Serger Basics
Fear the serger no more! Let’s get comfortable using your serger while working on a project of your choice (you must have your own serger to take this class). This class will focus on understanding how to operate your serger and adjust it to sew a seam with correct tension, how to do a twin needle hem or other hem for knits, and working with knits in general. You should already know how to thread your serger to take this class (or plan to setup a private lesson before to get comfortable with threading – even if it is a slow process for you!). You do not need to be an expert at threading, but you should have a general comfort with threading. Please make sure your serger (if it is old) has been serviced and is functioning for class so that you are not frustrated by a serger that needs a tune up! Depending on the complexity of your pattern and your comfort and speed with sewing you may need to finish up at home, but the main goal will be to overcome your fears of the serger and understand more of what it can do for you!
Recommended Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced
For this class I suggest making something with knits or sweatshirt fleece or something similar to get the full effect of using a serger. You can pick a t-shirt, legging, or sweatshirt pattern as a simple starting point. Firecracker has lots of choices. The class will not focus on necessarily finishing the garment, but more about getting you over your fear of using the serger so you can continue to use it at home. If you need additional help with finishing up you can always sign up for an Assisted Open Workshop. If you are able to cut the fabric in advance of class you will be able to spend more of the class time working on handling knits on your serger. And if it’s a quick project you could even start a 2nd one!
Fabric as suggested on the pattern – 4 way stretch knits is best for leggings, 2 or 4 way stretch for t-shirt is okay. Super slinky/stretchy knits are very challenging, so be prepared if you get that.
1 spool of all-purpose thread
Elastic if needed for leggings
Optional but super helpful – rotary cutter if you need to cut in class.
• 4 cones of thread for serger(poly or cotton/all – purpose): in a somewhat matching color (if necessary can use two cones and 2 regular spools of thread)
• you may need one regular size spool to use on the regular sewing machine of matching thread color for hemming or basting if needed.
• ball point needles for your serger (size 80 or 90 should be okay) – please note however that not all sergers use the same needles – so you should check your manual for the type of needle required and make sure to get that if necessary. Check with Thornton’s for sewing machine parts and needles. Also – not a bad idea to get an extra blade in case you break yours by hitting a pin!
• please make sure to prewash/dry your fabric for shrinkage prior to class – knits tend to shrink and you will want to shrink the fabric before making the garment
• If you need to cut fabric in class that is perfectly fine, but if you want to trace your pattern please do that in advance to save on time.
**If you cut at home, bring all your scraps for practice!!
**Please bring your manual if you have it
Be sure to bring your pedal, power cord, any tools that came with the serger (including any special screwdriver tools or tweezers)