Much like backstitching your seams on a sewing machine, there are ways to secure serged seams to prevent them from coming undone. There’s not enough time in the world for me to separate the 3 or 4 strands and tie a knot. I like quick! And easy!
1. By machine
Stitches are secured when they are sewn over or crossed with another serged seam. If the construction doesn’t naturally lend itself to this, here’s another way. Allow a 2″-3″ serged chain at the beginning of a seam. After the needles have JUST PIERCED the fabric, and with needles down, raise your pressure foot and bring the chain to the front. It should be between the foot and the fabric. Lower your foot and continue to serge. It should catch your chain and enclose it.
To finish, have the needles JUST PAST the fabric and stop with the needles up. Raise the presser foot, loosen the seam slightly, and flip the work so what was the underside is now facing up. Serge 1″-2″ over the previous stitching. Be sure not to cut off the existing stitches with the blade and veer off the side at an angle.
2. By threading
Sometimes I forget to “sew” them down, so my backup (and usually preferred) method is this. Take a darning, or large eye blunt tip, needle and thread the tail under the looped stitches. I keep this needle right next to my serger so it’s accessible. I think this method can be a little cleaner and neater than the machine method.
3. by Fray Check
I specifically use this on roll hems but you could use it anytime. The roll hem stitches are so close together that just a dab of this seam sealant will provide enough security.
8 Responses to “Sergery: 3 Ways to Finish Your Serged Seams”
Anna
Fray Check is my boyfriend.
autumn
ooh, thanks for the reminder that i need fray check! also, i will really need to learn all these tips and tricks in person – whew! matt and i need to set up our second lesson with you, too 🙂
One Second Needle
Thank you for showing how to create this type of seam. Is this beneficial for beddings or clothing more? Good post.
lupine
I would say you want to choose at least one for any serged seam you do. I like to thread for clothing because I think it produces a cleaner finish. Personal preference though, entirely. Thanks for reading!
Five Basic Receiving Blankets « Viola Jo & Biscuit
[…] Edges were finished with a simple 3-thread serge, featuring a decorative color of thread on the upper loop for a more professional look. If you have a serger and aren’t sure how to properly finish the ends of the threads on something like a receiving blanket, the Modern Domestic blog gives you three different options in this excellent tutorial. […]
Dianna LaFerry » 5 Receiving Blankets
[…] Edges were finished with a simple 3-thread serge, featuring a decorative color of thread on the upper loop for a more professional look. If you have a serger and aren’t sure how to properly finish the ends of the threads on something like a receiving blanket, the Modern Domestic blog gives you three different options in this excellent tutorial. […]
Mary
Is it possible to finish your serged seams with a sewing machine?
Any help you could give would be appreciated.
rebecca
Hi Mary,
Do you have a BERNINA sewing machine? There is an overcasting stitch for just this! And there is always a zig zag stitch, that would go in the seam allowance, along with a regular straight stitch on the seam line.