I share tips and resources that helped me learn how to use my serger overlocker. Learning how to use a serger isn't too tricky, and this is what worked for me.
If you are thinking about getting a serger, it might feel intimidating just looking at all those knobs. That's how I felt, and I let my serger sit for nearly eight months before I tackled the learning curve.
Eventually, I taught myself how to use my serger with some great resources. Here's how I learned and practiced. And if you are thinking about getting one, I hope my experience helps.
What is a Serger or Overlocker?
Very quickly, just to clear any potential confusion. A serger and overlocker are two words for the same thing. It's the machine you see in the photo above. It does a few different important tasks when sewing.
First, for woven fabric, it trims the fabric and finishes the edges so the fabric does not fray. Second, it's used for sewing jersey knits (such as t-shirts) because the stitches can stretch. Third, it can be used for decorative edges on fabric.
Buying a Serger and Getting Started
Here's the thing. I researched for ages before deciding which serger to buy. I read so much about serging and tried to understand all the different techniques and skills one could do with a serger. Eventually, I decided on the Juki MO-654DE. And after ordering it, I couldn't wait to receive it.
When it arrived, I immediately opened the box, and managed to serge a practice piece of cloth to make sure it worked. Then, I actually let my serger sit for another eight months without using it because I was really intimated by it after that first try.
I watched random YouTube videos and read so many instructional posts on how to use a serger. I even read through the entire instruction manual cover to cover. Even after all that, I didn't feel confident to step on the pedal and let the serger run.
The cutting knife scared me. I worried about breaking a thread and needing to figure out how to rethread the machine. All the tension knobs looked confusing to sort out.
My serger and I sat in a staring contest. Finally, eight months later, I won. Proof: see the super cute Invicible Skort I recently made.
I Signed Up For an Online Course to Learn How To Use a Serger
Tilly and the Button's Make Friends with an Overlocker or Serger online course came to my rescue. I signed up for the course, and within an hour, I was making my first t-shirt. It is the one resource that really helped me understand how to use my serger.
Tilly sets a very calm and encouraging tone, and breaks things down in very simple to understand terms. The course is well organized, and she gives just enough information in each section so it's not too overwhelming.
I wish I had signed up for the course right when I bought my serger. I can only imagine how many more sweet outfits I would have made by now.
There are other paid online course, but I didn't try them. I watched a couple of free videos put out by different sewists, including Tilly, and I decided I liked the way Tilly taught on screen.
If you are new to serging, I would highly recommend taking her course to get you started. She is so friendly, and I've even gone back to rewatch different techniques too.
A Good Book to Learn How to Use a Serger
Along with the online corse, I bought Mini Makes, also by Tilly and the Buttons. The patterns and clear instructions in this book, especially the Ridley Leggings and the Tabitha T-Shirt, gave me a solid understanding of how to use my serger on jersey knits.
Tilly also converts those two patterns into a pajama set in the book. Just with those two patterns, I have made a whole slew of outfits: t-shirt, dress, leggings, pajama pants, long sleeve top, and shorts. I've also learned embellishments such as patch pockets, gathering, and ruffled edges.
I think working through just those two patterns in the book tremendously helped me understand the basics of using a serger for jersey knits. The book is also written for beginners, so unlike many other patterns I've since made, the instructions in Mini Makes are very detailed and thorough. It feels like Tilly is talking to you through the entire process, step-by-step.
When I make other patterns now, I find myself referring back to Mini Makes to apply the techniques Tilly explains in the books. I also use her techniques and patterns for the patch pockets, gathering, and ruffled sleeves to hack other sewing patterns.
How I Practice Using My Serger
Once I finished the course, I started practicing serging any and everything that looked interesting to me.
I cut up and practiced serging together old clothes that I wanted to donate. Then I progressed to buying deadstock fabric and remnants. Deadstock fabric and remnants are leftover fabric that designers sell off for cheaper. I like to source fabric this way because it's more environmentally friendly, and I get the same joy I get from thrifting, but I can be browsing late at night in bed.
A few of my favorite deadstock fabric suppliers
Beginner projects to make
Just keep practicing. I like to sew the same patterns repeatedly, making minor adjustments on them each time. For example, I'll make a short sleeve top, then use the the same pattern and make the long sleeve version.
Or, I'll add patch pockets the next time around. Changing up the sleeves to add ringer cuffs, and adding a gathered hem is also a fun way to add a new skill. These skills are all included in the Mini Makes book. I try not to add too many new skills to each version of a pattern, and it helps me stay focused.
Here are a few beginner projects I've made since learning how to use my serger:
Learning How To Use a Serger is Fun
So, in the end, I didn't do anything drastic to learn how to use a serger. I took a great online course, bought a thorough and fun book with patterns, and practiced a lot.
I've since made many adorable pieces of clothing for my daughter. I'm definitely still learning, and we're getting a lot of cute clothing out of all my practice. It really is a win all around for us!
If you are thinking about getting a serger or learning how to use one, I hope my experience is helpful. Drop any questions below and I'll try my best to answer.
If you are looking, this is the serger that I have. I researched a lot before I bought it, and it has great reviews. I have a great time using it!
Leave a Reply