View Single Post
  #4  
Old March 30th 04, 10:39 PM
Sarah Dale
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Ann Pillman wrote:
I just acquired a serger... and I'm not sure how to get the correct seam
allowence (5/8") when sewing garments. What I've been doing for the
current project is to sew the actual 5/8" seam on my regular sewing
machine and then finish the seam with the serger. Is that what everyone
else does?? (this seems "overkill" to me, that's why you have the
serger, so you don't HAVE to sew a seam twice...)


Hi Ann,

I got my first serger last summer - I know *exactly* where you are comming
from!!! You don't have to do it twice - especially if you have a 4 thread
machine.

I've sewed some scraps on my serger trying to figure out exactly where
the seam is going to be but it seems as though I have to just eye-ball
the 5/8"...


I also asked this question last summer after some very wonky test seams!
I must admit, that this does take practice - and this is a difficult task
compared to sewing a 5/8th seam with a sewing machine.

There are two things to look for. Firstly, look at the end of the presser
foot - you should see 2 marks on it - the left hand (centre) mark is the
position of the left needle, the mark to the right is the position of the
left needle. Secondly - on your machine to the right of the foot - possibly
on the flip lid that covers the threading paths - should be some seam width
markings. I have 3/8, 5/8 etc. etc.

Now on some test material draw yourself a 5/8th inch seam allowance.
Position it under you foot so that the line aligns with the left (centre)
mark on the foot. Serge an inch or two - now the edge of the fabric should
be on the 5/8th inch mark on seam width marking. I found this difficult to
start with because you can't line up presicely like you can on a sewing
machine, but with practice you can get good

One other thing to look out for, my seam markings are on the flip out cover
for the threading paths, I find that as I adjust the cutting width on my
serger, it very slightly affects the position of that cover - and
consequently the seam markings are not always quite right. So do watch out
for that one!

It may also pay you to measure from your left needle the 5/8th allowance,
and put yourself a nice large seam width allowance mark - using
electricians tape, stickits, elastic band or whatever works for you - if
you can extend the mark forward of the blades, it will make lining up much
easier - now why the heck haven't I tried that yet!?!? (because I've only
just thought of it!) (and on mine the flip lid would get in the way).

Have fun with your new tool - don't serge any pins or your fingers!

HTH, Sarah
Ads