A serger is a type of sewing machine with a few additional features, and it also goes by the name of overlock.
What sets a serger apart from regular sewing machines, is that it typically has 3-5 bobbins and 3-4 different threads. This differs from the singular bobbin and thread that you can expect to find on a run-of-the-mill sewing machine.
This makes them much more efficient and quicker when it comes to processes like quilting. The serger also comes with a blade which can cut the fabric you are working with, making it more versatile in what you can do.
So at the end of the day, you would choose a serger over a regular sewing machine to save time and energy. You can also achieve a more polished look to your stitch work with a serger.
Using Sergers for Swimwear
This article is going to be a breakdown of the best sergers on the market for making your own swimwear.
But before we get into specifics, let’s start with the basics.
Reasons to Use a Serger
The main reason most people prefer the serger for making swimwear is due to the higher quality end product you can achieve.
Swimwear tends to be vibrant and full of color. It’s often the garment that we are happy to be a little on the wild side, when it comes to bold colors and intricate patterns. That’s why a serger is the better option, since you can create exactly the type of swimwear you can see yourself wearing by the pool.
An additional bonus of using a serger to make swimwear is the ability to sew fabric together easily with the extra blade. This will save you a lot of time and energy, and will make the process a whole lot more enjoyable.
Now that we’ve established what a serger is, and why you should choose it for your swimwear projects, let’s explore the options out there and evaluate each in depth.
By my reckoning, there are 3 fantastic serger brands out there that will do the job exceedingly well when it comes to sewing swimwear.
Those brands are Brother, Janome and Juki. I want to take a moment to look at the offerings from each brand, and then see what makes them great sergers for swimwear.
The Best 3 Sergers for Swimwear
Let’s take a quick look at some of the things to look out for when you’re considering a serger for swimwear, so that you can make an informed decision when the time comes to invest.
First things first, and something we will touch upon in the review of each machine, is how beginner-friendly the serger is. This is of critical importance. If you have never used a serger before, then you should only consider those models which are easy to use, and beginner-friendly. If you don’t, then you could find yourself pulling your hair out at the extensive capabilities and functions of the machine.
Next, as with anything you buy, you need to consider the price. Whether you’re on a tighter budget and need good value for your money, or you’re looking to splash out on the highest of quality, this is something you will need to assess for yourself. Again, if you are a beginner, then a less expensive machine will be better suited to you to get started out.
Lastly, the bells and whistles of the serger. By this I mean, does it have all the features and/or accessories that you crave? Can it roll hems easily? Does it support the use of 3 or 4 threads? Does it come with extra supplies?
1. Brother 1034D ¾ Thread Serger with Differential Feed
Check current price on Amazon.
We’ll start with a fantastic serger for beginners, since maybe you’re new to this type of machine, and want a machine that’s relatively simple to get to grips with.
This particular serger can work with up to 4 threads, and has a staggering 22 built-in stitch functions, meaning the scope for customization with your swimwear will be great.
Brother sergers are known for their quality, ease of use and reliability. If you opt for this model, you can expect a professional finish with your swimwear, and a machine that can produce the goods without requiring a steep learning curve to master.
To help you as a beginner, if that’s how you’re coming into the process, there is a free instructional video, a comprehensive manual and on the machine itself there are color coded and numbered threads to help you figure out what’s what.
To get technical, this serger allows you to do overlocks, rolled hems and ribbon lock stitches with relative ease. In layman’s terms, this means that you will be able to assemble your swimwear without too many issues along the way. After all, this serger is designed for your convenience, and all the extra features work towards that end.
Another neat feature is the ability to adjust the serger for whatever the fabric is you will be working with. So you can go from one to another easily, in case you want to use various materials for your swimwear.
Previous customers who have bought this product praise its easy-to-use, beginner-friendly nature and its supreme quality. On top of that, many Amazon users mention the fantastic value for money that Brother offers with the 1034D.
2. Janome 8002D Serger
Check current price on Amazon.
Another serger which is great for beginners, this model by Janome is also highly rated by experts, so that makes it a fantastic choice for the amateur and the professional alike.
Working with either 3 or 4 threads, this model is a reasonable price point for all that it offers. Aside from the pleasant minimalist aesthetic of this sewing machine, if you go for this machine by Janome, you will get a highly reliable and efficient serger.
An example of one of the great features of this serger is the easy to use rolled hem change-over. This will help you create professional-looking rolled hems, which are otherwise challenging to pull off.
As I already mentioned, this serger has a relatively low price point compared to the competition, so that makes it an excellent serger to start out with.
Not only will you not need to invest a huge sum of money, but you will be able to get to grips with a high-quality serger, and see what it’s all about. First-time users on Amazon rave about the intuitive nature, and high-quality of this serger, so you can rest assured it would be a worthwhile investment.
In addition to the built-in features of this Janome serger, you will also receive a bonus package if you buy this product. This package includes a needle threader and some universal needles, which is really useful to have spare with your first serger.
Lastly, due to the fact that this serger comes pre-threaded, it’s one you can start to use as soon as you take it out of the box. This could be useful if summer is rapidly approaching and you need to get started on that swimsuit as soon as possible. Plus, it’s incredibly small and lightweight, making it portable, in case you need to carry it to your work space.
One thing to bear in mind with this serger though is that it isn’t equipped to deal with heavier materials. However, this shouldn’t cause too many problems since I imagine you will make your swimwear with more lightweight fabrics.
3. Juki Pearl Line MO-655 2/3/4/5 Thread Serger
Check current price on Amazon.
This serger in the Juki Pearl line is a 2 needle sewing machine, capable of working with up to 5 different threads.
The product comes with a free instructional DVD which will help you get to grips with its various functions and how to get the best out of it.
This machine is particularly good with decorative threads, meaning the bolder the swimwear design you have in mind, the better. Nothing is too complex for this sewing machine, so you can let your imagination run wild and make the swimwear you’ve always dreamt of wearing.
With this serger you will even be able to make amazing rolled hems easily. The built-in rolled hemming feature of this machine will have you creating rolled hems that you thought only the professionals could pull off. Since rolled hems are notoriously difficult due to the small size of the folds, this will be of great help when making your swimwear.
As one previous customer noted in their review of this Juki serger, you will find that ‘sewing is a breeze’ with this particular machine. Ease of use is hugely important, and having an intuitive sewing machine will ensure you end up with the exact end product you had in mind when you started.
With that said, if you’ve never used a serger before, the learning curve for this sewing machine might be quite steep for you. So if you’re looking for a completely beginner-friendly machine then maybe this isn’t ideal for you.
