Serging A Quilt

Serging your quilt can cut your finishing time dramatically.

A serger can save you valuable time and energy when finishing your quilt. Unlike a regular sewing machine, a serger will sew, trim, and finish the edges of your quilt simultaneously. Although the benefits of a serger are significant, the machine is more challenging to operate than a traditional sewing machine. Although daunting to many amateur quilt-makers, with a little practice, you'll be serging quilts like a professional in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Crochet needle

Instructions

1. Thread your threads into the serger, following the manufacturer's instructions. Most sergers require two, three or four spools of thread. Some machines require five spools, but these are quite rare. Always thread beginning with the leftmost thread guide, working from left to right.

2. Turn the tension dials to select the specific serge stitch to use for your quilt. The specific settings for this dial differ from machine to machine, so consult your user's manual to determine the appropriate setting for your job.

3. Place the edge of your quilt under the foot of the serger with the rough-cut edge of the fabric facing towards the inside of the serger.

4. Depress the foot pedal of the serger while drawing the quilt edge slowly beneath the needles. Use one hand in front and one hand behind the needles to guide the fabric.

5. Allow the serger to continue to run for three or four seconds after the entire side of the quilt has been serged. This will create a "tail," a small section of free-hanging serged thread. Once you create the tail, remove your foot from the foot pedal to stop the machine.

6. Cut the thread at the base of the needles with a small pair of scissors.

7. Insert a small crochet needle through the looped edge created by the serger.

8. Hook the crochet needle around the end of the tail.

9. Draw the crochet needle back through the serged edge, tucking the tail into the edge of the quilt. This will help prevent fraying or unraveling of the serged edge.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice serging on a few pieces of scrap fabric before serging your quilt.

• Sergers have a greater tendency to bind than traditional sewing machines. Moving the fabric smoothly and with a consistent, controlled motion will help prevent binding.

References

• Diane Bossom's Serger Place: Serging Tips and Guidelines
• WhatTheCraft.com: Serger Basics: Tips, Techniques and Advice