How to Finish the Ends of Sewing With a Serger

A serger leaves a professional-looking seam on clothing.

A serger, or overlocker, is a machine that seamstresses use to put a professional-looking edge on clothes or other handmade items. A serged edge will not fray no matter what the fabric and it looks more professional than a zigzag edge. Sergers use between two and five spools of thread at a time and cut the edge of your fabric so that it will be straight. Because of this, using a serger takes some getting used to even if you are already skilled with a sewing machine.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric or sewing project
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Thread your serger following the instructions that came with your machine. Work slowly and carefully to make sure you get it right.

2. Lift up the presser foot on your serger.

3. Place your fabric under the presser foot and line up the edge of your fabric with the seam allowance that you need.

4. Press the foot pedal to serge along the edge of your fabric. Use the seam allowance markings on your machine to keep the edge of your fabric even.

5. Continue serging about 1 inch past the edge of your fabric before you cut the threads. This makes sure that you have extra thread at the end of your serger so that it will not come unthreaded.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble with your serger, try unthreading and rethreading it carefully. You can thread each bobbin with a different color of thread to make it easier to distinguish between them.

• Do not run over pins with your serger. The knives will cut your pins in half and knick your blades.

References

• Make It and Love It: Using a Serger

Resources

• Serger Place: Serger Tips and Guidelines