Best Serger Books
Using a serger is considerably different than a standard sewing machine, and it comes with a much steeper learning curve. To get the hang of threading an overlocker as well as the basics of using it, many people find it beneficial to have a book they can use to guide them through everything, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best serger books to add to your library.
With numerous serger books available to purchase online, choosing one (or a couple) to add as a reference to your library can be daunting. The following list showcases the best serger books – in no particular order – that come highly recommended and proven to be worth the financial investment.
The Complete Serger Handbook
Coming in with the most recommendations is The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James, published in 1998. With over a decade of sewing instruction under her belt and years of personal sewing experience, it’s easy to see the author has made all the mistakes herself and explains concepts concisely to the reader.
The 160 pages comprise the most extensive serger guide available, filled with content and clear, close-up photos for both the novice sewist and the more experienced user. James covers the parts of the serger, accessories, the different types of threads and when to use them, and how to thread a serger and regulate the tensions. Included at the back of the book is a useful troubleshooting guide that makes a quick reference and must-have for any sewing room.
A Beginner’s Guide to Overlockers, Sergers & Coverlockers: 50 Lessons and 15 Projects to Get You Started
The newest book on the list, A Beginner’s Guide to Overlockers, Sergers & Coverlockers, is full of useful, practical advice to help master a serger or coverlock machine’s features and functions. Details on both sergers and coverlockers make this an excellent resource for owners of combination machines. Laid out slightly different than the other books, it teaches the reader through 50 step-by-step lessons instead of listing instructions. Beautiful photos accompany each lesson.
Once the lessons are mastered, turn your creativity to the 15 projects at the end of the book, complete with full-sized, fold-out patterns, to practice your skills. Projects include clothing, accessories, home décor, and more.
The Serger’s Technique Bible
In The Serger’s Technique Bible, photographs and step by step instructions go hand in hand to show you essential serger techniques such as setting up your machine and adjusting thread tensions to achieve high-quality stitches. The book is split up into sections (serger basics, techniques, quick construction) with each chapter offering troubleshooting tips and quick fixes for common problems.
The author, Julia Hinks, is both a textile artist and a teacher, and her experience shines through in the book’s content. Information is presented in a way that makes it easy to understand, especially for someone just starting out and unfamiliar with the essential functions and terminology of a serger. By the time you reach the section on quick construction, you are ready to take on the simple projects she’s included to hone your skills.
The New Sewing With a Serger
From the Singer company, The New Sewing With a Serger is an updated version of their well-known book Sewing With an Overlocker from 1989. Books from the Singer Reference Library are filled with detailed, yet easy to follow instructions and step-by-step color photographs to guide you. Regardless if you own a Singer serger or not, this book is a great resource for both the new and experienced user.
Although still an older book – published in 1999 – it contains a treasure trove of information on both basic and advanced techniques plus decorative stitches. Like other Singer books, this one is laid out well with both a table of contents and a detailed index at the back. The New Sewing With a Serger is also positively reviewed for its instructions on adjusting the tension dials to achieve perfect stitches.
Sewing with Sergers: The Complete Handbook for Overlock Sewing
Written by two veterans of the sewing industry, Sewing with Sergers is another highly rated book for the library of any serger owner. This introductory guide provides information on a serger’s function and instructions on machine maintenance along with step-by-step guidelines on sewing straight lines and curves, turning corners, and creating professional-looking seams.
Slightly older than some of the other books, it doesn’t include color photographs but instead is filled with clear illustrations to accompany the written content. It is geared more towards garment construction so would be best suited for someone focusing on that aspect of sewing but would still be a great resource for anyone with a serger.
Successful Serging: From Setup to Simple and Specialty Stitches
Published in a spiral-bound format, Successful Serging provides the reader with basic, simplified information on how to get started sewing with a serger. Topics such as the basic parts of an overlocker, threading, the different stitches it can sew, and how to get started serging are comprehensive without being overwhelming. This collection of useful information is geared more towards someone learning to use a serger, but is still a good reference for someone with more experience.
A unique feature of Successful Serging is the easy to follow (and easy to find) charts that detail thread choices, the best stitches to use for specific fabrics, and the best accessories to purchase for your needs. It also includes a handy troubleshooting section in the back of the book for quick reference.
Serge With Confidence
Known for her television show, “Sewing With Nancy,” Nancy Zieman was a national sewing authority and an unforgettable woman whose influence changed the face of the sewing and quilting world. An accomplished author, she has penned over 40 sewing-related books; Serge With Confidence is her most recognized serger book with a comprehensive overview of parts/components of an overlocker, instructions for basic techniques, and inspirational projects to try.
This book is straightforward and helps to fill in the gaps found in most serger manuals. Clear, concise instructions are accompanied by relevant pictures to help readers visualize what is being explained. Reviews tout it as being an excellent reference for new and experienced sewists alike.
Any one of these best serger books will be a valuable addition to the library of any sewist, regardless of skill level, as these books contain a plethora of information and techniques that professionals and hobbyists alike can benefit from.
About Amanda S.: Growing up, I was fascinated by watching my mom and grandma turn fabric into beautiful handcrafted items. In my early 20’s, I finally got brave, buying a sewing machine and teaching myself to sew. As I fell in love with sewing, my machine collection expanded, and I ran an Etsy shop sewing children’s clothing for a few years. As a single mom of 3 great kids, my sewing time has lessened, but I still try to find time to work on quilts, bags, and projects with my kids, teaching them what I love.