Sergers........Tell me about them
#51
Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: RTP, NC
Posts: 79
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Have Babylock Evolve and it is a dream to thread. Hurt my knee and could use foot pedal, so I set foot pedal on sewing table and used it as a hand pedal -- just a thought if you can find a company with a machine that operates using buttons instead of a foot pedal.
#52
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have an Elnita Lock that I have had since about 1985--just because I had to have it (and a salesperson who explained it to me); have not regretted one moment of owning and using it; and it just keeps on keeping on.....I have a White (I think) that my son bought for me at a yard sale that I might sell if anyone wants it. I suggest you get some lessons on one though if you have never used one.....
#53
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Lansing, MI
Posts: 1,038
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have the Babylock Imagine and also saw the show you described. Mine is the step down from the Evolution and I'm totally in love with this serger. Babylock really did their homework when making these sergers. Don't believe the Evolution has a start/stop (mine doesn't) and probably because of the speed they go. But, mine has a very light touch foot (wish my sewing machine did too).
The cutter can be "dis-engaged" and there are markings on the foot at 1/4" so sewing 1/4" seam is easy. I haven't done any quilting with mine yet but it's on my project list.
Sewing clothes are a serger is a perfect use for this machine since it will seal the seam as you stitch.
My serger has several feet with a variety of uses. Mine can also do some decorative stitches (called the Wave Stitch) which is gorgeous.
Would suggest you see a demo and see what you like before making a purchase.
The cutter can be "dis-engaged" and there are markings on the foot at 1/4" so sewing 1/4" seam is easy. I haven't done any quilting with mine yet but it's on my project list.
Sewing clothes are a serger is a perfect use for this machine since it will seal the seam as you stitch.
My serger has several feet with a variety of uses. Mine can also do some decorative stitches (called the Wave Stitch) which is gorgeous.
Would suggest you see a demo and see what you like before making a purchase.
#54
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Bakersfield, CA
Posts: 30
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have the Babylock Evolution that you probably saw on television. It uses a foot pedal and does not have a stop/start button. It can use up to 8 threads and there's something like 87 stitch combinations you can do with it. I'll never use that many! You can lower the cutting blade so you can sew without cutting. It is very easy to thread. It is the top of the line Babylock serger so if you're not planning to use it a lot, you can go with Babylock's Imagine (a 4 thread serger for about 1/3 the price) and it has easy threading, also. I bought the Imagine for my daughter and she loves it.
#55
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,669
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I absolutely love my serger. But, I was sewing clothes long before I quilted.
I have a Viking 3/4 thread serger, not really fancy...I thread it myself. It's easy once you've done it a time or two, and if you can tie a skinny knot, it's possible to just feed the new thread thru if you want to change colors. I only have a foot pedal...have never seen one with the start/stop like sewing machines, but, I honestly have never looked for that feature so it may exist and I am just not aware of it.
I couldn't sew knits without it. It makes such a nice finish on garments...helps make them look more professional, and makes a nice sturdy seam on kids clothes. Pretty much every piece of clothes I sew I serge the edges of each part unless the seam will be enclosed.
Nancy Zieman has a "Serge and Merge" quilt--I will try to find the link to the video.
I have a Viking 3/4 thread serger, not really fancy...I thread it myself. It's easy once you've done it a time or two, and if you can tie a skinny knot, it's possible to just feed the new thread thru if you want to change colors. I only have a foot pedal...have never seen one with the start/stop like sewing machines, but, I honestly have never looked for that feature so it may exist and I am just not aware of it.
I couldn't sew knits without it. It makes such a nice finish on garments...helps make them look more professional, and makes a nice sturdy seam on kids clothes. Pretty much every piece of clothes I sew I serge the edges of each part unless the seam will be enclosed.
Nancy Zieman has a "Serge and Merge" quilt--I will try to find the link to the video.
#56
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have an older Singer serger. I would never be with out one. I don't use it daily but it is there when I want to use it. I do lots of rolled hems on curtain and such.
The best thing I did was take 2 classes on how to serge. My instructor had us make a binder where we reported all the setting for each technique. That binder is like my bible.
I am sure you will love it once you get one. It is fantastic for making clothes and having finished seams.
The best thing I did was take 2 classes on how to serge. My instructor had us make a binder where we reported all the setting for each technique. That binder is like my bible.
I am sure you will love it once you get one. It is fantastic for making clothes and having finished seams.
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,232
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I haven't read all the replies, so I apologize if this has already been said. I recommend getting a flatlock only machine. It's quite an ordeal to switch from serger mode to flatlock mode.
I also use mine when I make clothing. In fact, I'm looking to upgrade one of these days and get one that flatlocks so I can put the professional looking hems in knits. I DO use my serger around the outside of blocks that I am appliqueing. It sure keeps the fraying under control. I also serge around the edge of my quilts before binding, again for fray and string control.
#58
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I agree with all the responses regarding having a serger to use. I don't garment sew very often these days, but I use my serger a lot for receiving blankets for gifts. The new mothers love these blankets and a lot of the girls in my church ask me for them when it comes time for a shower gift. I also make my own table linens, as in napkins, table cloths, coasters. etc. Can't imagine all my years of garment and pageant costume sewing without my serger. I'm on my second serger as I wore a Singer 5 thread out sewing Christmas pageant costumes. I now have a Juki which was fairly expensive and it is a real workhorse.
My only advise would be to decide how much you will actually use a serger before you invest a substantial amount of money in one.
Also, as to the foot pedal, if you have a table or a cabinet, desk, where the serger would be used, maybe you could mount the pedal on the right side where you could use it with your knee, similar to some of the older model machines there were in cabinets and had a lever on the right side you used with your knee.
My only advise would be to decide how much you will actually use a serger before you invest a substantial amount of money in one.
Also, as to the foot pedal, if you have a table or a cabinet, desk, where the serger would be used, maybe you could mount the pedal on the right side where you could use it with your knee, similar to some of the older model machines there were in cabinets and had a lever on the right side you used with your knee.
#59
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have an older White - 4 spool - made like a Sherman tank and weighs like it!! I love it - - Only 2 gripes - - it takes 4 cones of thread to run it - and it doesn't thread with a little "air" - - it had the long wire to thread that long looper thread - and you do need that wire!! But - workable? It is a workhorse! When I bring fabric home from the store, I serge the cut ends before I wash it - to prevent fraying damage and to tell me when I get ready to use it that I have already washed it!! I always sew with a sewing machine but have backed up a seam with serging - - - and I consider it bullet-proof - - - if I had to take the seam apart for any reason after sewing and serging? - - - I would rather start over. :-) Fabulous for their purpose - and I admit, I have never tried decorative stuff with it.
Marysewfun
Marysewfun
#60
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi,
I am on my second serger, now about 15 years old. I couldn't do a rolled edge on my first one. I am reading this thread with interest.
THREADING HINT:
for those who don't have automatic threaders, start with the far right thread notice your tension write it down if need, cut off a good length of thread DO NOT unthread! Add new cone, tie a small tight knot with previous thread. Trim excess thread, loosen tension (now you get it why I say remember or write down tension) sew through until new color sews through. put that tension back. Now do next one to it same process.
When you get to the needle(s) KEEP WORKING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT do same with thread UNTIL you get to your needle pull length of new out Cut knot then hand thread needle. Repete for threading the next needle, recheck all your tensions! Then all your threads will be loose sew a short seam of thread. take a scrap of your fabric and serge it through so you can check your seam. Make any necessary adustments
I hope this helps.
dawn227
I am on my second serger, now about 15 years old. I couldn't do a rolled edge on my first one. I am reading this thread with interest.
THREADING HINT:
for those who don't have automatic threaders, start with the far right thread notice your tension write it down if need, cut off a good length of thread DO NOT unthread! Add new cone, tie a small tight knot with previous thread. Trim excess thread, loosen tension (now you get it why I say remember or write down tension) sew through until new color sews through. put that tension back. Now do next one to it same process.
When you get to the needle(s) KEEP WORKING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT do same with thread UNTIL you get to your needle pull length of new out Cut knot then hand thread needle. Repete for threading the next needle, recheck all your tensions! Then all your threads will be loose sew a short seam of thread. take a scrap of your fabric and serge it through so you can check your seam. Make any necessary adustments
I hope this helps.
dawn227
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Main
7
03-16-2011 05:06 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
28
03-12-2011 08:01 AM
judylg
Main
67
11-28-2010 09:05 PM
craftybear
Links and Resources
2
05-16-2010 05:53 AM