OVERLOCK STITCH | No Serger Needed

Do you want a finished overlock seam but don't have a serger? NO WORRIES! Learn several ways that you can use a regular sewing machine to get an overlock finished edge.
Are you wanting some other great SEWING TIPS? Check out my SEW SIMPLE SERIES, where I give you all the basic sewing fundamentals you need.
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[@thatgirlthatsme]

So happy I don't have to worry about frayed edges anymore. And I can stop stressing over not having a serger. Thank you so much for sharing all of your knowledge with us.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@EcdClothings]

Hi

[@deborahmatthie5270]

I have a server but I bought it used and have no idea how to set it up. I'm sewing a small project

[@Slightlysketchy]

I was also pretty afrayed until I came upon this video

[@nunyabusiness3582]

​@@Slightlysketchylmaooo 🤣

[@f_raye]

I keep hearing “first overlock the edge” in all these dream sewing tutorials I want to eventually build up to and find myself, a beginner, asking what does that even mean (in detail)!? Thank you for this tutorial!!! 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@jhwatchlist6927]

Thanks, Jan! I've been sewing for over 60 years. Rarely do I find something new in sewing tutorials, as I did in this one!

[@JanHowell]

wonderful.

[@veganperson]

I love how Jan touched her sewing machine and said “basic”, um…that’s not a basic machine when you look at my basic machine 😂. Great tutorial, I will try on my definitely basic machine.

[@JanHowell]

I think basic machines, even more basic than mine are great machines.

[@-...................-]

​@@JanHowell my basic sewing machine is still that old metal one that looks like the 193Q. I will check the warehouse in the future to see the actual model.

[@debkeyworth8429]

I never seem to understand sewing machine instructions..... I actually understood your tutorial and enjoyed it very much . Thanks

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-ds2uj1kq9u]

My daughter and I got our first sowing machine Saturday. Singer Patchwork. 240 dollars! Made pillows last night and are cutting out the pattern for a period colonial dress! So excited! We do have a tudor to teach us as we go. Prayers please. We have three weeks.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome. Let me know how it goes.

[@user-ds2uj1kq9u]

@JanHowell we have the skirt, front, and back put together did the lining Friday night. Putting the front and back together after we do a fit tonight! Then the frilly stuff!

[@elaineforan4751]

How did it go? Are you finished?

[@vickynewton7954]

Thank you a zillion times and then a zillion more! I needed this tutorial so bad! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!

[@sushirat5696]

thank you!! Im currently in college and brought my serger only to forget the plug at my home city 3 hours away! I needed to secure the edges of my fabric for a project and this came in handy!!

[@JanHowell]

Wonderful!

[@educationalfieldstudies]

What an excellent teacher you are! Thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Wow, thank you!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love you showing me new stitches.

[@EcdClothings]

Hi

[@urbanwolfgard]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you for making this, super informative and easy to follow! :)

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@jess.hawkins]

This is really helpful, thank you! I've just got my own sewing machine and I haven't used one properly since secondary school, a little over 10 years ago!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! I hope you start sewing again.

[@jess.hawkins]

@@JanHowell Thanks! I practiced so much last week I used up two spools of thread in the space of 3 days. Here's hoping!

[@yume152]

This is so educational! My brother sewing & embroidery machine has the same computer interface so it’s perfect for me to learn how to use all the functions ❤

[@JanHowell]

That is awesome

[@bigtimefans100]

I've used the overlock stitch for some of my patchwork skirts that I've made and they've held up great! I didn't realize you could use a zigzag with a straight stitch; but now that I look at it, a lot of my jeans do have those stitches! Thank you so much for teaching us something new:)

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@paigew7921]

I love this channel! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@JanHowell]

So nice of you and you are so welcome!!!

[@neidecadima6574]

Thank you so much,you are so peacefull,just make everything look so simple😚

[@JanHowell]

Thank you Neide!

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

Thank you for showing the different stitches and I am glad you also used the knit fabric.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@neelubird]

Thanks for this. I want to buy a fairly basic machine but still be able to do some sort of overlocking on it- you've provided and ideal solution.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful.

[@mushmush1985]

Thank you so much for this video!! Especially the zigzag and straight sticht will help me enormous

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@numa.k]

Thank you for this! Just tackled my first pants with this methods for cleaning up the edges. Took a few runs to get familiar with it and recognize what I’m looking for, but it turned out great 👍.

[@JanHowell]

Fantastic!

[@marycollins4976]

Very helpful. 💯 for replying to queries. Most people ignore questions

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@user-po4xm3nj4u]

You just saved me from buying an overedge foot that it looks like I don’t actually need! Thanks 🥂

[@JanHowell]

So glad!

[@donaldwarriner1640]

Thanks for sharing this info. It's already been a big help as I'm in the midst of a couple projects as a newbie sewer.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful.

[@methos8894]

Thank you for this. Straight forward and easy to understand. No unnecessary fluff - pun intended.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@rubypickles1836]

I think I need to upgrade my 25 year old sewing machine! Thank you for this information. I'm going to investigate my machines options for that overlock foot and stitch.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! Most machines, even the basic machines will have this foot included. Good luck with your search!

[@dashiajames1882]

Glad I found this. Now I figured out what I was doing wrong. Thanks so much..!!

[@JanHowell]

so glad it was helpful

[@hlegler]

Just learned today that the stitches on my machine aren't decorative, but functional. Mind blown lol!

[@JanHowell]

So glad this was helpful. I used to think the same thing years ago.

[@jdvanallen2907]

Thank you for this. It’s time to grab some scraps and explore these settings!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@Thespiansewist]

Your teaching informative and serene Thank you

[@JanHowell]

So nice of you

[@ThatForestNymph]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 I was at war with my machine trying to figure out how to overlock (I’m new to sewing) and you made this so easy to follow.

[@JanHowell]

Awesome, glad it was helpful!

[@razmataziest]

Thank you for this, I've been fretting about a project I promised to friend because I couldn't figure out how to finish my edges properly without a serger!

[@JanHowell]

Glad I could help!

[@nancylovebucket2467]

Really useful information with good examples. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@MyDearKyoKun]

Very informative and digestible! Thank you :)

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome

[@Lillian.M.]

Lots of good options, thank you for sharing

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for watching!

[@LisaLisa-zl9vu]

I like the overlock stitch. Thanks for the tip!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@raulslorencis158]

Thank you! This is what I'm looking for 🙂👍

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mariamasanders7745]

I am thrilled that I found your youtube channel!! ❤ Especially, since I have the same sewing machine that you are using for this tutorial. I have subscribed to your channel and I am looking forward to learning from you. Peace & Blessings ❤

[@JanHowell]

Peach and blessings to you

[@73neeraja]

Thank you mam, u r such an awesome teacher 🥰.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@beth2736]

So informative and helpful! Thank you very much.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EcdClothings]

Hi

[@lolajohnson816]

Great explanation and detail! Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@marilamar9899]

This was super helpful and motivational! I really want the Juki serger with the vacuum feature and the price is just too much. I’m definitely gonna get the overlock presser foot for my heavy duty singer machine✨ problems solved😂

[@BohoStitcher]

I got the 4411 for Christmas! You too? 😍

[@marilamar9899]

@@BohoStitcher I don’t know what it’s called but it’s a presser foot kit from singer✨😊

[@nikitatavernitilitvynova]

I always did a rolled hem until my past shirt feels bulky under the armpit. My mom said it doesn't look as professional as her t-shirt and I told her it's because I don't own a serger. And it costs about €200 for the most basic one. I recently got a new sewing machine that has the overlock stitch and the slanted knit stitch for indeed knitted fabrics and I'm super happy about it. I finally understood something useful before sewing a matching skirt for my shirt. I looked a bit ugrateful when I opened up my new sewing machine and realized it was a used one but I had my motivations. After my mom told me it belonged to an acquaintance she had I was much relieved. A seamstress got her daughter in law a sewing machine she only used about three times and sold it for much cheaper to my mom because she had (reasonably) no use for it. So she did a good gift recycling to a sew addict like me.

[@danielapagliaro8025]

I have a Juki serger and for me it's always a nightmare to use!

[@KittenBowl1]

Juki is not known for serger machines. They’re known for industrial machines for straight only stitch. Every manufacturer has something that they are very good at and Juki is not known for sergers though their latest one which is very expensive for what you are getting is just ok. You know those that they use for professional seamstress in factory setting? Yeah they’re know for those. Babylock is the one that owns the vacuum air through auto-threading feature (there are different names but they own the patent and other companies just pay Babylock to use their patents, they own global patents). Juki is only listed as one of their serger in the top 10. Babylock has several sergers listed on the top 10 in Japan and they’re all Japanese companies as they all own global patents and other companies just pay to use their patents otherwise they can’t sell their sewing machines on the market. You don’t want to get Juki if you’re new to a serger though. Hard to use. If you are going to spend money get any Babylock it’s worth every penny. And get the auto-threading air-through feature even if it costs $500 more it will last you a lifetime with proper maintenance. Btw, Brother is also excellent company but they’re known for embroidery machines. They also have one or two serger ranked as recommended but Babylock had several of them in top 10, as it’s the company for sergers. Other companies are just minor ones for sergers. Don’t go for Singer, it’s just ok like Juki serger. Nothing special.

[@shariday9849]

Thank you for this! You have no idea.🙄. I made a kimono jacket and long skirt out of the most delicious, drapey, navy crepe. Fraying everywhere. Threads even poking out of the french seams. I will be renovating this yummy suit with the overlock stitches you showed us. I think they are on my machine but I’ve never knew how to use them. Hurray you! I’m a happy stitcher.😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@MeowVicious]

Awesomeness! Thank you so much.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@rinawhite6829]

oh my goodnessssssss I wish I had seen this video years ago. I always struggle with knit fabric and this is perfect! No more zig zags :')

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@petereyre5946]

Thank you for this. So very helpful to me as a sewing machine beginner

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful

[@sarasal99]

Thanks ! I liked the many options shown. I"ll be Baaack

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!

[@veronicamarquez2320]

Thank you so much for such an informative video!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@ephan6364]

Thank you so much for this video. I really need it.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@chareseshinabery]

This was a great tutorial! Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You're very welcome

[@janmichaud8042]

TY Jan❣️Super tutorials..Well explained.❣️Jan

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@anthropomorphicpeanut6160]

This was a life-saver. Thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@zrosa6229]

Thank you for your input. 😊

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@gailgulliver9221]

Thank you for your time.

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure!

[@sarahmcdonald9001]

So helpful! Thank you ☺️

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!

[@danielserrafreese4543]

Many thanks for this great video.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@selmas.]

Thanks for such an informative video 👍

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sewesme4866]

I have a serger but the reason I don't like them is because of (changing the thread) and, hate having to buy extra thread. But the worse is if the thread becomes unthreaded while I serging all the time to find the one needle that got unthreaded what a fuss!. I rather zigzag or using the overlock stitch in my sewing machine. AWESOME Video! Thank you for sharing the tip on the foot that goes with the overlook stitch you are a true sweetheart!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks for your kind words! Glad this was helpful!

[@cathyolague9408]

Thank you sew much! A friend brought some items she needed altered and it turned out they were knit and surged. So I thank you so much for the tutorial. Hopefully my machine won't rest the fabric. Fingers crossed!❤

[@JanHowell]

Let me know how it goes.

[@cathyolague9408]

@@JanHowell it worked great! You really CAN teach an old dog new tricks! 😆

[@JanHowell]

@@cathyolague9408 wonderful

[@RoaringOrange]

Nice! Excited to try it out soon!

[@JanHowell]

Hope you enjoy it

[@nmurray2152]

Excellent info, thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@Carina-2906]

Helpful video! Thank you very much!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@amyahc29]

Very informative 💕💕💕. Thank you for this video 🙏🏽

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@francoissainte-marie7908]

Thank you. This was very helpful

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@lindacummings6921]

Thank you so much for the tips.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@jodigargulak5584]

This video was SO helpful! thanks

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@EcdClothings]

Hi

[@daleodberg6714]

Very helpful and interesting, thank you.

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful

[@christineborgatti3760]

Thanks, I figured you would have some good tips and you do.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@EcdClothings]

Hi

[@createa.googleaccount713]

Great tutorial, thank you 😊

[@JanHowell]

You’re welcome 😊.

[@MissSarcasticSweetie]

when you mentioned sewing machines having an overlock stitch I recognized the symbol and pulled my sewing machine to see if I had it on there and I do!!! Can't wait to get back into knits without having to resort to those troublesome zigzag sitches!!

[@JanHowell]

That is awesome

[@MrsLana92]

Thanks Jan, I'm looking to buy machines to start sewing, but this really helped give me options before I manage to get an overlocker (if I decide to get one at all lol)

[@JanHowell]

Glas it was helpful. You'll get a serger someday. :)

[@MariaDavids-db2pt]

Thankyou you are so clever❤🎉

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@djtblizzle]

Very helpful. Thanks!!

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janecard2060]

Excellent video...thankyou..

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@shinyshinythings]

Very helpful and clear.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks and you are so welcome

[@wendytaylor3714]

Thank you so much for this.

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@vareekinyanjui6119]

I wish I had seen this video weeks ago. I just made a king size quilt that included woven fabric. It is currently at the longarmer. 😢😂 it is supposed to be a gift for my sister. lol!!! Now I know how to handle woven fabric or fabric that frays in the future.

[@JanHowell]

glad it was helpful even though it was a little late

[@carolinemamelpo9795]

Very helpful, thank you

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@McDucknald]

this is very thorough

[@JanHowell]

Thank you

[@marshkid1]

Thanks! this helped me alot

[@JanHowell]

Glad it helped

[@msjroache]

Thank you so much for sharing

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome

[@brucevilla]

Thanks for Uploading.

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome

[@vierakanjoka4194]

Great tutorial ❤

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@uppereast74]

Excellent video.

[@JanHowell]

Thank you

[@creativekp9326]

Great video!

[@JanHowell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@moiraverelst5157]

thanks for this video!!

[@JanHowell]

You're so welcome!

[@bridgethunsucker]

Hi there! Wonderful tutorial! You sound like the sewing mom I never had! Truly thank you! I have a question about top tension. How do I know how to set it? Are there standards by stitch or fabric, or both? This topic trips me up, so was hoping you could explain or give me a resource. What tension are you using for these stitches. Also my manual machine has a dial for the stitch selection. If I chose the zig zag stitch, etc, do I need to adjust the width?

[@JanHowell]

Hi, You are so welcome and so glad you found me. I hope I can be of some help along your sewing journey. As far as tension goes. You really don't need or should mess with the tensions once it is set on a single needle machine. (A serger is a different thing and you're always changing the tension settings for different fabrics and projects) If you have a good stitch on your regular machine, don't change it. Sometimes when you mess with it, it is really hard to get it back to where it needs to be. The stitches shown in the video all are on the same tension. No need to change. Don't let it trip you up. Best to not mess. Let me know if you have further questions.

[@blewis5929]

Thank you for the video

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@mariecaroniaplotkin5268]

nice tutorial thank you!

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@rosepeter8996]

I love it.

[@JanHowell]

Thanks

[@KittenBowl1]

Great tutorial and intro to overlock stitch. I wasn’t aware you can sew knit with overlock I always thought we needed a serger to sew knit properly. Good to know. Btw, most basic digital machines provide overlock feet with built in knife. I use Brother basic one and I bought an overlock foot with a built-in knife and you can sew any material with any seam width as it cuts through the fabric as it overlocks the seam. You can use it just like serger. I don’t make clothes (I make lots of quilts) but for pillow covers and making pouches or interior items it was more than adequate until I got a serger.

[@JanHowell]

thanks for sharing

[@bmcdonald7303]

Thank you for sharing.

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure!

[@curtriceennis2924]

TYSM for making this informative tutorial on overclocking. You have answered almost all my questions about the overlock foot. (Think that's what it's called. 😉) I do have another question, though ... Would you recommend to ever do a backstitch when using the zig zag stitch to overclock your fabric ? I appreciate your advice and help.

[@JanHowell]

Yes, if the edge you are stitching will not be sewn into another adjacent seam.

[@thequeenn00b]

Edit: ok I had a question but I found the answer in the comments: YES you have to backstitch when doing overlock stitches

[@JanHowell]

If the end of the seam will be included in another seam, you won't need to.

[@Alypinkflower]

Thnx for sharing ❤️💐

[@JanHowell]

My pleasure 😊

[@mercyntloko5645]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@JanHowell]

You are so welcome!

[@paul6924]

so helpful

[@JanHowell]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-bb6zx9ox9d]

Can you ever sew straight and fast. Impressive! ❤

[@JanHowell]

Thank you!

[@olajordan9951]

Why am I just discovering you? I think I’ll spend my solitary Christmas binging on your tutes.

[@JanHowell]

Glad to have you. I hope you had a good Christmas.

[@gokugopala1984]

wow, nice video!

[@JanHowell]

Thanks!

[@elnoandmom5265]

Thank you so much❤

[@JanHowell]

You're welcome 😊