Fashion Serge with Pamela Leggett

Many people who sew are familiar with the serger, an extremely useful type of sewing machine (able to handle stretchy knit fabric with ease) that uses three or four threads simultaneously to create professional-quality seams (such as those found in store-bought garments). Here, instructor Pamela Leggett demonstrates many easy and effective techniques, including decorative seams, lacy edgings, gathers, pin tucks, and T-shirt construction (she even shows a simple way to cut and sew an oversized tee into a form-fitting garment). Leggett also offers practical tips on how to set up the machine, which kinds of thread work best, and how to deal with delicate material, while also covering the insertion of zippers and hidden elastic waistbands, finishing touches such as piping, and the creation of knot-like buttons. The viewer is expected to know some terminology, such as “upper looper” or “stitch-in-the-ditch,” but those are topics that should be covered in owner's manuals that accompany sergers. DVD extras include an impressively compact guide to serger maintenance. Combining excellent close-up work and clear directions, this fine instructional program full of clever and inventive ideas is highly recommended. Aud: P. (F. Gardner)