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The Difference Between a Sewing Machine and a Serger
A lot of people have been asking me, what is the difference between a serger and a sewing machine? I guess I just didn’t realize that wasn’t a common DIY thing. Sergers and Sewing machines complement each other, and they are very similar. However there are a few differences. This article contains affiliate links. For more details please see my full disclosure here. Definition of a Serger A Serger is also known as an Overlock Machine. You can think of a serger as a type of sewing machine. It binds fabric together with an overlock stitch. That overlock stitch is created with 3 or 4 different threads. Difference between a…
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Learn to Serge: How to Serge a Straight Line and Serge with Multiple Layers
Now that you have the basic understanding of How to Serge, it’s time to start working on some projects! Today we are going to cover How to Serge a Straight Line and how to serge with multiple layers. If you are new to the Learn to Serge Series, check out the homepage, here! As always, prepare your serger machine by: Turn your machine on make sure it is threaded properly (read here for more details) raise the presser foot, and raise the needles to the highest position (*but remember, you must always serge with the presser foot down in the lowest position! Since you have practiced how to start and…
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Learn to Serge: Supplies Needed
Serging is quite easy, but there are a few supplies needed for serging to be successful. If you are new to the Learn to Serge Series, check it out here. For any project these are the supplies you will need: tweezers (to thread your machine) scissors (to cut the thread) thread un-picker (in case you mess up…which everyone does!) 4 spools of thread to match your project (they can be bobbin size, medium, or the large spools) keep handy your Learn to Serge Series tutorials nearby for any questions! Now, as we start our Learn to Serge Series, I am actually going to assign “homework” with each lesson. Well, homework…
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Learn to Serge: Meet your Machine
Let’s take a tour of your serger today! In our Learn to Serge Series: Meet your Machine lesson I want to show you different parts of your serger so you know what all those parts are for! I have the Brother 1034D, so I will be using pictures of my machine to help you Meet Your Machine! Meet Your MachineTop of Serger The top of your machine is where you put in your thread and you can adjust the tension with the colorful dials. To the left side of those colorful dials, there is a disc that holds your thread. The lower the number on the dial, the looser the…
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Learn to Serge: Tips and Tricks
When I got my serger as a gift for Christmas, I was super excited, but very intimated! I had no idea where to begin and it felt overwhelming. Throughout the last 2 1/2 years that intimidation has definitely dissipated and in turn I’ve grown a love of serging! It is seriously my favorite DIY tool. Here are 10 serging tips and tricks so that you can feel confident with your serger too! I wanted to create a few Tips and Tricks in our Learn to Serge series that you can come back to anytime. These are things that might not come up in any of the particular lessons, but rather just…
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Learn to Serge: Serger Dictionary
If you are new, make sure to check out the Learn to Serge home page. It links to other helpful articles like Meet your Machine, Tension tips, as well as Tips and Tricks. Now let’s review the serger dictionary (I put it in alphabetical order). Coverstitch: Some sergers convert to a coverstitch machine. This is a really neat feature, but it can take a lot of practice converting it back and forth between the serger function and the coverstitch function. The coverstitch function within the serger create the professional “hemmed” look. It hems the fabric as well as overlocks the thread underneath the double stitch threads. To see an example of…
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Learn to Serge: How to Serge
Welcome back! I hope your adventures of learning to thread your serger machine were successful! If you are new, check out the Learn to Serge Series home page. Today let’s review how to serge. Serging can be very easy, once you understand how the basics of how to start and stop a serger. I was intimidated at first since it is faster than a typical sewing machine. However once you know the basics of how to serge you will feel more comfortable. To Prepare: Turn your serger on Make sure your serger is threaded properly (check here for threading your machine tutorial) Raise your presser foot (But make sure when…
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Learn to Serge: How to Clean and Oil Your Serger
I have to admit something…. I owned my serger for almost a whole year before I finally figured out how to clean it! The manual says to clean & oil your serger about once a month or if you use it frequently (which I do), then increase to once a week!! My poor serger! But the only reason I haven’t cleaned or oiled my serger yet is because I didn’t know how or didn’t have the tools!! (okay, bad excuse) But I come to you today with a very easy tutorial (with LOTS of pictures) that will help you not wait 10 months to clean your serger!! Especially if you…
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Learn to Serge: Tension Test
Now that you’ve met your serger and have a basic understanding of each feature’s function, it’s time to talk about the tension. This won’t seem important until you start sewing, but you will come back to your tension test all the time! Having the correct tension will not only make your project look better, but it will make for a stronger seam. This Tension Test tutorial covers tension adjustments for the 3 or 4 thread overlock stitch. The pictures are of my machine; I use the Brother 1034D. Keep in mind that the higher the number, the harder the tension discs will squeeze the thread therefore the tighter the thread…
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Learn to Serge: Elastic and Ruffles
Today we are going to learn how to serge elastic as well as learn how to serge ruffles! Both are quite simple, once you review it you’ll be like “oh homegirl, I totally got this!“ How to Serge Elastic The most common reasons you’ll serge elastic are for waistbands, clothing, or you can use elastic on a serger to create a ruffle. You’ll put elastic on a waistband with a serger when there is either no casing or when you want the elastic to show {see Tulle Skirt tutorial bellow for an example of this}. You’ll use elastic for clothing such as underwear, swimsuits, diaper covers, etc. Tips for Serging…
