Is a serger worth it?

[fraya]

I have a basic Husqvarna/Viking sewing machine. It does most things that I need/want (I am making clothes mostly, for my son, his friends, and myself). But I'm thinking about getting a serger. I'm often working with knits lately (my son won't wear woven) and I know sergers do well with stretch fabrics. But one of the reasons I'm sewing is to save money. I haven't priced them out, but my sister says her basic Bernina cost $800 10 years ago! I'd want to get a top-notch brand for reliability and would probably look at some of the options (like flat seams, if I could get that).

So, is a serger worth the money? Why? THANKS!

[sha_lyn]

I bought my Bernina on sale about 3 yrs ago for around $500. I love it. It makes sewing go so much quicker.

[fraya]

Why is it quicker? Is it because you can finish the seam at the same time that you sew it on wovens? Because knits don't need finishing ... but of course it would sew the seams in a stretch-friendly way quicker than the stretch stitch on my machine.

Also, where did you find it used?

Thanks!

[sha_lyn]

there are a few reasons why it is quicker (at least for me)

I sew a lot with fabrics that fray easilly (DD like frilly dresses)
You can set the tension so it gathers fabric for you. Works great for home deco and girls clothing.

Flat construction seems to be quicker for me. To sew garment sleeves (etc) you modify the way you piece the garment together.

My serger was new, but was on clearance. They were changing the model slightly. I bought it at Altanta Sewing Center.

[roarzilla]

I love my serger and just don't feel right sewing without it. It looks much more professional than home sewn. My parents bought mine as a high school grad gift! Still works great!
SARAH Mom to Aurora 6/11/01 and Genevieve edd 6/29/03