The Overlocker Technique Manual

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. The troubleshooting section provides tips and quick fixes for skipped stitches, snapped threads, and uneven stitching. Also includes a buyer’s guide to different sergers, providing you with advice on finding the right machine for you.

Book Contents

About this book 6
Why I love my overlocker 8

Chapter 1: Overlocking Basics 10
Anatomy of an overlocker 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 overlocker 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
Overlocking around corners 52
Overlocking curves, circles and tubes 56
Stabilising 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
Overlocking 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/sarong 98
Simple top 99
Tote bag 102
Child’s dress 104
Quick quilt 106
Cushion cover 110
Drawstring bag 112
Tube skirt 117

Guide to fabrics 120
Glossary 124
Index 126
Credits 128