Can I make clothes without a serger?

I'm despertely wanting a serger, but just don't have the money for a new one and since I'm not experienced enough to know what to look for, I'm too scared to get a used one (even with the tons of advice I've received on the good and bad things to look out for).

I want to be able to make costumes and even just general clothes.  Other than seam binding for the outside, is there a way to finish off clothes so that I can wear them more than once?  I made a shirt and then washed it and all the inside seams frayed to eternity and I haven't made any clothes since because it seems like a waste of time. 

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.

I'm also a newbie and have only sewn for my 3 year old, but those clothes get a lot of washing.  I don't have a serger, and the things I have made have held up w/ just zig-zagging the edges.  The SMS blog has a great entry on seam finishes here http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=488.

Hi,

You can absolutely make clothes without a serger. I've been sewing for many years and do not have a serger. I'm not sure what went wrong with your first effort, but please don't give up. I have sewn knits, cottons, polyester and all kinds of blends with no problem. If you have questions about what went wrong with the shirt you made, perhaps you could take it in and ask at your fabric shop. Also, you  may be able to take a class at a local adult education center if your nearby fabric shops don't offer classes.  You will find that with each project you complete, your skills will improve and  you'll learn something new. Also, believe me, I still make mistakes and have to "unsew" and try again. Good luck!

Thanks guys!  It must've been the fabric I used then, it was made from a curtain and was kind of a weaved fabric so I'll have to just stick with fabric that doesn't have that kind of make.  I was kind of thinking that might've been it, but I didn't want to test it by spending hours making something else only to have it fall apart also.  Thanks guys!  I know feel comfortable moving forward with making stuff for my ren festival costume!   

I've sewn clothes for myself and children for years without a serger.  I generally finish the seams with pinking shears or with a zigzag stitch.  

I received a serger as a surprise Christmas gift from hubby and am very happy with it - but realize that it's an expensive gadget that I will probably only use because I want a professional looking seam. It will make a lovely narrow seam for lingerie but I don't plan on making any.   My regular sewing machine has a nice edge stitch but, of course, it doesn't cut away the seam allowance at the same time like a serger does.

Any of the other serger features can be done by my sewing machine, ie. rolled hem.  I haven't sewn a lot with stretch fabrics but I might try now with the serger.

But to answer your ? -- Yes, you can make sturdy clothes with your sewing machine.  Use a medium/short stitch and reinforce seams that will get stressed, ie. under armhole and in crotch area.

Good luck with your decision.

MaryAnn

My Mum sewed all my clothes and mine without a serger (of course this was 30 years ago when they weren't available  )
Some of them my daughter wears now. She zig zagged the edges and they have lasted beautifully.
Good luck.

I've sewn alot of clothes without a serger but I have one now & love it. If you are using thin easily fraying cloth you can always use a french seam & its finished inside. Also use your zigzag stitch thats waht I did before.