As I mentioned in my post yesterday, I am rather new to sewing and very new to serging. I asked a question about sheers and couple of nice folks replied. One of them responded with some instructions using a flatlock with three threads. I have a basic Singer serger with 4 loopers that I have used some. Is something my macine will do? Do I just need to read my owner’s manual? I hope the person that answered my question yesterday will see this.
Thanks.
Andy
Replies
I did my organza sheers with a three thread narrow overlock stitch. If your fabric is softer like chiffon and will roll, a rolled edge might work even better.
(I think your machine will do a flatlock, but be sure to test on same type of fabric.) A flatlock looks like ladder rungs on one side and you can insert ribbon under the stitches if you want to. It used for heirloom sewing and lingerie too. You can make pin tucks too.
It takes practice to get the stitch right so it goes off the edge the right amount. You get a different look depending on wether you fold the fabric right side out or wrong side out. You may have a special foot to help you avoid getting too close to the blades and cutting your fabric.
You should check your manual to see how the stitches should look. It takes practice to master this one. "Serger Secrets" is my favorite book on techniques with color photos.
Thanks. I guess I should get some scrap and start experimenting with the different stitches.
Enjoy the process! I love to serge and probably use my serger much more often than my sewing machine that has so many bells and whistles. It's the best sewing investment I've ever made.
http://www.lindaleeoriginals.com aka Linda Lee Vivian (not the Linda Lee who is in so many recent Threads articles) has really inspired me in learning all the serger can do. She's called "The Serger Lady" by many. She has serger specific patterns on her website, co authored Serger Secrets and has written a serger handbook that is very helpful too. She's currently working on a new book too. She has a newsletter now. Mary
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