The Complete Serger Handbook [Paperback]

Chris James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1998

“There’s nothing better than an author who’s made all the mistakes herself, has taught hundreds of others, and writes with humor. Chris James fills the bill. This beautiful book talks about knits, rolled hems, and flatlocking. At the end is a trouble-shooting guide....The close-up color photos make her text even more understandable....highly recommended.”—The Creative Machine. “The most comprehensive reference on serging to date.”—Craft & Needlework Age.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Writing this work has given James the opportunity to encapsulate the techniques she has developed during 15 years of teaching. The result is a concise guide to the serger and serger techniques. Major sections of the book include identifying the parts of a serger (with photos of each part), serger accessories, types of threads, threading and testing the threading, learning to regulate tension, and techniques. Throughout, James emphasizes using a knowledge of serger threading, needles, and tension to solve any problems relating to stitch formation. A good purchase for public libraries.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806998075
• ISBN-13: 978-0806998077
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Sewing
  • #5 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Repair
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

201 of 201 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Complete Serger Handbook, September 29, 2001

By 

ANGIE SCOTT (Wilton, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Serger Handbook (Paperback)

I am brand new to serging and used Amazon book reviews to help me pick books. Believe me when I tell you that this book is excellent. It is clearly written, has wonderful color pictures, and is perfect for the beginner. It explains the different stitches and what they are used for, how different threads are used and how they react in sergers. You get tips on threading, tension adjustments, troubleshooting, securing seams, needle selection, working with knits, and using elastics. You also get ideas for fun projects and much more. If you are just getting started in serging or would like to learn more, I HIGHLY recommend this book. Out of the six different books I've purchased recently, this one is by far the best. You just can't go wrong with this book.

110 of 110 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reference for a Beginner, October 18, 2002

By 

heidi324 (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Serger Handbook (Paperback)

Having just bought a serger and quickly realizing I had very little idea of what to do with it I went hunting for a book. This one was a great choice.....It is comprehensive, easily read and understood, and has great visuals. I am positive that I will be referencing it constantly as I try and learn to use my new machine.

One thing: In hindsight I wish I had bought the spiral bound version...The soft cover version does not stay open on its own (nor does it lie flat) which means I either have to give up a hand to hold the book or read some and set it down and go back to it again.

Also, I would not recommend this book to an experienced serger. It definitely sticks to the basics (which is still a lot to say to a novice), and I have seen more creative and comprehensive books for the more advanced. This book is definitely for the person who has never serged before!!

And if you are a novice, this will be a wonderful resource!! (regardless of which brand or type of serger you have)

74 of 74 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars New to serging? This is THE book., December 9, 2003

By 

K. Kirkland "[e-mail]" (Westford, VT, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Serger Handbook (Paperback)

This book is the perfect book for a beginner serger owner. Serger manuals are useful for getting to know the mechanics of your serger, but leave off after listing the basic stitches and settings. Serging really is different than sewing, and this book of Chris James' teaches you everything else you need to know to become very adept at using your machine. The close-up photos really illustrate what the stitches should and shouldn't look like. Her book also helps you understand how the machine works, which in turn allows you to master your machine (rather than merely follow the settings in your manual). She offers many, many tips and how-tos, and her samples are inspirational. I have noticed several small mistakes, such as a mismatch of needle sizes (she says 80/14 and 90/16 rather than 80/12 and 90/14, and at least one of her rolled hem close-ups is mislabeled.) Don't let that stop you from purchasing this book however.

I teach serger classes to new serger owners and much of what I discuss comes from this book. I also have the "Serger Secrets" book. It shows more specific applications; very useful as well. I also refer to my "Polar Fleece Adventures" series by Nancy Cornwall often as I serge with fleece frequently.