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Serger Secrets – Piecing Cuddle Fabric with a Serger

We Carry
by Sara Snuggerud in Projects, Serger, Sewing Machines, Sewing Tips

Sewing Cuddle fabric can be challenging. Thanks to a serger’s differential feed Cuddle fabric can be easily managed using the following Cuddle Serger Tips. These tips were written in conjunction with the release of the Cuddle Bow Tie Serger Quilt pattern pictured below.

Cuddle Serger Tips:

  • Cuddle fabric will vary in its stretchability. Cuddle with the dots will stretch in both directions. Some Cuddle will stretch in only one direction.
  • Place the Cuddle with the MOST stretch on the bottom.
  • Note the direction of the most stretch and rotate one of the squares 90 degrees. When possible serge the side with the most stretch on the bottom.
  • Start with the needles in the highest position, lift up the presser foot and slide Wonder Clipped fabric all the way to the needles.
  • Turn Differential Feed to 1.5 – 2.0 as needed. Use Differential Feed when serging the blocks together and when serging the long rows.
  • Use Wonder Clips at the beginning, middle and end of the seam. Place the beginning clip at the top edge of the square far enough that the serger foot will fit beside the clip without it needing to be removed.
  • Watch the last few serged stitches that they are feed straight into the needles so to keep the seam from veering off the edge.
  • Extra items to have on hand – a lint roller and a small vacuum!

 

This Cuddle quilt can be completed using a sewing machine and a walking foot, but this pattern was inspired to help students master their serger’s differential feed. If you own a serger, this is a great quilt project to help you through any serger induced anxiety. All you need is a serger set for a 4-thread overlock, differential feed and a stack of 6 1/2″ Cuddle fabric squares. Cuddle fabric is known for its stretch and frayed edges – all perfect problems a serger can solve with just a turn of the dial.

Click here to download the Cuddle Bow Tie Serger Quilt Pattern

Finished size of this quilt is 48″ x 60″

This quilt was featured in my new Craftsy class “Serger Solutions: Troubleshooting Techniques”Click here to watch a sample of this Craftsy class.

If you don’t know what to use your serger for, Heirloom Creations has created monthly serger project workshops for you to attend and make something with your serger! We will answer serger questions as a group, be inspired by each other and make promises to each other to use our sergers more. Each month there will be one to two projects to select from. You owe it to yourself to mark your calendars and don’t leave your sergers home alone. Visit the website to see pictures of the projects as they become available. We offer each serger workshop two times – a morning class from 9:30 – 12pm and an evening class from 6 – 8:30pm. Each hands-on serger workshop class is only $30.

Click here for for most current class schedule.

If you own a serger and want to learn more, check out this other great Craftsy classes. Click on the picture to watch a preview of what you will learn in these great online classroom classes. Craftsy class instructors are always at your fingertips for questions.

Beginning Serging
Take your serger out of the closet! Learn the fundamental setup stitches, then make three posh projects: an exposed zipper bag, an ombré ruffled apron and a striped knit scarf. Click here to read more.

Sew With Your Serger: Quick & Easy Projects
Apply essential serger skills to unlock amazing project possibilities. Create beautiful scarves, designer pillows and chic bags using only your serger! Click here to read more.

There can be no more excuses for why your are not using your serger. With Heirloom Creations hands-on monthly workshop and the online Craftsy classes, we guarantee that with a little encouragement you will fall in love your serger.

You can also find free serger video tutorials over at SewingMastery.com.

A new wonderful relationship with your serger is only a class away!