Monday 22 October 2012

20. Loose Ends

Usually, when I sew together items, using my overlocker, the end of a seam intersects with another seam, has it's end turned back (for a hem) or overlaps on itself, so I just chop the end of the thread off and let the overlapping stitching stop it from unraveling.

Sometimes, the over-locked seam runs all the way to the end (like in children's sleeves), so if you were to cut the end off, it would unravel. You also don't want unsightly overlocking ends hanging out of your child's sleeves. This is what I do....

Loose Ends 1

Cut the thread with a bit of a tail, five to ten centimetres should be ample.

Grab a needle with a big eye, and preferably a bluntish point, and thread the loose thread onto the needle.

Loose Ends 2

Use the needle to take the loose end of thread between the two layers of fabric and the overlocking stitch. Alternatively, you could just thread it back between the fabric and the stitching - you might do this if there is only one layer of fabric.

Loose Ends 3

Pull tight and snip the loose end. All done!

Loose Ends 4

Isn't that all nice and tidy!

4 comments:

  1. That is a great method! I'm inexperienced with my overlocker. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another easy way is to use a loop turner to drag the loose end back into the serged stitches. (I found it faster than threading a needle.)

    http://www.joann.com/dritz-loop-turner/prd2991/

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is great!! Any suggestions for when you are using the serged edge as a decorative edging and it shows??

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If it's a decorative edge, I'd pull the threads to the back and knot them. If you clip it close to the knot and put a dab of fray-check on it, it's not going anywhere, and it's not so visible.

      Delete

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