Fast Sewing? Slow Sewing? Well, that’s not actually what this post is about. Rather, it’s about how you can reduce sewing time with a serger, even if you’re a slow sewist, like me.
I’m a big fan of slow sewing because I prefer to take my time and do the job right, rather than rush through and produce a poorly constructed garment. Now granted, there are fast sewists who are masters at their craft and produce impeccably sewn garments. Shoot, I’ve even put out some pieces in an hour and been proud.
However, that’s not the norm for me. I find that when I take my time, not only do I enjoy the process, but I make fewer mistakes.
Reducing sewing time for me doesn’t mean rushing through the project at record speed. I’m referring to using tools and equipment that help to eliminate extra steps and make the job easier.
DISCLAIMER: This is a SPONSORED post! I was given the Vibrant Serger as part of my partnership with Baby Lock. All opinions in this post are my own.)
Reduce Sewing Time with a Serger
When I graduated from using my serger as only a seam finisher to creating garments with it, my whole sewing life improved. Eliminating that extra step is so SWEET!
While some garments can be sewn completely with the serger only, most garments have construction details that can’t be produced on a serger. That’s the type of garment I’m talking about today.
I made this cute cardigan the other day using both my Baby Lock Soprano conventional sewing machine and Vibrant Serger. The Soprano was used for the fine details that a serger can’t perform. Then the Vibrant quickly sewed together all the main parts. What I love about using a serger to sew the main pieces together is that once the seam is sewn, it’s done. You don’t have to go back and finish the raw edges.
I’ve outlined the steps below to show you my process in constructing this cardigan with both machines. If you’re considering a serger for yourself, check out the Vibrant Serger Series on my YouTube channel to see if this is the one for you.
Constructing the Cardigan
I used McCall’s 6996, View B, and the leftover pink jersey knit that I used to make this JUMPSUIT.
Stitch front sections together at center back.
Now, to answer the question I’m sure you’re probably waiting to ask. How long did it take to make the cardigan? It was a total of about 3 hours, including time to photograph the process. Not bad at all.
Remember, the serger doesn’t have to be reserved for finishing seams. Incorporate your serger with your conventional sewing machine to reduce the sewing time.
Don’t have a serger yet? Check out the Vibrant Serger Series and purchase one for yourself HERE.
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Anita, I LOVE your videos. I learned to sew by watching you. The way you instruct is so thorough and detailed and really easy to follow. I also love the pattern styles you choose. You are a gem! Thank you for sharing your time and talents!!!! God Bless!!
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Hi Anita. Thank you so much for the tutorial. That entire outfit is beautiful! You’re dangerous with a sewing machine/serger (in an awesome way). God bless.
Thank you Peggy!
Ooh! I love this tutorial. It is very detailed.
Thank you so much Vanda!
Beautiful outfit!
Thank you Elizabeth! I really look forward to wearing it when the weather cools a bit.
Hi Anita , love the cardigan, it so perfect for the chilly Fall days ahead. It was such a delight to come upon your tutorial on this subject matter especially after just afew days ago I was having a discussion with one of the representatives at a BabyLock dealership here in my area who stated that she make garments ( mostly for kids ) with only her Serger, I asked her if she gave lessons there at the store and she replied, no not at this time. I have the Eclipse dx BabyLock serger and I absolutely love it!!! I’m definitely going to use it to make one of those beautiful cardigan. Thanks for sharing and many blessings to you and your family!
Oh Sharon, that’s so timely. I’m so glad you found this to be helpful. I look forward to creating more garments with my serger. Have fun making your cardigan.
I have a serger and would love some basic on line lessons on using it! I made the skirt with your online video and you are amazing at describing the steps for a beginner! I felt very confident due to your teaching method. Thanks for all of your help!
I am so proud of you Anita I am looking in to making simple dresses and simple skirts for work and church what type of beginners sewing machine should I purchase I don’t have a lot space in my home.We downsized to one bedroom. Thanks
Hi Janie! Baby Lock has a new line of machines for beginners called the Genuine Collection. Check them out here: https://www.babylock.com/search?q=genuine%20collection
Hi Maureen! I’m so glad you enjoyed the sew-along. I’m not sure which serger you have, but I will definitely be adding more serger tutorials for the Vibrant to my YouTube channel.
Do you measure your garments after your done.
Hi Lena! I don’t measure them after they’re done. I measure the pattern pieces before construction though (almost every time).
Beautifully done Anita! you’re right you can shorten your sewing time just as you demonstrated. Hey, (you da WOMAN) . Have a blessed day!
Do you measure your garments after your done.
Hey Gwendolyn! I’m glad to hear that you agree. You have a blessed day too.
Anita, thank you so much for showing pictures of how to use both the sewing machine and serger. I am going to begin using my serger more. Your cardigan and jumpsuit looks nice on you!!!
You’re very welcome Barbara! Yaaay! You will be very happy when you start using your serger more.
Anita, I have a Brother’s serger and at one time, I was sewing my dresses & skirts with the serger. I had put my sewing machine to the side. I recuperated from the thrill of my serger and I am back to using both machines. ??????.
??? I LOVE it Ros!!! You had to recuperate!!! ???
If I can sew the full garment with the serger, then I’m happy, but usually the sewing machine is needed. Glad to hear you’re using both of your machines.
Fabulous cardi, Anita! Looks great on you! I love the waist detail, it gives the garment a very nice line. I’d think I’ll give it a try. I LOVELOVELOVE your detailed procedure, too! Great photography, clear understandable steps, much much better than what we get in a pattern.
j love my serger for most knitted seams, and then the machine for all of those essential details. (Takes me MUCH longer than 3 hours LOL)
Hey Cat! Yes, 3 hours is really quick for me too. Many of my makes are from 3 – 5 days. I usually reserve cutting for one day by itself, which was also the case with this cardigan. I forgot to mention that in the post, so it actually took longer than 3 hours. Oops!