Piecing with Your Serger

Why quilt with a serger?  Let’s face it not all our quilts will be a masterpiece. Some will be a much treasured and loved item that will be taken everywhere and washed multiple times.  So why not sew them with a seam that will hold up to such love?

 

The following are some suggestions for piecing with your serger.

Samples from my French Braid With the Serger Pattern

When selecting a quilting design, the simple lines with few matching seams will work the best.  As one can guess, it can be tricky to get intersecting seams to match.  However, a product called, “Wonder Tape”, will help you to keep seams in-line with one another, and then it is easily removed with water.

By using a 4 thread over lock stitch you will get two lines of needle stitches plus the finished edge of the over lock stitch.  This creates a very durable seam that can hold up to multiple washes which is great for toddler quilts and table runners.

Students using their sergers to piece the French braid table runners.

You must be careful if you are using the knife to take a scant amount off or lock your blades down. Another alternative is to use your 3 thread over lock stitch.  This will create a smaller seam allowance letting you use your blade to trim your raw edges. 

Students performing the important pressing techniques!

Always press as you sew!  You will need to press the seams to one side, preferable to the darker piece of fabric.  

Finally, know where your excess quilt or piece is when you are serging.  There is nothing more frustrating than serging another part of your quilt into the seam.  This could be devastating, especially if the blade cuts into your project.  Remember, always remove the needle threads to rip out the seam, the looper threads will then come off easily.  If needed, an additional appliqué or embroidered design can camouflage a cut in the fabric.

Check out the projects from my French Braid with the Serger class!

Susan chose bright and bold colors.

How pretty for a Mizzou game day!

This one belongs on my table!

What a fun fall piece.

This is one for a sea side event.

Definitely a Mizzou fan.

Have you ever pieced something with your serger?

Sewing a project with the serger, doesn’t take any longer than sewing with a sewing machine, unless you have a serger that is difficult to thread.  But that is for another post---Exploring new ways to use your serger, Linda

Preparing Pattern Pieces

This January in Serge Ahead 2 we will be creating a serger cardigan using the Kwik Sew pattern number 3721.   

Kwik Sew Pattern # 3721

In this class we will focus on cutting out your project pieces and special considerations for sewing with knits.  This project is so easy using your serger; you will probably create more than one.

One of the steps that I request you have completed before coming to the class is to have your pattern traced.  This can be tricky since it is a multiple sized pattern.  So to help you be successful in class, I have compiled some tips to help you with this step.

 

1.       First of all, take your measurements accurately and select the right pattern size.  As you measure your bust and hips make sure that the tape measure is parallel to the floor—no angles!

Then using the back of the pattern envelope, identify the pattern size you need to trace based on your measurements.  Do not go by what you usually buy in the stores—it may be different.  Also on the back of the pattern is a list of recommended fabrics to use in this project, make sure you have the right fabric to complete the project.

2.       Open up the pattern and find the pieces you will need based on the guide sheet.  View A has four pieces, and View B has three.  If the pattern has lots of wrinkles and won’t lay flat, use a dry iron with no steam, and press them flat.

3.       Next lay your pattern tracing paper on top of the original pattern.  If you are having trouble seeing the pattern markings, I recommend getting a fine line black marker and retracing the marks on the original pattern so they will be visible through the pattern tracing paper.

4.       Now I lay my pattern tracing paper on top of the original and weigh it down using my pattern weights. Then using a ruler, I trace the outline of my pattern piece on my pattern tracing paper.  Once the outline is done, I then add the pattern markings.   

Some key markings that need to be traced on your pattern are:

• notches (Both the single and the double notches)
• grain lines 
• stretch lines
• the place on the fold directions
• the match points(this is the semi-circles with the letter A on piece #1 and on the other part of the sleeve for piece #1).

Single Notch

Match Point

Double Notches

Place on Fold Marks

Then I write on the pattern piece that I have just made the piece number, pattern number, the size, and how many pieces of fabric are cut from the pattern piece.  This can be a lifesaver if you find a stray pattern piece in your sewing room later! 

Very Important Pattern Piece Notes

Just a note, if I have made adjustments to the pattern, I write those on the pattern piece also.

5.       Continue until you have all the necessary pieces traced to create your cardigan.  I like to hang my pattern pieces on a coat hanger until I am ready to use them.

Bring your pattern pieces and the original pattern with guide your guide sheet with you to class and get ready to Serge Ahead!--Linda