Should I Buy a Serger?
Sewers in the market for a new sewing machine may wonder if buying a serger is worth the extra investment. Angeline Santana of Janome says that sergers are designed to complement the sewing machine but not replace it. “A serger is a perfect compliment to your regular sewing machine, and many sewists are delighted with the time it saves them in their sewing room.”

Sergers simultaneously cut and finish the raw edge of the fabric, giving a professional look to the inside of a project, explains June Mellinger of Brother. In recent years, however, manufacturers have added new functions to sergers that are intended to show finished edges on the outside.

Santana points out that although sergers have traditionally been associated with garment sewing, they can create gorgeous home decor and crafts projects—fast. “With a little imagination, it’s amazing what you can create with a serger, and in a lot less time than a traditional machine. They’re great for napkin edges, knits, and fleece,” she says. “For instance, you can make six to eight fleece blankets for gifts in an hour or so.”