Sergers & Overlockers

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Machines compared

For UK & European buyers

Product reviews

What is a serger or overlocker?

A serger (also known as an overlocker) is a machine that sews an overlock stitch. It cuts the raw edge of your fabric, making it neat, and then loops thread over the edges to stop the fabric from fraying.

4 thread overlock stitch

“Should I buy a serger or overlocker?”

A serger is a great addition to your sewing machine if:

  • You want to stop fabric edges fraying.
  • You want to finish seams without using a zig-zag stitch. You want your makes to look shop-bought.
  • You want to sew with knits. A serger creates a stretchy seam that’s relatively hard to break. It has a differential feed system to stop knits stretching out or puckering. You won’t need a walking foot anymore.
  • You work with chiffon-type fabrics a lot and want to create really fast rolled hems.
  • You want to sew seams and finish edges faster than you could on a sewing machine. Sergers tend to sew at 1300 to 1500 stitches per minute. Sewing machines normally do half that speed.