Why we just love sewing machine presser feet
They make sewing MUCH easier – and even more fun! We’ve waxed lyrical about sewing machine presser feet on a number of occasions – and
Sewing: overlockers are sometimes known as sergers
Some overlocker / serger sewing beginners aren’t aware of the difference between an overlocker and a standard sewing machine. So to get the ball rolling, we thought we’d tell you what an overlocker is…
Wendy Ward provides an excellent definition on her website where she also points out that the machines are also known as “sergers”. Get in touch if you know how this term came into use by the way – we’d love to know!
“…it’s a separate machine that sews with 3, 4 or 5 threads to join seams, neaten edges and cut off the excess fabric all in one go. It’s the neat professional looking finish you find inside ready made clothing.”
Adding a neckline
A useful tip for overlocker serger sewing beginners from the Makers website. After sewing side seams the next step is something that you definitely need to get to grips with: adding a neckline – and this also applies to hems and cuffs. There are some great step by step photos on this article.
Finishing your seams
The Scruffy Badger Time website is compiled by Winnie from Bath in the UK – and we love it!
In her article Overlocking / serger tips: finishing your seams she suggests three practical ways of obtaining a tidy finish on a project. It’s worth paying close attention to her third tip – the most complicated but long term we think the best – which involves getting to know your overlocker’s “stitch fingers”. It’s tricky but worth persevering with – and again the photos are a real help.
Also worth checking out is Winnie’s excellent article Overlocker tips: unpicking seams.
Matching up fabrics
The What Katy Sews website has a really interesting focus – “…matching up all my stashed-away fabrics to appropriate patterns and getting them sewn up”.
The article mixes knits and an overlocker – a really useful combination.
Threading an overlocker / serger
An excellent video by Denise Wild shows how to thread a serger, which will be particularly useful if you’re new to overlockers, your serger keeps unthreading – or you just keep forgetting how to do it.
And now the bit we REALLY love…
We’re trying very hard not to look smug here, but if you’re fortunate enough to own a Jaguar overlocker – it self threads!
The Jaguar Supa Lock 486 overlocker for example, is an excellent choice if you are looking for features and performance. Surprisingly easy to use … this is probably the reason why it is Jaguar’s number one overlocker.
Super easy threading
Exclusive to Jaguar overlocker sewing machines – the unique cutting system opens up 180 degrees giving easy access to the looper thread guides. Threading is quick and easy with no need for tweezers or specialist tools.
It’s as quick and as simple as that!
