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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: JustSewCrafty
Date: 02-23-2007, 11:29 AM (1 of 15)
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I've had my serger for a little over a year and unfortunatly, I have used it only once (due to me not know what I'm doing yet..). So I've ordered the "Complete Serger Handbook" by Chris-James after I saw a lot of you recommended it. It should be in next week. So in the meantime, I would like to know what you use your serger for besides finishing clothing etc. I know there are lots of things you can do with it. Post them here for inspiration!! Thanks! May your bobbin always be full-
Stephanie www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com "Sewing is the new black" |
User: JustSewCrafty
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 168 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-23-2007, 12:42 PM (2 of 15)
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I've mostly used mine for finishing seams. I have used the cover stitch a few times but I find it easier just to go around the hem a couple times with my regular machine. I'm not that much in to speed. I have used the chain stitch for decorative stitching and I keep thinking sooner or later I'll do some flatlocking for decoration. I did make a jacket out of reversible fabric and just serged with wooly nylon around the edges. I turned out really good. I have a book called Serger Secrets -- High-Fashion Techniques for Creating Great-Looking Clothes and they do some incredible stuff but I haven't gotten around to doing any of that yet. I've had my serger a year and use it a lot -- to finish seams. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: pretnichols
Date: 02-23-2007, 02:26 PM (3 of 15)
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Right now, pillowcases. But I just finished my intro class from the dealer, and learned how to make a rolled edge. So now, I want to trim a few tablecloths, then put a rolled edge on them. I've also made a handful of scrunchies. I also intend to use it to make PJ pants. Good luck! Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 02-23-2007, 03:15 PM (4 of 15)
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Hummmm! I use my serger for finishing seams in new garments, baby blankets, table linens, serging the edges of my quilt fabrics before I wash them to prevent ravelling and tangling in washer & dryer. I can probably think of a few more things later. Oh yeah and I always serge the edges of pants before hemming them. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 02-23-2007, 03:41 PM (5 of 15)
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Oh, I forgot to mention -- I now serge the ends of fabric before I wash them. It sure helps with the fraying. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: esrun3
Date: 02-23-2007, 03:45 PM (6 of 15)
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I've made kids shorts and t-shirts. receiving blankets, pillow cases, finished edges and sew the edges of my new fabrics before I wash them. Also have made placemats and napkins with my serger
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-23-2007, 05:12 PM (7 of 15)
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I have used my serger for edge stitching inside of fabric of course plus rolled hems for baby blankets and stretch wrapped stitches on throws. I use it for gathering and flatlocking, blindhems, attaching lace, ribbon, bands and braids and piping, sewing in elastic and casings and pintucks, flat felled seams and piecing quilts. I don't use it much for binding because I prefer a double rolled edge braid serged stitch or serged piped bindiing, but I do have a Universal binder for my serger. I also use it for the 3 different coverhems and chain stitch. I hope to use it more for deco stitching in the future and I want to create a coverstitch plaid and make a garment from it. My serger is a 4 thread with 3 different cover hem stitches and chain stitch. I can actually make a complete garment with it. I hope to try out more yarns and different threads and ribbon floss with my serger for deco stitching too, I just haven't had the time. I haven't used a serger for zipper insertion as yet but one can and there are many different things that I have not tried that are shown in many of the serger books. I hope to do these things some day when I have the time. My machines and sergers are always set up ready to go and are used constantly. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: diannab
Date: 02-23-2007, 09:04 PM (8 of 15)
Right now I use my serger for pillowcases, making pjs and purses!  I haven't figured out a good finishing seam with my serger (hey I have only had it 2 weeks!) lol I have a 4 thread machine from Singer and LOVE it! I love using this purses ! It makes them uber heavy duty! (along with overuse of fraycheck! LMAO)Any good finishing hem suggestions? I deffo wanna try the lettuce hem but the guy that sold me the serger swears up and down my reg machine would do a prettier one..... :( |
User: diannab
Member since: 10-28-2006 Total posts: 78 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 02-23-2007, 10:13 PM (9 of 15)
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Everything that isn't topstitched!! I use my regular machine for zippers, buttonholes, hems & basting. Almost everything else is done on the serger.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 02-23-2007, 11:53 PM (10 of 15)
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I'm using mine now to rolled hem everything I can. I have been doing all the grandbabies tshirts with the rolled hem, and when you make it all wavy its so cute for little girls. In fact I think almost all my knits have been getting rolled hems lately.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 02-26-2007, 07:07 PM (11 of 15)
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currently making my daughter's 1st communion dress and using the rolled edge to join the organza for her skirt and sleeves and did a nice rolled edge with wooly nylon for the satin underskirt, I use it for just about everything, I've just started blindheming fleece to make a mock binding on the edge of sweaters etc, is tricky but looks nice when done, Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: MaryW
Date: 02-27-2007, 10:07 AM (12 of 15)
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There is a book Secrets for Successful Sewing by Barbara Weiland that really shows what a serger can do. Well worth the money in my opinion. You would not believe what you can do with a serger until you read this book. I wish I had more time to try a lot of the things shown. http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Successful-Sewing-Techniques-Mastering/dp/1579542999/sr=1-1/qid=1172588832/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-7794013-4591014?ie=UTF8&s=books MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-27-2007, 05:19 PM (13 of 15)
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Many brands of sergers have videos on how to use them that come with the purchase of a serger. I think all sergers should come with a video. I feel that if somebody is uncertain on how to use their serger or are not familiar with what their little beast can do..find some videos, even if not your brand. Maybe find some videos on several brands of sergers. The video does not need to pertain to your brand of serger and it will also inform you of the slight differences in locations of settings etc. between different brands. Some videos are more informative than others and some even show how to use different feet. I also read all that I can about serging. I have been hooked since the first time I used and sold the old Montgomery Ward 3 thread Happylock, then on to Singer and Babylock sergers. Now it is Coverlock and deco stitching. Makes me wonder what comes next but I will be reading as much as I can and the fun is in the doing. It has always amazed me what the little devils can do and they do it so fast and so well. (or is that sew well..  )
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: mardigrasgirl
Date: 03-01-2007, 08:48 PM (14 of 15)
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I took a class today to make pillow cases with piping couldn't believe how easy it was to make them and they look great.
Brother ultD 2002, imagine serger babylock, brother regular machine, amazing box
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User: mardigrasgirl
Member since: 03-09-2005 Total posts: 3
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From: Yummie_Mommie
Date: 03-06-2007, 04:45 AM (15 of 15)
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Using mine for making Diaper Liners and Doublers inserts. http://s124.photobucket.com/albums/p2/Yummie_Mommie/Diaper%20stuff%20I%20made/ I only just got mine like 3weeks ago. Christina
-Kenmore 3/4 Serger -Kenmore 8 stitch Ultra -Singer ultra 8 Stitch |
User: Yummie_Mommie
Member since: 02-28-2007 Total posts: 2 |
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