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123 
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 1112
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Posted on: 12/25/10 10:03 AM ET
Santa was very good to me this year! I got a new Serger (brother 1034D), a pile of Jalie patterns, and some knit fabrics.

I'm excited to use the serger instead of the zigzag/straight stitch combo on the knits, because that never really worked.

But I'm not quite sure what to do... Do I just use the 4 thread overlock for all the seams of a knit t-shirt? Just like if I were using a regular sewing machine? Jalie instructions say what to do if you don't have a serger, but they don't say what to do if you do have one!

(Yes- I definetly plan to practice on scraps first!)
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 6374
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Posted on: 12/25/10 10:05 AM ET
In reply to Skittl1321
Yes, but remember that the serger will cut off any excess fabric, so make sure you have done your fitting first.

Enjoy your serger.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 10/27/09
Posts: 65
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Posted on: 12/25/10 10:39 AM ET
If you want to be a bit more on the safe side, sew the seams with your sewing machine (straight or zigzag, whatever the pattern recommends) then use the serger's 3-thread overlock stitch to finish them off once you've checked to make sure everything fits right.
  
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 1112
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Posted on: 12/25/10 11:29 AM ET
The pattern recommends doing a straight stitch with the fabric stretched, then a zig zag without it stretched if you don't have a serger. So would you just fit it using just a zig-zag, and then go back over it with the serger? (Jalie only does 1/4" seam allowances... so there isn't much I could change if it didn't fit...)

This thing is going to take a lot of practice. I did a line of 4-stitch overlock, then tried to change the settings to make a rolled hem, and now the threads aren't looping together. I'm really really hoping I can find someplace that gives lessons...
  
Member since 5/10/06
Posts: 1727
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Posted on: 12/25/10 12:06 PM ET
I've never had a seam give on a knit garment sewn only with a 4 thread overlock. This is the way a lot of RTW does. No need to sew it twice!

Unfortunately, when something bad goes down with the stitch formation, you pretty much have to rethread. This is the downside of a serger.

Enjoy!
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http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com
=================
2007: purchased 115+, sewed 105+
So close to parity, yet so far

Trying again in 2008
Yards purchased: 133
Yards sewn: Somewhere around 95

2009? I give up
  
Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 12/25/10 12:27 PM ET
The serger will give a much nicer finished seam than the stretched straight stitch. And the only time I have ever had trouble with serger seams is when there was a problem with the stitch. Have fun!
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http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
  
Member since 9/9/07
Posts: 1112
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Posted on: 12/25/10 12:44 PM ET
Well- DH figured out how to thread it (it comes threaded, but one broke already) and he says it's just as easy as a regular sewing machine.

I haven't tried knit fabric yet, but I figured out how to remove a needle and the stitch finger (?) and am rolled hemming away on some bandana type headscarves for an upcoming vacation!

I'm so excited. I feel like a real sewist with my serger!
  
Member since 12/27/06
Posts: 710
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Posted on: 12/25/10 12:51 PM ET
Congratulations on your new serger -- and what a wonderful present, together with the patterns and fabrics.

I love my serger. I loved it even more after reading books about using it. If you like to learn this way, flip through some books at your library or bookstore to see which one you like best. My own favorite is one by Chris James, which was great for explaining the how and why of basic techniques.

There are also DVDs that will demonstrate for you, and maybe there are videos on youtube. Youtube seems to have videos for everything.

Have lots of fun!
  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
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Posted on: 12/25/10 2:09 PM ET
Congratulations on your new serger. They are wonderful. I highly recommend the old Singer overlocker series. I believe it's been reprinted as one of the following:

sewing with overlock

sewing with a serger

The second one is the newer one. Lots of pictures and examples.
-- Edited on 12/25/10 2:10 PM --
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
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Posted on: 12/25/10 2:11 PM ET
Holy *****!! Did anyone see the price on the new book? Be sure and get it used.
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
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