What machine?

They are VERY different and do very different things!

The real thing to remember is that while you can make a complete garment on a standard machine, you can';t very often on an overlocker, unless you only want tom wear T shirts! :)

Here are a few pix to show you the different things they can do:

Standard machine seams, seam finishes, and hems:

are some hand finished hems on this last page too)A serger/overlocker machine trims and over sews the seam as you sew it, and you can do this with it: also:1: A very fine seam on sheer fabric: a rolled hem on the same fabric: you CANNOT do with a serger/overlocker:buttonholes sew button on! patch pockets topstitching most zips embroidery or rows of decorative stitching (there are decorative effects you CAN do, but they are not the same as you do with a standard machine) quilting

I'm sure there are other things: these are just what occurs to me right away!

If you have neither, start with a standard machine and progress to adding a serger/overlocker later, as an addition, NOT a replacement! :)