Creating a professional-looking finish on fabric edges is often achieved using a specialized sewing machine called a serger. This machine trims the seam allowance and encloses the raw edge with thread, preventing fraying and providing a durable, clean finish. An example of this technique can be observed on the inside seams of many commercially produced garments.
This edge finishing technique offers several advantages. It significantly increases the longevity of garments by preventing unraveling. The process is also markedly faster than traditional zigzag stitching methods often used for seam finishing on conventional sewing machines. Historically, sergers were primarily used in industrial settings, but smaller, more affordable models have made them increasingly common in home sewing rooms, enabling sewists of all levels to achieve a high-quality finish.
