Know your Serger: Disappearing 9 Patch Table Runner, Serger Technique Class #1

Get to know and use your serger-any make and model! This class is perfect if you have a new or “new to you” serger. It’s also a great way to decide which serger you want to buy if you don’t have one. Using a combination of slides, video-clips and demos, Becky will help you demystify the many moving parts and how they work together. You will learn about easy threading, basic tension, 2, 3, and 4-thread stitches, coverstitch options and the versatile rolled hem. We will be using the book Power Serge by Pam Damour and Betty Mitchell for technique learning and inspiration each month.

This month we will use the serger to make a Tossed Nine Patch table runner with a featured square squared blocks in the center accented with your serger’s unique chainstitch. Featured Stitches are 1) piecing with 4-thread overlock and 2)coverstitch to decorate blocks.

You will have options for a rolled edge finish, quilted or not, depending on your serger’s capabilities. Those with coverstitch capability will be able to quilt using your serger. We will have two sergers on hand for those who do not.  

Important: You need to know how to thread your serger prior to class. We will start the class with a 4-thread overlock stitch. Your serger has a box of tools that came with it for changing needles and threading the loopers. Please make sure you have that, as well as extra overlock needles!

Fabric and Other Needs:

Fabric:

You will need 3 fabrics (you can pick whatever you want ,here is what we used)
Yellow: 1/2 Yard
Green: 1/4 yard
Clover Leaf: 1/2 yard

- Choose Yellow and Clover leaf  Fabrics and cut (10) 5" Squares of each color for 9 Patch Sides of runner:
- Choose Yellow and Green cut (2) 5" Squares from each color for Circle and Square blocks for center.

- Circle and Square Blocks for Center of runner:
- From Green and Yellow Fabric cut into (2) 5 inch squares for each color
- From Cloverleaf fabric cut (8) 5 inch squares then cut diagonally in half for (16)  side triangles.

-Backing fabric (1/2 yard), binding (1/3 yard)  and batting for a 14’ x 40” finished project (Bring it, you might get to finish it)

- fusible stabilizer – (4) 7” x 7” pieces

-Threads:

            4 spools of thread to match fabrics

           1 or 2 contrasting spools variegated or decorative thread for chainstitch

-Book: Power Serge by Pam Damour and Betty Mitchell, page 14 technique

-If you own one: Wonder Curve ruler

-Standard sewing supplies (scissors, seam gauge, pins etc.) Rotary cutter, scissors, rotary cutter rulers (6x18,  2.5 x 12), Best Press or other fabric spray starch, Fraycheck (for sealing ends of threads)

-Long tweezers (these come with every new serger, but if yours has wandered off, please be sure you bring one!) They are your best friend when threading a serger!

-Notebook and pen to start your serger demo manual. Double-sided tape for securing samples in your notebook. Pins work, too!