How to Change Seam Allowance on a Serger

By National Sewing Circle Editors

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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?

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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

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

  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.

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Marla,

      Thank you for the feedback. I have forwarded your comments to the proper department. Please give our customer service a call at 1-855-208-7187 or email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net and we will assist you with cancelling your membership.

      Sincerely,

      Terri
      National Sewing Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  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 ?

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Katy!

      That’s a great question and we’d love to help!

      The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members to our online community. We do have a promotional offer if you are interested. This would include access to expert advice (like this), plus discounts, hours of Premium videos, etc. Please feel free to take a look. You can message us right back with your question if you decide to become a member and you will have a response within 1-2 business days from our experts!

      Please follow the steps below to receive the annual membership at the introductory rate:

      1. Click on the email link: https://go.nationalsewingcircle.com/C22740
      2. Click on the Premium Membership offer.
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      6. Finish by clicking Complete Order.

      If you have any further questions, please contact Customer Service at 1-855-208-7187 at your earliest convenience, or chat with us on our site.

      We greatly appreciate your business!

      Sincerely,

      Jessica
      National Sewing Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  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

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Hello Carol!

      Let us know what kind of help you’re looking for and we’ll do our best!

      Thank you!

      Jessica
      National Sewing Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  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.

    Reply
  9. june Ellis

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

    Reply
    • Customer Service

      Dear June,

      Thank you for contacting us. I’m sorry to hear you are having trouble accessing your Class. Please login to your Premium Membership with your username and password and click on your Classes icon in your Account Dashboard.
      Once you are in your Classes icon, click on the ‘View Class’ tab to watch the Class
      The Class will appear and press the play button to watch the Class

      If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact us at 1-855-208-7187 or chat us on our website.

      Sincerely,

      Taylar
      National Sewing Circle Video Membership

      Reply
  10. Elizabeth

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

    Reply
  11. kathy4

    Hello, I do not know how to sew. For Christmas I started with making 4 kuspuks 😳 the hoods blew my mind! Question for another time.
    But I’m excited to learn and want to sew!
    I especially want to learn how to ( for starters alter) my preemie grandsons clothes. He’s going on 4 and his 18 month pants fall off his tiny body, but he’s tall so they’re also extremely short. Issues 1. Elastic, they’re all so different some have so many stitches, some I can’t just sew down the side. So many things in my head. I really want to lean how to make him pants that fit. I know this is a lot but if you have videos or answers I’d be the best student!
    Thank you
    Kathy Simpson
    Alaska

    Reply
  12. Lori

    Hello, does anyone have a User Manual (or know where I can one) for a Vintage Bel Air model 620 sewing machine. A pdf download wI’ll do.

    Reply