Bernina L 460 Serger Manual: Cutting Width vs Seam Allowance

[@cnnw3929]

It is nice to know that the default seam allowance on a serger such as the Bernina L 460 is 1/4". That is the same seam allowance used on most sewing patterns. And your 4-thread stitches look perfect!

[@JSternDesigns]

:) Thanks! ...and thanks for serging along with me

[@colohome52]

Jennifer, this is absolutely the best explanation and examples of cutting width, seam allowance, and a little troubleshooting I have ever seen. I have been using a serger extensively since my first Bernette 203 in about 1985. Great job!

[@JSternDesigns]

Glad it was helpful! and Thank you for the kind words

[@esperansaloughran693]

This the most accurate explanation for the Sergers I have experienced, Excellent video and well done! Thank you so much.

[@JSternDesigns]

Wow, thank you so much! (and thanks for watching!)

[@jennyamessler3805]

You should have 1 million views!

[@JSternDesigns]

:) I'm working on it!!! Thanks for serging along with me

[@JRo605]

Just purchased an L450 to replace my worn out serger. Thank you for, as always, for providing excellent instruction! Unfortunately, some models do not include mastery dealer classes.

[@JSternDesigns]

You will LOVE your new serger... I'm still sad that I had to give this one back!! Thanks for serging along with me!

[@jennyamessler3805]

You’re a genius. Thank you for being so clear!

[@JSternDesigns]

:) Thank you so much!

[@sandypetersen6329]

This was the best explanation I have ever heard. It helps a ton that I have this exact machine.

[@JSternDesigns]

Thank you so much! and I'm so sorry for the delay in responding to you!

[@auntmayme8119]

I took a serger class when I first purchased my machine and the instructor was talking about quilting and using her serger for the 1/4 inch allowance. We were trying to figure out how she could do this; you explained it perfectly.

[@JSternDesigns]

So happy to help! Thanks for watching

[@kimhandy1861]

Thank you for the clarification and demo with the guide. I do find it challenging to get the seam allowance right using my serger. I have to practice before I serge the project.

[@JSternDesigns]

You'll be surprised how comfortable you'll get if you practice on scraps for a few minutes.... Start by drawing the seam allowance on the fabric. Once you get comfortable using the guideline, try it using the guides on your machine.

[@andrealavergne5962]

Jenn, I've owned sergers since 1975 and never have I heard this information! It's never been important to me until the last few years when Indi pattern companies began using 4 thread 1/4" inch seams and I could only make 3/8th inch. Thanks to you I can now do a 1/4" 4 thread seam using my Janome Compgive

[@JSternDesigns]

Yay! I'm so happy this helped! Thanks for watching

[@aahart9651]

Thanks. You explained that well.

[@JSternDesigns]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much for sergering along with me

[@megananderson1431]

Thank you. I just got my first serger, a Bernina L450. I've been playing around with it. Questions that I'm starting to look for answers is how to start sewing at NOT an end (sewing on a sleeve, or sewing binding on a quilt); when do you use different types of stitches; the book says to adjust for fabric and thread, but how do I know which way to adjust what?

[@JSternDesigns]

Hi Megan, Thanks for checking in. Here’s a link to a video showing how to start and stop in the round. It’s part of my Baby Lock Ovation Serger Manual Series… even though you have a different Serger, there are a lot of useful topics that apply to your Bernina :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjYoGZ9m9R0a6M

[@phelanlow9572]

J Stern, good comparison. However, on the Bernina L460, it has a setting for Micro Thread Control (MTC) which other companies are just now adding to their latest models like Juki MO-2800. On your example for 1/2" seam and larger 5/8", etc, the fabric edge started to curl. What I didn't see was any adjustments to the MTC. The MTC moves a finger towards the right which will widen the thread wrapping around the edge of the fabric. Thus stopping the fabric from curling/puckering so the fabric can lay flat. --By the way, is the Bernina L460 DC motor strong enough to serge through heavy denim, flat felled seam? 4 layers of heavyweight denim or 8 layers?

[@JSternDesigns]

Thanks... and Yes, MTC setting is amazing.. .Here's my tutorial for that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3PYd6SMhr2onaM ...and I was able to serge through heavy denim. I think the issue is more about how thick the edge can be. If you can comfortably put the presser foot down on the edge, you should be able to finish the edges... go slow and use a size 14 needle. Thanks for watching

[@kimhandy1861]

I'm confused by the measurements used on sergers (5.0, 9.0). They don't seem to correspond to metric or imperial measurements. Am I wrong? Please explain if you can. Thanks much!

[@JSternDesigns]

Hi Kim, the cutting width is measured in millimeters. The 5.0 - 9.0 mm range is the distance between the LEFT needle and the knife. For more narrow stitches, when only the RIGHT needle is used the range is 2 mm less. So, when the cutting width is on 5.0mm setting, the width is 3.0 mm ... and the max cutting width with the right needle is 7.0 mm