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Prudent Baby

Get sewing how to, sewing tutorials, and sewing help to learn sewing. We offer sewing tutorial for sewing moms.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

What is a Serger? What does a Serger do?

Why, let me show you in all-new video format.

A serger is a type of sewing machine, with it you can sew your own stretch t-shirts and sweatpants as well as finish hems so your projects look super professional. This serging basics video will show you three of the basic stitches you can create with a serger: a three thread overlock, a rolled hem and a t-shirt hem. It's super easy, check it out (and ignore how messy my garage workspace is please).

What Is A Serger? from Jaime Curtis on Vimeo.

Let me know what you think of "all-new video format" in the comments!

Labels: Serging, Sewing, Supplies, Tips, Tools, Video

21 Comments:

Jacinda said...: WOW! This is so fun! I love watching you serge. In fact, I just had a surge of Serger envy.; January 7, 2010 at 4:39 PM
Jaime said...: is it wrong that the two exciting things i called out that you can make are a t-shirt and sweatpants? which i am also wearing in the video? sexy. lucky carleton curtis.; January 7, 2010 at 5:04 PM
Jacinda said...: I bet you could also make grannie panties. I'm just saying.; January 7, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Anonymous said...: Is that comment "politically" correct?; January 7, 2010 at 5:27 PM
Anonymous said...: Only kidding!; January 7, 2010 at 5:28 PM
Amy H. said...: Oh how I love thy Serger! My Mom has one, and every 6 months or so we go get a huge stack of fabric, then go have a cloth napkin making session! Its so nice to restock on cloth napkins as the tend to get dingy. And make them for all seasons!; January 7, 2010 at 5:36 PM
Jacinda said...: Anonymous (aka Mom) - don't be a hater because I used the term "Grannie Panties." I have complete respect for both Grannies and the so-named comfy underwear. PS. You're funny!; January 7, 2010 at 5:43 PM
Jaime said...: The grannie panties Jacinda gave me at my baby shower were the most useful gift I recieved. Did this commenter (your mom) sense sarcasm? Because we got nothin but love for grannies and their panties!; January 7, 2010 at 5:51 PM
nope said...: ugh. i'm torn between saving for a serger, or a dress form. it's one or the other for me for now, and i was sold on the dress form...until i saw this video.

i like the "video format". it's just easier to see, and understand certain tutorials in video. i never knew how they serged that hem on tee's.

mad love for the grannie panties! :); January 7, 2010 at 6:19 PM
Anna said...: love the video and thanks for the demo. I can't wait to do more stuff on my serger.; January 7, 2010 at 7:47 PM
Jaime said...: krista - i saw a DIY for a dress form today! i think it was on craftzine. i will have to hunt it down!; January 7, 2010 at 9:20 PM
Jenny Lynn said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; January 8, 2010 at 6:00 AM
Jenny Lynn said...: I love that it's in a video because I have been wanting to know exactly what it can do but hadn't really figured that out until I watched your video.

You said that you just started sewing 6 months ago. How did you learn? I've been sewing for about a year but only off and on. I still feel like I'm not as advanced as I would like to be. Any advice?

And Krista - Samster Mommy shows a tutorial on making your own duct tape dress form.
http://samstermommy.blogspot.com/2009/08/duct-tape-dress-form-tutorial.html Maybe that will help!; January 8, 2010 at 6:01 AM
Jaime said...: jenny lynn. ok so i have known how to use a sewing machine and sew a straight line for a long time. i've sewn with patterns before, but about six months ago i started really sewing every day (almost) and teaching myself construction. i make a lot of things that don't end up on this site because i have to try a technique until i get it right. it's all about practice and studying and of course enjoying it.; January 9, 2010 at 7:19 PM
Anonymous said...: Jaime, I LOVE your site. I just stumbled across it on the OhDeeDoh site for the DIY crib sheet post and as a brand new sewer, I have learned so much from you already! This serger post is awesome because I still hadn't figured out exactly what they were good for, and now I know! Thank you so much and thank you for coming up with such creative and easy things to DIY!; March 5, 2010 at 7:29 AM
Sewing Princess said...: Thanks for the advice. I can't believe you started sewing only 6 months ago... you are amazing!

http://bombardone.com/sewingprincess; August 10, 2010 at 8:16 AM
dreamymind said...: I have 3 dead sewing machines picked up at sales and they keeep getting knocked off of timing. I picked up a great vintage singer tiffany blue but wondering if I should plunge the $100 on the old or just by a new one. I saw this vid and now I want a serger.....what r ur thoughts...; September 26, 2010 at 2:47 AM
smee said...: Is a serger the same as what we in the UK would call an overlocker? As far as I'm concerned, serge is a type of fabric!

I am extremely new to sewing, have been trying to learn for many many years but never managed. Finally bought a sewing machine this year and enrolled myself on a course last week. I've already made some personalised bunting for my daughter's room and came across your website when I joined mysewingcircle.com. I have many of your projects in my 'to do' list!; September 29, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Margot said...: A little late to the comments on this one. While I prefer the written word, some things are just easier to show (esp. as they would take about 1000+ words to explain).

My only critique is it would be helpful if you could zoom in more on the stitching. I know this was your first video and I haven't watched many others, but it helps if I can truly see what you are showing.

thanks for the video! I will now try the serger a friend just gave me.; January 12, 2011 at 9:04 PM
Unknown said...: Hey! Well, I tried a blind hem (or the last hem) like you did- but I see little lines of thread on the "good" side of the fabric- I can't find in my manual how to adjust it so those lines go away. Any ideas? -anna
(I was using the left needle- maybe I'll try the right and see what happens!); January 27, 2011 at 12:55 PM
Lisa said...: Okay, now I need a serger. Cool video, very helpful!; March 20, 2011 at 12:27 PM

Prudent Baby

Thursday, January 7, 2010

What is a Serger? What does a Serger do?

21 Comments:

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