How to Change Seam Allowance on a Serger

Ask a Sewing Expert Banner

Question


I am a new owner/user of a serger. I want to entirely use a serger to make my next project, specifically learning to sew and cut off fabric using the 1/2″ seam. Is there an easy way for me to edit the instructions so they are 100% serger friendly? Or maybe the serger instructions are available somewhere else?

Submitted via email


Answer


If you’ve never used a serger before they can be intimidating. From the multiple thread spools on the top, to loopers instead of a bobbin on the bottom, there’s much about a serger that differs from a conventional sewing machine. For you, the only real change you would need to make is to the seam allowance, given that the pattern incorporates a standard 5/8″ seam allowance. I believe you can adjust the seam allowance on the serger to whatever seam allowance you want to use- meaning your pattern can be used as is.

Hope this helps,
Ashley


Related:
Serger Seam Allowance
How to Use a Serger: Tips for Beginners

Do you have a sewing question you’d like answered by an expert? Email your question to editor@nationalsewingcircle.com or reach out to us on Facebook.

Please note: questions may be edited for clarity and relevance.


The Ultimate Sewing Machine Guide

Share tips, start a discussion or ask one of our experts or other students a question.

Make a comment:
500 characters remaining

13 Responses to “How to Change Seam Allowance on a Serger”

  1. Lisa Goebel

    Looking for video how to sew knit fabric

  2. Marla

    I am rather disappointed in what you have to offer in your video's. I wanted to learn how to do a ruffled hem on a knit with my serger. All I could find were videos, CDs or books to purchase. That is not the reason I joined the National Sewing Circle. I will not bother to join and would appreciate it if you would cancel my membership. I found several great video's on Youtube and the two shirts for my granddaughters are completed. Thank you.

  3. Linda Gonzales

    I want to know what the best sewing machine for beginners ?

  4. Geraldine

    How do I make a seam with a sewing machine?

  5. Shannon

    What machine do you recommend for around $200 and need to control with hand vs foot?

  6. Katy

    I don’t know anything about fabrics. Why is it that my pillowcase (made of stretch satin) suddenly has really tiny strands/ fibres sticking up at the seams? I’ve read that it’s safe to pop it in the washing machine so what is causing this? Also. Should I continue making my pillowcases out of stretch satin? Or what type of satin should I use that’s equally glossy, cost effective and will not give me this problem after some time ?

  7. Carol Mansur

    I have a Husqvarna serger That’s about 20 years old which I basically never really used It came with a video which I don’t even have a DVR machine anymore. I’m rested now and have started making masks with my Viking rose machine. I need help regarding this serger. Thanks. Carol

  8. Allyson

    Anyone have any tips for how to sew on ribbon/trim so that it comes out looking professional? I appreciate your advice in advance.

  9. june Ellis

    unable to open this page to watch video bought the making friends with your serger please help june ellis

  10. Elizabeth

    <strong> Ticket 23261 trying to findout how to sew with sretch thread and how to do the bobbin ????