A serger, or overlock, machine can create consistent versions of many classic sewing-machine techniques. Just as specific sewing-machine presser feet are invaluable, sergers have specific serger feet to speed and improve your results.

In “Part 1: Specialty Serger Feet,” Threads #194, Dec. 2017/Jan. 2018, I explained how to use the lace applicator foot and the ruffler foot on a standard serger. Now I’ll go into detail about using the versatile blind-hem foot and the handy elastic-application foot on a serger. These attachments are not limited in purpose, and it is fun and enlightening to explore their potential uses.

The availability of specialty serger feet may depend on the your serger brand and model, and the feet for your machine may not match what is shown. I recommend checking the manufacturer’s website and your serger manual, and asking your local sewing machine dealer what feet are available for your serger.

As my serger expertise has grown, I’ve been continually surprised by the time-saving and accurate results I can achieve with specialty presser feet. The blind-hem foot and the elastic foot are two of my favorites to work with.

Blind-hem foot A serger makes fast work of a clean-finished blind hem on tweedy, loosely woven fabrics such as bouclé, some handwoven fabrics, and stable knits like ponte. The foot’s guide steers fabric precisely to prevent unwanted snips from the serger knife. Note that on fine garment fabrics such as silks and linens, however, I hand- or machine-stitch a blind hem. The blind-hem serger foot is also versatile. Use it to create a decorative reverse-flatlock hem, or for one of my favorite techniques, serger pin tucks.

Stitch selection and setup

Select a three-thread flatlock stitch. It may be wide or narrow; test this on your machine with your fabric and consult your…