The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Overlockers & Coverstitchers => Topic started by: Marniesews on May 05, 2018, 15:47:56 PM
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I recently got a used copy of Sewing Secrets from the Fashion Industry on the recommendation of Johanna Lundström and am really finding it both interesting and instructive. It's densely packed with information and lots of interesting nerdy bits including this information about serging/overlocking. I do like nerdy sewing info. ;) :)
I've always assumed that serging and overlocking mean the same thing but apparently not...not if we're being picky anyway - and who doesn't enjoy that? It seems that (according to Susan Huxley) strictly speaking 'serging' only relates to the 5-thread stitch which produces an overlocked edge that includes a chain stitched seam. This and the other stitches all fall into the overlocking stitch category rather than serging.
I've not heard that before...but now we know. I'm such a sucker for a technical term! 0_0
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You're not alone in liking nerdy info. That's interesting. I'd always assumed that 'serging' was the American English term for 'overlocking', but it seems to be more specific than that.
So my 4 thread overlocker can never be described as a serger?
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So my 4 thread overlocker can never be described as a serger?
Not if you want to be strictly accurate it would seem.
of course I don't take everything I read at face value but the 5 authors of this book (edited by Susan Huxley) all have very substantial CVs so I wouldn't argue with them either. I'm really enjoying reading it well beyond the specific areas that I got it wanting to dip into.
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/903/40098757620_ace82c10b9_z.jpg)
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Interesting! It is excellent to know that there is, according to Susan Huxley, a difference. I’d always known that stitch to be called a 5 thread safety stitch, which my machine can’t do as it’s only got 4 threads.
I generally call what I have a serger and what I do with it, serging. That is, unless I’m talking about the specific stitch I’m using, such as 4 thread overlock, or 3 thread overlock, or rolled hem. Yes, I’m in the US.
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I don't see anyone changing much over this new revelation, @elephun, but it's interesting to know.
I've just been hoovering with my Miele. :D
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You make me laugh!
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Have I fallen into pedants corner? How did I miss this?!?! I do like a bit of pedantryism. :loveit:
I wouldn't know a overlocker/serger if it fell on my head but I read all about them in the hope of learning. You never know, I might need one someday. :)
I never Hoover and I too have a Miele.
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I love my Miele, but it is so easy to talk about hoovering.
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Interesting!
Another one who hovers with a Miele. Well, if I'm being honest, DH does most of it as he,s retired. :D
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That is fascinating about overlocking vs serging! I'd always thought it was just a US vs UK thing. But while we are on terminology, being American I "vacuum" with my Miele, but I reach for "a Kleenex" (not "a tissue") when I sneeze ...
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According to Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlock (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlock)
In the United States, the term "overlocker" has largely been replaced by "serger". However, in other parts of the world such as Australia and the UK, the term "overlocker" is still in use.
ETA: On the Craftsy website (American) they refer to the machines as sergers but the stitches they make are overlock stitches.
https://www.craftsy.com/sewing/article/what-does-this-serger-stitch-do/ (http://)
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I hate it when people use the term "hoover" for a vacuum cleaner! Me, I go "Sharking" with mine 0_0 0_0 No, I don't really say that, I actually vacuum the carpets, although I might reach for a biro or a j-cloth or the sellotape.
For all fellow pedants, have a look at this long list. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_generic_and_genericized_trademarks)
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I hate it when people use the term "hoover" for a vacuum cleaner!
Oh dear, that must be one of the most entrenched I'd have thought. Don't think I can get out of it now after all these years, I was probably in my 30's before our hoover wasn't a Hoover. Not had one since but it's there for life I suspect. I could never call a pen a biro though! :o :S 0_0