Adding a serger to your sewing arsenal will round out your machine collection, and expand your construction and edge finishing options. Singer and Brother offer good quality, value-priced sergers with multiple functionality. When you initially remove your new serger from the box it will already be threaded and set up for four thread sewing. Simply plug it in and raise the thread guide to begin. Make sure the threads are not tangled anywhere in the thread path. There are many functions that your new serger will perform. I‘ve found that the following are the four most frequently used settings for a 2-3-4 serger.
4 Thread Overlock: A strong stitch for construction of knits or wovens- Both needles threaded
- Both loopers threaded (TIP: lower looper thread lays OVER the threaded upper looper)
- Tension dials from left to right are: 4, 4, 5, and 4 (This will vary slightly depending on the fabric. Always run a test for balancing before beginning your project.)
- Stitch length 3
- Differential feed on neutral for wovens, toward 0.7 for knits
- Knife (7 width for cutting)
- Stitch finger engaged
3 Thread Rolled Hem: A narrow finish for napkins, scarves, ruffles, ribbons- Right needle only (remove left needle)
- Both loopers threaded
- Tension dials left to right are: 4, 5, and 5
- Stitch length on 0-1
- Differential feed on neutral
- Knife (3 width for cutting)
- Stitch finger removed
3 Thread Overcast: A wide finish for blankets, placemats, tablecloths. You can use decorative threads in upper looper- Left needle only (remove right needle)
- Hand thread wooly nylon through upper tension guide and thread upper looper (3rd spool from left)
- Upper looper tension dial on 0-2
- Stitch length 0-1
- Differential feed on neutral
- Knife (4.5 width for cutting)
- Stitch finger engaged
2 Thread FlatLock: A flat seam for sportswear- Left needle only (remove right needle)
- Pearl cotton in lower looper (far right thread)
- Use spreader on unthreaded upper looper
- Lower looper tension (0)
- Needle tension 2-3
- Stitch length (2)
- Knife (6 width for cutting)
- Stitch finger engaged
- Pull seams flat after serging
You can see how the seam, when pulled, lays flat. It looks like a ladder from the back and resembles a blanket edge on the front. The heavier the decorative thread, the fuller the seam finish will look.
TIP: You can use the ladder stitching as the right side and weave a 1/4 or 1/8″ ribbon through the ladder for a pretty surface embellishment or border enhancement.
EMBROIDERED COASTERSSummer coasters are as easy as pie using your embroidery machine and a medallion, frame or circular embroidery design. From patio parties to hostess gifts, you’ll find many uses for these adorable and simple to make surface protectors.
- Heat press two layers of craft felt together using a paper backed fusible web such as ‘Wonder Under’ or ‘Heat n’ Bond’
- Gently place and press double layered felt onto a sticky stabilizer backed embroidery hoop
- Embroider your selected design
- Trim with pinking or decorative shears and repeat. Stylish summer fun has just begun!
MAY SHOWTMES
- May 19th at 11 a.m. & 3 p.m.
- May 20th at 7 a.m., 10 a.m., & 6 p.m.
Sew Your Dreams!
