Baby Lock Ovation (BLES8) Instruction and Reference Guide - Manual (Page 29)

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 sewing, 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 sewing 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.
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4-Thread Overedging
Overlock Seam
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 accurate-
ly, 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.
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