Types of Machines

​TYPES OF MACHINES

​There are many types of sewing machines on the market today.  These different types of machines have different functions and features.  Typically, the more functions the machine has, the more difficult they are to use.  The feature that is most important to have is the straight stitch and the zigzag.  

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A sewing machine, specifically modern machines, are lockstitch machines. That means a top-thread and bottom-thread loop and lock to create a series of secure stitches. These machines often cover at least the very basic straight, chain, and zig-zag stitches, and many sewing machines have a number of decorative or design-focused stitch options as well. 

​The Serger

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The main function of the serger is to trim the edge of the seam with a built in blade and overcast the seam to finish the edge of the fabric.  This will create a clean inside finish and prevent the fabric from unraveling.  Additionally, sergers are much faster than the sewing machine so you must be very attentive and cautious when using them to avoid accidents from occuring.  Most sergers also have a rolled hem capability by changing ​the throat plate. For a rolled hem, the machine rolls the very edge of the fabric to the underside and encloses the edge with thread. 

​Types of Sergers

• Three thread

  • This has two loopers and one needle

  • Primarily used to overcast seams.

• Four thread

  • Has two loopers and two needles

  • Used to sew and overcast seams simultaneously

  • Will give you a wider and stronger seam. 

  • Sometimes referred to as a "mock safety" stitch. It has much of the strength of a seam made with a safety stitch or a separate seam but is not as strong.

​Five thread

• Has three loopers and two needles

• Can chain stitch a seam, overcast seams and create a rolled hem look

• Three threads are used on the overlocked edge and two are used for the straight seam line. This is the seam you see on ready-made clothing that has an overlocked edge with the straight seam having a chain stitch. When doing production work, this machine eliminates having to switch between machines for a strong seam and seam finish

​Threading the industrial Sewing Machine

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByMZ_x4DyIk&list=LL&index=3&t=132s

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​​Threading the industrial Serger

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y3rnajbDTY&list=LL&index=5&t=173s

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