I came to this realization the other day when my machine was in "the shop" and I needed to finish the New Look 6922 knit top I was working on. Then the thought dawned on me, "hey, you could just use your serger to finish the entire knit top". Man you would've thought I was being asked to give up my first born. There was no way that I would consider such a thing so I quickly dismissed the thought.
I know it may seem a little extreme but for me there's just something so uncomfortable about the notion of solely using a Serger to construct a garment---such as a knit---which is seen in RTW clothes sewn in factories. I have a computerized Husqvarna Viking Huskylock with all the bells and whistles (it even has a safety stitch), but I only use it for finishing a garment or to coverstitch. I love my machine and feel as though I use it like a pro but the thought of accidentally cutting off too much fabric or screwing up a curve would just devastate me. You know once it's cut, it's cut. It's just a risk I don't want to take. It's so sad--I know! LOL!!!So my question to you is are you a "Scaredy cat" like me (nothing wrong with that of course) or do you use your Serger to courageously and completely sew certain garment? If you do, what gives you such courage?
I've built up a bit more courage with my serger recently but I'm still wary of it. I use it to finish seams all the time but I'm more cautious when using it to construct a garment - it's pretty difficult to unpick the stitches and, as you say, once it's cut, that's it!
ReplyDeleteI'm a scaredy cat and must admit that I have never constructed an entirely serged garment. My fears of it echo yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a scaredy cat, but you know what they say about fools having no fear. ;) I'm a beginner, yet I love using my serger. I have yet to figure out though, when and where you can use it safely as all pattern instructions are written for sewing machines.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my serger (I have the same one) and couldn't sew without it. I never sew knits on a sewing machine I do it all on the serger. The more you use it the more confidence you gain and the more you will want to use it. Just give it time to prove itself to you. :)
ReplyDeleteYou HAVE to get over this fear. Next time you are at the fabric store pick up some cheap knit and make pajamas. Once you make something knit on your serger you will never go back to your regular machine for knits again:)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Tracy!!! I'll absolutely & entirely sew a pair of pajama pants with my serger---but that would probably be the only thing! LOL! It's honestly not an issue of fear but of preference. I prefer not to risk accidentally whacking off garments I really like!!! LOL! Maybe I don't trust the steadiness of my hand. But I get your point and I've heard the same thing. I'll get there (wink)....
ReplyDeleteWhen I am sewing something I am not sure of the fit, I baste it on the sewing machine. Once the fit is where I want it, I take it to the serger and put that sucker together and call it done! I figure that is the best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteI love my serger too & was scared of it until I gave myself a stern talking to and just (almost) got over it. Ha ha.....Phew.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I disengage the blade on my serger a lot, Victoria. I don't find it too troublesome to guide the fabric correctly- my Kwik Sew and Jalie patterns have 1/4 in. seam allowances. Try it! The cutting makes me nervous too, so every time I don't HAVE to engage the blade, I leave it down. Just discovered your blog and am SO excited to subscribe!
ReplyDeleteI was a Scaredy Cat when I first purchased by serger, but then it was a do or die issue. I really wanted to sew knits and that basically forced me to use my serger.
ReplyDeleteNow I will construct an entire garment using my serger. When it comes to curves, I lightly tap on the pedal and slowly feed the material through the machine.
However, I've become a lil wiser when using the serger on my knits especially the neckline, now I stay stitch the neckline. Sometimes serging the neckline can make it wonky and by stay stitching it before hand eliminates that. But for the most part I love using my serger to construct a garment especially tops and skirts.