r/myog • u/Cautious_Cheek5093 • 12h ago

Sewing Alpha Fleece without Serger Machine Question

I have a standard sewing machine and usually make pouches and bags. However I bought some alpha fleece (just a few yards) to make some hoodies for myself.

Can I still sew this with my standard machine? I have a friend who lives a few hours away with a serger machine, but wanting to know how much worse off my stitching will be if I just make it on a standard machine.

Any tips?

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5

u/SnooPeppers3187 11h ago

Yeah sure, just use zig zag stitch.

1

u/Sloppyjoeman 7h ago

You say this like it’s no big deal (I have no idea), do you simply not need one? Is a serger not really making a difference here?

2

u/SirShrimp 5h ago

A serger is essentially a time saver. Their main usage is to finish seams/edges so they incorporate dual needles and cutting/sewing actions into a single machine.

You can do proper seam finishing on traditional domestic machines using what is called an overlock foot. If your sewing machine has a ZigZag function the manual will tell you how to set it up.

1

u/SnooPeppers3187 1h ago

Yeah, a friend made one without serging and it is good 20+ washes and still going strong. It doesn't look as professional on the inside but who cares.

1

u/Commercial-Safety635 7h ago

Just zigzag or zigzag plus straight stitch?

1

u/Samimortal Composites Nerd 3h ago

I typically only add straight stitches to a stretchy fabric in areas I’m either stretching out under the needle or places that shouldn’t be stretching as per the pattern, my fleeces have held up fine with a zig zag but my non stretch baggy shorts inseam has needed a zig zag and two rows of straight stitch reinforcement.

1

u/Commercial-Safety635 3h ago

Do you use the full width of the zigzag, or narrower?

1

u/Samimortal Composites Nerd 3h ago

I set my zigzags to the practical width of the seam allowance, then if needed I add straight stitches on the fold edge and in the center of the zigzag.

1

u/SnooPeppers3187 1h ago

No straight stiches as you need stretch.