Hi Everyone!! I know it’s been a while since I shared a video but I’m back with a new one!! I know, finally right?? So many of you have been asking for more video’s on the Singer Pro Finish Serger and are excited to continue learning since I started the Singer Serger Fans Facebook Group this year. The group is just getting started so it’s time to jump on board if you want to learn more about your serger. So far, we’ve learned to thread the machine to stitch a 4 thread ultra mock safety stitch in Video Part 1 and learned the EASY way to change threads without having to rethread the machine in Video Part 2. There’s also BONUS in the Video Part 2 on how to remove serger threads the EASY way!!
Now it’s time to learn something NEW!!
NEW Video Part 4!! How to Set up and Sew the Flatlock Stitch
In this video, Part 4, I show how to set the machine up to sew the Flatlock Stitch. If you like to make athletic apparel, this is the stitch for you. This stitch looks great when used on set in sleeves or raglan sleeves. The Flatlock Stitch is a flexible stretch stitch and can be decorative by using contrasting threads. I used regular serger thread in this video, however wooly nylon and decorative threads can be used with this stitch. By changing the needle position (stitch width) and the length of the stitch (dial), you can also create different looks.
Flatlock Stitch Front and Back before flattening seam. Stitch on the left was set on a 4 stitch length. Stitch on the right was set on a 3 stitch length.
Flatlock Stitch Front and Back before flattening seam.
When starting to sew using the Flatlock Stitch, place wrong sides of the fabric together. Calculating the seam allowance for using a Flatlock Stitch depends on one main factor. Your stitch width. The width is determined by which needle is used. It took me a minute when I learned how to do this stitch to wrap my head around the calculating of the seam allowance because of the way the fabric is flattened out on top of one another after the flatlocking is completed. Since the fabric is flattened out after the seam is stitched, the seam allowance actually becomes part of the finished measurement. If you normally sew with a 1/2″ seam allowance and you’re using the left needle which has a sewing width of 1/4″, sew your seam 1/8″ less at 3/8″. This will accommodate when the Flatlock Stitch when flattened out. Don’t worry too much if you didn’t calculate this measurement perfectly. We’re talking about a very small amount. If you’re sewing many seams this way on a garment that is meant to be fitted, you may experience fitting errors, but otherwise no.
Flatlock Stitch from the front after being flattened.
Back of Flatlock Stitch after the seam is flattened. Notice how one seam allowance lays on top of the other.
When finished sewing the seam, start at one end of the seam and pull the fabric away from each other at the seam to flatten the seam out. The seam allowance should overlap one another as you pull down the seam. Insert the point of your long handle tweezers into the seam to help flatten out each layer on top of each other.
So that’s it. Another way for you to use your machine’s stitches with versatility. I hope you give this stitch a try on a project your making. Experiment with different thread and see what you can come up with!!
