Serger Essentials

Use your serger to its full potential! The serger is the most versatile tool a sewist can use, capable of hemming, seaming, decorative finishes and more. Too often, sergers are used for finishing edges and nothing more, simply because "it's too complicated to change the settings." Author Gail Yellen is here to demystify the serger and help you get the most out of your machine! By familiarizing yourself with the various components and how they affect the stitch, you'll tackle new stitches and techniques with a new enthusiasm. Features: • Handy Operator Tips explain common handling errors and how to avoid them • Accessory Foot Appendix details the different serger feet available and when to use them 5 simple projects put your new serging knowledge into practice • Coverstitch overview complete with decorative and construction techniques • Quick Reference Guide lets you quickly find the machine settings for popular stitches Advice on threading, tension, differential feed, and needles relevant to all models; tips for using decorative threads that result in masterful finishes, cover stitch and more--it's all here in Serger Essentials!

Use your serger to its full potential! The serger is the most versatile tool a sewist can use, capable of hemming, seaming, decorative finishes and more. Too often, sergers are used for finishing edges and nothing more, simply because "it's too complicated to change the settings." Author Gail Yellen is here to demystify the serger and help you get the most out of your machine! By familiarizing yourself with the various components and how they affect the stitch, you'll tackle new stitches and techniques with a new enthusiasm. Features: • Handy Operator Tips explain common handling errors and how to avoid them • Accessory Foot Appendix details the different serger feet available and when to use them 5 simple projects put your new serging knowledge into practice • Coverstitch overview complete with decorative and construction techniques • Quick Reference Guide lets you quickly find the machine settings for popular stitches Advice on threading, tension, differential feed, and needles relevant to all models; tips for using decorative threads that result in masterful finishes, cover stitch and more--it's all here in Serger Essentials!

For those who have mastered the basics and want a challenge, Serger Secrets provides instructions for adding more than 50 techniques to the sewers arsenal. Complete with troubleshooting tips and dozens of inspiring photographs of completed garments, Serger Secrets is guaranteed to bring out the creativity in any designer.

In First Time Sewing with a Serger, sewing experts Becky Hanson and Beth Baumgartel take you by the hand and teach you everything you need to know to sew with a serger, or overlock machine—a versatile and speedy stitching tool. Start by learning how a serger works, the many styles available, and the roles of various parts and accessories. Get a detailed overview of the variety of functional and decorative stitches you can make, plus must-have threads, tools, and notions. Next, familiarize yourself with how to thread your serger, set the stitch size, and use it to start and end seams, sew curves and corners, and more. You'll use these essential skills to make the nine fun, easy garment and home decor projects--skills you'll turn to again and again to create your own professional-looking pieces!

How and when to use a serger stitch for finishing edges, making garments or decorative work. There are instructions on how to make buttonholes, do quilting, lacemaking and applique.

Build your wardrobe with must-have modern basics from the premier name in fashion sewing--BurdaStyle. BurdaStyle is a legendary brand that focuses on the fashionable and high-style sewing marketplace. Sewists know the BurdaStyle name and its reputation for high-quality patterns. BurdaStyle Modern Sewing: Wardrobe Essentials includes 21 projects from the archives of BurdaStyle magazine. All of the must-have basics of a woman's wardrobe are covered in this collection: jackets, pants, blouses, skirts, and dresses. The designs include versatile separates as well as combinations that further expand the possibilities for the modern woman's wardrobe. In addition to the 21 patterns, there are 9 variations. Many of the projects include illustrated step-by-step tutorials. Most of the projects are easy to intermediate, and sizes range from 2 to 14. Wardrobe Essentials includes a Burda 101 section that covers everything the reader needs to know to follow the patterns.

Beginning sergers will benefit from this introductory guide to the serger machine and basic serging techniques. Information on the function of a serger and instructions on machine maintenance are provided along with step-by-step guidelines on sewing straight lines and curves, turning corners, and creating professional-looking seams. Additional details on stitch types, flatlocking, fabric tension, decorative techniques, and making fast fashion adornments such as collars, gathers, and hems are also included, and exciting projects like the serged napkin, swimsuit, and sweater will help augment the skills of the novice serger.

No More Fear of Serging! &break;&break;Are you a serger 'fraidy-cat? Is your brand-new serger still in its box because you can't figure out how to thread it? Do you panic when the threads loop crazily because you don't understand how the machine works? &break;&break;Even if you're a sewing whiz, you may feel uncomfortable with the serger. After all, it's an entirely different piece of equipment from your sewing machine. &break;&break;Yet you know it's worth mastering. The serger has made sewing more fun than ever for hundreds of thousands of home sewers. &break;&break;Tammy Young and Lori Bottom, two of America's top serger authorities, understand your fears and your needs. In ABCs of Serging, they have sorted out the most important facts, applied them to every serger brand and model, and organized them in t a logical, step-by-step format so that anyone can work through the book and learn to use the machine to its full potential. &break;&break;In addition, a National Serger Teachers Advisory Board of seven experts has added special tips to help you progress. &break;&break;Once you've mastered the basics, much more awaits. You'll be ready for the exciting world of serging: fast garment construction, advanced decorative techniques, home decorating projects, serger quilting, and heirloom serging. Tammy Young has co-authored seven other serging books to entice you. &break;&break;Learn your ABCs and you'll soon expand your entire serger vocabulary.