TAKE YOUR SKILLS TO THE NEXT LEVEL
This online workshop is the essential guide to getting comfortable and confident using an overlocker (AKA serger).
An overlocker or serger is a great investment if you want to take your sewing up a level. This multi-thread machine stitches, trims and finishes seams in one go, creating a professional finish on your DIY clothes. It's a great way to finish the seam allowances on woven fabrics, or sew garments in stretch knit fabrics from scratch.
In this introductory class, Tilly will help you get over any fears you have about overlockers and help you feel confident using your machine. You will learn to set up, thread, stitch, adjust the settings, achieve balanced thread tension, troubleshoot common issues and care for your machine.
Want to learn to make a project too? Choose the two course bundle which includes the perfect next step - Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker or Serger!
What equipment do I need?
Overlocker – AKA serger (the workshop includes advice on choosing one)
Four cones or spools of thread
Basic toolkit that should come with your machine (incl needles, long tweezers, small lint brush, spool caps, screwdriver or Allen/hex key)
How long will this workshop take?
That’s up to you! The course is broken down into manageable, bitesize lessons that you can take at a pace that suits you. It includes 9 succinct videos, from 5 to 35 minutes long, plus extra written tuition and a downloadable troubleshooting cheat sheet. You may like to spread the lessons out over a few evenings, set aside a weekend for a binge overlocking session, or simply refer to the videos whenever you need them.
This online workshop contains fully captioned video lessons, written tuition and downloadable resources.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Module
1
Get started with your overlocker
- Choosing your overlocker or serger
- Which essential supplies we recommend
Module
2
Thread Your Overlocker
- How to thread your overlocker from scratch
- How to change your overlocker threads quickly
- Tips for threading the loopers and needle
- How to change just one looper thread without breaking the chain
Module
3
Stitch + Finish Seams
- Join seams on knit fabrics, like jersey, from scratch
- How to finish seams on woven fabrics
- How to navigate curves, corners and loops
- How to save time with chain stitching
Module
4
Get to grips with the settings
- What balanced stitches look like
- Identify each thread on the seam
- Adjust thread tension for different fabrics, layers and seam issues
- Adjusting other settings – stitch length and width, cutting width, three or four thread overlock, disengaging the knife, differential feed, presser foot pressure
- Sewing a rolled hem and lettuce edge finish
Module
5
TROUBLESHOOTING YOUR SEWING
- Diagnose and fix common seam issues
- The fast way to unpick stitches
- How to avoid mistakes
- Fix mistakes quickly and get on with your sewing!
Module
6
CARING FOR YOUR MACHINE
- How to clean and oil your overlocker or serger
- How to replace the needles
- Knowing when to get your machine serviced
WORKSHOP BENEFITS
1
STEP-BY-STEP VIDEOS
Follow an in-depth programme, structured with our trusted format.
See the sewing in detail with our video lessons!
2
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
Learn at a pace that suits you, any time of day, with no deadlines.
Set your own timetable!
3
LEARN AT HOME
Take the workshop from the comfort of your own home, using your own sewing machine.
There's no need to travel to a class or book a date in your busy diary!
4
GREAT VALUE
Revisit the lessons as often as you like, whenever you need a refresher -
for a fraction of the price of attending a face-to-face class!
WHO IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR?
CURIOUS
You're thinking of investing in an overlocker or serger to take your sewing to the next level
LEARNERS
You own an overlocker or serger but you don't feel confident enough to use it regularly
REFRESHERS
You already use an overlocker or serger and want guides you can refer to when you get stuck
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Tilly Walnes is a best-selling sewing author, teacher and founder of Tilly and the Buttons. She has been writing about sewing, designing and teaching for over a decade.
Named 'Most Inspirational Sewing Personality' in the British Sewing Awards, Tilly’s teaching is down-to-earth, encouraging and packed full of helpful tips. She loves sewing, and wants you to love it too!
What makers are saying
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MAKE FRIENDS WITH AN OVERLOCKER OR SERGER
£45
Includes:
Instant, on-demand access with no deadlines
9 video lessons
Closed captions available on all videos
Written tuition + downloadable resources
TWO COURSE Bundle: + Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker
£85
Includes:
Instant, on-demand access with no deadlines to:
- Make Friends with an Overlocker
- Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker
23 video lessons
Closed captions available on all videos
Written tuition + downloadable resources
Drew sweatshirt PDF sewing pattern in sizes UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62 / AUS 6-34
Great value! £100 if purchased individually
TWO COURSE Bundle: + Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker + Printed Pattern
£95
Includes:
Instant, on-demand access with no deadlines to:
- Make Friends with an Overlocker
- Sew a Sweatshirt on an Overlocker
23 video lessons
Closed captions available on all videos
Written tuition + downloadable resources
Drew sweatshirt printed sewing pattern in sizes UK 6-34 / US 2-30 / EUR 34-62 / AUS 6-34 (PDF pattern is also included
Great value! £110 if purchased individually