Book excerpt: A serger is a multi-threaded, multi-needled appliance that sews at an average speed of 1500 stitches per minute--three times faster than most sewing machines. Though expressly designed to finish edges and seams, the introduction of microchip technology has enabled sergers to go well beyond those simple tasks. Sewers who want to take full advantage of this miracle machine need look no further than this thoroughly up-to-date and comprehensive manual. It’s fully illustrated with both photos and line drawings, and offers complete instructions for every type of serger available to the hobbyist today. Each one is listed by brand, with a description of its pros and cons. And that’s not all; there are plenty of projects, too, including scarves, throws, shirts, gowns, bedcovers, and quilts.