New to the world of overlockers and sergers? Understanding your serger will help you feel comfortable and confident while using your machine.
Learn how to serge corners and curves on your overlocker, as well as what to do with the thread chains at the ends.
New to the world of overlockers and sergers? Understanding your serger will help you feel comfortable and confident while using your machine.
Learn simple techniques to serge together seam allowances in this step-by-step video featuring Threads magazine author Sandra Miller.
Do you wish the inside of your garment looked as good as the outside? Come see how you can create a clean finish on your clothes in 3 easy steps using this serger french seam tutorial.
Learn the 8 different types of serger stitches you can do. Included: close-up stitch photos & beginner-friendly descriptions.
Smooth hems on knits can be tricky to achieve; with Jade we felt like we finally landed on a technique that REALLY worked (no curling; looks smooth, not stretched out...
Sergers can be used for hemming thin knits. They give a handmade-not-homemade vibe to the exterior of your FASHUNS. Let’s explore types of serger hems and the tools and tips to help you sew t…
Here's a tip for serging smooth hems in the round from serger expert Gail Patrice Yellen .
Want to make your sewing projects last and look professional but can't afford a serger? Check this genius serging without a serger methods!
Serging fabric produces secure edges without no hemming necessary. However, serging around corners can be tricky. Whether you want to serge an outside corner, an inside corner, or a curved edge, there are some things you can do to make...
Learn how to serge elastic and ruffles in this great Learn to Serge lesson! Learn to Serge series consists of 12 lessons to help you perfect your serging!
Serging and overlock stitches look complex, but they are super easy to remove. Easy to follow video guide to unlock the secret. Don't just pull!
Tutorial: How to serge around corners Sergers are boss at sewing a straight line or curves, but when you get to a corner things get a little more complicated. Inside corners are especially tricky! Bri
(the jacaranda trees are blooming now, to me the most visually arresting sight in queensland is the fleeting patches of purple that show themselves this time of year. They glow valiantly, purple t…
Ever wonder if all your hinting about all the things that you wish your husband would get you goes in one ear and out the next? Usually I d...
This video and photo tutorial will demonstrate how to serge seams, turn corners and secure seams.
NEW! Starting TODAY, Watch Stitch it! Sisters Program 208, Serger Techniques Pouch! With host Deanna Springer from Team NZP and guest Pam Mahshie from BERNINA
Learn how to serge corners and curves on your overlocker, as well as what to do with the thread chains at the ends.
When a friend of mine called me last week to ask how in the world she was supposed to get minky to behave in the serger, she reminded the Cuddle Minky has a different set
Learn how to thread your serger machine with this Learn to Serge: Thread your serger machine tutorial.
When you’re working with lightweight fabrics, a French seam is often the finish of choice. But if there’s a side-seam vent, you need a way to neatly end the seam…
Looking for ways to make that 3-thread flatlock seam look better? You've come to the right place! Read on for 3-thread flatlock methods and tips!
Well, it’s been awhile since I’ve joined in here at Itch to Stitch. I’m a teacher and back to school time is a crazy, exciting, hot mess as I’m sure many of you know. Do you know what else used to be a hot mess for me?! Removing serger seams! Honestly, I didn’t used to […]
Seam finishes are one of the best things about sewing! Here's 13 different ways to finish a seam that'll make the insides of your projects beautiful.
There are many tutorials out there on how to create a narrow hem. The problem is they mostly demonstrate on a rectangular piece of fabric, which makes the process deceivingly easy. With a few exceptions, that usually is not how I use a narrow hem. If I need to hem something straight, a wide hem of 1″ or […]
Sometimes it's the simple things that need to be given a little thought, and that includes pinning.
Learn all about serged seams. Your serger can be used to sew simple seams or finish existing seams. Guide for beginners learning how to use their serger.
Even the most basic serger can produce several stitches. Here’s a look at the whole family of stitches so you can choose the best serger stitch for your sewing project.
Learn about the variety of the different 16 stitches you can create on a serger and how they can be created differently from a standard machine. It comes down to a couple simple settings, including thread tensions. … More
What is a coverstitch? A coverstitch is the twin or triple needle stitching you see on the hems of most ready-to-wear (RTW) knit garments. The top looks like parallel rows of straight stitching and the underside looks like serger loops which *cover* the turned down raw edge. Sometimes the "wrong" or loopy side is sewn on top as a design feature, especially in activewear. Coverstitch machines can also stitch single needle chain stitches. Are there coverstitch machines for the home sewer? Yes. Many top-of-the-line sergers/overlockers have a coverstitch option. However, there are also currently 4 brands of stand-alone coverstitch machines, Babylock (which I have), Brother, Janome and Bernina. There are subtle differences among all of the above machines, including price, available stitches, features, and accessories. Click HERE for a comparison chart. There are also industrial coverstitch machines available to the home sewer which have even more stitching options, such as coverstitch loops both top and bottom at the same time. Why would I want a stand-alone coverstitch machine? Sergers/overlockers with a coverstitch option must be converted from overlocking to coverstitching. Some machines convert more easily and faster than others, but all combo machines *must be* switched over somehow in order to coverstitch. Because a coverstitch can be used on the garment in places other than just hems and because some sergers/overlockers are convoluted to convert, it becomes a time and hassle factor to keep switching back and forth between overlocking and coverstitching during the construction of a garment. A stand-alone coverstitch machine is always ready to coverstitch and keeps your serger/overlocker always ready for its best task. Stand-alone coverstitch machines also produce more consistent and pleasing coverstitches than combo machines because they are built and engineered for just this one task. This means the stand-alone machine's foot and the space for it do not have to be "second fiddle" to a serger/overlocker's knives and feed dogs. How about accessories? Most of the above 4 brands of stand-alone home coverstitch machines have custom accessories available. These include specialty feet, binders, fellers, and beltloopers. See the Comparison Chart. In addition to buying "brand name" accessories from your dealer, generic "industrial" attachments can also be purchased on Ebay for considerably less cost. See the "Where to Buy" info on the General Tips page. The generics fit the Babylock without any modification and are nearly identical to the Babylock branded accessories. Slight modification and/or "rigging" is sometimes required to fit the generics onto the other home machines, but owners of all brands have reported success with attaching and using the generics. See the General Tips page for more info. What is a binder? A binder is an attachment for creating and attaching bindings in one pass on a coverstitch machine. You feed a precut strip of fabric through the binder and it folds the strip around the edge of a second piece of fabric, such as a neckline or sleeve hem, while you coverstitch the binding into place. Binders are available for a variety of finished binding widths and work so well that binding is a breeze! This is one of the Babylock branded binder attachments for the Babylock Coverstitch machine: And this is one of the industrial generic binder attachments I purchased from an Ebay seller. There is absolutely no difference (except price!) in design or functionality between the generics and the binders sold by Babylock dealers. Below is a Brother branded binder attachment. This is the Janome branded binder attachment, along with the plate needed to attach the binder to the Janome CP 900/1000. Below are binders which will fit onto many overlocker/sergers with a coverstitch option. Some are "plain" or single-fold, and others are "2 fold" or double-fold. Plain binders will fold the binding strip in half, leaving the raw edges flat and unfolded (unfinished). The 2 fold binder will fold the binding strip in half and will fold under both raw edges resulting in the clean, folded finish you're probably more familiar with. These are made by Babylock for the Evolve: Below are examples of some of the generic versions. The attachment plates are adjustable and/or removable to adapt to your particular overlocker/serger and/or stand-alone coverstitch machine. What is a beltloop folder? A beltloop folder is an attachment which feeds a strip of fabric, turns under both raw edges toward center while you to coverstitch down the center of the folded strip. Belt loop sections can then be cut from the longer strip and applied around a waistband using your usual method. What is a feller? A feller (or folder) is an attachment which turns a hem, either single or double-fold while you coverstitch the hem into place. Because the fold down is precisely aligned with the stitching, no trimming from the reverse is necessary. Fellers are available to downturn and upturn, in a variety of hem widths.
Sewing tricks from professional seamstresses. Your sewing is about to get easier and more efficient. Grab a project to test them out!
Stitching rolled hems with a serger can create a simple, yet effective hemline that will finish a variety of projects. Although napkins may be one of the most common rolled hem items, this hemming technique is also suitable for scarves and lightweight skirts.
How to Sew a Flatlock Stitch on your Serger or Overlocker - Flatlock Hem with Serger - Melly Sews
A t-shirt paired with your favorite jeans is a quick "go to" outfit. Learn to make a t-shirt and take the guess work out of sewing this staple garment.
More Learn to Sew Tips and Techniques: Before there were sergers, people who sewed knew how to Finish Seams without a Serger. Learn How to Finish Seams.
Sewing tricks from professional seamstresses. Your sewing is about to get easier and more efficient. Grab a project to test them out!
Learn about Sewing Knits Fabrics. Here you'll learn how to sew stretch fabrics, with and without a serger. Become a knit fabric expert.
