Attention, all designer day-dreamers! Whether you consider yourself in the running for the CFDA Fashion Awards (someday), the H & M Student Awards, your local division fashion awards, or are running your own fashion-forward business, chances are you excel in these two areas:

  1. Imagination that can set you apart from the rest, to make your designs worth that second look. That means good use of color, style, fabrics, textures, and all the rest that goes into creating an eye-catching design.
  1. Great construction techniques and attention to detail. You understand that nobody will even give your work a second glance when the seams are puckered or mismatched, topstitching is off, or the garment just doesn’t hang correctly. You could spend hours basting by hand, then sewing each seam carefully, then flat-felling each seam, and maybe adding hand-sewn blind hems. Months later, you have a garment worthy of couture. Or…

Wait a minute and put those scissors DOWN! You could buy a serger, a machine that would make it much easier to manifest the designs that hide in your imagination.

Sergers can join and finish edges in one step, make beautiful rolled hems and blind hems, and they create beautiful work in half the time. Some machines boast top speeds of over 1000 stitches per minute fast.

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Tools for Design

Serger machines function differently and with more complexity than standard sewing machines. They work with a locked stitch of 2, 3, 4, or 5 threads and provide greater durability. The higher the number of threads used in each stitch, the more durable the resulting stitch.

They effortlessly lend that professional finish that regular sewing machines don’t offer, from the hems on a simple T-shirt to the lovely edging on satin or tulle. When people see your work, they’ll say, “Oh, how gorgeous”, sigh, and buy.

And did we mention, serger machines are fast. You can create a top-quality garment in seconds. If you can dream it, you can do it, all in a fraction of the time it would take with a standard sewing machine. If you’re pondering the idea of adding a serger machine to your collection, hone in on the powers of these machines in a bit more detail.

Ready for some Closeups?

Janome MyLock 634D Overlock Serger with Free Bonus Package

This machine is a 2, 3, or 4 thread serger with color-coded thread guides, and it has both adjustable cutting widths and stitching widths. The bonus package includes a beading attachment (Vegas costumes, anyone?), a piping foot, and a blind hem foot.

It sews beautifully on gossamer and thick fabrics, and at 15 ½ x 14 ½ x 13 inches and 21 pounds, it is easier to transport than that industrial serger in the Garment District.

Juki Pearl Line MO654DE 2/3/4 Thread Serger with Bonus I Want It All Package

This machine delivers built-in rolled hemming with overlock and flatlock variations. What does this mean? It’s as reliable as a workhorse. Stitches are made faster and stronger, which is a plus for professional dressmaking or designing.

The loopers disengage from the machine for easier, faster threading, and the package contains 8 separate presser feet; blind stitch, gathering, piping, elastic tape sewing, curve/pearl, beading, cording, and blind hem.

Costume designers especially love it for its size (20 x 18.3 x 14.3 inches), weight (25 ½ lb.), and even stitching. SINGER 132 Featherweight Compact Efficiency Sewing Machine

SINGER | Finishing Touch 14SH6540 Differential-Feed Serger Sewing Machine including 4-3 Stitch Configuration, Color-Coded Lay-in Threading System

This machine has a 4-3 thread capability and a wide selection of stitch options, including both rolled hems and cover hems. The color-coded threading diagram boasts a lay-in threading system, which is very easy to follow.

As it is printed on the machine itself, the designer doesn’t have to spend time looking for the manual! It has a differential feed that ensures even feed on all types and weights of fabrics, and a blazing, 1300 stitch per minute capability.

Add adjustable tension for sewing various fabric types, the convenient stitch length dial located at the front of the machine, the package of included accessories, and it’s ready to go.

Dimensions are 14 x 11 x11 ½ inches, and it is a little over 17 pounds.

Brother Serger, ST4031HD, Strong and Tough Serger, Durable Metal Frame Construction, Large Extension Table, 1,300 Stitches Per Minute

This machine has a metal frame, a large extension table, high-performance stitching that can even sew multiple layers of denim for Cosplay and other types of costumes. With a strong thread stand, the thread will feed up and off the thread spools correctly.

It also has the Brother color-coded thread guides to make the daunting threading much easier. In addition, the cutting knives are retractable, so hems will stay the same length that the designer wishes.

Dimensions are 13 x 14 ½ x 17 inches, and it weighs almost 18 pounds.

Final Thoughts

A serger machine can be the designer’s best friend, producing fast, fun, and professional results in a fraction of the time spent on a traditional sewing machine.

There are possibilities at every price point. A serger is an invaluable tool that will give quality results after diligent practice. That’s what design is all about: practicing new methods of making garments and crafting unique household items.

You already have the designer’s way of looking at colors, textiles, and threads, and this is a fun tool that’ll allow you to expand your creative horizons.

A few sergers that are highly-rated overall are also mentioned on design websites, such as the Juki MO-1000, the Singer Professional 5, the Brother Designio Series DZ 1234, and the Juki MO654DE.

Pay close attention to the machine you choose, as it will be your invaluable design partner. Maybe in the future, YOU will win an award for one of your personal designs. We can just hear your acceptance speech now: “And I’d like to thank my serger for making me the artist I am today.”

Now that you’ve got some insight on these serger machines, get out there and start creating!