What Can You Do with An Overlock (Serger)?
A serger, commonly referred to as an overlock machine, combines three functions into one simple operation-stitching a seam, trimming the excess seam allowance and overcasting the edge of your fabric-allowing you to achieve professional quality stitching in a short amount of time. They are very fast! You can quickly repair torn seams, make a pair of PJs as your child grows, or whip up a quick gift for any occasion. You can use from two to eight spools of thread depending upon the model. Some of the things you can do with a serger:
- Seam finishing
- Making swimwear, T-shirts, lingerie, napkins, tablerunners, etc.
- Insert elastic into clothing
- Decorate garments making flowers or other trims
- Finish hem & facing edges with the cover stitch
- Seaming on knits more quickly that with a sewing machine
- Gathering/add ruffle to garments or home décor items (pillow shams)
What Can You Do with a Coverstitch Machine?
A coverstitch machine is primarily used for hemming and topstitching knits. On the front, the stitches are straight and on the reverse side, a grid or a chain is formed by the looper thread crossing back and forth between the needle threads. This creates a very elastic and durable stitch that makes stitching knits much easier, as it prevents the fabric from stretching out. Especially when hemming stretchy Lycra knits, a coverstitch is usually vastly better than a regular sewing machine.
- Hem finished garment edges
- Hemming in the round
- Retain fabric “stretchability” especially with knit fabrics (does cause the fabric to pucker)
- Have the capability to sew with one, two, three or more needles, plus a looper underneath
- Create complex thread patterns
- Use two needles to create a classic T-shirt hem look
- Covering the raw edges of a fabric
- You can also use it for jeans-making, attaching elastic, neckline finishes, decorative seams and other fun stuff
The difference between a serger and a coverstitch
Both sergers and coverstitch machines sew stitches that form loops and they are technically very similar, which is why you can buy machines that both serge seams and coverstitch. But you will not be able to sew a straight stitch and folded hem with a regular, stand-alone serger. Which is why investing in a coverstitch can be an option to explore.