Serging Lesson - Amy Alan

Materials Needed:

1. Thread snips
2. Serger Thread
3. Tweezers
4. Serger
5. 2” x 18” fabric strips for making stitch samples
6. Sewing pins

2-thread overlock (use left or right needle)
To set up this stitch, use the lower looper and one of the needles. The upper looper should have the converter (also called a spreader) attached to it to fill in the upper looper eye. The needle thread tension will need to be loose so it can reach the edge of the fabric to meet the lower looper thread. Choosing to use the left needle is best for thick or medium weight fabric, and the right needle is best for thin fabrics. Remove the needle that is not being used. This stitch is not a good choice for seaming, as the stitch locks on the edge of the fabric where the needle stretches over to reach the lower looper thread. This stitch is a delicate finish for lightweight fabric and also nice for using decoratively.
Stitch Tip:

• Use the right needle for an alternative to a rolled hem stitch.

2-thread flatlock (use left or right needle)
The 2-thread flatlock is the true flatlock stitch. It is easier to flatten than the 3-thread flatlock stitch. As with all other 2-thread stitches, the lower looper and one needle are used, and the upper looper eye is block with the converter. The needle thread tension should be loose, and the lower looper tension will likely be slightly tighter than the standard tension setting. This the best stitch to use for applying lace and lingerie elastic. It is not a strong stitch, so it is not a wise choice to use for seaming.
Stitch Tip:

• Use this stitch on a folded piece of fabric to create a decorative stitch of either loops or ladders.

2-thread wrapped overlock (use left or right needle)
This stitch uses the lower looper and one of the needles. The upper looper thread should not be used, as the converter should be placed over the upper looper eye. The needle tension will be a bit looser and the upper looser tension a bit tighter than the standard settings. The wrapped overlock is a perfect edge finish for fine and lightweight fabrics. Because the thread wraps completely around the fabric edge, it is a nice choice to use decorative thread in the lower looper. The stitch is reversible and it has maximum stretch for knit seams.
Stitch Tip:

• Using stretch nylon thread in the lower looper results in a very soft and stretchy stitch, perfect for lingerie.

For more information visit www.reallyhandmade.com .

Sewing Machine Featured in this Segment:
Brother 5234 PRW Project Runway Limited Edition Serger