I can't afford a "real" serger and can get a new Singer Tiny Serger for $30. I really just need something for an interlocking stitch to make things like napkins, curtains, etc. I don't care about it not having a cutter (at least I don't think I do..or do I?).

What I am wondering is if I will be disappointed by this machine or is it just the thing for someone who doesn't sew much and only wants to work on a couple of items a month on fairly lightweight material.

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), April 19, 2002

Answers

Karen, I have not seen the Singer Tiny Serger but at that price would think it would not do what you are wanting to do.

Sergers, full size, make beautiful rolled hems on napkins and tablecloths. As far as a finished looking seam on clothes, use zig zag on sewing machine.

http://www.epinions.com/hmgd-Large_Appliances-All-Sewing_Machines-Sing er_Tiny_Serger_TS380/display_~reviews

http://www.sewnews.com/bboard/serger/messages/840.htm

I found several requests for instruction book for this serger. Not sure if instructions come with it or not.

Marie

-- Marie (rainbarrel55@yahoo.com), April 19, 2002.

I have one and am not impressed. You really do need a cutter unless you can cut and sew VERY straight. I used mine twice and stuck it back in the box, which is where it is right now.

-- Gayle in KY (gayleannesmith@yahoo.com), April 20, 2002.

I'm afraid that you'd be disappointed with it. If you shop around, perhaps you could find a reconditioned serger at a good price.

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), April 20, 2002.

Okay, stupid question....alert!

I saw a project, done in silk, where you hemmed by zig-zagging (a pretty close zig-zag) right on the edge of the fabric, and it kind of rolled in on itself. Would that only work with silk? I would think you could do it with some other fabrics too.

Reason I ask, is that the main reason I don't own a serger is that I enough trouble threading a standard machine....lol.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), April 21, 2002.

Silk has the ability to do things that other fabrics do not.

Serger threading is not difficult when using those "blue dental floss" things with a loop. Makes threading so easy since they are flexible and will pull thread right thru.

Some sewing machines will pull fabric under if the tension is not just right but it does not substitute for a rolled hem. One washing and there will be little pigtail threads poking out depending on type fabric used.

On sewing machine you can overcast the edge of seams using the zig-zag set at width and how close you want the threads. Wide space down to a satin stitch amount. However, this does not look the same as a real serger.

Marie

-- Marie (rainbarrel55@yahoo.com), April 21, 2002.

Thanks Marie--I was looking at the zigzag as a seaming alternative, not as a trim, so I think I can hold off buying a serger for a while longer yet.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), April 23, 2002.

Dear everyone,

I bought one and I can't even figure out how to use it or thread it properly. Could you help me? Thanks

Nicole

-- Nicole (nikkide282@aol.com), June 25, 2002.

I too am looking for instructions on how to thread the Singer Tiny Serger. Please help!!!

-- Patricia (patatabvo@hotmail.com), November 10, 2002.

I found a tiny serger at the thrift store, but it didn't have the instruction booklet. Can anyone give me a copy, PLEASE??? I'd be so very grateful!

Thanks

-- Karen (fairefly@hotmail.com), December 05, 2002.