by Renee Larson
1. A serger is faster than a typical sewing machine.
2. A serger can give you a more professional finish by cutting off your seam allowance and overcasting the edge.
3. Stretchy fabrics work best in a serger – they will still stretch after sewing in a serger, and this is not always the case with a sewing machine.
4. You can do all kinds of other stitches with your serger, such as a blind hem, and the seam is completely finished as well, saving you time.
5. You can easily finish the edges of very delicate fabrics by putting in a rolled hem.
6. Some sergers come with a cover-stitch which can be an easier finish than having to use twin needles on your sewing machine.
7. Sewing with a serger is often easier than sewing with a sewing machine – it is a bit like driving a car.
8. While threading a serger can look complicated, you can tie the old threads to the new threads and pull them through, making it easier to thread. Most manufacturers also color-code their threading system which makes the process even easier.
9. It makes your home-sewn clothing more durable and has a stronger hold than a regular straight stitch. If you pop a thread in a serged seam it will still hold the majority of the time.
10. A serger is an excellent second machine if you use your sewing machine for embroidery, etc. You can never get away with not having a sewing machine, but you can get away with not having a serger.
Renee Larson is MNSOC’s Resident Sewing Pro. If you have a question for Renee you can send it to MNSOC, or you can find Renee in person – selling, fixing and teaching about various sewing machines at the Husquavarna Viking dealer in Joann Fabrics in Woodbury.
MNSOC Hotdish 
I’m looking to buy my first serger. Naturally, I want a machine as forgiving as possible as I learn to use it. Bells and whistles are secondary to price and functionality.
What brands do you recommend? Should I look at new or used? (Are refurbished machines an option?) What are some things you wish you knew when you were in my shoes?
I’m a big fan of classes. If you buy your serger new, you’ll often have a lot better luck when there are classes offered to help you learn how to use it. There are also chat groups online that offer a wealth of information from other users out there. But remember to take them with a grain of salt. Sometimes opinions are not always what they seem to be…
Since I work for Husqvarna Viking, obviously I like the Vikings but there are other brands that work well too and with other options than the ones I have to sell. Look around and do your research. Find out what options are your “make or break the deal” options. You’re going to pay more for a machine that does a coverstitch as well as the standard overlock and rolled hem (But, BOY, are they nice)! I have the starter model Singer 14CG754 myself. No, there aren’t any bells and whistles and it seems to do just fine by me. A friend of mine has one that threads itself! It’s nice but I couldn’t afford it.
As for the new vs. used question, I think it depends on who you buy it from. Since it’s your first, I’d suggest buying it from a dealer that is better equipped to offer you some sort of warranty if something does go wrong. If you buy from a private party, you don’t necessarily know what you’re getting. They may be dumping it because someone told them it couldn’t be fixed and you might end up thinking that it’s just you when it could be the machine.
Hope this helps you out, Gregory.
I think it does, Renee. Thanks for your thoughts (and the articles).