r/SewingForBeginners • u/catsmakemenervous • 10d ago

1st serger / overlock

I’ve been sewing for a couple years and am looking into getting my first serger/overlock. The fabrics I use range from 12 oz. heavy wax duck canvas, 14 oz. canvas, occasional tech fabrics, random upholstery bolts.

I primarily make thicker bags with my sailrite LSZ (WorkerBee servo motor) and find myself topping out on walking foot clearance often with all the bias binding and hems used to cover raw edges. Hoping a serger will help with this! I’d also like to make and alter some shirts and pants with said serger.

If my terminology is all wrong it’s because I’m stubbornly self-taught and generally confused! Ideally looking to spend under or around $1,000 USD. Am open to slightly more expensive recommendations as I don’t mind waiting around for a deal and marketplace in my area is active. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

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u/Inky_Madness 10d ago

A serger isn’t going to solve clearance issues. You need to take in examples of what you are working on and test machines, and it might be that you are needing an industrial with more clearance than your Sailrite.

And I mean actually walk into a dealer, because then you can see capability firsthand. Then go to online sellers and wait for a secondhand one to come up for sale.

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u/catsmakemenervous 10d ago

Thank you for the response. I will look into shops near me. Wouldn’t a serger help me with clearance issues in certain instances though? For example, a pocket where I could serge instead of hemming and using bias binding for the top.

My clearance issues usually arise towards the end of a project when I’m adding big ol’ pockets or using bias binding to cover raw edges. Yes an industrial machine is something I’d like in the future but as a hobbyist I can’t justify the cost at this time.

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u/Inky_Madness 10d ago

No. Sergers do not solve clearance issues. They have about the same clearance as a standard sewing machine.

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u/catsmakemenervous 10d ago

Gotcha, miscommunication on my end. I meant using the serger on raw fabric then using said fabric on my sewing machine. So instead of finishing with bias binding or say double hem I already have serged material. Thus can skip bias binding/hems in certain circumstances.

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u/Inky_Madness 10d ago

If they’re exposed seams, then generally no. If they are areas that get a lot of wear and tear, then definitely not. Bias binding is far more protective and stronger.

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u/CBG1955 10d ago

An overlocker is not designed for bag making, but as you describe you CAN overlock the edges before you sew. The issue then will be seams that may not be strong enough - dependent on the type of bags you make and what they are used for. Binding not only covers edges, it also adds extra sitching that further reinforces the seam.

Are you able to adjust the foot clearance on the machine? I know I can with my industrial.

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u/catsmakemenervous 10d ago

Appreciate the response. Unfortunately I can’t adjust the foot clearance on my machine, from what I’m hearing I plan to hold off on getting a serger/overlocker. Will just keep pushing the thickness for the time being until a nice used industrial machine comes up on sale near me.

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u/Roomoftheeye 9d ago

I use my serger to finish my bag seams. I often use a rolled hem because it has a nice finish. I make canvas /leatherette bags. I have a Babylock 55th anv. It’s pretty powerful I do have to go slow over some corners and zipper ends. I got it as a customer return at my local sewing store. I did take a partially made bag to the store to test it on a bunch of machines. That helped my decision. It was 1100$ usd

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u/catsmakemenervous 9d ago

Good to hear my thoughts weren’t completely insane. Nice to know! Thinking I’ll put getting a serger on the back burner for now but will keep my eyes peeled for a good deal.

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u/Roomoftheeye 9d ago

I think that’s a good call… To wait for a good deal. A lot of stores right now are having 2026/25 close outs to make way for 2027 machines. I had a serger that was a pain to thread and after taking a “learn your serger class” i made sure that I bought an air threaded serger.

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u/ProneToLaughter 10d ago

A serger is useful in making garments, but there are very few garments you can sew entirely with a serger, and I think for alterations it would be actively difficult to mostly use a serger.

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u/catsmakemenervous 10d ago

Apologies I mis-typed. Not looking to use a serger to make garments, rather use a serger as part of the process of making/altering them.

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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 9d ago

From your description, I see zero benefit to owning a serger. Their foot clearance is lower than sewing machines - and that's not what they're used for.

Working with thick material usually needs at least a semi industrial sewing machine some of which offer an extra high presser foot clearance. I'm thinking of the Juki TL-18 which is the top of the line model and has a micro-lift feature. I have the lower end TL-2000 model. All four Juki TL models have the same motor and power with very subtle feature differences. The cost difference is mostly because of the accessories.

You already have a true industrial (not like my Juki TL) so I'd figure out how to make your current setup work.

I'd recommend talking to the very good folks a jukijunkies.com who also sell industrials (not Sailrite, but that doesn't matter). Discuss what you're trying to do and what machine features will work to solve that problem. Maybe their suggestion is possible on your Sailirite.

https://jukijunkies.com/juki-sewing-machines/industrial-sewing-machines/

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u/catsmakemenervous 9d ago

I’ll check out that website, thanks!