How to Sew a Jersey Dress on an Overlocker

[@patriciahorvath1137]

Amazing tutorial !! Great method of teaching! Thank you for sharing!

[@janfrater935]

I've been dressmaking for 60 years but only recently have I used stretch material. I've tried to get to grips with it on my sewing machine with a walking foot, but this has given me the push to try using my overlocker more. Thank you; a superb video.

[@jaytopham8514]

Could you add the tape to the neck before sewing the shoulder seams?

[@sheilas8876]

I don’t appear to have a seam gauge on my overlocker so how do I add one please?

[@kymclinton3140]

I mark with a ruler guide and mark with electric tapes easily removable

[@proudasiangirl576]

25:04, 29:13, 30:03 and so on, please do NOT speed up the video. As a beginner, I relish in EVERY second of demonstration shown. It feels as if you, the expert is sitting right there with me at the machine, sewing it together. Whoever doesn't want to see the all the details, then they can speed up / fast forward the video. Thanks!

[@1tillermom]

Loved this tutorial. Enjoyed the well edited demonstration and stayed with the instructor the entire time without feeling the need to fast forward or mute the presentation. Look forward to learning more with this terrific instructor. Thank You!

[@moniquewillems670]

Good tips and excellent instruction. I would warn everybody however: no pins, take the extra effort of basting. One pin in your overlocker-knife will ruin the knife and is expensive to repair. Overlockers will speed so quickly and the pins are under the knife before you know it......

[@janeybwells2810]

Absolutely agree. Having wrecked 2 knives I now tack or use clips.

[@carolynrogers1510]

I pin but place all pins at least 2cm in from raw edges and parallel to edge, not perpendicular. Also always hold under fabric with right hand as a safety check, and feel as I feed in.

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

Since breaking a knife on a pin that got ‘forgotten’ I always keep spare knives in my sewing box.

[@helenweatherby1694]

Hand baste or use magic clips.

[@janspenno2241]

Well the taping foot is interesting! I didn’t know that but my machine Janome and the foot is £44 but I’ve never seen one used.. really helpful video Lucy! Paticularly like your cut out trick. I haven’t tried it but will!

[@sonyasew2]

WoW Thank you so much. So, when instructions from other patterns ask for a Stay Stitch I can use that tape you put around the neck, instead?? Woven or knit ??

[@loriannpayne4483]

What an awesome tip - the ribbon in the foot of the overlocker! I usually use a fusible stay tape made for knits. I like your method too!

[@MysteStorm]

Doxyou still have to sew the fusible stay tape in?

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

stunning content Sew Essential. I killed the thumbs up on your video. Keep up the amazing work.

[@michaelgracewatts2943]

Really loved the dress you were making/wearing and thank you for showing how to tackle a jersey dress. Grace

[@pamabood7101]

Absolutely the dress I’ve been wanting to make just got a serger and cover stitch machine and have been practicing these techniques it was perfect to see you put the techniques into sewing a garment. Because of your show I have really adventured into purchasing stretching knits which I have been afraid of. I probably bought 10 pieces and six new patterns which I have never done even though I’ve sewn my whole life, I’m 59 and just now trying them out. Something new and exciting to do. I also bought a wonderful embroidery machine. Going to be trying out the stretch fabrics for T-shirts, dresses and hoodies. I live in Florida so this is a nice fabric to wear.

[@dianeweedon7705]

Thank you for such an informative tutorial, I have the Desire 3 and I would love it if you did a tutorial on the coverlock technique please.

[@maryjaneharris6187]

Fantastic tutorial, good explanations, lots of useful tips - well done! Thank you so much.

[@c0ldlight1]

This is phenomenal. I have learned so much from this video! Thank you so much for breaking it down. I am not very great at knit fabrics and these tips and watching you go through step by step have given me confidence to give knits another go.

[@annettedavis3833]

Hi Lucy I was wondering whether you could do a video on overlockers and how to adjust tension, cutter width, differential feed etc and how to recognise when to adjust these depending on how the stitches look and whether the seam is secure. I really struggle with this. I have a Janome 544D

[@dhresilbeaudin]

Your dress is really cute. Thank you for all the helpful hints on sewing with a serger. I may give this a try!

[@SewEssential]

it's a pleasure Debra, I'm so glad it was helpful to you.

[@CrazyAuntVal]

Lovely little dress, and a great tutorial for how to sew it, I'm sure many people will find it very helpful and inspiring. I was really hoping that you would include more information regarding settings on the overlocker - width, stitch length, tips on how to avoid 'waves' in seams... I was a professional seamstress for over 25 years. Now that I sew for fun, for family, and to create a personalized wardrobe, I would love to use my (new fancy) overlocker to sew garments, especially knits/interlocks. Do you have a video that addresses those questions?

[@twoxover]

what a great video! can you please tell me...what foot are you using on your serger? thank you!

[@ginarydin7560]

So informative and helpful. I have made knit tops and dresses. You showed some good tips to make it better. A week after buying my coverstich machine I discovered you could buy very wide twin needles to use on your regular sewing machine to give the coverstitch appearance on hems. Sometimes I use my cover stitch. Sometimes I do twin needles on my sewing machine. The dress is lovely. Good job!

[@lunasmum6869]

I can't afford a coverstitch and I wouldn't use it much anyway (I know the lovely posters here will say I would find lots of uses!) so I have used the wide double needle. It is a good substitute but the coverstitch makes the back of the stitches so neat. Maybe, one day, I will buy one but it is not top of my list of wants!

[@MariaGomez-bw9mj]

@@lunasmum6869 ?

[@lynnshepard7485]

Thank you “sew” much for these tips! I especially appreciate the demonstration of finishing the overlocked seam in the round. I had tried from written instructions, but couldn’t quite understand until I saw how you did it. 💗

[@lunasmum6869]

I saw this method some time ago on Craftsy but the tutor didn't explain why she did it! Seeing it in action here makes much more sense of this useful method.

[@janetroyle763]

Thank you Lucy, so well presented and lots of very useful ideas. I am 72 yrs and have been sewing since a child. I'm always looking for up to date help ,especially with the newer fabrics. I do find it's easier to sew hems on sleeves by turning the sleeve inside out and stitching them from the inside. Having caught fabric into the seam more than once this works for me! Please keep giving us the tutorials Lucy.

[@kymclinton3140]

Very very well spoken and very very well presented no faff and some very useful information regarding the stabiliser ect and best of all no music

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Lucy, I really really enjoyed watching you create this stunning garment, and take us through all the steps. I really really love ❤️ the garment on you too. But, you could wear a sack and you’d look really really stunning too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Lovely and easy style dress I will be making next! Easy tutorial to follow also and I dont have a Babylock Desire 3 coverlock machine but would desire one but here in Australia its over $3,000 dollars so unless I win Lotto it will be beyond my reach. Am using a Janome so will use the twin needle to do my hems. Thanks Lucy!

[@valeriew5113]

Love this, l want to get back to sewing and this was very helpful. Thanks

[@andreawalker2535]

Very well demonstrated. I picked up a few new tips. Thank you!

[@christinewall8213]

Great job. The explanations were quite clear. However, for demonstration purposes, maybe you could sew with a thread color that will show, or make a sample in advance like that. I like that you actually sell the products your using. Looking forward to more videos. I want to make shorts and bottoms with elastic at the waist for my grandchildren, so I could use some tips on serving with the elastic foot. I'll look to see if you made a video on that. Thank you for your demonstrations so far.

[@rosaliepingree4198]

Thank you for this tutorial! I've learned a lot. Please make more "How To Sew". Pittsburgh, PA USA

[@janeybwells2810]

Great demo Lucy! I have that Babylock Desire too, great machine. Love your new hairdo too by the way.

[@dianekelsey8910]

Such a great and helpful vlog. Thank you

[@dianemerrett3774]

Great instructional vid as usual. Just one point. I wasn't sure about the lining up on the 'R'. I understand it's the ⅝" mark but the fabric edge seemed a mile away to me..?? I have an overlocker which has those lines (no letters or numbers tho) and never really used as don't know how. Am I missing something as I know how to follow the guidelines on a sewing machine.

[@thegardenoffreedom]

Can you make more of these serger-only garments? I have a coverstitch combo and don't want to use a sewing machine at all.

[@janfrater935]

Hi Lucy, I recently bought a Desire 3 from your website. Do you have any videos showing threading, stitches etc. for this machine.

[@vickitester8818]

Hi, I've just watched your tutorial on the making of the jersey dress. Can you tell me what setting the overlocker was on to sew that dress, please?

[@lauramendoza801]

What a helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

[@prof.mommyarty]

This is really helpful! So many useful tips! I'm new to the serger/overlocker but enjoying it so far. Mine doesn't have a gap in the foot but it looks like it could be done without if I'm careful? Maybe? 😄 love the Blue Peter reference😄. Thank you so much 😁💖

[@denisekendall7147]

I have this pattern. My daughter-in-law is wanting me to make it for her. Thanks for all.thr useful tips

[@2Trendlines]

You can see daylight in the serged loops on the edge of the fabric. Crummy stitching. Just proves you should not watch these crummy KZbin videos to learn how to sew

[@emanueladavis1885]

Do you need special needles for sewing jersey on the overlocker????? Are there needles for that sort of thing. What needles are you using? I have a brother overlocker.

[@helenweatherby1694]

I’d use clips rather than pins. Not worth risking near an overlocker. Great tutorial otherwise.

[@konradrogowski360]

Hi I'm a total total beginner I've watched the video I've bought the pattern because I thought that it looked pretty easy to me , I got the pattern and then found that the t shirt/ dress that you made is not like anything on the pattern do I have to do A on the pattern and shorten it and disregard the buttons to make it one seam ?? See being a total novice I didn't expect what I got and you made yours a very old konrad I've gone from pipe welding to sewing in a fashion

[@anouchkavandendoel]

Love this video! I especially appreciate it not being too quick and seeing you use your machine to learn from that too. Lots of helpful tips for a jersey T-shirt I want to make my daughter ❤

[@dimples7334]

What foot did you use on the serger for threading the trim? Thanks

[@teresanguessan5408]

Thank you! I was inspired, by one of your previous videos, to try sewing with knits again. Although I’ve been dressmaking for 60 years, I’ve had a dread of thin jersey fabric. I’ll be making a top tomorrow!

[@tracyschearer3909]

Excellent tutorial, Thank You so much for this!

[@carolablackwood1395]

That cut-out section on the neckband is brilliant!!!!! thanks so much

[@geraldineself6017]

New subscriber here. I live in NC, USA. I enjoyed your tutorial. Thank you so much.

[@ivysavage5569]

Watched this all the way through thank you very much I’ve learnt a lot from you in regards to sewing with an over locker and using that material and othe trims 👍

[@sheilas8876]

My overlocker doesn’t have a feeder in the front of the foot to feed the ribbon or stabiliser tape so how do I attach.

[@promisso]

Great clear tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing x

[@cakesbybeverleylloyd]

Excellent tutorial , clear, easy to follow without the need to fast forward because of it being boring ! Thank you 😊

[@agnesbarrass662]

loved this tutorial and all the tips looking forward to learning more i like working with with stretch fabrics thank you so much

[@magdalenadetoffol6406]

Fantastic tutorial! Thank you ❤

[@Tinkermell77]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I received a Juki overlock machine from my children over a year ago. It sat in the box. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, and was scared to open it up. Ha! Finally decided I needed to get over it. I decided to overcome, and make an Easter dress on it. I have watched your video tutorial, and have made notes on items to make things easier and look better. I already have my Jersey knit and pattern New Look #6597. The pattern only calls for turning the neckline in 5/8” and then sewing it. I would like to add a band like you did. Do you have a suggestion, on how much shorter I should cut it? Thank you so much! PS- Since I watched your tutorial this morning, I have watched many more of your videos today. I’ve been into quilting these last few years, but you are making me want to sew more clothing again. You are lovely and a joy to watch. Thank you again.

[@chibisclosetboutique3521]

What number are your dials at? And any other settings? Please

[@kathrynwright4484]

Thank you for the excellent tutorial, you are very talented.

[@drewcalder6302]

Wonderful video. Crystal clear explanations and demonstrations. Thank you.

[@adamas66]

Your tutorial was wonderful! I especially appreciated how you shared the details about keeping the neckbands shorter and to stretch them while attaching. But I do hope that you can share with us if we need to use special needles in the serger, they way that we would use special sewing needles on our sewing machines while sewing knits. Hope to hear from you soon with your next tip! Thank you!

[@ceciliameliton8027]

How did you set tensions and differential feed?

[@dianez9211]

Great tutorial. Very detailed and helpful. I am a beginner on a serger. I have always avoided sewing with knits. Your tutorial have given me confidence to give it a try. Thank you.

[@juliemuller3643]

Thank you Lucy. I like your sewing tutorials. Can’t wait to learn more.great teaching.

[@maryt2887]

Thank you for the great tips. I’ve sewn a few knit blouses on my overlock. Once I got over the fear of cutting off too much fabric, I found I really like this type of sewing.

[@nataljapetryliene1426]

Great tutorial 👌.Everything looks so easy when explained step by step. Thank you 😊

[@janedobbing9104]

Love these tips for Overlocker,has given me more confidence to try hems! Thanks

[@gracemcsweeney581]

Do you keep the Knife on the machine, Thanks xx

[@katie4996]

Is it cheaper to use ribbon vs stabilizer?

[@carolinefox2244]

Loved it!!! My very first serger video. You made it so easy to understand! I can't wait to get serging my knit dress!!!

[@ednaewan7462]

This video has given me the confidence to return to my overlocker and stretch fabrics after giving up a couple of years ago!

[@heatherpenman3906]

Hi from New Zealand, fantastic tutorial, thank you. Maybe when you are doing the continuous underarm seam, sew from hem, then the underarm seam is easier to navigate, as it will be facing towards you. Love you channel, Heather x 🧵 x

[@alexaelliott2598]

I think that’s the way I was taught to sew knit fabric, from hem upwards when doing the sideseam and under arm seam continuously. Good suggestion of yours. It jogged my memory. Thanks.

[@nikkiskitchen07]

Thx so much. What is the setting on the machine?

[@gillianchatterton6376]

Should say Janome overlocker

[@pjacksreads536]

Thanks I’m going to try this. Thanks

[@pandoraross477]

Getting into stretch fabrics at the moment and these tips are amazingly helpful and something the pattern instructions neglect to advise you on. This video is wonderful ! Thank you

[@gillianchatterton6376]

Thank you for all your tutorials! Can you say what the door is for attaching the ribbon to the shoulder seam? I have a Pfaff machine? 👍

[@alexaelliott2598]

Attach your ribbon to front shoulder seam. If you don’t have a foot with a hole to feed the ribbon through just sew the ribbon and the seams all together in one go. Pin the ribbon to the seam and sew in normal way.

[@marionlacey1986]

Your dress looks beautiful. Thanks for the lesson! 🌺

[@lorimiller8902]

Do you use jersey needles on the serger?

[@kimhandy1861]

Thanks for the great tutorial! 💕 One cover stitch tip I've learned to lock the threads is after you complete the circle and run over the initial stitches, lift the needles and the foot and pull the needle threads from under the foot towards you, snip them and then pull the fabric out towards the back. (I use the screwdriver or purple thingy to do this.) Trim the threads. No need to tie. I've done this many times and it has never unraveled.

[@janeybwells2810]

I do this too. I use a small metal ruler under the foot to pull the threads forward. Saw this on KZbin somewhere.

[@yorkrose7689]

Yes, I was taught that, too. A great additional tip!

[@lunasmum6869]

On my overlocker, I don't have a coverstitch, when I get to the end of the seam or whatever the manual tells me to turn the handwheel back half way, or is it forward, I will have to check, and all the threads will pull out in line instead of a chain.

[@sonialorenzo9223]

I love your hair. It looks fabulous.

[@airfry-syn-it]

This is made on a cover stitch machine, can I make it on an overlocker?

[@gaynormainwaring1853]

No, this is an overlocker, which some people call a serger.

[@greensea1762]

What were the settings on the overlock… thank you for this video!!!

[@alexaelliott2598]

Babylock sergers don’t have settings for tension. The machines have a patented thread delivery system so you don’t have to adjust tensions. For 4 thread overlocking you just press the pedal and off it sews. That’s why they are expensive. No tension adjustment is a game changer.

[@thecarjacful]

Great tutorial. So detailed and clear. Complete overlocker beginner here, so perfect for me 👍🏻 Thank you!

[@debbiecarter6430]

Fantastic tutorial. Sorry if I missed it but what stitch were you using for the seams?

[@alexaelliott2598]

Lucy was using a standard 4 thread overlock stitch on everything except the hem.

[@Snaphappy26]

I have just acquired a serger and am eager to start making myself some items. Can I please ask a question..- why is there a centre back seam? Can it be done like the front in one piece? Many thanks for such informative videos.. I’m sure they are going to help me get started.

[@DonnaSmith-rp3em]

Loved the sew along 👍would be great to see more of them 🤞😊

[@janetcozens5756]

Wow so much too learn thank you so much for sharing all you're amazing hints and tips 😃😃😃👏💝👏👏👏👏👏💯%

[@BrendaFaye]

So to do the cover stitch did you just unthread the machine and just take the threads down to the twin needles? I have a Brother 1034DX and I'd like to see if I could do on it. However, I am extremely new to overlock/serger machines and haven't even done a seam yet. That is in my plans as I'm about the re-hem a pair of slacks. Please respond. Thank you

[@gilliancsands9723]

😊excellent

[@newbiecrafter]

thank you for this informative video, I am struggling with my overlock to stitch without causing the jersey to stretch and curl-meaning I end up with very wavy curling seam any help on that would be appreciated

[@janwatts1755]

I enjoy your videos. I have a tip for you. When you press the way you were doing in this video, use the little finger tip guards that keep you from burning your fingers. I believe I got mine from Amazon.

[@hollyjames7951]

What an excellent tutorial! I have saved it in my KZbin library. My serger (overlocker) has been intimidating me for years. I wish there was a tutorial of constructing a garment using the Brother 1040d. This was so organized, well lit, professionally recorded and demonstrated! Sew Essential is truly a valuable resource.

[@lunasmum6869]

A warning about pins!! When I got my first overlocker I was eager to get started. I pinned the seam and started sewing on my overlocker. Bang!!! The overlocker will stitch very fast and I wasn't quick enough taking the pins out. I damaged both the upper and lower knife so I had to buy replacements. Now I use the wonder clips (I bought a tin of 100 of them) or, if there is room, I pin well away from the sewing line. I won't pin like that again in a hurry!! Thank you for this video full of useful tips!😊

[@rosemaryjack4037]

Great tutorial makes me want to give it a try I will start with a t.shirt I have always been afraid of attaching neckbands but really keen now to try.

[@carolynbriggs6972]

Great tutorial. I’m fired up to try it now. Why didn’t you hem the sleeves while they were flat, before stitching them in place? It seems like that would be easier. Is there a reason not to do that?

[@rosemarybate4158]

Is the foot on your Overlocker with the space for the ribbon a standard one please or if not what is it called?

[@kathygann7632]

Clear elastic or the selvage from a woven fabric also stabilizes the shoulder seam.

[@dcwatashi]

How in the world did you get to have your hair color totally changed right around the beginning of the pandemic? I haven’t been able to get my haircut for almost 2 years now. Going into an enclosed salon is not a good idea But this hair color definitely suits you best

[@cc83jc85]

I know this is an old video- but, I just bought this same pattern for our upcoming winter(in Australia I am) thanks so much

[@Janie916]

Lucy, I can't tell you how many times I've referred to this video while teaching myself how to sew with knit fabric. You are a life saver! Thanks to your tutorials my knit garments have all turned out fabulous and I no longer am fearful of handling knits. I LOVE your wonderful tips (ribbon fed through serger to stabilize shoulders - I had no idea my serger could do that!) and great explanations. You're an inspiration, and I can't thank you enough!