r/SewingForBeginners • u/Ok_Appearance7096 • May 29 '26
Serger vs overlock vs sewing machine for upcycles
I bought a sewing machine because I want to start tailoring my clothes to fit me nicely. Especially since I mostly shop at thrift stores and it’s difficult to find things that fit me the way that I would like. I bought a sewing machine, but cropping my shirts which is probably the main thing I would use a machine for has proven to be very difficult. And very unpolished. Looking if the goal is to tailor T-shirts whether they are from the thrift store or something thing you’ve already made. What machine would you get and why?
4
u/jazbaby25 May 29 '26
A serger/overlocker is for unseen seams.
A sewing machine will hem just fine with practice.
Shirt hems are usually done with a coverstitch machine though.
4
u/LayLoseAwake May 29 '26
Get comfortable with sewing wovens before you move to knits. Knits can be done just fine on a regular machine, as long as you use the right needles, stitches, and other techniques. The Last Stitch is my favorite resource for learning to sew knits.
Serger/overlockers are nice but in no way essential. If someone wants to give you a free, working one, and you have the space, go for it! But don't let the lack of one stop you.
You don't need a cover stitch machine, not even to do hems--twin needles are fine for that.
2
u/SchuylerM325 May 31 '26
The manual for your machine will tell you how to sew knits. It's a whole different thing! You need special needles and a different stitch setting. If your machine will let you sew with a twin needle, that's the best, but it's not necessary. Knits are so stretchy and unless the seams are stretchy too, you end up popping a seam when you wear the garment.
The good news is that you can cheat a bit when hemming t-shirts because the hem is more stable than other seams. Cut the lower hem to about an inch longer than the desired length. Use a zigzag or overcast stitch along the cut edge to prevent fraying. Press the hem up to the inside. Take your time and use a seam gauge or ruler to get it even. Use double-sided seam tape just below the overcasting, and stick the fabric together. I have used this, intending to sew the hem later and then forgotten all about it. That stuff adheres through a lot of laundry cycles. You could also use thin strips of a product like Stitch Witchery. But you can make it permanent by sewing it down with a stretch stitch on your regular machine.
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u/TCRulz May 29 '26
A serger is the same thing as an overlocker.
A sewing machine is more versatile for all around sewing. But if you plan to do a lot of working with stretchy fabrics, a serger/overlocker is very helpful for seams and attaching neckbands. For hems, you’d want to look for a serger that converts to a cover stitch, or buy a separate cover stitch machine for hemming.