Advice about getting a serger
#1
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,322
At a quilt show this weekend, I got a chance to use a serger on a QAYG charity baby quilt. It was super fast and fun. I've always wanted a serger for sewing clothing but hadn't thought of it for quilting. My question is, what should I look for in a serger if I go shopping. Should I buy it at a shop where I can get lessons? I've been sewing for years and quilting for just a few years so I'm familiar with regular machines, but not sergers. Would appreciate your suggestions.
#5
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: N. Florida
Posts: 4,568
I would make sure a serger I was looking at has differential feed, four thread capacity and is easy to thread. There is a brand that has "air threading," I think it is called. Supposed to be super easy to thread and that makes it easier to use.
Edited to add: It's the Babylock brand that has air threading. Here is a link to their site.
http://www.babylock.com/sergers/
Have fun searching for your machine.
Edited to add: It's the Babylock brand that has air threading. Here is a link to their site.
http://www.babylock.com/sergers/
Have fun searching for your machine.
#6
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Get one that is air-threaded (much easier and a time-saver!), has differential feed (makes working with stretchy fabrics easy), and I would recommend getting a 5-thread serger so you have the cover stitch (hem finishing stitch that looks like double-needle sewing; check the hem of a t-shirt to see it).
I have an older 4-thread serger without air-threading, and I think I would have used it a lot more over the years if I had gotten the air-threading and the cover stitch. The cover stitch can be used decoratively on quilts.
I have an older 4-thread serger without air-threading, and I think I would have used it a lot more over the years if I had gotten the air-threading and the cover stitch. The cover stitch can be used decoratively on quilts.
#7
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,322
Thanks. I checked out the babylock website & a few others. They will not publish the cost so that tells me they are really expensive. There is a cheap Singer serger on Joann's website. Looks like I have a lot of comparison shopping to do. I will probably try to buy locally so I can get help if I need it.
#9
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
It's better not to get any serger at all than to get a cheap one. Really, they can be terribly frustrating!!! Plus, they are not in any way a necessity for quilting purposes.
Check Amazon, Overstock, and eBay to get an idea of pricing on brands and models you are interested in.
Check Amazon, Overstock, and eBay to get an idea of pricing on brands and models you are interested in.
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