Today we kicked off our Rachel Twin Set sew-a-long! We reviewed the pattern, how to select your size, and what types of fabrics would work well for this design, how to lengthen the jacket.
Now that you know the basics of using your serger, let’s check out some of the decorative stitches. Join Angela Wolf for a 90 minute virtual class and learn how to use your serger for a few creative stitches and serger a fashionable infinity scarf.
Learn how to set up and serge:
Learn tips for starting and ending rolled hem stitches and then practice these stitches by making an infinity scarf. Learn how to hem with a blind hem, a technique that cuts and finishes your hem in once step. Connect seams and fabric with a flatlock stitching and decorating fabrics with narrow pintucks.
Note: This class can be used with any serger, but you will need your serger manual on hand as each serger is a little different.
This is a virtual class, live with Angela Wolf taking time for Q&A. You do not have to be present to enjoy the class, as the class will remain open after the live session is over to watch and re-watch as many times as you like!
Join us LIVE Friday, March 5, 2021 at NOON Eastern or catch the replay.
Get 10% OFF with Coupon Code: SERGE10
This is going to be such an informative class filled with techniques!
If you would like a chance to win this class, leave a comment below and let me know why you want to win this class. You can also leave a comment on Facebook and Instagram for extra chances to win. I will draw 1 random winner Friday, March 5, 2021 at 10:00AM Eastern. If you are the lucky winner and already signed up for class, I will refund your class fee or you can gift it to a friend.
Can’t wait to see you all in class for the live session or the replay.
Good Luck!
Catch the replay of SERGER 101: The Basics here.
Below you will find a short clip from It’s Sew Easy tv how to stop and start stitches.
It’s January and that means it time to organize for a new year! Today I show how to sew clear vinyl for bags to store patterns and ideas for organizing button and beads; two of my my favorite things. Actually, I have more than two favorite things, but its a good place to start.
1. FABRIC: Use a quality 4-way stretch fabric, such as a Nylon Spandex Tricot Knit, so the fabric retains its shape (no baggy knee’s 
). Add a touch of Power Mesh Nylon Tricot Knit
2. WICK AWAY: If you plan on working out, look for moisture wicking fabric. Wickaway moves sweat to the outside of the fabric and quickly dries, so your sweat doesn’t soak the fabric.
3. FITTING: Athletic wear is usually fitted, especially leggings. Check the exact measurements on the pattern and compare to your exact measurements. You will want to have the outfit at least 1″ smaller than your size (more than 1″ depending on your size too). This is what we call negative ease.
4. NEEDLES: Use a stretch in the sewing machine, serger, and coverstitch.
5. THREAD: I use Wooly Poly or Wooly Nylon in the upper and lower loopers on the serger.
6. SERGER STITCH: A 4-thread overlock stitch is stronger than a 3-thread overlock stitch. I use the 4-thread for leggings, fitted workout tops, and sport bras. I use the 3-thread overlock stitch for loose fitting knits and items that won’t have a lot of stress.
7. SEWING: If you don’t have a serger, you an use stretch thread in the sewing machine. Wind the bobbin slowly and use the stretch thread for both the upper thread and bobbin with a straight stitch. Another option is using universal thread and a narrow zigzag stitch.
8. ELASTIC: I use sport and braided elastic in the waistband of my leggings. 1/2″ wide when I am sewing yoga style leggings with a wide waistband. 1″ or 1-1/4″ when sewing more of a leggings style.
9. HEMMING: performance fabric can be slippery and tricky to sew. I steam press the hem and use a tailors clapper to create a creased fold. Then when I run the fabric through the coverstitch machine or sewing machine using a twin needle, the fabric lays nice and flat.
10. ADD A TOUCH OF MESH: Use a coordinating mesh fabric to leggings as an accent to hold your cell phone or inserted into a tank for a trendy style.
Apron Sew Along
An apron is such a fun accessory to wear in the kitchen, at work, while dyeing fabrics, gardening, you name it! I thought it would be so fun to sew an apron and each day have guests on the live show showing how to embellish with embroidery, quilting, applique, and more.
I will be using Molly Madison’s Apron Pattern, but feel free to use any apron pattern you might have on hand. Molly is a friend of mine and I just love the variations on her pattern as you see above.
Here is the schedule of live shows and I will include links to the live shows each morning:
Custom 4″ Zipper Case
Reen Wilcoxson from Embroidery Garden will be showing us how to make a 4″ zipper case. Here is the link to download the files.
You can find Reen at Embroidery Garden:
Some of the most common questions I get revolve around the serger. A serger, also called an overlock machine, is typically used to trim and finish the raw edges on fabric, yet the serger can do SO much more! While the Brother Brand Ambassadors are taking over the Brother Facebook and YouTube channels I am going to add a series of tutorials on the serger and coverstitch machine. To get started, I will explain the dials, tension settiings, and show how to thread the serger.
I hope this live video helped you get the serger dusted off! I have additional serging videos on my YouTube channel.
Until next time, Happy Sewing!
