serging Archives - over the edge

My Serged Satchel

Posted on May 12, 2020May 12, 2020 by jghuiz

I received many compliments while out and about carrying my serged satchel. Everyone always asked me where I bought my bag. With a smile, I said thank you and told them that I made it. I kept using the bag until it was very, very worn. What a sad day it was when I finally retired my serged satchel!

The Pattern

I made the purse using a pattern from Indygo Junction, called the Serged Satchel. The bag is flirty and feminine and is loaded with ruffles that highlight exposed serged edges.

My Serged Satchel

The bag I made looked very similar to the light colored purse on the pattern envelope. I used osnaburg fabric for the outside of my bag and a cotton print for the inside. Osnaburg is a rustic looking fabric like muslin, only more coarse. I edged the ruffles with a variegated YLI machine quilting thread. Thin fusible fleece gave the bag some soft stability.

I serged the edges of the ruffle strips using a basic 4 thread serger with a standard 4 thread overlock stitch. I also used my serger to gather the strips. The rest of the bag was constructed using a sewing machine per Amy Barickman’s instructions.

I used the leftover ruffle strips to make 2 pockets for the inside of the bag.

Thoughts on the Serged Satchel

If you’ve ever sewn a purse, you know that they are more effort to put together than you may think. And this purse was no exception, but it was worth it. I could always count on my serged satchel and its fun ruffles to brighten my day!

Resources

If you would like more information about the pattern, click on this link to go to the Indygo Junction website at: https://indygojunction.com

If you would like more information about gathering and adjusting ruffles using a serger, please see my tutorial: https://overtheedge.blog/tutorials/his-hers-serger-pillowcases-tutorial/

Why you Need a Serger

Posted on November 30, 2019February 12, 2020 by jghuiz

I believe that a sewing room really isn’t complete without a serger. A serger allows you to create professional looking seams that are difficult to replicate with a sewing machine. It sews your seam, trims your seam and overcasts the edge of your fabric all in one step – talk about a time saver! The stitches are formed from a bunch of interlocking loops, which give serger seams their signature “stretchiness” and make them perfect for knit fabrics. You will find serger stitches in almost every textile item in your home – take a close look at your clothes, your curtains, your tablecloths, etc. Did you find any serger stitches? I bet you did! The serger doesn’t replace your sewing machine, but it makes a perfect companion. A sewing machine and serger are like an oven and microwave. What would a kitchen be like without both? Sure, most sewing machines do overcast stitches and some have attachments that can cut, but the seams they create are just not the same (in my opinion). If you sew and don’t already own a serger, now would be a good time to do your research and decide if a serger is right for you. Stop by your local sewing store and talk with someone who knows sergers. If you do decide to get a serger, come back and visit me. If you already own a serger, whether you are a serger newbie or a sergist extraordinaire, you are in the right place.

This blog is for all of you out there who have invested in a serger and want to do more with it. Get it out of the box or the closet. Set it up. Start using it. Whether your goal is to neatly finish the edges of your fabric or to push your serger to its limits, I am here to help you learn to use your serger and to inspire you to create beautiful things. I look forward to serging with you!