This is my first review so here goes!
I recently received an new serger/coverlock machine (Juki 735). I have a Pfaff hobbylock 786 from the late '80s early '90s. So I have been on the hunt for some books to help me get better use out of my new machine as I really only used my hobbylock serger for finishing edges with a 4-thread overlock or rolled hemming. That was about it.
On the serger message board there was a thread about books, so I looked some of them up. Many suggested were from the mid to late '90s. I read up on the books on Barnes and Noble and Amazon to check out the reviews and prices. Someone had purchased one of the books at JoAnn's with a coupon (love that they let you use coupons on books!) so I had to go there to pick something up and thought I'd check them out. Well they didn't have the other books, but they had Successful Serging. It was published in 2009 almost a decade later than some of the other books recommended.
Oh my goodness this book is incredible. I have been missing so much! I LOVE this book. The illustrations and pictures are detailed and clear. It covers everything. Note that it is not a project book, it is about your serger, and how to use it. It doesn't list specific projects for you to do, but it does mention how the stitches can be used. I love that it is not brand specific, yet it does mention many of the current brands and models out there and some of their features.
Okay the details first..
Book Index/Chapter headings
• About the Serger
--What is a Serger
--Serger Thread
--Threading Made Easy
• Serger Stitches
--The Perfect Stitch
--Balancing Thread Tension
--Basic Serger Stitches
• Starting to Serge
--Preparation
--Stitching Techniques
--Construction Techniques
• Embellishments and Specialty Fabrics
--Decorative Serging
--Specialty Fabrics
• Quick Fixes and Tips
• Index
PaperBack or HardBound?
The edition I picked up was paperback and spiral bound. Nice paper and great for following along.
Does this book have clear illustrations or photographs? Definitely! Many of the illustrations are simple drawings that are very clear and easy to see the colored chart lines. The photographs are colored and the charts are easy to follow because they are two toned so you can follow that line across (i.e. light yellow and dark yellow lines with the info on the lines-hope that makes sense)
Would you recommend this book as a MUST HAVE?
Deffinitely for those new to sergers and those who want to refresh their skills.
Holivjoa said... Sounds like I am buying a book. Thanks for the review. 2/13/13 8:25 AM
tkdnrun said... I don't think you will be dissapointed. I just bought it for my mom out of state with a coupon at Barnes and Noble
and had it shipped to her. She just got a new serger too after many many years with an older one. 2/13/13 11:40 PM
CBLSEWS said... Thanks for the review. Sounds like a book I need to check out. I have a serger that just sits there. 2/22/13 10:50 AM
KathleenNW said... Great review. After reading your review, I might have to pick this book up myself. 3/7/13 1:47 PM
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Sounds like I am buying a book. Thanks for the review.
2/13/13 8:25 AM
I don't think you will be dissapointed. I just bought it for my mom out of state with a coupon at Barnes and Noble and had it shipped to her. She just got a new serger too after many many years with an older one.
2/13/13 11:40 PM
Thanks for the review. Sounds like a book I need to check out. I have a serger that just sits there.
2/22/13 10:50 AM
Great review. After reading your review, I might have to pick this book up myself.
3/7/13 1:47 PM