Date: 9/2/06 5:54 AM

I want to make T shirts for myself because all the RTW seem to be too short. Is it possible to do on the serger? Can anyone recommend a pattern to use that includes serger instructions?

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Reply to LAS
Date: 9/2/06 8:44 AM

You can absolutely use your serger to make a t-shirt.
As for a specific pattern, check out the Kwik-Sew t-shirts. There are several of them and you can look through the Kwik Sew catalog right here on PR. Go to the "Shop Patterns & More" tab at the top of the page.
Some of the Kwik Sew t-shirt patterns include serger instructions as well as SM instructions.

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Kathy

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Date: 9/2/06 9:14 AM

I absolutely recommend Kwik Sew's knit top patterns just for their instructions, and 1/4" seam allowances. After buying a serger over a year ago, I thought I would be able to use it as my only method of stitching knits. But it still feels more accurate to use my regular sewing machine, and I like the idea of "backup" stitches from serging in case a seam pops. I use a very narrow zig-zag, except for topstitching the bindings down.

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Elizabeth

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Date: 9/2/06 9:43 AM

You can use any tshirt pattern on the serger. My serger has markings for the seams allowances. If yours doesn't then sew a test seam on the sewing machine and then line it up on the outside needle on the serger and make a mark for the seam allowance to use as a guide.

My local independent owner advocates using the serger for every garment, knit or woven. I don't necessarily agree, but it does make sense for some garments. I would still do the neck on my sewing machine. But the seams could be done on a serger. I think if you nserted the sleeve flat and didn't sew up the sides seams that you could even do the sleeves on a serger, especially on a knit.

But I still sew my tees on the machine and finish off the seams on the serger. Double work I know. Some habits die real hard. But if I want to test fit before I finish the seams, it is much easier to rip out.
HTH,
Linda

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Date: 9/2/06 11:16 AM

I always use only the serger (4-thread) to construct tee shirts. First because the stitches have more "give" and won't pop when stretched. Second, the serger has differential feed. And third, because it's at least twice as fast. I use my coverstitch machine for hemming and topstitching. If you don't have a coverstitch serger or stand-alone, you should use a twin needle on the sewing machine so the hem stitches have some stretch.

Starting here are four pages of Kwik Sew "Kwik Serge" patterns. KS 2900 includes a basic woman's tee pattern with both serger and sewing machine instructions.

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"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch.” ~ Gilda Radner
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http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com

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Subject: Construct a T shirt using a Serger --- what about thread Date: 4/14/07 3:18 PM

I recently purchased my 2nd serger... the first was from 10 yrs ago and I never could get it to thread and operate ... so in many ways I am a newbie with a serger.

Well I am about to embark on my first T-shirt. It is an interlock 100% cotton material (that I pre-shrunk). Well I bought Nancy Zieman's book about sergers and she recommends using wooly nylon for t-shirts... I was planning to just use Maxi-Lock thread.... is that okay?

Along that line... where do you buy wooly nylon? I haven't seen any at the Joann's or Hancocks in New Orleans.

Thanks!

Keerthi

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Reply to keerthi
Date: 4/14/07 9:19 PM

You don't need wooly nylon for cotton interlock tee-shirt knit, your Maxi-Lock should be fine. Wooly is used for very close-fitting garments made of very stretchy material, such as lycra.

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Date: 2/11/08 11:20 PM

Remember the good old days of Streach and Sew patterns? If you can get your hands on any of them, that is the way to go. Check out ebay, I am sure you can get them there. They do still make them, but not sure what they have now days. Oh and by the way if you have a 5 thread serger just remember you need to use the 4 thread overlock and not the 5 thread. Just normal serger thread will do nicely.

Good luck!

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John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." NIV

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Reply to Sewing Diva Susan
Date: 2/17/08 10:12 PM

I found Stretch and Sew Patterns just today on the McCall's website.

They even have the plain t pattern you mention. My local Joann's carries them too, although it's obvious they are just selling out the stock they have because the patterns are looking pretty beat up and there's only a very few to choose from. I've never tried them, but bought a jacket pattern a few weeks ago. Try here: McCalls Patterns

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Date: 2/17/08 10:35 PM

I think those Stretch and Sew on McCalls site are pretty old. Just google Sretch and Sew and you will find their site with lots of their patterns.

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