Serger 101 Machine Basics Techniques

Tags: Sewing

Learning to use your serger with confidence

Last updated 2022-01-10 | 4.9

- All about the ins-and-outs of your serger – what it does
- how it does it
- and most importantly - how to thread your serger fearlessly.
- Which stitches work best for a wide range of fabrics and designs – from delicate silk chiffons to stretchy spandex knits.
- How to create professional looking seams
- seam finishes
- and hems around a variety of shapes
- whether corners or curves.

What you'll learn

All about the ins-and-outs of your serger – what it does
how it does it
and most importantly - how to thread your serger fearlessly.
Which stitches work best for a wide range of fabrics and designs – from delicate silk chiffons to stretchy spandex knits.
How to create professional looking seams
seam finishes
and hems around a variety of shapes
whether corners or curves.
Using serger stitches such as the flatlock and rolled hem to create beautiful construction details in a fraction of the time of traditional sewing.

* Requirements

* You only need to have a desire to learn how to use your serger

Description

Gain confidence using your serger with sewing instructor Margaret Smith. If you know the basics of serging, you'll now discover how versatile your machine is! Begin with an overview of serger threading and maintenance. Then, learn how to create nine different types of basic stitches and create a serger stitch book you can reference again and again. For those tricky serger slip-ups, Margaret will show you how to troubleshoot common issues like poor tension, skipped stitches, fabric rippling and more. Now that you've refined your serging skills, put them to the test with three fun skill-building projects.

  • Overcome your serging fears by learning all about your serger – how it works, simple threading techniques, and basic construction skills for successful serged projects.
  • Learn to select the most appropriate overlock stitch for any type of fabric, whether a delicate woven or a stretchy knit.
  • Gain confidence as you learn simple ways to serge curves, corners, and other tricky techniques with ease.
  • Make the most of your serger by applying new construction techniques and specialty stitches to create beautiful looks with a professional finish.

Whether you adore or fear your serger – you will love this introductory serger online course! A serger is an invaluable tool to have in your sewing studio. It's fabulous for making garment construction quick and easy, and it can even add special decorative touches! Don't let all those threads intimidate you – your serger will be your new best friend.

This course will teach you all you need to become fearlessly proficient in serging. The tools and techniques taught in class guide you through everything from threading basics, to serger garment construction – everything you need to know to use a serger with ease and confidence. Serger 101 will give you the opportunity to practice your serging skills and explore new ones as well. Learn to get the most out of your serger by building a strong foundation through Serger 101. A serger may not entirely replace a sewing machine – but you'll wonder how you ever sewed without one!

Who this course is for:

  • Anyone who has a serger and wants to develop skill and confidence in using it.
  • New serger owners wanting to learn about their serger and how to use it.
  • Sewing enthusiasts who want to get more out of their serger than just basic construction and seam finishing.

Course content

10 sections • 31 lectures

Welcome To Serger 101: Machine Basics & Techniques Preview 00:37

Introduction Preview 00:49

How To Choose A Serger Preview 02:18

Serger Thread Preview 04:45

Serger Needles Preview 03:39

How To Change Serger Needles Preview 05:01

Printing Off The Handouts Preview 00:12

How To Set Up A Serger Stitch Book Preview 01:13

Setting Up A Serger Notebook Preview 03:26

Serger Stitches and Uses Preview 01:55

How To Unbox A Serger Preview 02:40

Serger Accessories Preview 01:57

The Parts Of A Serger Preview 08:46

The Two Types Of Threading Systems For Sergers Preview 01:46

How To Thread An Air Jet Serger Preview 06:14

How To Thread A Serger Preview 08:35

Securing Thread Tails Preview 00:59

Securing Thread Tails With A Sealant Preview 00:53

Concealing The Serger Thread Tails Preview 00:38

Knotting The Serger Thread Tails Preview 00:30

Serger Stitches Preview 00:32

4 Thread Overlock Preview 03:19

Setting Up The 3 Thread Overlock Preview 01:53

3 Thread Overlock Preview 01:31

Rolled Hem: Information and Thread Types Preview 01:46

The Rolled Hem: Machine Setup and Serging Preview 03:47

How to sew a glasses case serger video Preview 05:51

How to Sew a glasses case Preview 00:23

MATERIALS:

  • 4 Spools serger thread

  • Soft or medium weight fabric: Two pieces – 8.5” length x 8” width

  • Fusible Interfacing: One piece – 8.5” x 8”

TOOLS:

  • Serger

  • Scissors

  • Iron

STEPS:

  1. Fuse interfacing to one layer of fabric. Set serger up for a 4-thread Overlock stitch.

  2. Take the two pieces of fabric and place them pretty sides together. Serge the two layers along the top edge (one of the 8” sides).

  3. Open up the 2 layers and press the seam down flat in between the 2 layers.

  4. Fold in half, pretty sides together. Serge the long side. Then, serge the lower edge.

  5. Secure serger tails and press with an iron

How To Adjust The Knife On A Serger and How To Disengage the Knife Preview 03:38

How To Remove Serger Stitches Preview 02:30

Serger Care & Maintenance: Cleaning, Oiling & More Preview 10:06

Serger Care & Maintenance: Cleaning, Oiling & More. Does your serger need a fix? Learn the essentials of serger care & maintenance