Sewing with Sergers: What Can My Serger Do?

Like Jess, I can tell you I am extremely intimidated by sewing with a serger.  I’m fairly comfortable sewing with a basic machine but deciding to jump into a project with my serger was entirely out of my element.  I’m a big planner and I feel relatively okay doing new things with the wealth of information you can gain by spending a few hours online.  Learning the serger has not been so easy.  I want to say I read the manual and then immediately started sewing but that wasn’t the case.

Before I get to an actual project I thought it would be helpful to explain the basic functions of a serger.  As you may already know, I received my serger as a birthday gift.  My mom bought me a Singer Professional 5 that came with 6 additional presser feet.

• suitable for straight seams
• also used for decorative chainstitch topstitching effect
  

  Double Chain Stitch

  Two-thread wrapped Edge Overlock (narrow)

• provides an elegant fine finish to lightweight fabrics
• when using clear threads the fabric appears to have an invisible edge
• gives a couture effect and looks beautiful on finer fabrics 
  

  Two-thread Wrapped Edge Overlock (narrow)

• used as a lightweight seam finish or a lightweight seam
• less thread is used and does not imprint on the right side of fabric when pressed
• creates less bulky seams (ideal for sheer or lace fabrics)

• most commonly used because of its versatility
• provides professional seam finish to woven fabrics
• beneficial in preventing loosely woven fabrics from unraveling
• offers unlimited decorative capabilities
• recommended for finishing seams but not reinforcing the seam 

• used decoratively to achieve the look of applied trim
• special decorative threads are used for a textured and dramatic effect
• also used to serge non-bulky seams
  

  Three-thread Flatlock (narrow)

  Three-thread Flatlock (narrow)

  Three-thread Flatlock (narrow)

  Three-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety

• stretches with the fabric, seam will not break when fabric is stretched
• ideal for super-stretch knits like those used on swimwear or athletic clothing 

Four-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety

• stronger than the Three-thread Ultra Stretch Mock Safety stitch
• the additional thread provided added strength to the seam (good choice for knits and wovens)
• works well when applying ribbing to garment (often seen on cuffs, collars, and waistbands)

• alternative to the Five-thread Safety Stitch
• offers same type of Two-thread Chainstitch
• used when sewing a medium weight woven fabric because the stitch is less bulky

Five-thread Safety Stitch (wide)

• combination of a Two-thread Chainstitch and Three-thread Overlock stitch
• Suitable for woven fabrics and provides a durable seam for heavy weight fabrics (denim) 

Five-thread Safety Stitch (narrow)

• same benefits as Five-thread Safety Stitch (wide)

Cover Stitch (narrow)

• often seen in ready to wear garments
• two needles crate parallel rows of topstitching and one looper sews an edge finish on underside

• same benefits as Cover Stitch (narrow)

• professional and creative triple topstitch
• three needles create parallel rows of topstitching and one looper sews an edge finish on underside
• ideal for heavier fabrics
• traditionally used in home decorating
• adds unique accent for garment constructions

• used to finish edges of scarves, ruffles, table linens, and some garments
• suitable for lightweight to medium weight fabrics
• used for pintucks

Heather and Jessica are both moms that share a love for DIY projects. A few of Heather’s favorite things are pearls, rhinestones, and her glue gun. Jessica loves to find ways to fuel her fabric obsession! Have fun getting to know them through their creations!

Read more at A Couple of Craft Addicts