First tutorial of the new year has to be one of my highly requested videos; How to serge without a serger.
Ok. So if you are one of those that are holding off on purchasing a serger because of it’s high price, this tutorial is for you. To those of you that have no clue what a serger is or why serging may help you when sewing, I can help answer those questions.
Serging: a sewing machine that overcasts the raw edges of a fabric with a V-shaped stitch.
Why Serge? Serging creates a clean edge, helps prevent fraying, allows for greater stability of your garment.
What Type of Fabric Requires Serging? Fabric that tends to fray such as: linen, cotton, tweed, etc.
Ok. So here is the tutorial on how to serge without a serger. This technique has been around for many years. I just decided to give my fresh take on it. Thanks for stopping by. Please remember to “Thumbs up” this video if you enjoy sewing tips & tricks. Also, if you enjoyed it, don’t be selfish, please share.
Cheap but Chic 
Nice video! I have a Brother serger that I LOVE, but your technique is a helpful one for those that don’t have sergers yet. It would be just as effective.
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Yea. Not too many can afford a serger when they first start so I thought that this was a great alternative.
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I have zigzag on the edge before but never added the final straight stitch. Your demo and especially the readable instruction was perfect and well done. Thanks!!
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Oh! Thank you Diane.
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Great video!
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Thank you Adrienne
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This is perfect; thank you! Sergers scare me lol
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LOL! Me too!
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I was wondering if you would be willing to give a tutorial on threading your serger. I have the same one and I don’t know how to thread it.
Thanks in advance.
Liza
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Hi Liza. Do you mean sewing machine or serger?
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Serger. Thank you.
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Ok. I was confused because you said we had the same Serger machine and I never posted anything about my Serger yet. But ok. I’m working on that tutorial.
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BTW, I truly do enjoy your tutorials!
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I love this tutorial! I was given a serger, but don’t even know how to thread it. It all looks so complicated! And to be shown on a machine I HAVE was just excellent! Now I feel like I can try this on projects I feel need edge treatment. Thank you!
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Yaaaayyyy! That’s great! I’m so happy that this method will work for you. Please don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more future tips and inspiration.
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You are a life saver, i was telling my sister just the other day i wanted a serger, but after seeing this video, i dont need one! And after reading everyones comments dont think i should waste my money buying one. Thank you, this video is really helpful.
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Thank you for the sweet comment. Glad it helped!
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Love this! thanks for sharing. Also, pleaseOhplease can you tell me the piano music recording you used for this video. I could listen to it over and over. It’s wonderful. Thank you! I’m getting out my sewing machine right now. 🙂
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Thank you for putting this up my machine does do a overlock stitch but I have to say this is brilliant .
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Thank You!
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I know that the zigzag stitch can be a close match to a serger’s stitch (because it still allows for the fabric to stretch) but in your tutorial you have two straight stitches that run across the fabric, as well. Doesn’t that cancel out the benefits of the zigzag stitch because the fabric can no longer stretch in that direction, as it’s got that straight-stitch there? 🙂
This is close visually, but I think getting a nice, stretchy edge may still require a serger (or a zig-zag stitch without the straight stitches, which is what I’ve used in the past). It would be wonderful if the standard machine could do both though, eh? 🙂
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This is very helpful and just what I needed. I’ve been on the fence about getting a serge and after seeing this, I think i can hold off a little while longer.
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Nice video. I use my blind hem foot for this instead of a regular foot. There’s a little needle-type part that keeps the raw edge from bunching
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Thank you so much for this awesome alternative to buying a serger! Such a great technique!
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this is very helpful, i will share this tip with my sewing buddies. Thank you
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I’ve got to try this.
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Why did I nvr think of using a mug for large spools….. Thanks for the idea!
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Lol! Youre welcome!
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Reblogged this on HattieLu and commented:
So glad I found this! I haven’t invested in a serger, but have been dying to know how to clean edges without rolling the hem.
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I can’t wait to try this! This gives me a little more confidence to start making things to wear instead of just curtains and pillow cases.
I am now a new fan. I look forward to the weekend when I can read some more.
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I’m new to sewing but decided to tackle some intermediate projects to start with. Thanks for tutorials like yours online, this has been possible–I’ve learned a lot already. Thanks for the clear instructions on how to make do without a serger!
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So awesome!!! Happy that you have joined in on the amazing world of sewing! Thank you for the compliment. 😉
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I looked this up because I wanted to help sew reusable pads for developing nations, but they require serving… Thank you so much! Now I can sew them with just my mom’s sewing machine!
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Thanks, the information provided here on types of sergers, it was helpful to me too.
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