At 11:28 29/11/2008, you wrote:
Gentles of the Historic costume List, just for the education of my House, who are still muddling along making medieval garb and other fabric items, using a collection of fully-serviced, secondhand but older [i.e. - no computers] domestic sewing machines, -  would any Gentle of the List explain to us [ and other beginners similarly ignorant] what is the difference between a serger and a "normal" domestic machine; - and what are the advantages of having a serger for use in the making of replica historical fabric items? I have done an internet search - but - due to my online ineptitude, I have no doubt, - have not found any answers we can readily understand. with thanks for your clarifications, "Lord Matthew Baker", of the SCA-[UK]
A serger is what we in England call an overlocker. If you are making authentic method clothing you do not need one. It stitches over the edge of your fabric, usually cutting off any surplus fabric outside the stitch line and leaving a neat edge. You will find such an edge on most seams of most modern garments. The over edge stitch can also be done by hand, a more authentic solution for a period garment. The idea is no neaten the edge and prevent it from fraying.
Suzi _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
