New Serger Books

You might remember my birthday present was a new overlocker and I was excited to start using it. I’m hoping that I will be able to a much better finish to my projects with it. One of the things I put on my Christmas Wishlist was a book about using my new overlocker (or serger for my US readers). I was lucky enough to receive two serger books and they both look fabulous.

The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James is the book for the sewer who has just bought a serger and has no idea where to start. It starts with the absolute basics – the parts of the machine, the types of needles and thread to use, and what the various stitches look like and might be used for. Even though I recently took a class to use my new serger, I know that I won’t remember everything I was told and this book will be invaluable in reminding me of all that basic information. It is clearly written and has lots of photos of various machines, stitches and techniques. I feel like maybe I should read it cover to cover for an overview in one afternoon.

 

The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide by N. Baker, G. Brown and C. Kacynski was recommended by the teacher of the class I took at Sewco Mt Gravatt. This is a book of troubleshooting for serging and overlocking that can apply to any brand of machine. This is going to be my “go to” book I think! It covers everything from stitches not looking like they should to the machine not acting the way you expect and suggestions to fix those problems. It is not a modern book with nice bright photos. It was published in 1996. But there are clear diagrams and photos of fabric and stitching that you can compare to your own project or machine. It also includes tips specific to particular machines and a section on the basics of threads, models and feet.

Your Turn

Do you use a serger or overlocker? Has it replaced your sewing machine to some extent, or do you still use your machine as well?

Click on the book covers to see them on Amazon – affiliate links.