How to Sew a Quilted Vest

The Thread recently published a tutorial of mine on how to sew a quilted vest.

I used their 5.3 oz softened linen in the Evergreen color, gorgeous color, and took photos of each step.

Check out the post on The Thread for the full tutorial.

Here’s how it turned out!

Quilted vest paired here with my 14 oz Dawn Jeans and captured at night with my new camera flash I’ve been playing with.

One of my favorite things about making quilted clothes is seeing the piece before washing and after.

When quilting, I don’t prewash the fabric. I want as many cozy wrinkles as possible. I cut the pattern about one size larger and then it shrinks down after washing. It’s very fun to see the transformation.

Here are a few photos of the process.

Quilt quilt quilt

Enjoying the warmth coming through my window. Sewing a Juniper Quilted Jacket with this yummy Robert Kaufman quilting cotton.

For this jacket, I just marked two stitch lines with chalk and eyeballed the rest to have some variation in the stitching.

The lines turned out endearingly wavy.

After popping it in the wash… yummy yummy.

I used the quilted jacket in this short video about escaping from the world, if you care to watch.

To get the Juniper Quilted Jacket pattern, you can grab it here.

For tips on sewing quilted jackets, check out this post.

For more photos of sewing quilted jackets, check out this post.

Bike bike, paddle paddle, sew sew, new pattern

My bicycle, Daisy, and I went on a long bike ride together a few years ago. We rode down the Mississippi and across the hot plains of Texas. Here are some photos of the day we arrived at the Gulf. It was a nice feeling to make it that far.

To save weight on the road, I wore the same clothes everyday and washed them at night — yellow Baggies, a blue cotton tee (note to aspiring touring cyclists, maybe don’t go the cotton tee route. It was not my smartest move), and a pair of Teva sandals.

Daisy also carried my tent, sleeping bag, sweater, rain jacket, extra shirt, pants, and shorts for rest days, repair kit and tools, and of course, snacks.

This summer, I bought a big stack of fun colored nylon taslan and started making a shorts pattern for new adventures inspired by those shorts.

Follow along for a day on the lake with my paddleboard to see how the pattern is looking so far.

I’m jealous of those people who have nice husbands who take beautiful photos. Until I find one, I’ll just precariously perch my camera on the flotation device, ready to plop into the depths at any moment…. I signed up for Tinder last week, so, you know, there’s always hope.

Sunrise Colorblock Hack - Sweet Pea Sweatshirt

How to sew a sunrise colorblock sweatshirt - sewing tutorial

Here’s how to do it!

1) Make a paper copy of the pattern with a full front bodice. I’m using my Sweet Pea Sweatshirt Pattern.

2) Grab a long ruler. Stick a pin in the left side, or hold it with your finger as you pivot to make all the lines. For mine, I positioned the left side of the ruler 14” away from the edge of the pattern. Play around with how far away you want the end of your ruler to be to get different angles on your colorblock lines.

3) Grab a pen. Draw three colorblock lines as you pivot the ruler. Try to pivot the ruler a consistent number of degrees for each line. For example, the first line is 0°, the next line is 20°, and the last line is 40°.

How to sew a colorblocked sweatshirt hack - sewing tutorial

4) Cut the pattern along the lines.

5) Cut each piece with the color of sweatshirt fabric you want. Add 1/2” (1.3 cm) seam allowance on the sides that are going to be sewed to the other colorblock pieces.

How to sew a colorblock sweatshirt - sewing tutorial with photos

6) Sew the pieces together with 1/2” (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Serge seams. Press seams down and topstitch with matching thread.

How to sew a colorblocked sweatshirt - sewing tutorial with illustrations

7) Follow pattern steps to sew the rest of the sweatshirt together.

That’s it!

How to sew a colorblock sweatshirt - sewing tutorial with photos

You can grab the Sweet Pea Sweat Set here!

The best sweatshirt fabric source I’ve found for thick, colorful, 100% cotton fabric is Nick of Time Textiles.

Also… the other day I signed up for TikTok!

The Daisy Dress

For the joy of simple sewing and elegant silhouettes, the Daisy Dress, the latest pattern in my series of Paperless Patterns!

Paperless patterns invite you into the process of drafting the pattern for your specific body using your own measurements as the scissors’ compass. It’s a fun and exciting way to sew!

The Daisy Dress has a classy vintage silhouette that functions well at special events, dates you are day dreaming about going on with that guy you have a massive crush on, and casual jaunts to the library to pick up your interlibrary loan books.

Paperless patterns have the unique ability to connect with and satisfy the deep inner longing to create something. It feels so good to scratch that itch.

Tips for Sewing a Quilted Jacket

Tips for sewing a quilted jacket

It can be intimidating to start a quilted jacket project. It feels like a big undertaking, and it’s hard to know where to start.

Albeit scary, the quest for a quilted jacket is worthwhile. Here are some thoughts and guidance to help it feel more possible and accessible than ever.

1) stitching design

If spending a lot of time stitching is intimidating, good news!

QuiltArtboard 1.jpg

I ran the numbers. In this example of jacket sleeves, increasing the spacing just 1/2” (1.3 cm) from 1 1/2” (3.8 cm) to 2” (5 cm) between lines decreased the total length of stitching by 25%.

That means if it would normally take you three hours to quilt all the pattern pieces, if you increased the spacing 1/2” (1.3 cm), you could save 45 minutes of sewing time.

2) Marking stitch lines

The best way to get consistently straight stitching is to mark each line with chalk. You don’t even need to use fancy fabric chalk. A stick of classroom white chalk works perfectly and is easy on the budget.

Tips for sewing quilted jackets

Without marking the lines you may end up with some stitching like this. But if you do get wavy lines, fear not. They are hard to detect once the jacket is washed. Plus, they are kind of extra cozy anyway.

Tips for sewing a quilted jacket

3) Sewing

If you only remember one thing from these tips, remember this one. Starting from the center and sewing towards the sides allows the fabric to stretch toward the outsides as you sew. If you start on the outsides and go towards the center, you will likely end up with lots of excess fabric and wrinkles in the middle.

Sew all the lines of one direction before you start the other direction. Do all of the vertical lines before the diagonal or horizontal, etc. This is for the same reason — to let the fabric stretch toward the sides so no wrinkles build up.

Tips for sewing quilted jackets
Tips for making a quilted jacket

4) Trimming around the edges

Stitching several hundred inches across multiple layers of fabric is inevitably going to result in some fabric edges and corners not lining up. Don’t worry. That’s what scissors are for! When you’re done sewing, trim around all the edges that need truing up. Easy peasy.

5) Waiting to wash

For quilted jackets, I’d like to make a case for throwing out the rule of thumb of washing fabric before you sew.

One of the joys of quilted jackets is their wrinkled lines. Sew the whole jacket and then throw it in the wash. It will shrink up and be so extra cozy.

If you’re using fabric and batting that shrinks significantly (may want to do a test patch), start with sewing one size larger.


Quilted jackets are a lot of stitching, it’s true. Imagine stepping outside in the evening. Maybe you just got out of class or got off work. As you step outside you catch a smell of fall in the air. Your hands feel cool but you shove them into the nicely quilted pockets of your jacket. You walk briskly home maybe to make potato soup and some chamomile tea. And on the way you feel proud. Proud of all the stitching you did on the jacket you’re wearing. You maybe didn’t know where to begin, but now you’re wearing the finished piece. The jacket that is now keeping you warm while you quietly breathe a breath relief at the newness of fall and all the freshness it brings.

All is well in the world for this little while as you go home, wearing your cozy jacket.

5 Ways to Sew an Elastic Waistband

How to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with lots of photos

Here is how to sew an elastic waistband. Five ways! Most of these methods start with the elastic already sewn into a loop.

Let’s jump in!

Method One

This method leaves the waistband exposed and will touch your skin, so be sure to use a soft waistband elastic.

Step 1: On the right side of the fabric, align the top edge of the elastic and the top edge of the fabric. Sew the elastic all the way around with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Stretch the elastic so it is evenly distributed all the way around.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos.
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos.

Step 2: Trim the seam allowance of the fabric to 1/4” (0.5 cm).

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 3: Fold the elastic to the wrong side of the fabric.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 4: Sew 1/8” (0.3 cm) from the top edge all the way around. Pull elastic tight while sewing.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 5: Sew 1/4” (0.6 cm) from the bottom edge of the elastic all the way around. Pull elastic tight while sewing.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

This method is commonly used in sports clothing and has a sporty look. It’s fun to sew! Works best with lightweight fabrics. The top of the elastic is sewn to two more layers of fabric than the bottom which can cause the top to be more stretched out than the bottom.

Method Two

Step 1: On the wrong side of the fabric, align the top edge of the elastic and the top edge of the fabric. Sew the elastic all the way around with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance. Stretch the elastic so it is evenly distributed all the way around.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 2: Fold the elastic two times toward the wrong side of the fabric.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 3: Sew 1/4” (0.6 cm) from the bottom edge of the elastic all the way around. Stretch the elastic so it is evenly distributed as you sew.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

This method works best with medium to lightweight fabrics. The equal amount of fabric at the top and the bottom of the elastic reduces elastic distortion. The elastic is sewn through, so it doesn’t twist while wearing. The elastic is fully encased, which feels extra luxurious.

Method THree

Step 1: On the wrong side of the fabric, align the top edge of the elastic and the top edge of the fabric. Serge (or zig zag stitch) all the way around. Stretch the elastic so it is evenly distributed as you sew.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 2: Fold the elastic once toward the wrong side. Sew 1/4” (0.6 cm) from the bottom edge of the elastic. Pull the elastic tight while sewing.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

This method is among the easiest methods with the fewest steps. Quick and easy to sew with consistently good results. It does leave the serged edge with the bottom of the elastic exposed, so a little less luxurious. Good method to use with heavyweight fabrics like sweatshirt fabric. Also commonly used in sports clothing.

Method FOUR

Step 1: Serge the top edge of the fabric.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 2: Fold the fabric toward the wrong side 1/4” (0.6 cm) and press. Fold the fabric again 1/4” (0.6 cm) longer than the width of the elastic and press.

In this example, the elastic is 1 1/2” wide. So the fabric is folded over the second time 1 3/4” and pressed.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 3: Sew 1/8” (0.3 cm) from the bottom edge. Instead of sewing all the way around, leave a 4” (10 cm) opening to insert the elastic.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 4: Attach two safety pins to the elastic and push it through.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 5: Overlap the two ends of elastic and sew them together.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 6: With the elastic in place, sew the 4” (10 cm) opening shut. Be sure to not catch the elastic in the stitching!

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

This method is a common favorite among sewists. Easy to sew because it doesn’t require sewing through the elastic. But that means the fabric can twist if additional lines of stitching aren’t added. Can also be tricky to press the fabric really evenly all the way around. The line of stitching is below the elastic, which causes the gathers to lay differently than when the elastic is sewn through.

Method five

Step 1: Fold the fabric in half around the elastic and sew right along the elastic edge. Be sure to not catch the elastic in the stitching!

Tip: Extra long seam allowances are helpful with this method. In this example, the elastic is 1 1/2” wide. The strip of fabric is 5” wide to allow 1” of extra fabric on each side of the elastic.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 2: Match up the edges and sew the elastic to the right side of the waistline. Again sew right along the bottom edge of the elastic, but be sure to not catch the elastic in the stitching. Pull elastic tight as you sew.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

Step 3: Trim seam allowance and serge edges together.

5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos
5 Ways to sew an elastic waistband - tutorial with tons of photos

This method gives a clean looking definition between the waistband and the rest of the skirt/pants. It can be tricky to sew closely to the elastic without catching it in the stitching. It leaves the elastic unattached and free within the tunnel of fabric and can twist unless it is sewn down with more lines of stitching.

Variation to Method Five:

Sew the two pieces of fabric together without the elastic. Leave a 4” (1 cm) opening. Insert the elastic using safety pins and then sew the elastic together into a loop. Sew the 4” (10 cm) opening shut. Trim and serge seam allowance.


Additional lines of stitching can be added to each of these methods. Each method is fun to sew in its own way. Which is your favorite?

How to Batch Sew the Olive Undies

Oh the warm feeling of having a drawer full of underwear that make you happy. The Olive Undies sewing pattern is out now!

Check out the Olive Undies Sew Along for detailed instructions and photos of each step.

Here’s how to batch sew the Olive Undies

I recommend batch sewing in one color at a time so you don’t have to switch thread throughout the process. I went with this beautiful dusty blue. Apparently I’m into this color right meow because I just painted my laundry room and bathroom this color and have matching bedsheets and duvet cover on my bed. Blue yeah!

Step 1: Cut out all the pieces. In this tutorial I’m making two Full Bums and two Thongs.

How to Batch Sew Underwear

Step 2: Sew the crotch gussets and sides of each pair.

How to Batch Sew Underwear

Step 3: Cut the elastic for the legs and waistband of each pair. Be sure to keep track of which lengths goes with which pairs!

How to Batch Sew Underwear

Step 4: Sew each elastic into a loop.

How to Batch Sew Underwear
How to Batch Sew Underwear

Step 5: Serge all the elastic onto the waist and legs.

How to Batch Sew Underwear

Step 6: Fold the elastic under and sew.

Woohoo! Olive Undies!

How to Batch Sew Underwear

Underwear Sewing Pattern Fit Adjustments - The Olive Undies

Bodies are like sculptures — works of art to be celebrated. Sewing allows you to celebrate the uniqueness of your body in a powerful way by providing the opportunity to tweak the shape of your clothing. One fun way to honor your body is to adorn it with clothing that is made especially for your contours.

Here’s how to make adjustments to the Olive Undies.

Let’s jump in and play!

If you need to increase or decrease the amount of room in the bum zone, you can adjust the leg opening of the Back pattern piece. Move it in if you need less room, move it out if you need more room.

If you aren’t sure how much you need to add or decrease, try 3/8 - 1/2” (1 cm - 1.3 cm) to get started.

Underwear sewing adjustments - Sarah Kirsten Olive Undies

If you need the biggest part of the bum to be a little higher or lower than the original pattern, you can shift the curve up or down along the Back piece of the pattern.

Underwear sewing adjustments - Sarah Kirsten Olive Undies

If you would like to make the rise of the leg higher, you can increase the height of the leg opening by equal amounts on both the Front and Back pattern pieces.

Underwear sewing adjustments - Sarah Kirsten Olive Undies

If you would like to lower the rise of the leg, you can decrease the height of the leg opening by equal amounts on both the Front and Back pattern pieces.

Underwear sewing adjustments - Sarah Kirsten Olive Undies

If the width of the bum is too wide near the crotch, you can decrease the width of the bottom of the Back piece and the top of the Crotch piece in equal amounts.

Underwear sewing adjustments - Sarah Kirsten Olive Undies

If the width of the bum is too narrow by the crotch, you can increase the width of the bottom of the Back piece and the top of the Crotch piece in equal amounts.

Underwear sewing adjustments - Sarah Kirsten Olive Undies

If you haven’t grabbed the pattern yet, you can get the Olive Undies here!

Olive Undies Full Bum Sew Along

Oh the joy of undies!

The Olive Undies sewing pattern comes with a Thong version and a Full Bum version.

These Full Bum undies are designed to be one of the most well covering and most comfortable pairs of underwear you own.

Although this tutorial is for the Olive Undies specifically, the techniques can be applied to all your underwear and swimwear sewing adventures. Sew yeah!

This tutorial uses a serger, but fear not! A zigzag stitch substitutes seamlessly (haha punny).

Let’s jump in

Step 1: Cut out all the pieces with stretchy fabric that makes you smile.

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Step 2: Place the Front and Back pieces right side up. Place them so their tops are facing each other.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 3: Roll the tops of both pieces down toward the crotch.

_U5A7608.jpgHow to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 4: Place one of the Crotch pieces right side up underneath. Match up the edges.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten.jpg
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 5: Place the other Crotch piece right side down on top. Clip or pin in place.

At this point the Front and Back pieces are sandwiched in between the two Crotch pieces.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 6: Sew with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance using your stretch stitch of preference.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 7: Trim seam allowance.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 8: Turn the underwear right side out through the crotch.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 9: Trim off any corners sticking out from the seams.

MARK7696.jpg
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 10: Line up the side seams. Clip or pin in place.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 11: Sew side seams with 3/8” (1 cm) seam allowance using your preferred stitch.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

If you have a serger, serge edges for a nice finish.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 12: Cut the leg and waistband elastic. Refer to the chart in the pattern to see what lengths to cut for your size.

Step 13: Overlap the ends 1/2” (1.3 cm) and zig zag stitch.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 14: Clip or pin the elastic in four even sections around the waistband. Fold the undies in half to find the halfway points.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 15: Line up the edge of the elastic with the edge of the fabric. Serge or zig zag stitch all the way around.

Tips for getting started with elastic

a) Make sure the foot and needle of your machine are up.

b) Spread the elastic tight between two fingers. Slide it under the foot. Put the foot and needle down to hold it in place.

c) Grab the elastic with one hand in front of the machine and the other hand in back. Stretch out the elastic to the next place it’s clipped or pinned to see how tight it is supposed to be.

d) Stretch out the elastic with your hands. Let the machine pull it through at its own speed. Don’t push or pull with your hands, just let the machine do the work while your hands keep the elastic tight for it to sew easily.

e) Sew one small section at a time. Sew. Tighten a section. Sew. Tighten a section.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step : Repeat the steps to sew on the elastic evenly around the legs.

How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
MARK7807.jpg
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten
How to Sew Underwear - step by step tutorial with lots of photos by Sarah Kirsten

Step 16: Fold over the elastic once toward the wrong side. Stitch all the way around with zig zag stitch. Overlap the beginning and end of the stitching 1” (2.5 cm). No back stitching.

For the waistband, start stitching in the back or on one of the sides.

UNDIES Sew Along - How to Sew a Pair of Underwear. Tutorial with lots of photos.
UNDIES Sew Along - How to Sew a Pair of Underwear. Tutorial with lots of photos.
UNDIES Sew Along - How to Sew a Pair of Underwear. Tutorial with lots of photos.

For the legs, start stitching on the crotch.

UNDIES Sew Along - How to Sew a Pair of Underwear. Tutorial with lots of photos.

That’s it! Well done!

UNDIES Sew Along - How to Sew a Pair of Underwear. Tutorial with lots of photos.

If you’d like to grab the Olive Undies sewing pattern, you can get it here!

Big Printer

I’m happy to introduce an addition to my sewing room — Big Printer.

Big Printer is a 36” plotter printer that can print out patterns on one continuous sheet of paper, just like a copy shop. This is handy for my own sewing and pattern drafting.

But even more exciting is the opportunity to start offering printed patterns to online customers and to indie sewing shops.

Printed Patterns - Sarah Kirsten

My local print shop is wonderful to work with and kindly printed pattern envelopes for me.

Printed Patterns - Sarah Kirsten

These shelves from Ikea were just what I was looking for. Simple, unstained wood, adjustable, affordable, easy to put together and move. Little Printer, rolls of paper, and a mix of shipping supplies and my personal sewing tools are organized on these shelves.

Printed Patterns - Sarah Kirsten

I wasn’t sure where I was going to put Big Printer. It’s bigger than I expected. But it fits perfectly on top of my antique dresser. I’m currently using it to house fabric. Generally I prefer open shelving for fabric so I can easily see what I have. But this is what fits best in my sewing room for now, so I’m thankful to have it on hand.

MARK6804.jpg

Big Printer and Blue Serger are enjoying each other’s company.

Printed Patterns - Sarah Kirsten
Printed Patterns - Sarah Kirsten

Printed patterns coming next week!

Mixing Serger Thread Color

Serger thread

Clothes always look better when you have matching serger thread. If you don’t have perfectly matching thread, you can put on a mixture of colors. For this pair of undies I couldn’t find matching serger thread at the fabric store. I loaded the serger with two orange spools and two bright red spools I had on hand.

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Zoomed out view of current sewing space. Shooting tutorials in this bright, white, empty room.

Sewing and photoing

The Easiest Way to Change Serger Thread

The easiest way to change serger thread

Sergers are a real joy to sew with, but not always fun to rethread.

I learned threading the hard way. My serger is on semi permanent loan from my sister who inherited it from our grandmother. No one taught me how to use it and I didn’t have the manual, so I always changed the threads manually. It took a long time, was quite frustrating, and it led me to not change the thread color very often.

But a good way to make your handmade clothes look more professional is to use matching thread, which means changing the serger thread often. Thankfully there is an easy way to do it!

I hope this can save someone else some frustration.

How to change serger thread the easy way

1) Snip all the threads that are currently threaded through the serger near their spool.

2) Put on the new spools. Tie each new spool to the old thread with a square knot.

The easiest way to changer serger thread
The easiest way to changer serger thread

3) Press the pedal and carefully let the new threads wind their way to the needles.

The easiest way to changer serger thread

Often the thread goes smoothly through the needles with no problem. But sometimes you have to help a knot through a needle or to cut a knot and thread a needle manually. Either way, it beats manually threading the whole machine!

The easiest way to changer serger thread

Woohoo! That’s it! This method is a big time saver (not to mention stress and frustration).

The easiest way to changer serger thread
The easiest way to changer serger thread