- A serger is a sewing-machine-like device that simultaneously trims the fabric with a blade, sews a seam, and finishes the cut edge of the fabric. According to “Sewing Secrets From the Fashion Industry,” such a device can only be considered a serger if it both forms a chain stitch to make the seam and also overlocks the edge – this implies that only five thread sergers are really sergers, and everything else is just an overlocker. Opinions on this matter vary widely.
- Sergers allow you to quickly sew and finish a seam, eliminating the step of going back to overstitch the raw edges or installing bindings or french seams. On the other hand, the process of using a serger limits somewhat the techniques you can use – for example, turning a 90 degree corner or curves is really rather difficult. Comparing a serger to a sewing machine is like comparing a microwave oven to a conventional stove/oven set – yes, you can do things a lot faster, but you have to learn new techniques to do them, and it’s not always the best solution.
