All About: Serger VS Sewing Machine
We know about the two terms serger and sewing machines as they both work the same, but when we talk about serger vs sewing machine, then they are two different machines. These machines are used for making dresses with style. These machines are mostly used in garment factories and sewing institutions. The sewing machine has been used for ages which makes the work easier for making different and stylish clothes for men, women, and children. The main difference between these two machines is that the sewing machine is used to stitch the clothes, and the serger is used to overlock. These two are different in many ways.
What is Serger Machine?
A serger machine is known for its multitasking features and is commonly known as an overlock machine. It is a type of machine which is specially designed for different tasks. This machine can sew the seam, cut, and enclose the edges simultaneously. This machine is used to cut off the extra cloth and sew the edges neatly. It gives a fine look with perfection. Though it looks the same as a sewing machine, most people get confused as they know few things and the exact working of these two machines.
How Well Do You Know Sewing Machine?
A sewing machine is the most common machine that people use and are aware of. This machine is commonly present in every house. This machine is simple and used efficiently. You can also use it with or without electricity. The design of this machine is a little the same as the serger machine, but they both works differently. Comparing serger vs sewing machine, both machines can be used to stitch the garments, but the sewing machine is used to stitch or sew the cloth only and does not overlock or cut the fabric. You can quickly sew and design the stitches of different patterns such as zig-zag, straight, flowers, or buttonhole stitch. There are different models of simple sewing machines. There are some models which only sew the cloth with straight stitching.
Comparing Serger VS Sewing Machine

Design
The serger machine has a more complex design than a sewing machine. It is mainly of small size and has more features. The loopers are used in the serger, and there is a knife in the overlock machine. The serger uses this looper to stitch the fabric, as these loopers have holes in them which help in easy stitching. The knife is used to cut the extra fabric.
In the sewing machine, the bobbins are used instead of loopers. The term bobbin is used commonly and known to everyone. The sewing machine is simple and works efficiently. It does not have a complex structure like a serger and it also has no knife and does not cut or trim. It only sews the fabric without finishing of edges.
Use of Thread
The serger machines use four or five (Multiple) thread cones. The machine mainly uses polyester thread, and it stretches but does not break.
The sewing machine uses mainly a cotton thread and a single thread to sew; it can break the thread during stitching.
Needle, Tension Dial & Foot
The serger and the sewing machines have needles, tension dial, and the foot. These are helpful in sewing the fabric. It keeps the fabric in the line; both machines stitch the fabric efficiently and quickly. Without a needle, tension dial, and foot, you are unable to sew the fabric in both machines.
Price
The price of the serger machine is more than the regular sewing machine. As a sewing machine is simple with fewer features, you can buy it easily. A serger machine is a specialized machine with more features, available at high prices.
Working
The working of the serger machine is different than the sewing machine. The serger uses more thread loopers. The fabric is inserted under the foot and needle. There is a knife that trims and removes the extra fabric after stitching. It encloses the fabric and gives fine finishing to the fabric.
In the sewing machine, there is only a single thread and bobbin. The fabric is stitched from the loop of the above and below thread. It does not enclose or trim the extra fabric. You can also change the function of the stitching style and can make straight design stitching, zigzag or buttonhole, and many more styles that you want.
Speed & Efficiency
In a serger vs sewing machine, the speed of the overlock machine is more than 1000 stitches/min. The functions work simultaneously. It works efficiently and gives better results in less time. The speed of the sewing machine depends upon the type of fabric and what design of stitch is selected. Mainly the sewing machine is used with the handle without the electricity, so it takes time to complete the stitching. If the electricity is used, its speed increases, but the speed of the sewing machine is still less than the serger machine.
Serger VS Sewing Machine: Similar Functions and Features
The serger machine has some same functions as the sewing machine; they both take the fabric and grip it with the foot. Both give neat results. The sewing machine can roll the fabric, but you need to change the foot type for rolling and piping.
Sewing Machine Serger Combo
Both the machines perform different functions and at different speeds. If you get the machine with the combo, your work will be done much more quickly, efficiently, and at speed. You mostly cut the fabric, sew the fabric on the sewing machine, and then change the machine for overlock. This combo machine will help you work at the same machine and perform the functions of both machines. You can trim the extra edges and give a fine finishing to your fabric. You can use more new features with the combo machine than in separate machines.
Serger as a Sewing Machine
As both machines have different workings and functions, you might ask whether a serger can be used as a regular sewing machine. You have loads of work to finish and mostly in a garment factory. To give a fine finishing and speedy work serger is used as a sewing machine to give professional finishing to the fabric. As serger will cut the edges and overlock them at the same time. The stitching is done from the top in a sewing machine, and the needle gets the thread to loop from the bottom. This stitching is used without overlock, and mostly, people do stitching first and then use a serger for overlock to give a neat look to the fabric or dress.
Conclusion
The serger and sewing machines work effectively and efficiently but in different ways. In the comparison of serger vs sewing machine, both machines are efficient and make the finishing of the fabric with amazing style. Both the machines do not damage the quality of the fabric. You can use the function of the serger machine and overlock the fabric with the best results. The sewing machine has a simple design and functions. There are different models of sewing machines, but the main difference is that simple machines only stitch and people can easily use this machine. In an advanced sewing machine, you need to select the type of stitch or select the feature to sew the fabric or create a design. It will take more time than the regular machine.
If you are interested to know about Machine, then visit our Lifestyle category.
FAQ’s
The serger machine gives the best results and stitches the fabric quickly but is challenging to handle. It is not necessary to have a serger. With the use of a sewing machine, you can make pretty dresses.
The sewing machine is easy to use and handle and does not takes time to learn, but the serger machine is difficult to learn as it has many options and thread loops.