What can a sewing machine do? What about a serger? And an overlocker, coverstitch machine, embroidery machine, and more?
The number of machine available for sewing fans is brilliantly distracting and enticing. And also confusing!
Never mind the number of brands of all those machines on the market!
And all the sparkly fancy sewing tools you could buy for your sewing space. (Psst, you don’t actually need to buy allllll the tools, you know! Take a look at these 8 essential sewing tools you need to have.
But when it comes down to it, which type of machines are really necessary for you to get on with successfully completing your sewing projects?
In this blog post you’ll find all the goods on the big 2 machines: what a sewing machine can do for you, what a serger can sew, and what the differences are between the 2.
You’ll also be able equipped to decide whether you need one or both machines to fit your big sewing dreams!
Ready? Read on…
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
I know that the range of machines available to buy are enormous and confusing. I’m not here to recommend any particular brand (although I will confess that I am a Brother owner).
This post is simply to point out what sewing machines and sergers are capable of doing.
Did you know: the term “serger” in usually only used in the U.S.? The term “overlocker” is used almost everywhere else. I’m going to use the 2 terms interchangeably, but at least you know what I mean. 😉
So, let’s get into this, shall we?!?
What is a sewing machine used for?
A sewing machine is used to stitch layers of fabric together using thread.
Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
Well, yes and no.
Depending on your sewing machine, you can have anywhere from a handful up to hundred different stitch types to choose from. These range from regular straight stitches to zig zag stitches, elastic stitches, and a variety of decorative stitches.
Technically, most sewing projects with fabrics could also be done by hand rather than a machine, a sewing machine is definitely faster at doing the same job. Have a read here for more advantages of why you need to own a sewing machine.
What is a serger / overlocker good for?
Have you ever turned your store-bought clothes inside out and looked at how they are put together? Go try it! It’s really fun to see and try to work out how a piece of clothing has been created!
Notice how the edges of the fabric along the seams is neat and straight? No straggly bits or uneven cut edges? See how there is a really dense row of stitching along the length of each seam?
That is what a serger does!
A serger machine contains a blade to cleanly trim the fabric edge (no more wobbly edges from when you were using the pattern to cut out your fabric!) and at the same time removes excess seam allowance to reduce the bulkier bits of your garment.
AND a serger uses an overlock stitch (hence the alternative name for this machine: overlocker) to stitch the fabrics firmly together and prevent fraying of the fabric edges while still allowing some stretch in the seam.
What are the differences between a sewing machine and a serger?
There are a number of differences between sewing machines and overlockers. Although both are used for sewing projects, and can perform some similar jobs, they are each actually designed to perform different tasks.
Sewing Speed
A serger can create its stitches fast. And when I say fast, I mean FAST. A regular sewing machine can knock out between 600 and 1000 stitches per minute. A serger is able to create double that number! This means faster hems and more time for other parts of your project😉.
Threads
A sewing machine and overlocker use different numbers of threads. A sewing machine needs 2 threads: an upper and a lower thread. If sewing with a twin needle you would need a 3rd thread. But otherwise, 2 is the magic number for a sewing machine.
A serger operates using 4 threads. There are some other stitches the serger can create that may use only 3 threads, but generally 4 is the standard for overlocking stitches.
Cutting Blades
A serger machine contains a blade which is used to trim the edge of fabrics as it moves through the machine, although the blade can also be deactivated. A sewing machine does not contain a blade and cannot cut fabrics.
Stitches
A sewing machine offers many different types of stitches that are required for basic sewing (think basic straight stitch and zig zag stitch) and any number of fancier stitches that can be used for more specialist stitching or embellishments. A sewing machine can also create a stitch similar to the overlock stitch.
A serger’s main talent is creating the overlock stitch using all 4 threads. There are a few other varieties of stitches that an overlocker can create, which requires adjusting the number of threads or even needles used.
Needles
A sewing machine only requires 1 needle to sew almost any stitch you discover on your machine. There are also specialist twin needles to create those professional-looking twin rows of stitches you can find on store-bought hemlines. Otherwise, 1 needle will get you through pretty much every sewing project!
A serger’s standard stitches use 2 needles, although as already mentioned, with some adjustment there are also a couple of specialist stitches that can be created using just one needle and 2 or 3 threads.
So, do I need to own both a sewing machine and a serger?
The short answer: NO!
A serger sure is a nice addition to any sewing space and can perform some jobs that a sewing machine also does.
BUT only a sewing machine can top-stitch, sew button holes, finish hems, sew zippers into place and much more.
The first and only machine you really NEED is a sewing machine! An overlocker is just like the cherry on top of your sewing table delights. 😉
What machines have been tempting you to buy them? Drop a comment below!
