found one used where i found my sewing machine a few years ago....it's a Pfaff and i still haven't picked it up yet but hopefully i will have the last bit of $ to pay it off...then it's MINE. It's hard to explain to my husband why i HAD to have it... i've wanted one for years but was too cheap to buy one... i'll have to post a picture of my new baby once i get it. i'm so excited to use it and have some fun or frustration...probably both.

You will love having a Pfaff!!!
I have a Pfaff sewing machine and a Pfaff embroidery machine.. my serger is the Baby Lock Imagine and its a dream! I got the specialty feet to attached sequin and beaded trim... amazing!!! It sews everything from leather to slinky knit to chiffon...
and I've learned to make lace trim with it to.. (there are dvds that teach this)
I would highly recommend looking into one if you have the extra money to spend on a more expensive machine.

Someone mentioned dealing with the husband one buying a machine....
I don't know how much you know about sewing but I have found if I make my husband a simple shirt sometimes... like an easy "serge it" kwik sew pattern.. or some boxers... fleece tobaggan... he completely supports me sewing and everything it takes to sew quaility clothing and costuming..
Esp, since he is now included in my projects!!

Also,,, I like showing him exactly how much it cost me to make a costume... and then showing him similar costumes on the net that cost way more!!! ... that we're not having to buy... all because of the fabulous machine I have!!

Originally Posted by Arella

You will love having a Pfaff!!!
I have a Pfaff sewing machine and a Pfaff embroidery machine.. my serger is the Baby Lock Imagine and its a dream! I got the specialty feet to attached sequin and beaded trim... amazing!!! It sews everything from leather to slinky knit to chiffon...
and I've learned to make lace trim with it to.. (there are dvds that teach this)
I would highly recommend looking into one if you have the extra money to spend on a more expensive machine.

You make lace trim with you serger? crazy! sounds like fun.
I thought about buying specialty feet for my serger then I thought....when would I get to use it? I guess it depends, but it seems anytime I would want to sew on the beaded trim/sequin I would want a rolled hem...so I'd have to go over it twice. how do u do it??

Originally Posted by Arella

You will love having a Pfaff!!!
Someone mentioned dealing with the husband one buying a machine....
I don't know how much you know about sewing but I have found if I make my husband a simple shirt sometimes... like an easy "serge it" kwik sew pattern.. or some boxers... fleece tobaggan... he completely supports me sewing and everything it takes to sew quaility clothing and costuming..
Esp, since he is now included in my projects!!

Also,,, I like showing him exactly how much it cost me to make a costume... and then showing him similar costumes on the net that cost way more!!! ... that we're not having to buy... all because of the fabulous machine I have!!

ohhhh good ideas! i was going to make him a polar fleece pullover once i had the serger figured out....maybe i can make him a fancy cover for his new radio

Yes, where you would put a rolled hem could easily be a beaded edge or a sequin edge... the special foot has a place that the trim is feed perfectly into and the serger attaches it... its a one step deal...Its pretty cool. You do not have to go over it twice....

The lace... is actually called serger crochet.. and you can do some awesome stuff with it... using metallic and embroidery threads...

here is the link I learned from.. its a pdf. file from the Babylock site.
the project itself is for a baby bonnet but it teaches you the basics of doing
the crochet
and shows some other pics... using metallic theads really looks awesome and lacy!

http://www.babylock.com/ftp/projects...r-Crochet2.pdf

There is also a DVD about it on nancysnotions.com
which I have been thinking about getting...

hope this gives you some ideals!

you know you can get a foot that ruffles perfectly too on some machines... so pretty!!! Endless possiblities!!

Can a serger do that lettuce edging finish? I have no idea how they make those quality circle skirts do that (like Bella or Pharonics), but it looks SO pretty when it's all ruffled at the bottom!

Is plastic fish-line involved? Waiting to hear what others say, 'cuz I think it's pretty, too.

Originally Posted by SummerSahar

Can a serger do that lettuce edging finish? I have no idea how they make those quality circle skirts do that (like Bella or Pharonics), but it looks SO pretty when it's all ruffled at the bottom!

I found a refernce and a quicky how to for the lettuce edge on the babylock site:

http://www.babylock.com/ftp/projects...rger_Ahead.pdf

it's at the end of page 2, beginning of 3

Thanks for the links Arella!!

usually lettuce edge does not involve fish line, though you can use fish like to make the bottom have bigger curls. I really like the way that looks more than the lettuce. but you have to hang your skirt you can't just throw it or smash it in a box.

Originally Posted by Arella

Yes, where you would put a rolled hem could easily be a beaded edge or a sequin edge... the special foot has a place that the trim is feed perfectly into and the serger attaches it... its a one step deal...Its pretty cool. You do not have to go over it twice....

The lace... is actually called serger crochet.. and you can do some awesome stuff with it... using metallic and embroidery threads...

here is the link I learned from.. its a pdf. file from the Babylock site.
the project itself is for a baby bonnet but it teaches you the basics of doing
the crochet
and shows some other pics... using metallic theads really looks awesome and lacy!

http://www.babylock.com/ftp/projects...r-Crochet2.pdf

There is also a DVD about it on nancysnotions.com
which I have been thinking about getting...

hope this gives you some ideals!

you know you can get a foot that ruffles perfectly too on some machines... so pretty!!! Endless possiblities!!

so you don't have beaded edge AND a rolled hem? its just beaded?
sorry for my confusion, but i like the rolled hem, so typically I just put a rolled hem then use the bead/sequin footer on the sewing machine to add that later. Maybe I could shorten my dec. time! haha

Originally Posted by jenlindseys

so you don't have beaded edge AND a rolled hem? its just beaded?
sorry for my confusion, but i like the rolled hem, so typically I just put a rolled hem then use the bead/sequin footer on the sewing machine to add that later. Maybe I could shorten my dec. time! haha

Hey Jenn... well,,, now your confusing me.... you could have a rolled hem and a beaded edge
but the beads just cover it up... I think maybe you can put the beads on with the rolled hem stitch.. I'm not sure ... I put them on with a 2 thread overlock...

I think maybe your working overtime on your costumes girl..c::


Oooo.... I love the rolled hem with the fishing line....

Nearly a year later, but think that my new Pfaff Coverlock 4852 is amazing. 5 threads and 2 needles is a lot to learn, but definitely worth the extra $$. Has anybody mastered the fishing line technique yet?