The Complete Serger Handbook

by Chris James

“The most comprehensive reference on serging to date.”— Craft & Needlework Age

An expert teacher explains the serger, from start to finish! This comprehensive guide is for everyone, from the novice taking the machine out of the box to the experienced user looking for a refresher. It’s a reference, an instructional guide, and even an inspiration. With humor and years of experience, author Chris James answers questions on threads and threading, which stitch is which, setting the tension, mastering the controls, learning the techniques, working with knits, rolling hems, flatlocking, troubleshooting, and so much more.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Quilting

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great basic text for getting to know my serger. I appreciated the author's chatty tone and non-perfectionism (I am the slapdash sewist, after all). She gives good, detailed information on the operation of the serger, as well as what settings to use for which functions (rolled hem, flatlock, etc.). I checked this out from the library and am almost tempted to buy it as a reference to have on hand.

[Joe Michalak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quality book for learning the specifics of using a serger. Definitely written for somebody that has some experience on a sewing machine, but there is useful information to gain even if you're starting with the serger instead of the sewing machine.

I found the chapters on threading, adjusting, and maintaining the machine even more helpful than the ones about the actual serging technique, but again, both are great!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Complete Serger Handbook is a fantastic resource. I received a serger for Christmas and I was so excited to start using it, but I was also super intimidated. This book demystified the machine and taught me everything I needed to know.

[Cheryl Airth · Rating 4 out of 5]

very informative for beginning sewing/serging hobbyists.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good primer on the serger, but there were a couple glaring errors, the most important one when discussing tension, said "+" instead of "-".

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. Sergers can be intimidating. This will walk and talk you through whatever you need to know to get the dust off your serger and start enjoying its many features.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book on recommendation from the message boards at patternreview.com. Also in its favor was that it was only $2.15 from Amazon.

This book is a good introductory guide to serger setup and use. The first two chapters, covering the parts of the serger and how to thread it, are probably better served by the owner's manual that came with your serger. Still, if you have a used serger without a manual, the instructions here in the book could be helpful.

There's a chapter explaining the different types of thread and how to choose them for the serger. What I like most is the description of how thread tension works in the serger. The author's explanations are easy to understand, and you get a firm basis so that you can make tension, stitch width/height adjustments for yourself.

Throughout the book, helpful troubleshooting advice is provided. Photos illustrating tips and concepts are clear.

I also appreciated the description of serger technniques, such as how to serge corners and curves and how to handle knit fabrics, though some of these discussions could have used a few more photos. Also valuable are extra suggestions for the ways you can use some of the serger's specialty stitches, such as rolled hems and flatlock stitches.

One of my favorite take-aways from the book is the advice "If you are looking for precision results, use your conventional sewing machine." Words of wisdom like this are especially valuable for newbies like myself, because it helps us understand what to expect from our new machine.

I'm really happy with this purchase and know that I will refer to it in the future as I explore my serger's features.

[Beverley Hollis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great up-to-date book that is an depth look into the mysteries of the serger. Well worth the purchase price and recommended to everyone either thinking of buying a machine right through to an experienced machinist. This book will be well used as a reference kept next to my machine.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great help learning to use my new serger. I would recommend this books as a great reference.

[Marnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just got my first serger and this was a great reference to work from. Will be keeping this near my serger for future reference.

[Maura Alia Badji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for a serving novice.