There are rare occasions when one might use a serger to embellish outside seams or to finish hems, such as with rolled hemming, but in general the serger or overlocker is used in construction rather than finishing. Yes, you can, and truth be told, you need both. There is no difference between an overlocker and a serger, but what do they do? A 2-4 thread serger: This machine has the capabilities of a true safety stitch and a two-thread overlocked edge. A clear foot is nice to have. The serger is quite a different machine than a sewing machine, and requires threading of three or four pathways, including two loopers. This machine does not replace the sewing machine, but works beside it accomplishing tasks no sewing machine can do. All rights reserved. That’s because it is more expedient to have each machine set up and ready to do its job. to the test because they're the same thing. They trim and bind seams to the fabric itself so that it doesn't unravel. With a coverstitcher, you can do any manner of hems, chain stitches, and even decorative stitches. But a coverstitcher can help. It can even take the trouble out of attaching bindings. Serger, or Overlocker? The fact that an overlock … With most, you can use one, two, or three needles. You've entered wrong login (e-mail) or password. You can also buy cording and gathering feet, a pintucking bar, a feller, belt looping folder, and more. Overlocking, or serging, trims and binds seams so that the fabric can not unravel. A serger will essentially have more spools of thread than an overlock machine. Account with that email address does not exist at this portal. Overlocking, or serging, trims and binds seams so that the fabric can not unravel. Sergers also get very fancy and cut your seams for you. Seamstresses have been avoiding knit garments for ages because they stretch, warp, move, and overall are a pain. The stitch created by a serger is usually called an overlock or overlocking stitch so this may also cause some confusion. It professionally finishes the insides of garments. A coverstitcher really takes all the trouble and error out of this otherwise tricky task. Coverstitch machines seem like the top choice because there isn’t a lot of complicated threading. The term "serger" is more American, whereas in the UK and even in Australia, crafters typically refer to this machine as an overlocker. You can begin using your coverstitch machine immediately, and use it often, without ever needing to buy attachments or extra feet. Please try again. The effect is you’re knitting (or serging, or overlocking) with thread, over a fabric. A chainstitch can be used for both utility and decorative effects. The coverstitch machine is the star of the machine line-up for finishing tasks. An Overlock stitch foot can be added in your sewing machine but if the volume of work is huge, you will need a serger or overlocker. Overlocker/ Serger Vs Coverstitch Machine — What’s the Difference? It really puts the Shakespearean question of, "Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet?" Your account is not yet activated or disabled. This is easier than having to reconfigure a complicated serger when moving back and forth between tasks. I recommend the Janome 1000CPX CoverPro as the best coverstitcher to buy. Fax: 1.213.623.8813 | Email: sales@goldstartool.com, © 2020 GoldStar Tool. It's great for working with cotton that pulls apart easily and especially for garments. You may be surprised to find out that a serger and an overlocker machine are the same! Overlocker / Serger Vs Coverstitch Machine — You want both! And speaking of tricky tasks, a coverstitch machine can also attach lace, elastic, or other trim to any garment in a hurry, again with a stretchable seam that will not break. “Overlocker” … A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. A serger performs an overlocking stitch, which is really more like knitting than sewing. Be aware that this choice is a compromise. These are different words for the same machine. With a serger, you can effortlessly create various decorative stitches for finishing edges which is not common with an overlock machine. So, now that we have that cleared up, let’s ask a different question. There are machines that do both, and they're usually called a combo machine, meaning a combination of a serger and a coverstitch. There are also a couple of different configurations that you can use with two needles, to make narrow or wide rows of hem stitches. A serger is the term used for this machine in the USA while other places in the World such as Europe and Australia use the term overlocker. In fact, you basically must have a serger for a professional finish on your garment seams. Or for someone who can quickly and easily adjust from one system to another, which isn't something that everyone can do.