One of the things I think a lot of sewing beginners ask is can you sew knits without a serger? The short answer is yes, and the long answer we’re going to talk about.
I always believe with using what you have vs. buying the next greatest big thing. We’re tackling all of your questions about sewing knits sans serger.
Learn what a serger does, we’ll talk about if you really need one, and stick around for you some knit sewing tips about thread, stitches, needles. I’ll even give you some instances when a sewing machine just might be a better choice than a serger. Here we go!
What does a serger do, and do I need one?
A serger or overlocker uses 3, 4, or 5 threads to wrap the raw edges of a seam allowance. There’s a knife on it that trims the seam allowance at the same time as it makes the stitch.
serger threads 
the knife 
trimming seam allowances and making a seam at the same time
With knits, you can use it to sew your seams without having to sew the seam first. Knits don’t fray like wovens, but the stretchy nature of a serger stitch makes it a great pair for knits.
For wovens, sergers make a nice clean edge that won’t fray. Because sergers sew much faster than regular sewing machines, they’re handier than a zigzag for finishing seams.
Do you NEED a serger? No. There are many sewists who do without one and make fine garments that anyone would be proud of. Is it handy? You betcha.
Can you still get good quality results sewing knits on a regular sewing machine?
Absolutely, and in some cases, your good old reliable sewing machine might even rival that shiny serger.
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Must-have needles for sewing knits without a serger
If you’re sewing knits without a serger, make sure you’re using the right needle.
Here I walk you through all the different options for picking the best needles for knits.
What stitch do I need for sewing knits without a serger?
Here’s a rundown of the best stitches for knits for your sewing machine.
Read on for the best threads for sewing knits without a serger…
Elizabeth Farr is the writer behind the Elizabeth Made This blog where she shares helpful sewing tips, step by step sewing tutorials and videos to help you explore your creativity through sewing. She has written sewing Eguides and patterns, been a featured teacher at Rebecca Page’s Sewing Summit and Jennifer Maker’s Holiday Maker Fest and her work has appeared in Seamwork and Altered Couture magazines. She also created a line of refashioned garments for SEWN Denver. When her sewing machine isn’t humming, she’s playing and teaching violin, and hanging around a good strategic board game with her husband and 4 kids.
“What does a serger do, and do I need one?”
Oh, heavens to murgatroy! No!!
You need two (20. In case the first one has to go into the shop.
LOL!
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