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From: MartySews
Date: 07-15-2006, 12:33 PM (1 of 26)
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Besides talking about machines, I thought it would be fun to find out what is everyone's favorite serger project. To generate some discussion and exchange ideas, also, what has been your most challenging serger project? Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 07-15-2006, 01:38 PM (2 of 26)
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I don't know if I have any so-called "projects" from my serger. I mostly use it for finishing seams. I've used the rolled hem feature just a couple of times (which I would have to say was my most challenging thing so far) I would like to try one of the serger quilts. photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495 
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From: MartySews
Date: 07-15-2006, 01:43 PM (3 of 26)
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My favorite serger project was making T-shirts and diaper shirts. I also love to sew pants on the serger. One of my most challenging projects was making a jacket with border print fleece. My DD wants me to make her a swimsuit. I still haven't mastered all of the features of my serger but I'm trying. Next I'm going to try decorative stitching with the serger. I don't quilt and our weather is too hot for them so I look for garments to serge. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: GreenDragonLady
Date: 07-15-2006, 01:45 PM (4 of 26)
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I have a pattern for "island wrap pants" that I'll do on the serger (and I have to get going on them, because I want to take them to Hawaii in September).
photos.yahoo.com/greendragondesigns
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User: GreenDragonLady
Member since: 07-29-2004 Total posts: 495
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-15-2006, 02:27 PM (5 of 26)
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I just took a couple old towels and cut them up for dish cloths and I serged around the edges. Does that count? I mostly use my serger to finish edges. I have used the cover stitch a few times for hems. I don't wear or sew much with knits. I still have a bit of trouble keeping the edges under the cover stitch. I've made chains like on my girlie skirt in the General Sewing fourm. I made a decorative chain on a wool blend shirt that looks great. I used regular sewing machine thread and it is a lot bigger than the serger thread. It looks a lot better in the chain. But I think my very favorite was when I took someone's suggestion and used wooly nylon to finish the edges of a jacket that looked so good on either side that I wanted it to be reversible. http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e212/DorothyLong/jacket.jpg Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews
Date: 07-15-2006, 04:04 PM (6 of 26)
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I used my serger to make a pair of velveteen pants and hemmed them using the coverstitch. My aunt loved them when I sent them to her for Christmas. I found that if you use steam a seam, the hem will stay put better while stitching. Also a fusible stabilizer or even a light spraying of starch helps. I go very slow when using the coverstitch. I sew as much on my serger as my sewing machine. This year I plan to make decorative pillowcases on the serger for Christmas gifts. Use the rolled hem stitch to attach lace. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-15-2006, 04:36 PM (7 of 26)
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I guess for projects it would have to be rice packs, or the bowling diapers (polishers) I made last fall. I use my serger on most every project. I have gotten to the point of only using my machine for hems & casings. I plan on practicing the bind hem on my serger but I just haven't had the drive to do so yet. I am one of the people that want instant gratification. If I can do it fast & it still looks good that's what I do.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 07-16-2006, 12:02 AM (8 of 26)
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I don't really have a favorite Serger Project. I use my serger for everything except hems. The thing I make the most is parachutes for my hubby's model rockets. Challenging thing is getting the darn thing set right to do the rolled hem on ripstop. Hey Barb, Do you have a pattern for your bowling diapers? I am thinking of what I can make for hubby's bowling team in the coming season. If there weren't so many of them I would make them shirts. But since there are so many I have to think smaller. Also do you mind sharing what type of fabric you used? I was thinking maybe cotton flannel. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-16-2006, 03:39 AM (9 of 26)
| I use my serger for so much but I guess I have the most fun serging around big fleece throws using different threads and wide wrap stitches plus the many baby blankets for my family. I like serging quick outfits for the DGK's. I also like to use my triple coverhem with the reverse side of the stitches as a deco look for hems and trims on the DGK's clothes. I love to do puffing, blindhems and gathering and apply piping with my serger too. I have done a bit of quilt piecing too but I like to do the items that can be done quickly and I love to see how big my pile is when I am through for the night..so i guess my favorite things are the blankets and throws. My grankids love them. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-16-2006, 07:19 AM (10 of 26)
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I just layed my DD's out & traced it. I used 2 layers of flannel & serged them together. I used a print outside & solid inside. The favorites with the kids were the Camo ones. If you cut them right you can get 3 cuts per yd. If you are only doing 1 it takes about 1/2 yd. You need to lay them so the bottom is between the handles. some flannel wasn't as wide as the others so I had to cut them a little narrower. I made my son in law one out of a hand towel. That one I only did 1 layer. If this doesn't make sense let me know & I will try to lay them out & get DD to take a picture to post. The scraps I serge around & they make great dust cloth mitts. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: JoaniesJosh
Date: 07-16-2006, 09:25 AM (11 of 26)
| Kylnne2 - I have some Winnie-the-Pooh fleece for a blanket for one of my little DGDs. What settings did you use for edging the fleece blanket? And did you use serger thread or woolly nylon? Does the edging show up enough when you do it this way? Thanks, JoaniesJosh |
User: JoaniesJosh
Member since: 05-15-2006 Total posts: 17 |
From: MartySews
Date: 07-16-2006, 10:50 AM (12 of 26)
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For edging fleece blankets I like to use the 3 thread flat hem setting on my serger. It gives a nice satin edge type finish and with a little stretching, I can make the edges wavey. I recently made blankets for the children that my DD babysits. The parents loved them and the children can use them all the way thru childhood because I use 1-1/2 yds of fleece so the blankets are big enough for a twin bed. My DD still uses her blanket when she goes to camp. I made hers 3 years ago when I first got my serger. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-16-2006, 05:43 PM (13 of 26)
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JoanniesJosh, I like to use different stitches and different threads, depending on if I am sewing on a stretchy fleece or just a woven like flannel etc. I love the YLI "Extra" Woolly. This thread really fills in nicely. I also like to use a wide stretch wrap stitch on my serger when sewing stretchy fleece. This stitch has the maximum stretch and is usually used as a construction method for excercise and swimwear however it does a nice overedge with the woolly. The stretch wrapped stitch uses 2 needles and the lower looper and it is very durable. I also use the stretch knit stitch, both of these stitches resemble the safety 4 thread stitch. The stretch knit just uses the DF and length settings on knits to prevent stretch on ribbing and sweater knit. I actually use all of these stitches often. My stitches are numbered on a dial on my serger and I just dial the stitch I prefer to use. I do like just a 3 thread rolled hem with MaxiLock for little baby blankets but sometimes for boy baby's I do a wider edging on the blankets in bright bold mixed colors to give a braid like look. My kids say that they cannot believe how well the receiving blankets have held up through the years. Now the older kids use the fleece throws in winter to cuddle in for watching tv etc. I have made several of those very large pillows with the fleece tied edges for them too that they seem to love. One DGS just requested one for his birthday. He got his wish..his birthday was the first week in July and I cannot believe he is using that fleece pillow here is Ariz. when it is soooo hot. But his Mom says he uses it every night. His brothers and sis's use theirs also. It makes me warm thinking about it. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: esrun3
Date: 07-16-2006, 09:56 PM (14 of 26)
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I, too, use my serger on just about everything anymore. I did enjoy making the grandkids their pj's last Christmas-in fact my dgd insists on wearing her flannel ones still and it is hot!! My son said he finally hid the pj's from her so she doesn't wear them anymore-at least not until it cools off again. I've also made several tops and skirts for daughter-mostly on the serger. Kylnne2, are you making baby receiving blankets out of flannel? If so, which stitch are you using to do the edges? I'd like to run a few up on the serger but not sure whether to just do a 4thread overlock or do something with the wooly nylon on it. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-17-2006, 07:35 PM (15 of 26)
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I love to get flannel on sale and cut 1 yard lengths and get my wooly nylon colors out for the loopers, and make receiving blankets.. I just make a bunch at a time, then when I need them, they are ready.. I also make lots and lots of baby washcloths at once and keep on hand also.. I always have a stash of those, and make bibs to spec. (boy or girl) as needed.. Everything else is ready always. I keep a supply with neutral overlock colors, some blue, and some pink at all times..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-17-2006, 11:52 PM (16 of 26)
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Lyn, I prefer just a 3 thread rolled hem for flannel baby blankets. I use a lot of MaxiLock for 3 thread rolled hems but baby yarn can be used in the loopers for a soft edge. I also like the YLI "Extra" woolley when doing a wider stitch using bright colored threads to make a braided edge. My DD's and DDil's like the size of the blankets I make. I make them larger than you can buy in the store. I have also done baby blankets by turning up a larger hem and flatlock it then do some embroidery in the hem area or just use some deco stitches if your sewing machine has them (like ducks, flowers or alligators etc). I have the Redwork card for my stand alone embroidery machine with the little girls on it and I have done some little blankets that turned out so cute with those little girls. Another favorite of the babies if serging little blocks and balls for them to play with. For a birth gift I like to make a big block with the baby's name, date of birth, weight, length etc. on the top side of the block. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: kmccrea
Date: 07-18-2006, 02:02 PM (17 of 26)
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I love my serger and use it for everything. I especially love 1 or 2 hour projects (like t shirts or pull on skirts/shorts). After a little trial and error and a good deal of playing around I can now set my serger for perfect rolled hems. Now, I can make pretty chiffon overskirts, reasonable dish rags from old, threadbare towels and quick placemats and coasters. If you have a serger, please use it for more than finishing seams. You can actually sew with it, too! Start with some quickie t shirts and kitchen towels to get the feel for it...explore and play! Kate http://images.blackcatoriginals.com/Toucan_Tote_1200.jpg Katherine McCrea
Designer At Large |
User: kmccrea
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 173 
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From: esrun3
Date: 07-18-2006, 10:14 PM (18 of 26)
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Thanks Kylnne2 & Libby.....I have picked up quite a bit of flannel for the blankets, just haven't gotten around to doing them up yet. Libby, my daughter has the one you made her hanging over the side of the crib waiting for that baby to appear-going to be a long wait yet! She's not due til Nov.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-19-2006, 03:46 AM (19 of 26)
| Something I forgot to include in my previous post is how I love to puff and gather on my serger..or on any serger for that matter. It is done in an instant and great for puffing in heirloom sewing. One can finish one of the new gathered skirts with the tiers that are so popular now in a very short time when done on a serger. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Roy
Date: 07-22-2006, 09:11 PM (20 of 26)
I don't think this job qualifies as my favorite but I have the satisfaction of having completed it today [Saturday, July 22]. I made 12 table cloths and 60 napkins for our dining room at this health care facility for elderly Jesuit Fathers. The 5' x 5' table cloths are for 12 48" D tables and are from a deep maroon fabric. The 60 napkins are golden yellow 15" x 15". That totals up to 540' of edging. Now I am vacuuming the serger, changing out the needles and emptying the basket full of serger trimings.  Fun - YES. The tables in the dining room will look beautiful for the Feast of St. Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit Order, next Monday, July 31. A Father's work is never done
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User: Roy
Member since: 04-28-2006 Total posts: 25 |
From: MartySews
Date: 07-25-2006, 07:38 PM (21 of 26)
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Just finished up last Wednesday 11 diaper shirts and a toddler dress for the ASG national service project. My computer went on strike so have just been able to get back online today. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: plrlegal
Date: 07-25-2006, 10:32 PM (22 of 26)
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I guess my biggest project (but I don't know if it was my favorite project or not was 60 sashes of different three different lengths and 5 different colors of satin and green or red sequined fabruc that were reversible (satin on one side and the red or green sequined fabric on the other) for the Christmas musical last year. On the green or red side, I serged red or green (green on the red and red on the green) satin ribbon down the sides for a military look. I serged 700 yards of red and green ribbon, 45 yards all total of 6 different colored satins, 23 yards of green sequined and 23 yards of red sequined fabric. That's how I finished off my Singer 5 thread serger and DH went out and bought me the Juki serger that I have now. This Juki is a workhorse of a serger. The only time I change the tensions on it is to serge a 3 thread rolled hem, otherwise I just add or subtract a needle and thread spools depending on what stitch I want to use on it, and I very seldom tie on, unless I run out of thread on a spool in the middle of a project. Otherwise, I thread from the beginning when I change thread colors. This is the easiest threading serger I've every used. A friend of mine has a Bernette and geesh, what a pain that machine is to thread. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: LauraM62
Date: 07-26-2006, 08:58 AM (23 of 26)
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I guess I'm with those that say I use my serger for just about anything I can! Lets see with knits you can make almost the entire garment on the serger, flannel sleep pants & shorts whip up super fast with a serger, swimsuits, just about anything I can think of! I also will use it for seam edges if it needs to be done on the sewing machine. I like doing rolled hems on certain fabrics for ease & quickness - and the lettece edge on the serger is fun with the kids clothing - fast too! So yes I love my serger!! I couldn't imagine being without it now - as for the embroidery machine I don't use it like I should !
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246 
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From: Mom of Six
Date: 07-26-2006, 09:58 AM (24 of 26)
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Laura I'm with you! Except I trid to use the serger on an old piece of swimwear (bought in the late '80s) I think that something was wrong with the fabric It left a rubbery feel on my hand & would not serge! I through the whole thing away it was not worth the frustration.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
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From: LauraM62
Date: 07-28-2006, 08:36 AM (25 of 26)
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Barb, Sounds like the rubber in that swimsuit was gone! Guess we can only save them for so long  I know I'm really bad about keeping the same swimsuit for myself way too long. I'll make and/or buy the kiddos suits every summer, but I put myself off! Of course they swim allot more then I do - and we have a pool in the back yard so I should get in more it would be good exercise - I'd just rather sew
LauraM
SW Indiana If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback |
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003 Total posts: 246
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From: sewcr8v
Date: 07-30-2006, 12:13 PM (26 of 26)
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my favourite projects are ice skating dresses on my serger. I'll use my serger at every possible chance I get when sewing. I also serged a winter ski jacket with it, all waterproof seams - now when I sit in the skating rink I am toasty warm, I put fleece in the pockets which keeps my hands warm as well.
Sewcr8v
Keep the world sewing... |
User: sewcr8v
Member since: 09-05-2004 Total posts: 30 
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