Have you recently bought a serger and aren’t sure where to start? Or perhaps you’ve owned one for a while, and it’s sitting in the box because you don’t remember how to use it? In either case, this class is what you need to be serging like a pro in no time.
Making Friends with Your Serger is a boot camp to get you feeling comfortable with your serger in the shortest time possible. Unlike other classes, your instructor ZJ Humbach focuses on just the basics rather than overwhelming you with every possible thing a serger can do.
ZJ breaks the class into manageable sessions that let you learn your serger inside out. There’s no need to rush. Take your time and master each session before moving onto the next or come back and review individual segments as needed.
By the end of the class, you’ll feel comfortable with your serger and confident in your newfound skills to make the bonus project that’s included. Included is a step-by-step guide to serge a placement and napkin set along with a shopping guide detailing everything needed for the project.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your NSC Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: What Sets a Serger Apart
9:31
Why do you need a serger in addition to a sewing machine? In this segment, ZJ Humbach introduces you to the wide variety of time saving applications a serger can perform. You’ll also learn the differences among 3-, 4-, 5-, and 8-thread sergers and how each will meet your various sewing needs.
Session 2: Getting to Know Your Serger
24:06
This thorough introduction to your machine that ensures you understand each and every part of the serger and know what types of needles to use and when to use them. A comprehensive overview of serger thread ensures you know why serger thread is different and covers a variety of decorative and utilitarian threads.
Session 3: Trouble Free Serging
32:13
This in-depth look at maintenance and troubleshooting will give you the confidence to perform basic maintenance on your serger and fix problems quickly. Tips to avoid costly maintenance are also provided.
Session 4: Getting Started
27:59
An easy color-coded method breaks down how to thread your serger and ensures you understand each stitch the serger makes. You’ll also develop the proper technique for sewing both inside and outside corners and curves and learn several methods for securing your stitches.
Session 5: Overlock Stitches
49:04
Master the workhorse stitches of the serger. Start with the 4-thread overlock stitch, to include gathering, and move onto the 3-thread overlock stitches, including the wide, narrow, and lettuce edge stitches. In this segment, ZJ Humbach gives tips and suggestions for when to use each stitch.
Session 6: Hemming Stitches
10:26
Discover how easy it is to add professional finishes to your projects using the 3-thread narrow edge or rolled hemming stitches and how to do a delicate 2-thread rolled hem that is so popular for heirloom work. Learn when to use each application and which threads to use.
Session 7: Super Simple Placemat and Napkin
23:42
This bonus project pulls together everything you’ve learned in class. You’ll make a designer placemat and napkin in less than half an hour. Learn how to turn a basic construction stitch into a decorative focal point simply by choosing the right thread and twisting a dial.
Your Instructor
ZJ Humbach
ZJ Humbach is a professional longarm quilter and pattern designer who owns and operates Dream Stitcher Quilt Studio in Nederland, Colorado. Her work appears in McCall’s Quilting, Quilters Newsletter, and Quiltmaker magazines. A former Quilters Newsletter editor, she wrote a longarm quilting column, “Finish Line,” for each issue. Now ZJ is a freelance writer for Quilters Newsletter and the Studio Arts Quilt Associates (SAQA) Journal. She also quilts regularly for Connecting Threads.
Bonus Material
Class Project PDF
Take everything you learned in class and make a beautiful placement and napkin set with this step-by-step guide.
Shopping Guide PDF
See the list of tools and supplies needed to complete this project.
Meet Your Expert Video
Download this short video to meet your instructor ZJ Humbach and learn more about her passion for sewing.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of National Sewing Circle to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on National Sewing Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great sewing videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of National Sewing Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on National Sewing Circle, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
How does the Class Q&A Resource benefit work?
Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but National Sewing Circle contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Login to www.nationalsewingcircle.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from National Sewing Circle from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact National Sewing Circle?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7187. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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