Serger or sewing machine?
Question:I want to learn to sew. I know literally next to nothing.
Should I purchase my mom's Brother D929 serger or just buy the cheapest sewing machine i can find at the store? I don't know how to really do any sewing, so this is a learning experience for me and as such I don't want to invest too much money in it until I am sure that it is something that I can even do. My ideal would be to learn to make some simple clothing for my girls, little sundresses and the like and if i could do a simple quilt, I'd be ecstatic. I suppose I can buy a sewing machine for $100 at the store, or offer my mom something for her serger that she no longer needs. I was thinking of offering her $50 as I am not really sure what they are worth. What would you say would be the best decision for me given what I want to use it for?
Answers:
I've been sewing for more than 30 years, I learned with my mother and use to help her since I was a child. I would sincerely suggest you to buy a sewing machine and, in the future, if you like the sewing, buy your mother's serger. Sergers are great and are wonderful to give a professional finish to any piece, but are extremely delicate pieces of equipment. Maybe it wont look like that to you, but, believe me, they are. Yes, we can sew with sergers but, if you don't know how to sew, but I wont recommend you to learn with a serger. If you want me to give you some more advice about it, send me an email, I will gladly clarify any of your doubts.
Sergers are faster, and can be use to also trim the fabric as it sews it. Commercially made clothes are done with a serger. You can tell the difference by looking at the type of stitching.
Sergers typically cost more than sewing machines.
I would say that if you are only going to be making clothes, a serger may be the way to go. But, if you think you'll be making pillows, curtains/valances, or other decor items, you would do better with a sewing machine.
Maybe she will let you borrow her serger and see if it suits your needs. If it does, then buy it, and if not, then buy a sewing machine.
Stay away from a Serger! Unless you have some sewing skills and are ready to tackle the complicated world of Sergers. I would go out and buy a simple little Singer machine. That's all you will need to do the type of sewing you want to do. I've been sewing for almost 35 years and have made everything form comforters, curtains, clothing(dressy and casual)etc. with my simple Singer machines. Make sure it has a button hole attachment and a ziz zag stitch.
I would start out on a simple machine but the serger's are wonderful.However,they are more complicated and much more expensive.
Why not get your mom to teach you?Since she has one she must know how to use it and could give you a hand learning.
I would get an inexpensive machine if you're going to be on your own but if I were you,if you decide you like sewing I would invest in your mom's machine also.
Have fun learning.
I have been sewing for 45 years and I would not start out on a serger. They are very hard to thread and have limited capabilities. You can buy sewing machines at very reasonable prices in discount stores or on e-bay that do just fine for a beginner. I would recommend going to a reputable sewing machine store where they have lessons that accompany the machine. Many stores also give classes at reasonable charges that take the stress out of learning to sew. Good luck and happy sewing.
More Related Questions & Answers...