One is using a zigzag stitch and the other is using an overcast presser foot. When using this stitch on stretch fabric seams, the seams won’t pop open when pulled. I will show you several different ways to finish the seam edges. Zigzag stitch on a seam with stitch length 2~3 zigzag Width 5And straight stitch over the zigzag stitch you just did.And cut the raw edge close to the stitch. SEWING MACHINE SETTINGS: Width 4-5, Length 1-2 Among those ways to serge without a serger, I find myself being very comfortable with 2 methods. You’ll have to take that into consideration and trim the seam allowance first. I recommend getting some scrap fabric and practicing with these stitches. It will obviously take a bit longer than it would with a serger, but it does the job. This is what makes it look professionally sewn. That’s it. The overlock type of stitch is great for woven or stretchy fabrics. Most people without a serger use pinking or zigzagging to finish their edges, sometimes without even knowing they have an overlock stitch on their sewing machines. Overcast (Overlock) Presser Foot https://amzn.to/2RAy1Yn (Canada) Overcast (Overlock) Presser Foot https://amzn.to/2NXidhJ (USA) These are my online fabric shops. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! These stitch … (cotton prints, linen, etc.). By Jessica Hooley / 2 minutes of reading. Both are really good machines for beginners and intermediates. Overlockers (AKA "sergers") are wonderful machines... most of the time! There are several ways that you can hide raw edges. What makes this stitch different from a zigzag is that it has a special foot with a little pin that helps the stitch wrap around the raw edge of the fabric. Without the overlock food, your stitching will run parallel to the edge of the seam allowance—not enclosing it. It is also good for stretchy fabrics. You can either open up the seam and sew each side of the seam allowance separately or sew them together. What is a serger? **********************, Pingback: How to Sew a Blind Hem / Blind Stitch - 100% useful Sewing Tutorial - Sewing Therapy, Winslow Culottes Tutorial (Helen’s Closet Pattern), 5 Star Stylish and Comfortable Pants. My favorite way to topstitch knit fabric is with a twin needle. Please send me a note if you have any questions. It works really well. THIS STITCH WORKS REALLY WELL ON STRETCHY FABRIC! You’re going to love it. Dailylike Canada http://www.dailylike.ca Two O Nine Fabric Studio https://www.etsy.com/shop/twooninefab… Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/yoursara_k/ Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/dailylikecanada Twitter – https://twitter.com/SewingTherapy Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.ca/dailylikecan… These are machines I used for this video. OVERLOCK STITCH This is an actual stitch option on your machine. 4 Use an overlock stitch to finish raw edges. I save this seam finish for seams that can’t really be finished in another way. Your conventional sewing machine likely has a few overlock stitches that simulate the appearance of stitches created on a serger. Maybe you’re just getting into sewing and haven’t ventured into the serger world yet. However, since the seam is small, your seam allowance will be very small. Serger/Overlock Stitch Guide There are different serger stitches and understanding how to use each stitch type is the key to great results and unlocking new ways to use your serger. If I quickly explain how a serger works, it encloses the seam allowances and trims excess fabric. So you can focus more on your project. Overcast Presser Foot is ideal for stitching over raw edges easily.Align and guide the fabric along with the extension of the foot. This is an actual stitch option on your machine. If I quickly explain how a serger works, it … I can see the stitches from the right side when I pull the fabric pieces apart! Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Rosemary Garlic Fries – Crispy and Baked to Perfection, Adjustable Face Mask Earloops Tutorial – No Beads. An overlock foot has a guide bar that allows you to sew right up against the edge of the fabric, so the zigzag portion of the stitch swings off the fabric, enclosing the raw edge. An overlocker is a serger. Pin and Ladder stitch both reduced down to a stitch length of 1.5, which covered the edge very well. It will obviously take a bit longer than it would with a serger… Overlock 3 or 4 thread. This setting closely mimics the look and function of an overlock stitch. Hello, Sara here. Now I have a serger and can’t even imagine myself not using a serger with many projects that I work with. I did it for years and these few stitches I’m going to show you work really well. Which one is your favourite? Most stitches or technique use three or four—we’ll talk about the cases for all these different things later on. You Make It Simple © 2020 | Designed by Hirschi Creative|ProPhoto theme. It looks like a zigzag with a straight stitch on the side. Thank you. Here are many of the serger stitches from the basic to more advanced stitches for your project. You can see what it looks like in the photo above. SEWING MACHINE SETTINGS: Width 0, Length 2.5 If you can see the straight needle stitches from the right side of the seam, the needle tension may be too loose. There are still several ways to get a nice finished edge without using a serger. If the pattern has you open up the seam and press, sew separately. You can use this as your seam stitch and the overlock seam. Its inherent stretch allows for the fabric to stretch and move without fear of popping a seam. One is using a zigzag stitch and the other is using an overcast presser foot.