Serger Seam Allowance on Overlockers - | Abi’s Den ✂️🧵🌸

[@annmccarthy7802]

Thankyou so much for this tutorial Abi. I was lost with how to sew a seam on my new overlocker. You made it so clear, I have a new Brother M343D and it was perfect to watch you demonstrate on it. Thankyou again.

[@AbisDen]

Glad it was helpful!

[@iviacolon211]

Hi Abi. It is truly a blessing to find you. I have been struggling with my serger trying to get this thing of the seam allowance right. I have a Singer serger🙄with no markings. Thanks for your thorough explanation I can finally have the courage to use my serger with confidence. The best video in this matter, and I have seen a lot. Thank you for taking your time to share your knowledge and tricks. You just got a new subscriber😉

[@SOS-ct9mv]

lol

[@andreaneath9882]

Hi Abi what a great find your video was. I have a Janome overlocker and am not very confident with it. I always sew the seam allowance first then overlock the edges - I have never been confident enough to use the overlocker to sew a seam. You have explained it so well - I will search out some of your other tutorials. Many thanks.

[@AbisDen]

Thank you for your lovely feedback, I hope you learn lots more

[@tinaalexander780]

Thank you so much for your overlocker tutorials. I got the Brother M343D for Christmas and watching your videos has helped me so much. This is my first overlocker and I have not felt intimidated at all thanks to you. Your tutorials are now in my liked videos so I can jump straight to them when I need help. I'm so grateful to you so thank you once again. ❤

[@carolegroom5161]

Many thanks, I now understand a bit more about Overlockers. Your a great tutor.

[@annamarieh333]

This was excellent!!!!

[@deegirl7774]

Thank you so much for the tutorial, this is the best explained video that I have ever seen.Finally someone showing how to use the serger for a newbie😊

[@AbisDen]

You're very welcome!

[@nevilgrubb]

Thank you so much for showing the different machines! Excellent tutorial

[@AbisDen]

Thanks Carrie

[@lynetterene]

Hi there.....good information, thanks for sharing 😊

[@jackiecaygle3878]

Amazing I have been sewing for years and did not know this thanks

[@NaimaRuchel]

I have searched tons of videos and yours is the only one that explained this for me to understand. I unfortunately bought a Singer that has no markings and couldn’t figure out how to find the seam allowance. Thank you for your detailed explanation

[@emmaskelton83]

Wow thank you. Just about to attempt my first overlocked garment and I feel a lot more confident about using my overlocker

[@CraftyTash]

There was no mention in the manual that came with my Brother 3034DWT Overlocker about seam allowance indicators on my machine so I have now learned that the longest pronounced line is the 5/8", thank you. Hoping to make my first garment once jersey needles arrive so in the meantime I am enjoying your very informative videos.

[@AbisDen]

Hey Natasha. How have you got on with your sewing on a serger? x

[@Normit08]

I didn't even know this was on my machine!!! I learn something everyday. Thanks again for a lovely and quality tutorial!

[@AbisDen]

😊 Glad to help . Thanks for your support Mitchell 😊

[@shazm6357]

Fantastic tutorial. New to Overlocking and was struggling to get my finished edges online with my sewing machine seam Now I understand how to set my Overlocker seam to my sewing seam allowance. Thank you for your video

[@margaretsteel8766]

Thanks, I never could have figured this out on my own. I knew you could sew a garment on a serger but kept being told, it would only remove 3/8".

[@bredalynch35]

Thanks Abi have marked seam allowance on my necchi following your instructions 😀

[@dmnpod]

Thank you! I always come back to your tutorials, you explain things so well :)

[@AbisDen]

You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment 💫

[@angelabyrne1530]

Great explanation - just what Im looking for as I may make a garment using the overlocker - just a bit uncertain but now I feel more confident. Lovely to hear your voice.Thanks

[@f8nomore]

Thank you so much for this, Abi. I just got a Singer serger and was in a panic because it had no seam markings on it. I sew doll clothing, which use 1/4 inch seam allowance, and could not figure out how to get a finished 1/4 seam. Thanks to you, I am now able to. Many, many thanks!!! 😊💕

[@lindaa8822]

Many thanks Abi - I have the Lidl Singer overlocker and couldn’t work out how to measure the seam allowances. Your video has made this clear and I can’t wait to try this out to tomorrow!!

[@jennythomas3208]

Excellent tutorial, thank you!

[@AbisDen]

You're very welcome!

[@pamela235]

Thanks for this excellent video Abi! Although the Janome overlockers have markings, the manual doesn't actually explain how to use them. Until now I've been doing it haphazardly and now, thanks to your clear explanations, I'll be able to do it properly and with more confidence. Thanks again :)

[@nannyval]

I've been workIng on this today,. I found an IKEA paper tape measure and covered the first few inches in sellotape to give it a coating. Now You've confirmed my thoughts, I'll stick it down tomorrow. Thanks Abi.

[@petegalloway2466]

This is so helpful! Thank you. Just got a Singer heavy duty and starting to learn its foibles. Good fun 😊

[@AbisDen]

Rock on!

[@jangould4321]

Thank you. This is so clear; I’ve looked for clear instructions with no success until now. Thanks for sharing.

[@joanevans5411]

Oh my goodness that make life so much easier for ladies like me who are intimidated by their overlocker. Thank you

[@user-22-]

Very Good video❣️ I’m always guessing when I do use my serger, unfortunately it’s not very often & I have to re-learn how to use it each time. Thanks 😁

[@jopeacock1424]

Thanks so much for that. Just got the brother you used and had no idea how to gauge the allowance. Brilliant. Thank you

[@gball7035]

very helpful. Thank you.

[@dukesy7093]

Thank you. This was helpful to me.

[@AbisDen]

You're welcome!

[@virginiabouvier2081]

Thank you, thank you for this video. Figuring out seam allowance on my serger has been so difficult for me, and this tutorial has helped so much❤

[@AbisDen]

You're very welcome!

[@susankidd9963]

What a great help Abi I bought the Singer overlocker in October and now I can mark the machine with confidence brilliant.

[@Jin04115]

Very helpful.

[@sairaedwards5764]

great thank you I needed help with the same lidl overlocker, marking 1/2 inch on my machine, really useful!!

[@teresaferrone541]

That answered my questions thanks so much Teresa.

[@AbisDen]

Amazing, thank you x

[@asinheaven]

Thank you, Abi. You legitimized for me that I CAN use my overlocker to sew and overlock in one go. I keep seeing tutorials that demonstrate doing seams in three passes, one by sewing machine, then two passes overlocking the pressed-open seam allowances individually. Thank you!

[@nancy9478]

For any seams that need to be pressed open, serge the edges first and then sew them on the regular machine. This us handy in tailored garments like jackets for a more pro finish.

[@louisecampbell8094]

Excellent video I can now use my machine thankyou x

[@gillianw9099]

I just bought the latest Aldi version in Australia. It actually has a VIP on movesble seam guide which is super easy to use. Even my Baby Lock doesn’t have it. I paid Aus $99. On special! It has 4 threads and very similar tools to the Necchi and a thread catcher as well. I’m impressed. I leave it at our holiday home so I can see while we are away.

[@elizabethdeeley2249]

Thank you for this video. You have helped me so much. I’ve made over 100 Mask in my sewing machine and just bought a Singer Serger and could not for the life of me figure out the seam allowance. Bless you

[@stitchedlogos]

This was brilliant, thank you so much.

[@Ohcarol912]

Brilliant another winner. Thank you 😊

[@AbisDen]

Thank you for your kind words and your support ! More to come !

[@alisonluck627]

I’ve had a love hate relationship with my overlocker, she is like a stroppy teenager and I don’t understand her ......but maybe I wasn’t quite on her wave length and all along I was the problem! your videos are so clearly explained and I’m watching them all, thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙂

[@AbisDen]

Thank you 😊 are you having better luck now?

[@Jivingjellyfish]

Thank you for doing this, however I have already worked it out for myself. I bought the Brother machine recently and it says nothing in the instruction book about the seam allowance. You do a marvellous job. Xx

[@AbisDen]

Thanks for that Ian 😊, not one of the manuals tell you how to use the seam guides and it’s so frustrating for anyone who finds it difficult to understand. Glad you’ve managed to work it out - clever clogs 💪🏼

[@annettewornin7683]

Brilliant tutorial thankyou

[@AbisDen]

Thank you Annette :-)

[@purple4lavender]

Really helpful, this is the main thing I've struggled with. Everyone seems to dread rethreading but it's seam allowances for me.thanks

[@kellyfernando8499]

Thank you Abi. I have a new Necchi serger that does not have markings and I thought I'd have to replace it with a machine that has them. You've saved my relationship with my serger. :-)

[@AbisDen]

You are so welcome!

[@colin101981]

Thanks Abi, that was a very helpful video. Looking forward to seeing more :)

[@AbisDen]

Thanks for your support Colin

[@knitfix_S]

Thank you! This comparison was very helpful, even for an experienced sewist :)

[@cynthiam8385]

Thank you. This video was most helpful. I have been looking for this information forever. I actually have one of your demo overlockers. Please do more. I'm going to become a subscriber.

[@AbisDen]

Thank you for your support :-) lots more to come 😊

[@Tweeza57]

Just remarkable skill. And she catches the bias tape at exactly the same distance all along, Breath taking 😅

[@AbisDen]

Thank you

[@nothingbutthetruth2145]

A million trillion thanks. I bought this model. Couldn't get bottom stitches right. Lost patience put it away unused for a year. Came across your vid an wallah!! Got it!!! Sorted the issue. Just got to learn how to sew nice projects now. Wow amazing vid. ♥️♥️👍👍

[@dianaonorato6631]

Very informative thank you!!

[@dorothy8701]

Fab helpful explanation👍🏼

[@maryaston1607]

Great video, thank you x

[@MsOrchidBouquet]

Very useful, thanks!

[@dancetoday542]

Your videos are very clear Abbi but I've been trying for hours on my Aldi overlocker which I believe is the same as the Singer. I've tried several days and now found this video. I just cannot get an accurate seam allowance. Once the knife starts cutting it is impossible to line up with the Washing tape I have stuck on. Any help would be appreciated.

[@caroleblackmore6390]

A just got my first overlocker it’s a Gemini love you videos very helpfull

[@AbisDen]

Congratulations! Lots to do! thank you for your support x

[@annparsons6238]

Hi Abi ! Great demonstration which is so helpful. I realise I maybe too late to get an answer but any tips for very ‘floppy’ fabric and trying to keep it in line with the markings ! I’m very new to using the serger but think it’s so amazing ! You explain things so clearly 🙏

[@AbisDen]

I would draw the seam allowances until you get a good eye for gauging the measurements.

[@darrentrentacosta]

@@AbisDen this is the issue im having w using knits is that the fabric isnt stiff enough to stay aligned with the markings, im glad you suggested marking the seam allowances!

[@heideray7343]

Thank you!

[@deemcdermott1107]

Thank you so much I’m glad you did this demonstration . It has answered so much for me.

[@leedavis5958]

Hi Abi. Just to let you know. It's coming back out of it's box this weekend. Thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing more.👍😊😘

[@AbisDen]

Fantastic news. What are we making first?

[@leedavis5958]

@@AbisDen Hi Abi. Not sure as yet. Need to get some fabric. And have a look in the pattern book.🤞👍😘

[@busybee9674]

Thank god for someone sensible...I have a singer model but diff from yours...I have read the book or attempted to, it may as well be in a foreign language. It took me two years to move a lever to get it to sew right....hence never used at all....used since but rarely ...keep the good work on serges up or make a Book For Dummies you will sell thousands.

[@sharronyeates1255]

Is the white piece of plastic on the Singer 5/8 the of an inch?. It looked like it to me. Also washi tape on the part where you marked with pen could work I feel. Thanks so much for your videos, I learn something every time.👏👏😀

[@sasharey9160]

[@AbisDen]

🥰🫶🏽

[@Fattiapples]

what kind of marker can be used to mark that is removable not the plastic? can you please do for the juki serger

[@AbisDen]

Okay x

[@nancy9478]

My 20 yr old White 2000 machine has a notch on the presser foot that tells me where my sewing line is, I just wish the seam guages on machines would show inches and cm.

[@AbisDen]

Some do, but I think manufacturers cant secure those markings when knives move x

[@nancy9478]

@@AbisDen mine is 20 years old and the seam guage slides. I have to tape it down.

[@helenweatherby1694]

Thank you so much.

[@AbisDen]

You're welcome!

[@pennyhanson2598]

Hi, Abi, thank you for another brilliant tutorial! 12 months ago, I was too scared to take my overlocker out of the box, but, mostly thanks to you, I would now not be without it. Still plenty to learn, so looking forward to more videos. Kind regards from Penny in Liverpool 🇬🇧😊💕

[@AbisDen]

it’s so lovely to hear from you Penny, sounds like fantastic gains for you. 💪🏼Great work, keep at it, lots to learn 😊

[@sharonhoare5790]

A sharpie is your best friend to mark the unmarked machine……..

[@gaynorpearson8788]

If only you had posted this, yesterday it would have saved me having to work it out the hard way lol, I finally got round to making the overlocker cover that you did, I’ve not been able to sew for months due to surgery on my hand, but everything worked out well, I did put the side pocket on the opposite side as it is better for me on that side So a massive thanks Abi for your brilliant tutorials

[@AbisDen]

Oh no! I'm glad you've worked it out and super brill about the pocket. I hope your hand heals soon, don't overdo and thank you for your kind words and support - more to come x

[@aliciamartineznunez3194]

Hello Abi!! Thank you very much for your videos. I am doubting about buying a Janome 8002D or Lidl's Singer S010L. Which one do you think is better? Thank you very much.

[@AbisDen]

I wouldn’t buy the 8002D. I have it and it’s awful. At least the singer will sew

[@aliciamartineznunez3194]

@@AbisDen oh wow... thank you very much for your help!

[@chrislusbytaylor3197]

Hi Abi, with the LIDL/Singer S14-78 overlocker there are no markings on the looper cover, but you need to realise that the cover moves sideways when you change the cutter width. So, any marking on the cover can tell you how much you were going to cut off, but not the seam allowance. For this reason, on mine I have added markings of the cut-off. These work together with the markings I added to show the actual seam width - the width markings on the machine are inaccurate. I can't show you photos in a comment here, I think, but I have posted them in The Overlocker Virgin Facebook Group.

[@AbisDen]

you are absolutely correct and what I should really do is to demonstrate that. i do try to show that I measure from the needle to be sure - or even draw lines on the fabric, but you are spot on! Thank you for raising this with us Chris :-)

[@chrislusbytaylor3197]

@@AbisDen is there any way I can send you pictures of the scales I put on my Singer to show seam width and cut amount?

[@AbisDen]

Brilliant idea, you can visit me on www.abisden.com or Instagram #sewwithabi - this way everyone can see it too and I can share it with the world! Xx

[@wasserwirbel13]

My red plastic guide quickly broke off. Looking for sth adequate.

[@maryjones8951]

Is the 4 telling you it's ending up a 1/4 of an inch

[@MargaretWright-bo8is]

What I don't understand is, that seam allowance, as I understand it, is partly so alterations can be done at a later date if needed. Also why the worry of accuracy? Sergers just cut it off anyway? Lol! I don't get it at all.

[@AbisDen]

Many of us, like yourself, understand a good seam allowance allows us to make alterations later. Commercial manufacturing of clothes incorporates saving money- a teeny tiny seam allowances simply to save money. Commercial Patterns did not include seam allowances in their patterns originally for that reason. ☺️

[@DL-ir2wb]

between brother 3034D Vs janome 9300 dx Which one do you recommend I buy as a beginner? Or which one do you recommend out of those options if I like to sew daily? But only as a hobby. Cheers

[@AbisDen]

I would never recommend a Brother overlocker. Full stop.the Janome is a good overlocker, but not a good one for a beginner, it just misses a lot of necessary features, it’s also one that needs repair for the motor casing, it’s cheap plastic. Above all else, it’s a little trickier to thread, but out of those two, the janome.

[@DL-ir2wb]

@@AbisDen la husquevarna viking s15? Maybe. thanks for answering. all your videos help me for my next purchase. You don't have a Facebook page with a private group in the UK? It would be great to be able to share knowledge. thank you thank you very much

[@AbisDen]

Facebook : Abi's Sewing Circle :-)

[@susanmei9980]

Hi Abi, Thanks for this tutorial. It was somewhat helpful, but I’m still pretty confused. On the Janome: Are the lines marked “5/8” “ and “Left/Right needle,” just a reference key for what the first set of lines stand for? And, if not, what do they represent? And on the Brother (which is what I have) what are the shorter lines for? And the foot marked “L, R,” there doesn’t seem to be any reference lines to go with them,; so is that just a key to what the lines are on the white part? This has been very confusing for me. I just put a piece of the blue packing tape that came on the machine to mark my location, but still very confused. And what happens if you change the width of the serger seam? Does it just get wider to the right of the needle, or to the left? It’s so great that you made this video, and yes, make more please. But will you do it with more detailed explanations next time? Thank you!

[@AbisDen]

Thanks Susan 😊 great questions. At 4:37 I explain in the case of the Janome, the dotted line is the distance from the left needle and solid lines from the right needle. The Brother foot markings I said I wasn’t sure myself... the manual tell us nothing. The shorter lines on the Brother are ½” away from the L & R needles. I have rarely seen a ½” SA so it didn’t seem pertinent for this video but I show you how to measure so you can check other markings.😊 Again, SA markings are distance from the needles so altering knife which I think you’re asking, is irrelevant . I used 4 thread. We generally refer to narrow and wide overlocked edge with reference to needles not knife. So I’m not 100% sure of your question but I hope it’s answered.

[@susanmei9980]

Abi's Den, ok, but on the Janome, there are THREE SETS of dotted and solid lines. That’s what I’m asking about on that machine. Obviously they can’t all be 5/8”. But the center set is what is marked “5/8” .” That’s what is so confusing. On the Brother, you said you don’t know what the “4” is for. But there is also an “L” and a “R”. You said that means the left & right needle placement. But I’m saying those letters are wider than a line and I don’t see a line indicating where exactly the left and right needles would sew. That’s a pretty vague marking, if that’s what it is. See what I mean? And I’m asking about the stitch width because I don’t know. But I do know there is a knob to adjust the stitch width, and so I’m asking would that change the placement of the marking to guide your fabric, or not? If you adjust the stitch width? Thank you. I hope this clears up my questions.

[@AbisDen]

The 3 sets of lines, no, the middle two are ⅝”. The others can be measured as I demonstrate later, if you want to know. The two markings on the brother are as I say ½” away from the needles respectively. As I say, the foot markings have no relevance, you can ask Brother, maybe they know? Because like you, they have no quantitive bearing and I can’t see what they mean, maybe it’s their way of identifying it? . Stitch width is explained in the manual, and my previous reply... it is narrow or wide, that’s all. The knife is not seam width, at all.

[@2Peachcobler]

I'm surprise the singer didn't have any markings. I have a singer but clear back in the 70s that did. Don't use it anymore never liked it. I use my Amber Air 400 from Husqvarna.

[@lorrainekhan6886]

Thank you that was very helpful 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@AbisDen]

Brill!