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Old 05-31-2012, 01:41 PM
  #21  
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Your serger should have markings for seam width. Mine has two. One is for a the double needle and the other is for the single needle. It is marked on the front where the fabric hits the machine body as it is cut off. HOpe that helps.
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Old 05-31-2012, 01:56 PM
  #22  
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Thanks MaryLane. The book talks about markings but all I can find are raised parts of plastic on the body so I guess I would line the fabric up with those. And my other question was, do I run a seam on the sewing machine first? Or just serge the seam? I'm using 4 threads but it doesn't make a seam next to the serging. do I need that?
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Old 05-31-2012, 02:29 PM
  #23  
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I made my son a jersey knit bathrobe once. Found all the thread tensions too tedious and never used again.
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Old 05-31-2012, 03:22 PM
  #24  
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Like others, I use mine for rolled hems on napkins and placemats, clothing, serge edges before putting binding on, serge cut out pieces for hand bags, for making charity children quilts, and for curtains (can't beat the ruffler, too!)
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Old 05-31-2012, 04:07 PM
  #25  
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But when you use it for clothing, do you run a seam first on the sewing machine and then serge, or just serge?
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Old 05-31-2012, 04:16 PM
  #26  
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I just serge. With two needles you have two straight seams on top. If you only use one needle there is just one straight seam. With both you have the looper threads on top and bottom.
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Old 05-31-2012, 05:55 PM
  #27  
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thanks. That's what I did. Just made myself some pajama pants!! I used an old pair as the pattern.
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Old 06-18-2012, 07:38 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Stitchnripper View Post
I just got a serger and it seems to work fine, so I'm glad CaroleLee started this thread.
Huge thank-you, your message is full of great tips.
loving my serger, but always learning
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Old 06-18-2012, 08:01 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by DACO48 View Post
I've used one for years, great for clothing. The rolled hem works great for tablecloths, napkins. I also use it to finish the edges of placemats. A serger is great for making cafe curtains or putting lining in any flat work. I really like it for putting an edge on the fleece blankets. I use wooly nylon in the upper and lower looper( as it stretches and covers a bigger area) and thread in the needle. I've also used fine crochet thread in the upper and lower loopers and thread in the needle to hem a tablecloth. You can use lots of fun threads in the upper and lower loopers. You just have to re-adjust the tension. Another hint: I keep a lined note card with a sample of the thread and fabric, write down the adjustment numbers of the knobs on the card. That way if I use that particular thread/fabric again, I don't have to spend all that time fooling around adjusting. I store the cards in an old recipe box close to my machine. My last hint would be if your machine is new, take time to write your factory settings on a piece of masking tape or blue painters tape and attach it to your machine. That way if it gets all out of whack you can set it back to factory settings and it should be fairly close to perfect. I also do this when I have any machine, sewing or serger, cleaned and adjusted. Hope this helps.
opps I hit the wrong quote......thanks for taking the time to post your message, lots of great advise.
Thanks again.
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Old 06-18-2012, 08:28 AM
  #30  
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I have used my serger to do the "6 hour quilts". I used to use it constantly when i did garment sewing, esp. for my kids. I used the rolled hem a lot when I did heirloom sewing for them. I rarely use it now that the majority of my sewing is quilts.
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