sewing with a serger

I'm new to sewing. I have a sewing machine, but I just bought a serger. My question is, when making clothes from a pattern, can you use the serger to sew the pieces together instead of the sewing machine? Thanks

For some things such as simple skirts, I think it's fine to only use your serger.  When it comes to other garments, you might want to use your sewing machine as well.  It will make your seams stronger and last longer through wash after wash. 

I agree with Irene-you can do certain items only on a serger. I've tried to make tops for Caitlin & only serging the seams but I changed my mind & put a straight seam on it. I knew it would be washed alot.

Of course, if your serger has a coverstitch function, then you could use just the serger.  This is not a function found in most sergers, though, only the super high end machines and the coverstitch-only machines.  Check your manual.

Agree with Irene and caitlinsmom, though, reinforcing seam is highly advised.  Even with knits I will serge first (to take advantage of the differential feed which is SOOOOOOOOOO helpful with knits) and then sew my straight seam.  With cottons etc I put the regular seam in first and then serge the edges.

Trina

I agree with the others. If I'm doing something quick that won't be used much or is a non weight-bearing seam then I will use just the serger. But most of the time I will add a reinforcing line of regular stitching either on the inside or as topstitching.

Also remember to account for the seam allowance on your pattern. The left needle needs to go on the line where you would normally sew or just a little off if you are seaming with the regular machine as well. This sounds like double work but it's really not. I have found that in the course of construction I am not doing any extra work, it's just a little different than how I would do things without the serger.

You can .. but you can't leave the pins in!  Making knits like this is great.  My serger has a guide, so I know what seam allowance I am sewing.