Baby Lock Enlighten (BLE3ATW-2) Instruction and Reference Guide - Manual (Page 39)

B
A
S
I
C
S
E
R
G
I
N
G
T
E
C
H
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Q
U
E
S
37
Overedging
Seaming
A B C
A
B
For garments or projects that do not require conventional pressed-
open seams, you can stitch and finish the seam in one operation
and then press the seams to one side (fig. A). A 4 or 3-thread
seam is strong, yet it provides "give" or flexibility according to the
needs of the fabric.
Place two layers of fabric right sides together. Use the marks on
your serger's front cover to align the fabric for the desired seam
width. Keep your eye on the fabric edge to guide it to the
appropriate mark (fig. B).
Do not watch the needle. If you guide the fabric accurately, the
needle will seam in the correct place automatically.
Note: For most seaming, pins are unnecessary because the
serger feeds the fabric evenly. If you need pins, place the pins
parallel to the seam line outside the seam allowance to avoid
damaging the blades.
Overedging to finish facings, hems and seams before construction, is one of the most basic uses of a
serger, such as making a garment or project with 5/8 inch (16mm) pressed open seams (fig. A).
To overedge, place the single layer of fabric in front of the presser foot, aligning the cut edge with upper
cutting blade. Begin serging, continuing to guide the fabric along the blade. The edge of the fabric should
be trimmed, but not cut away. Then sew the seams on your conventional sewing machine and press them
open as usual (fig. B).
Because notches would be cut away in this process, mark them before serging with "V" snips just inside the
seam allowance or with a water-soluble fabric marker (fig. C).
Note: A 2-thread overlock or 3-thread overlock can also be used with this technique.
Front Cover Seam Guide
L R
5/8 inch
5/8 inch
Use the marks on your serger's front cover and set the width dial
at "M" to align the fabric for accurate seam allowances.
When using the left needle, the second mark "L" from the needle
indicate 5/8 inch (16mm) from the cutting edge to the needle.
Use the right needle and the third mark "R" from the needle to indi-
cate 5/8 inch (16mm) from the cutting edge to the needle.
Note: Be sure to set the width dial at the "M" setting for accurate
seam allowances.