Need help with a technique.

[Pudge99]

Once upon a time I sewed an abutted seam by sewing a regular seam (zig-zag or serger maybe?) and then stretched it out and they abutted nicely. I can't remember exactly how I did it. I am pretty sure there was some adjusting of tension etc. Anyone know what I am talking about? I've googled and skimmed through the books I have here at the store with me but no luck so far.

[LeapFrog Libby]

Gina, My machine Janome Memory craft 4000 has an edge joining foot to be attached when doing this procedure and my manual explains the procedure. That is where I look for all strange instructions that I am not familiar with. Have you tried googling "Edge joining foot" ?? That is where I would start.. I think I remember that you have to be careful and guide both pieces carefully so that it will work. I haven't done it in a long time..I found several references that way.. You can choose which or how many to read that way..

[MartySews2]

With a serger, you would use the flatlock stitch function and line up your 2 pieces of fabric on top of one another. Afterwards, you would press open the seam and one side it looks like a ladder and on the other side, it looks like a tight zigzag stitch and each piece of the fabric is flat next to one another. Great technique for piecing quilts, I think (remember I'm not a quilter) it looks great. On the sewing machine, I would use my edge joining foot with a zigzag stitch but it's a little trickier. It's much easier using a serger for this technique.
Marty

[LeapFrog Libby]

Marty, does the flatlock work ??? I have read the instructions over the years, but they do not make sense. I have used a serger almost daily since 1990 , but have never got flatlock to just join 2 pieces without some overlay... I could not use it in quilting, it made ridges.. Can you show a photo of some that you have done that turned out like they say it should ?? I would love to see a good example..

[MartySews2]

Libby, I'll try to do a sample next week and post a photo of it or at least of the steps. I have asked my daughter to photograph me sewing the flatlock stitch with the serger. I really haven't had any ridges when I've done the technique in the past. It's not a technique that I use often but it makes for a nice decorative touch.
Marty

[Pudge99]

So I finally figured it out. I did a three thread set-up on my serger with loose needle thread and one loose one tight on the loopers. this is how it turned out.

[MartySews2]

Looks good, Gina!!!
Marty

[Pudge99]

Did such a good job that his son took them all, so he brought me more to sew. Good thing I took a picture of the serger settings required for this.

[sewhappyrtr]

What the heck are those?? they look like covers for glasses or something like that?? pretty neat!!

[MartySews2]

Karen, I think that those are beverage glasses can coolers ... at least that is what I think that they are. Looks perfect for iced tea glasses.
Marty