In terms of creating and altering clothing and garments, the serger machine is one of the most useful tools that you have at your disposal. One of the biggest benefits that you get with a serger machine is that it has the ability to perform three tasks in one go.

A serger machine has the ability to sew a seam, overcast the edge of a seam, and cut away the excess seam allowance all in one pass. For many purposes, a serger machine is therefore much more useful than your average sewing machine. Now, a serger machine has the ability to perform many different types of stitches.

One of the most basic yet useful stitch types that a serger machine can create is known as the flatlock. Today, we are going to discuss exactly what a flatlock seam is, how it is made, and how to perform this task using a serger machine.

What is a Flatlock and What is it Used For?

Before we can get to talking about how to make a flatlock stitch with your serger machine, you first need to know exactly what it is. So, there are many different types of stitches that a serger machine can create, with one of the most useful ones being the flatlock stitch. This is a special type of stitch that be made using either two threads or threads.

As the name of it implies, the point of a flatlock it is to create a very flat seam that is perfectly flat on both sides. A flatlock stitch has a variety of purposes, with the biggest advantage of it being that it doesn’t have much bulk, because the edges of the fabric are totally encased in the looper threads and the stitching.

If you are looking to perform some hemming, or create some items that are ready to wear, then it is a fantastic stitch to use. If you are making fitted items, such as sportswear, that need to be very tight and form fitting, then it is also a great stitch to use. Moreover, it can also be great in terms of decorative purposes.

The Two Sides of the Flatlock Stitch

What is important to note about the flatlock stitch on a serger machine is that there is technically a wrong side and a right side. That being said, the right side of the flatlock stitch generally has the appearance of small rows of bars that looks like a small ladder.

The other side, which is generally known as the wrong side, is going to show the looper threads as they snake across the division of the fabric.

This is sometimes known as the loop side. Depending on the project you are doing, both looks can be ideal. If you are looking to create the look of a blind hem, then the right side of the stitch can be ideal. However, if you are looking for a more decorative appearance, then the wrong side of the stitch may be desirable.

How to Flatlock on a Serger

We are now going to provide you with some tips and instructions on exactly how to use a serger machine to create a flatlock stitch. The first thing that you will need to do here is to set up the serger machine. Yes, here you are going to have to go outside of the default settings. First, we’re going to teach you how to make a wide three thread flatlock stitch.

Here, you are going to set the left needle to 1.5, the upper looper to 3.5, the lower looper to 7, you’re going to flip up the rolled hem lever, you’re going to change the cutting width to 6.5, stitch length to 2.5, and the differential feed to 1. With this in place, all you then have to do is put your fabric under the presser foot, turn on the serger machine, and guide the fabric under the presser foot.

What you also need to know about here is the difference between a narrow flatlock stitch and a wide flatlock stitch. If you want to create a narrow flatlock stitch, then you need to use the right-hand needle on your serger machine. If you want to create a wider flatlock stitch, then using the left-hand needle is recommended.

The other thing that you need to know here is that just like with any other kind of stitch, how many threads you use will generally directly relate to exactly how strong that seam or stitch is going to be.

Therefore, if you want to make the seam or stitch add durable as possible, using a three thread flatlock is definitely recommended. This is especially the case if you are creating activewear or using stretchy material, as that seam needs to be extremely strong to prevent it from being pulled apart.

Conclusion

There you have it folks, you should now know everything there is to know about how to make flatlock stitches with your serger machine.