How to Sew a Jersey Dress on an Overlocker

Рет қаралды 155,804

Күн бұрын

Sewing jersey and knit fabrics can be intimidating, but with the right tips, advice, tapes and interfacings you can increase your confidence tenfold. In this video I take you through step by step how I sewed Simplicity 8982 and the tapes and interfacing I used to get great results. I sewed the whole garment on my Babylock Desire 3 coverlock machine (available on our site) - an overlocker and coverstitch machine combined, but many of the tips and advice are also applicable if you are sewing it up on a sewing machine and the construction steps and approach are the same.
I show you how to stabilise the shoulder seams, sew a neckband successfully including preparing the neckline and neckband itself, sew the sleevehead, sleeve and side seams and hem the dress and sleeves. All of these steps are applicable to most knit or jersey garments you might want to sew.
Everything I mention is available on our website and I've included links to everything below. I've also included a link to a video with tips for pressing during garment construction. I didn't include footage of pressing the seams, but I always press every seam before I cross it with another seam so if you need any advice on pressing you check our specific video out for those tips.
► Sew Essential www.sewessential.co.uk/
► Instagram / sewessentialuk
► Simplicity 8982 www.sewessential.co.uk/misses...
► Pressing video • Dressmaking Pressing T...
► Overlocker mat www.sewessential.co.uk/overlo...
► Narrow ribbon www.sewessential.co.uk/bowtiq...
► Dritz stay tape www.sewessential.co.uk/dritz-...
► Prym mini iron www.sewessential.co.uk/prym-m...
► Vilene seam tape www.sewessential.co.uk/vliese...
► Prym seam tape www.sewessential.co.uk/prym-s...
► Stretch interfacing www.sewessential.co.uk/stretc...
► Babylock overlockers www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...

Пікірлер: 184

@janfrater935 2 жыл бұрын

I've been dressmaking for 60 years but only recently have I used stretch material. I've tried to get to grips with it on my sewing machine with a walking foot, but this has given me the push to try using my overlocker more. Thank you; a superb video.

@kymclinton3140 2 жыл бұрын

Very very well spoken and very very well presented no faff and some very useful information regarding the stabiliser ect and best of all no music

@anouchkavandendoel Ай бұрын

Love this video! I especially appreciate it not being too quick and seeing you use your machine to learn from that too. Lots of helpful tips for a jersey T-shirt I want to make my daughter ❤

@1tillermom 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this tutorial. Enjoyed the well edited demonstration and stayed with the instructor the entire time without feeling the need to fast forward or mute the presentation. Look forward to learning more with this terrific instructor. Thank You!

@moniquewillems670 2 жыл бұрын

Good tips and excellent instruction. I would warn everybody however: no pins, take the extra effort of basting. One pin in your overlocker-knife will ruin the knife and is expensive to repair. Overlockers will speed so quickly and the pins are under the knife before you know it......

@janeybwells2810 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely agree. Having wrecked 2 knives I now tack or use clips.

@carolynrogers1510 2 жыл бұрын

I pin but place all pins at least 2cm in from raw edges and parallel to edge, not perpendicular. Also always hold under fabric with right hand as a safety check, and feel as I feed in.

@gaynormainwaring1853 Жыл бұрын

Since breaking a knife on a pin that got ‘forgotten’ I always keep spare knives in my sewing box.

@helenweatherby1694 5 ай бұрын

Hand baste or use magic clips.

@janetroyle763 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lucy, so well presented and lots of very useful ideas. I am 72 yrs and have been sewing since a child. I'm always looking for up to date help ,especially with the newer fabrics. I do find it's easier to sew hems on sleeves by turning the sleeve inside out and stitching them from the inside. Having caught fabric into the seam more than once this works for me! Please keep giving us the tutorials Lucy.

@michaelgracewatts2943 2 жыл бұрын

Really loved the dress you were making/wearing and thank you for showing how to tackle a jersey dress. Grace

@c0ldlight1 2 жыл бұрын

This is phenomenal. I have learned so much from this video! Thank you so much for breaking it down. I am not very great at knit fabrics and these tips and watching you go through step by step have given me confidence to give knits another go.

@ednaewan7462 2 жыл бұрын

This video has given me the confidence to return to my overlocker and stretch fabrics after giving up a couple of years ago!

@rosaliepingree4198 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this tutorial! I've learned a lot. Please make more "How To Sew". Pittsburgh, PA USA

@lynnshepard7485 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you “sew” much for these tips! I especially appreciate the demonstration of finishing the overlocked seam in the round. I had tried from written instructions, but couldn’t quite understand until I saw how you did it. 💗

@lunasmum6869 2 жыл бұрын

I saw this method some time ago on Craftsy but the tutor didn't explain why she did it! Seeing it in action here makes much more sense of this useful method.

@cakesbybeverleylloyd 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial , clear, easy to follow without the need to fast forward because of it being boring ! Thank you 😊

@loriannpayne4483 2 жыл бұрын

What an awesome tip - the ribbon in the foot of the overlocker! I usually use a fusible stay tape made for knits. I like your method too!

@MysteStorm 2 жыл бұрын

Doxyou still have to sew the fusible stay tape in?

@Cyrilmc222004 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Lucy, I really really enjoyed watching you create this stunning garment, and take us through all the steps. I really really love ❤️ the garment on you too. But, you could wear a sack and you’d look really really stunning too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

@maryjaneharris6187 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic tutorial, good explanations, lots of useful tips - well done! Thank you so much.

@thecarjacful 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial. So detailed and clear. Complete overlocker beginner here, so perfect for me 👍🏻 Thank you!

@juliemuller3643 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lucy. I like your sewing tutorials. Can’t wait to learn more.great teaching.

@janedobbing9104 2 жыл бұрын

Love these tips for Overlocker,has given me more confidence to try hems! Thanks

@maryt2887 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great tips. I’ve sewn a few knit blouses on my overlock. Once I got over the fear of cutting off too much fabric, I found I really like this type of sewing.

@drewcalder6302 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video. Crystal clear explanations and demonstrations. Thank you.

@dianeweedon7705 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such an informative tutorial, I have the Desire 3 and I would love it if you did a tutorial on the coverlock technique please.

@nataljapetryliene1426 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial 👌.Everything looks so easy when explained step by step. Thank you 😊

@lauramendoza801 2 жыл бұрын

What a helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to make it.

@carolinefox2244 2 жыл бұрын

Loved it!!! My very first serger video. You made it so easy to understand! I can't wait to get serging my knit dress!!!

@marionlacey1986 2 жыл бұрын

Your dress looks beautiful. Thanks for the lesson! 🌺

@pandoraross477 2 жыл бұрын

Getting into stretch fabrics at the moment and these tips are amazingly helpful and something the pattern instructions neglect to advise you on. This video is wonderful ! Thank you

@andreawalker2535 2 жыл бұрын

Very well demonstrated. I picked up a few new tips. Thank you!

@ivysavage5569 2 жыл бұрын

Watched this all the way through thank you very much I’ve learnt a lot from you in regards to sewing with an over locker and using that material and othe trims 👍

@agnesbarrass662 Жыл бұрын

loved this tutorial and all the tips looking forward to learning more i like working with with stretch fabrics thank you so much

@patriciahorvath1137 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing tutorial !! Great method of teaching! Thank you for sharing!

@kaymanuel7256 10 ай бұрын

That Midlands accent!! Takes me back! Great video

@teresanguessan5408 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I was inspired, by one of your previous videos, to try sewing with knits again. Although I’ve been dressmaking for 60 years, I’ve had a dread of thin jersey fabric. I’ll be making a top tomorrow!

@patriciacadena5293 2 жыл бұрын

I am glad I found your videos. Thank you for the tips and how tos.

@pamabood7101 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely the dress I’ve been wanting to make just got a serger and cover stitch machine and have been practicing these techniques it was perfect to see you put the techniques into sewing a garment. Because of your show I have really adventured into purchasing stretching knits which I have been afraid of. I probably bought 10 pieces and six new patterns which I have never done even though I’ve sewn my whole life, I’m 59 and just now trying them out. Something new and exciting to do. I also bought a wonderful embroidery machine. Going to be trying out the stretch fabrics for T-shirts, dresses and hoodies. I live in Florida so this is a nice fabric to wear.

@deborahunsdorfer5452 Жыл бұрын

Lucy I love your videos. I am learning so much. Thank you

@janeybwells2810 2 жыл бұрын

Great demo Lucy! I have that Babylock Desire too, great machine. Love your new hairdo too by the way.

@dhresilbeaudin 2 жыл бұрын

Your dress is really cute. Thank you for all the helpful hints on sewing with a serger. I may give this a try!

@SewEssential 2 жыл бұрын

it's a pleasure Debra, I'm so glad it was helpful to you.

@dianekelsey8910 2 жыл бұрын

Such a great and helpful vlog. Thank you

@promisso Жыл бұрын

Great clear tutorial! Thank you so much for sharing x

@janspenno2241 2 жыл бұрын

Well the taping foot is interesting! I didn’t know that but my machine Janome and the foot is £44 but I’ve never seen one used.. really helpful video Lucy! Paticularly like your cut out trick. I haven’t tried it but will!

@kathrynwright4484 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the excellent tutorial, you are very talented.

@tracyschearer3909 Жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial, Thank You so much for this!

@rosemaryjack4037 Жыл бұрын

Great tutorial makes me want to give it a try I will start with a t.shirt I have always been afraid of attaching neckbands but really keen now to try.

@waaaa12345678910 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I plan on making a light weight knit dress as soon as my fabric arrives. This is my first attempt at sewing light weight knits.

@ChristineSmith-ls5is 9 ай бұрын

Just brilliant, so many useful tips. Thank you

@dianez9211 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial. Very detailed and helpful. I am a beginner on a serger. I have always avoided sewing with knits. Your tutorial have given me confidence to give it a try. Thank you.

@valeriew5113 2 жыл бұрын

Love this, l want to get back to sewing and this was very helpful. Thanks

@geraldineself6017 2 жыл бұрын

New subscriber here. I live in NC, USA. I enjoyed your tutorial. Thank you so much.

@nildavalencia5524 Жыл бұрын

Lovely jersey dress and demonstration. 🎉❤

@hollyjames7951 11 ай бұрын

What an excellent tutorial! I have saved it in my KZfaq library. My serger (overlocker) has been intimidating me for years. I wish there was a tutorial of constructing a garment using the Brother 1040d. This was so organized, well lit, professionally recorded and demonstrated! Sew Essential is truly a valuable resource.

@prof.mommyarty 2 жыл бұрын

This is really helpful! So many useful tips! I'm new to the serger/overlocker but enjoying it so far. Mine doesn't have a gap in the foot but it looks like it could be done without if I'm careful? Maybe? 😄 love the Blue Peter reference😄. Thank you so much 😁💖

@sonialorenzo9223 2 жыл бұрын

I love your hair. It looks fabulous.

@pauldallimore8062 Жыл бұрын

I loved your video on jersey sewing!

@mairemcgarvey1297 Жыл бұрын

BRILLIANT Tutorial you are just gifted ....

@magdalenadetoffol6406 Жыл бұрын

Fantastic tutorial! Thank you ❤

@iredlougher4123 7 ай бұрын

I have learnt a lot. Many thanks.

@DonnaSmith-rp3em 2 жыл бұрын

Loved the sew along 👍would be great to see more of them 🤞😊

@denisekendall7147 2 жыл бұрын

I have this pattern. My daughter-in-law is wanting me to make it for her. Thanks for all.thr useful tips

@adamas66 2 жыл бұрын

Your tutorial was wonderful! I especially appreciated how you shared the details about keeping the neckbands shorter and to stretch them while attaching. But I do hope that you can share with us if we need to use special needles in the serger, they way that we would use special sewing needles on our sewing machines while sewing knits. Hope to hear from you soon with your next tip! Thank you!

@Janie916 Жыл бұрын

Lucy, I can't tell you how many times I've referred to this video while teaching myself how to sew with knit fabric. You are a life saver! Thanks to your tutorials my knit garments have all turned out fabulous and I no longer am fearful of handling knits. I LOVE your wonderful tips (ribbon fed through serger to stabilize shoulders - I had no idea my serger could do that!) and great explanations. You're an inspiration, and I can't thank you enough!

@lottiebiscottie3798 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely tutorial!

@vickitester8818 5 ай бұрын

I like watching your tutorials.

@annesullivan1171 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Love the hair really suits you ❤️

@elizabethrowe7262 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely and easy style dress I will be making next! Easy tutorial to follow also and I dont have a Babylock Desire 3 coverlock machine but would desire one but here in Australia its over $3,000 dollars so unless I win Lotto it will be beyond my reach. Am using a Janome so will use the twin needle to do my hems. Thanks Lucy!

@janetcozens5756 2 жыл бұрын

Wow so much too learn thank you so much for sharing all you're amazing hints and tips 😃😃😃👏💝👏👏👏👏👏💯%

@tammymiller9929 2 жыл бұрын

Great presentation and explanation.

@kimhandy1861 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great tutorial! 💕 One cover stitch tip I've learned to lock the threads is after you complete the circle and run over the initial stitches, lift the needles and the foot and pull the needle threads from under the foot towards you, snip them and then pull the fabric out towards the back. (I use the screwdriver or purple thingy to do this.) Trim the threads. No need to tie. I've done this many times and it has never unraveled.

@janeybwells2810 2 жыл бұрын

I do this too. I use a small metal ruler under the foot to pull the threads forward. Saw this on KZfaq somewhere.

@yorkrose7689 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, I was taught that, too. A great additional tip!

@lunasmum6869 2 жыл бұрын

On my overlocker, I don't have a coverstitch, when I get to the end of the seam or whatever the manual tells me to turn the handwheel back half way, or is it forward, I will have to check, and all the threads will pull out in line instead of a chain.

@christinewall8213 Жыл бұрын

Great job. The explanations were quite clear. However, for demonstration purposes, maybe you could sew with a thread color that will show, or make a sample in advance like that. I like that you actually sell the products your using. Looking forward to more videos. I want to make shorts and bottoms with elastic at the waist for my grandchildren, so I could use some tips on serving with the elastic foot. I'll look to see if you made a video on that. Thank you for your demonstrations so far.

@ginarydin7560 2 жыл бұрын

So informative and helpful. I have made knit tops and dresses. You showed some good tips to make it better. A week after buying my coverstich machine I discovered you could buy very wide twin needles to use on your regular sewing machine to give the coverstitch appearance on hems. Sometimes I use my cover stitch. Sometimes I do twin needles on my sewing machine. The dress is lovely. Good job!

@lunasmum6869 2 жыл бұрын

I can't afford a coverstitch and I wouldn't use it much anyway (I know the lovely posters here will say I would find lots of uses!) so I have used the wide double needle. It is a good substitute but the coverstitch makes the back of the stitches so neat. Maybe, one day, I will buy one but it is not top of my list of wants!

@MariaGomez-bw9mj 2 жыл бұрын

@@lunasmum6869 ?

@cc83jc85 2 жыл бұрын

I know this is an old video- but, I just bought this same pattern for our upcoming winter(in Australia I am) thanks so much

@eileenlewis303 Жыл бұрын

Another great video, thank you! 👌

@reneegray7643 2 жыл бұрын

I love the way you explained these techniques. You are great teacher

@lynnleipold2617 2 жыл бұрын

Great tutorial! Thank you.

@katrinsmenio7847 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant tutorial, thanks

@vildvin1 2 жыл бұрын

Love your dress 👍

@clothingalterations Жыл бұрын

Amazing, great video

@theresaatkinson6628 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful! Thanks so much!

@KeyserTheRedBeard 2 жыл бұрын

stunning content Sew Essential. I killed the thumbs up on your video. Keep up the amazing work.

@pjacksreads536 Жыл бұрын

Thanks I’m going to try this. Thanks

@lunasmum6869 2 жыл бұрын

A warning about pins!! When I got my first overlocker I was eager to get started. I pinned the seam and started sewing on my overlocker. Bang!!! The overlocker will stitch very fast and I wasn't quick enough taking the pins out. I damaged both the upper and lower knife so I had to buy replacements. Now I use the wonder clips (I bought a tin of 100 of them) or, if there is room, I pin well away from the sewing line. I won't pin like that again in a hurry!! Thank you for this video full of useful tips!😊

@lyndachristiensen6609 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful video.

@CrazyAuntVal 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely little dress, and a great tutorial for how to sew it, I'm sure many people will find it very helpful and inspiring. I was really hoping that you would include more information regarding settings on the overlocker - width, stitch length, tips on how to avoid 'waves' in seams... I was a professional seamstress for over 25 years. Now that I sew for fun, for family, and to create a personalized wardrobe, I would love to use my (new fancy) overlocker to sew garments, especially knits/interlocks. Do you have a video that addresses those questions?

@raquelseydewitz203 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips

@janwatts1755 2 жыл бұрын

I enjoy your videos. I have a tip for you. When you press the way you were doing in this video, use the little finger tip guards that keep you from burning your fingers. I believe I got mine from Amazon.

@kerisatterwhite9618 Жыл бұрын

Soooo helpful!!!!Thank you!

@arejaz21111 Жыл бұрын

Yes. you make that dress look good :)

@kathygann7632 Жыл бұрын

Clear elastic or the selvage from a woven fabric also stabilizes the shoulder seam.

@annettedavis3833 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Lucy I was wondering whether you could do a video on overlockers and how to adjust tension, cutter width, differential feed etc and how to recognise when to adjust these depending on how the stitches look and whether the seam is secure. I really struggle with this. I have a Janome 544D

@maryenos91 2 жыл бұрын

Did make the top some time back..easy pattern

@cooperZconscious 2 жыл бұрын

new to your tutorials and from the start I really apprecaite so many of the tips - ran into one issue as my serger foot does not have a hole to put the stabilizing ribbon - I still did it but it was a little uneven - have you got a suggestion to keep it more even - thank you!

@722dabba 2 жыл бұрын

this was great ty

@alexaelliott2598 2 жыл бұрын

I usually stabilise necklines and hems before sewing any seams. I found it easier to attach the stabilising iron on tape. Just a suggestion.

@sonyasew2 2 жыл бұрын

WoW Thank you so much. So, when instructions from other patterns ask for a Stay Stitch I can use that tape you put around the neck, instead?? Woven or knit ??

@heatherpenman3906 2 жыл бұрын

Hi from New Zealand, fantastic tutorial, thank you. Maybe when you are doing the continuous underarm seam, sew from hem, then the underarm seam is easier to navigate, as it will be facing towards you. Love you channel, Heather x 🧵 x

@alexaelliott2598 2 жыл бұрын

I think that’s the way I was taught to sew knit fabric, from hem upwards when doing the sideseam and under arm seam continuously. Good suggestion of yours. It jogged my memory. Thanks.

@twoxover 2 жыл бұрын

what a great video! can you please tell me...what foot are you using on your serger? thank you!

@newbiecrafter 2 жыл бұрын

thank you for this informative video, I am struggling with my overlock to stitch without causing the jersey to stretch and curl-meaning I end up with very wavy curling seam any help on that would be appreciated

@Tinkermell77 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I received a Juki overlock machine from my children over a year ago. It sat in the box. I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, and was scared to open it up. Ha! Finally decided I needed to get over it. I decided to overcome, and make an Easter dress on it. I have watched your video tutorial, and have made notes on items to make things easier and look better. I already have my Jersey knit and pattern New Look #6597. The pattern only calls for turning the neckline in 5/8” and then sewing it. I would like to add a band like you did. Do you have a suggestion, on how much shorter I should cut it? Thank you so much! PS- Since I watched your tutorial this morning, I have watched many more of your videos today. I’ve been into quilting these last few years, but you are making me want to sew more clothing again. You are lovely and a joy to watch. Thank you again.

@NancySchober 2 жыл бұрын

Great explanation on what those seam allowance lines meant. It's always been confusing to me. I got anxiety from watching you use straight pins...I use wonder clips so there's no danger of sewing over one and ruining my machine. I find it much easier to hem sleeves when there is no free arm to turn the garment inside out.

@teresanguessan5408 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Nancy. I also use clips for most dressmaking - but not for delicate fabrics or jersey. I think, with jersey, there’s a danger that the weight of the clips will stretch the fabric, particularly as it’s going through the overlocker.

@lynnleipold2617 2 жыл бұрын

The newest Bernina overlocker has a free arm. Thank goodness! I just got one. Been waiting for that for years.