It’s simple math: the more complicated a task seems to us, the longer we put it off. When it comes to sewing with a serger, even taking the first step can feel daunting. You excitedly unpack your machine and get ready to thread it, but then you open the cover and the instructional diagram looks like incomprehensible gibberish. In reality, it isn’t, but if you’re used to using a regular sewing machine, your first impression tells you that sewing with a serger is four times more complicated—and you haven’t even started yet!
Don’t panic. It’s much easier than it looks.
Why sew with a serger?
First of all, it’s important to say that a serger can’t replace a sewing machine; it complements it. The greatest advantage of sewing with a serger is that we can achieve professional finishes while saving time and effort. It isn’t essential, but once you try it and see what it can do, you won’t regret taking the leap.
The serger, also known as an «overlock machine», is especially useful for working with stretchy fabrics, such as knits or lycra, and prevents the fabric from fraying. In a single pass, this beauty combines a zigzag stitch with two rows of stitching while cutting and finishing the fabric. As long as the machine is properly adjusted, the result is flawless, durable, and rock-solid.
Is sewing with a serger very difficult?
Unlike industrial machines, home sergers are much simpler, and learning how to use one is simply a matter of understanding the basics and practicing. Just like anything else! They’re faster and more powerful than conventional machines, so you’ll need to go more slowly at first.
The second step, after threading, is to adjust the thread tension correctly. This is very important. Fortunately, all you have to do is examine the stitch carefully to see which thread is incorrectly adjusted and whether it’s too tight or too loose.
The best thing you can do is take your time: don’t expect everything to be perfect the first time you use it. First, you need to get to know it and understand how it works, what possibilities it offers, and how easy it will be to finish any garment once you’ve mastered it.
Introductory course on sewing with a serger.
At the request of some of our followers and subscribers to Lulu Ferris, last week we published the first episode of a tutorial series designed to teach you how to sew with a serger from scratch. In this course, we’ll start by getting to know the machine inside and out, learning how to prepare it, maintain it, and get the most out of it.
If you have someone learning alongside you, everything becomes easier and it doesn’t feel like such a chore anymore. So now you know: if you don’t want to put it off any longer, we’ll be right there with you every step of the way.
Subscribe to Lulu Ferris for just €9.50 and enjoy all the video tutorials. There are already twenty-nine available, and we upload a new one every week.
Take control of your serger and don’t let anything stop you!