The Serger's Technique Bible: The Complete Guide to Serging and Decorative Stitching

by Julia Hincks

Overview

For fast and professional edging, hemming, seaming, and decorative stitching, you simply can't beat a serging machine. This all-skill-level book is the perfect guide to make sure you get the most out of your new machine (or out of that old serger that you've never got the hang of!). Photographs and step-by-step instructions guide you through the essential techniques, showing you how to set up your machine, how to adjust the settings to get the best results on a range of different fabrics, and how to edge your fabrics quickly with perfect results. Try out different feet for your machine to help with gathering, attaching piping, elastic, and beading. Within the chapters there are troubleshooting tips and quick fixes for skipped stitches, snapped threads, and uneven stitching. The quick construction section will take you through a range of projects to help practice and perfect your skills.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250042729
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	04/15/2014
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	958,335
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

JULIA HINCKS is a teacher and textile artist. She currently teaches dressmaking, pattern cutting, knitting, and crochet classes in Brighton, UK, where she has developed a loyal following. Julia Hincks is currently developing a range of ethically-sourced childrenswear in the UK, where she lives.

Table of Contents

About this book 6

Why I love my serger 8

Chapter 1 Serging basics 10

Anatomy of a serger 12

Must-have tools 16

Threads 20

Setting up the machine 22

Getting comfortable 27

Getting started 28

Fixing mistakes 30

Finishing and securing ends 32

Adjusting the serger settings 34

Adjusting the cutting width 35

Adjusting the thread tensions 36

Adjusting the stitch length 40

Adjusting the differential feed 42

Chapter 2 Techniques 44

Basic stitches 46

Simple seams 48

Serging around corners 52

Serging curves, circles, and tubes 56

Stabilizing seams 60

Mock band hems 62

French seams 64

Welt and fell seams 66

Roll hemming 68

Cover stitch 70

Chain stitch 72

Flatlocking 74

Serging with decorative threads 76

Using a piping foot 79

Using an elastic attachment 82

Using a blind hemming foot 84

Using a gathering foot 86

Using a cording foot 88

Using a bias binding foot 90

Using a taping foot 93

Using a beading attachment 94

Chapter 3 Quick constructions 96

Evening scarf/beach cover-up 98

Simple top 99

Tote bag 102

Child's dress 104

Quick quilt 106

Pillow cover 110

Drawstring bag 112

Tube skirt 117

Guide to fabrics 120

Glossary 124

Index 126

Credits 128