Ever go to a tailor and have no idea what word(s) she/he just said? Well, we are here to bring a little education into the wide world of tailoring with a little terminology talk. Check back every week for a new term.

Next up: Serge or Serging

A serge stitch is usually done with a type of sewing machine called a “serger.” Serging edges of a garment is the machine way to finish an edge and prevent it from unraveling.

A serge stitch incorporates straight stitching and zigzag stitching in a pattern which completely finishes the edge of the fabric. It is the quickest and easiest way to finish a garment. However, it can be more time consuming when tailoring.  Most serged garments don’t have much seam allowance and have to be taken apart by hand seam-ripping.  On silk or really lightweight fabrics you need to be extremely careful while seam ripping in order to not harm the fabric or create holes.  With that being said, if the garment is being taken in in such a way that you don’t need to do the extra seam ripping then the alteration can be very quick and easy.  However, if you are looking to have a garment let out that has the serged seam allowance, you might not be in luck, and may need to have the garment redesigned instead.

3-thread  (left) and 4-thread  (right)

*Photo courtesy of Sew, Mama, Sew!