Friday Fun Fact: What's a serger?

We've had a great response in the last few months to our new Serger Basics class, but it's also prompted the question: what the heck is a serger anyway?

A serger, also known as an overlock machine, has been in use in manufacturing for over a century. Versions for home use have been around since the 1960s.

Instead of the two-thread (spool and bobbin) system that your regular machine uses, a serger has 3 or 4 cones of thread. The threads run to two loopers and one or two needles to create a stitch that overcasts the edge.

Sergers also have a few extra features. A blade slices the extra fabric away as you sew, creating a perfectly tidy edge.

Most helpful, sergers have differential feed, a setting that allows you to get perfectly smooth seams on stretchy fabrics, knits, and delicates, without distorting the edge.

A serger can be a great additional machine to have around, especially if you like sewing knits.

Let's also mention what a serger is NOT: 

A serger is not a sewing machine. It can never totally replace your conventional machine.

A serger is not a cover stitch machine. That's an even more complex option that we'll discuss in a future Fun Fact!