Successful Serging: From Setup to Simple and Specialty Stitches

by Beth Ann Baumgartel

This "at your fingertips" reference contains hundreds of techniques and tips for making the most of the serger, or overlock, machine—a versatile and speedy tool for stitching garments and home decor. Readers will learn how the serger works, the many styles available, and the variety of functional and decorative stitches possible. There are also easy-to-find-and-follow charts—of thread choices, must-have accessories, and best stitches for a range of fabric types. This book is an easy-reference collection of basic techniques, tips, and helpful information for anyone who is learning about or already owns a serger.

Genres: Sewing, Crafts, Nonfiction

128 pages, Spiral-bound

First published October 1, 2009

Reviews

[Tsedai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Successful Serging is actually a wire bound book, which is great because it easily lays flat when you want to use it as reference, but it also has a soft cover over the wires, so they stay neat and tidy without mangling any other books on the shelf. The book starts by discussing what a serger is, what it does, how it forms stitches, and why it is good to have one in addition to a regular sewing machine. It goes on to discuss thread and threading, tension, and the best uses for the various types of serger thread. The book then discusses the types of stitches a serger can make, and their best applications. It gives practical advice for dealing with corners and curves and how best to operate the machine. The book also discusses cleaver ways to use the serger in garment construction (various types of hems, etc.), as well as how to do some decorative trims and "heirloom serging." Finally, it discusses problem fabrics and how to deal with them, as well as potential troubleshooting in the back.

The images in this book are in color, although most of the useful images are drawn diagrams, with the photographs being mostly for decoration. I actually like this, as I find the diagrams easy to see and understand. Also, the writing in this book is fairly basic and simplified, while still having enough detail to be useful. I would say that this book is an excellent resource, especially for a new serger owner. While it can't replace the necessity of having the serger's manual at hand, this book can provide ideas and advice about how to best use the serger to full advantage. I feel that it is rather comprehensive without being too full of information as to be overwhelming. All in all it is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive, excellent how-to book on using a serger to sew garments and decorative trims.

Compared to the other serger instructional guide I reviewed recently (The Complete Serger Handbook), this book has less theoretical info on how the serger and thread tensions work. But it describes a wider range of serger stitches, and presents more techniques for garment construction and decorative work. The techniques for attaching ribbing on collars, sleeves and other edge finishes totally changed the way I sew T-shirts and improved their quality.

Additionally, this book is filled with line-art illustrations that make it very clear how the fabric should be folded, arranged or positioned, and how the stitches should be applied.

I suspect this will be the primary book I refer to when I need to understand how to use my serger to complete some sewing task.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid beginners book. I learned a few good tips, especially when it comes to turning corners!

[Julie Jackson]

Very helpful. Easy to understand instructions.