Level: Intermediate

Here is a great way to use your serger for more than just clean finishing seams. Make this delightful purse that can either be worn over the shoulder and tucked under your arm or as a hand held clutch bag. You become the fashion designer by creating your own original embellishment design. This purse features flatlocking, rolled hems and 4 thread overlock stitches to make this bag that will be the envy of everyone who sees it. And, finally a chance to use one of those “one of a kind buttons” that you have in safe keeping for just the right project.

Janome Supplies Required
Any Serger
Size 11 and 14 Serger needles – do you have part # - Maddie didn’t kow
4 spools – 90 weight Black serger thread
One spool – Black Wooly nylon

Fabric and Notions Required
One - 10” x 12” Fashion fabric for embellishing with Flatlock stitches
One - 8” x 10” Fashion fabric for back
Two - 8” x 10” Lining fabric
Two - 18” x 2” Fashion fabric for straps
Two - 18” x 2” Lining fabric for straps
Three - ¼” x 10” Ribbon for button loop
One to three – Heavy decorative serger thread (such as Robison Anton Serger Floss or Candlelight)
One – Oversize button
Seam Sealant
Floss threaders
Washable glue stick
Tweezers
Screwdriver - to change serger needles
Scissors

Instructions 1. Set up serger for a 3 thread wide FLATLOCK .
Left needle (Serger thread) Tension 1/2 (one-half)
Upper looper (Decorative thread) Tension 2 ½ - 3
Lower looper (Serger thread) Tension 7
STD/RH slider Set at RH
Stitch length 2 ½ - 3
Differential feed 1.0
Stitch finger STD
2. Thread the serger from right to left following the color guides for each position.
3. Fold the 10” x 12” piece of fashion fabric, WRONG sides together. Serge on the folded edge but do not cut the fabric as you serge.
Note: It doesn’t matter which way you fold. You will be randomly serging 3-5 rows of flatlock stitches.
4. Gently, open flatlock stitch from the back.
5. With wrong sides together, fold again and serge to create another line.
6. Continue flatlocking until you have approximately 3 – 5 lines.
7. Trim the flatlocked piece to 8” x 10”.

Tip: Use one of the lining pieces as a guide.

8. Remove heavy decorative serger thread from the Upper Looper.
9. Set up serger for a Rolled Hem:
Move the needle to the right position
Rethread Upper Looper with wooly nylon
Set the stitch length at 1.0.
Retract the stitch finger to the “R” position.
10. Use 5/8” seam allowance.
11. With WRONG sides together, take one of the 2” x 18” fashion fabric strips and one of the 2” x 18” lining strips and serge down one of the long sides with the Fashion fabric facing up.
12. For the opposite side, place the previously serged rolled hem so that it will ride snuggly along the left side of the foot and serge down the opposite side, with the Fashion fabric facing up.
13. Repeat for other strap.
14. Set up serger for a 4 thread overlock stitch:
Insert left needle
Place regular serger thread in all four positions
Refer to your owner’s manual for tension suggestions

15. Use ½” seam allowance. (The first solid line on the serger cover)
16. Place one strap on the right side of the flatlocked piece at the top, approximately 2”in from the outside side edge on both sides. Secure with glue stick.


Front



17. Place the other strap on the right side of the back piece at the top. Secure with glue stick.



Back



18. Take the three pieces of ¼” x 10” ribbon. Tie one end in a small knot. Braid the three strands.

Tip: Place the knot under the serger to hold it in place while braiding.

19. When braiding is done, knot the other end.




20. Place the braid in a loop at the center back at the top. Secure with glue stick.

Back

The loop ends should be about 2” apart.



21. With right sides together, place one lining piece on top of the flatlocked piece and serger across the top. Do not serge the sides or bottom.
22. With right sides together, place the remaining lining piece on top of the fashion fabric back piece and serger across the top. Do not serge the sides or bottom.
23. Open both pieces and with right sides together, place the fashion fabric (embellished) front on top of the fashion fabric back.


Fashion fabric  lining




24. Line up seams, lining to lining.
25. Serge down both long sides.
26. For the bottom of the fashion fabric, make a 2” gusset on each side.
27. For the bottom of the lining fabric, measure and serge 2” dog ear corners on each side.
28. Turn right side out.
29. Close the opening with a hand-sewing needle and thread or fusible tape.
30. Sew on button.
31. Optional – cover a piece of cardboard and place inside the bag to stabilize the bottom.