Learn to sew quickly and professionally with these speciality machines!
Sewing Classes
Serger + Coverstitch Basics | Sewing Class
Enrol in class with or without a pattern:
Wondering whether you should add a serger or coverstitch machine to your roster? Already have one (or both) but feel intimidated by all those spools of threads? Or, do you worry you're not taking full advantage of all the stitching features at your disposal?
The all-in-one solution is here! Serger + Coverstitch Basics is our answer to every question you've had about these amazing supplemental sewing machines. Whether you're sewing knit fabrics or want to create more professional seam finishes for woven garments, in this online sewing class we will demystify both sergers (or overlockers) and coverstitch machines, and teach you the no-filler foundational skills you will actually use in your garment sewing practice. By following along with our step-by-step video lessons, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how these machines work, what they can do, and how you can use them everyday to elevate and speed up your sewing.
This class is divided into sections, which means you don't need both machines to start learning. We'll focus on the serger or overlocker first, and learn how to thread it, operate it, and use it to sew a variety of practical seam finishes. In the second section, we'll master the coverstitch machine, including various useful finishes, from a chainstitch to double and triple rows of topstitching. Along the way, we'll demystify how these machines work, and help you identify and troubleshoot any issue you may encounter.
Last but not least, we'll take everything we've learned and apply it to an actual garment. Using the Marine Top + Dress pattern (included with enrolment) and a complete video sewalong in our final section, you'll be able to channel your new skills with a beautiful new make you'll be proud to wear.
We want to get you serging and coverstitching quickly and with confidence, and Heather Lou of Closet Core Patterns teaches each lesson with humour and encouragement to make the whole process fun and stress-free. By the end of this class, you'll feel excited and motivated to really put these machines to work in your sewing practice!
Work at your own pace – watching anytime, anywhere, on any device – and learn how to give a professional finish to all your makes with your new favourite sewing machines!
View the Trailer:
You'll learn...
- How a serger or overlocker works, with guidance on troubleshooting and maintenance
- How to easily thread different types of sergers, from manual to air-threading, plus a method for quickly switching thread
- Primary serger stitches for garment sewing, including 3 and 4 thread overlock and narrow rolled hems
- How to adjust serger settings for different conditions and fabrics
- Advanced techniques for sewing curves, bulky fabrics, gathering, sewing in the round, and inserting elastic
- How a coverstitch machine works and operates
- How to thread and solve common coverstitch tension problems
- How to seamlessly stop and start coverstitching
- Primary coverstitch stitches, including double and triple stitches and chainstitching
- How to fully assemble the Marine Top using serged seams and coverstitched finishes
Included Pattern:
To help contextualize what you learn in this class, we've included a chic and timeless knit pattern with your enrolment, the Marine Top + Dress in sizes 0-32. Follow along while Heather constructs it from start to finish, showing how to employ both types of machines in garment sewing (along with sharing some basic tips on sewing knits and matching stripes!)
Available solely in PDF format, Marine is our twist on an iconic Breton marinière. With a gently flared sleeve, slouchy fit, dropped shoulder, and classic details like a wide bateau neckline, topstitched facing, and split hem, you’ll feel like you stepped right out of a French New Wave film while wearing it. The pattern can be made as a top or dress and includes two neckline facing options and two sleeve lengths.
If you already have the pattern in your collection, you can choose "No pattern" as an option and checkout at a reduced rate.
Also Included:
- Exclusive downloadable Serger + Coverstitch Ebook guides to help you diagnose and solve common threading and tension issues
- Access to our private students-only forum where you can ask for help, share your progress and meet new sewing friends
- One-on-one advice and help when you need it! You can always count on a response from our team when you have questions or need support while sewing along with our classes
- Watch anywhere video lessons with closed captioning
Class Benefits:
Meet Your Instructor
Heather Lou is the force behind Closet Core Patterns and Core Fabrics. As a pattern designer and sewing educator, she has been writing and teaching about sewing for over a decade, and has taught thousands of people to sew, both online and in sold-out sewing workshops across North America & Europe. Her work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, Seamwork, Love Sewing and Sewing World magazine.
With her contagiously positive attitude, Heather’s teaching style is fun, approachable, and filled with helpful tips and techniques to help you transform the outfits in your imagination into a self-made wardrobe you love — not one you’re limited to buying off the rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm psyched about making learning how to finally use a serger and coverstitch machine! How do I get started?
To get sewing, choose whether you'd like to take the class with or without the pattern, and then add the class to your cart. Once you check out, you'll be automatically enrolled in your class on our class platform called Mighty Networks. The link to login to the class will be sent to you via email. You can download your pattern immediately after checkout or from a link in your order confirmation email. Please check your spam folder if you don't receive it after finalizing your purchase.
Do I need a serger AND a coverstitch machine to take this class?
Not at all! Since we've focused on each machine in its own section, you can dip and out of the lessons applicable to you. Whether you only have a serger or want to focus exclusively on getting to know a coverstitch machine, it's easy to do so by watching only the section you need. And while we use a coverstitch machine to finish the Marine top hems, you can also just use a double needle or zig zag stitch on a regular machine if you don't have a coverstitch machine just yet.
When does this class start and finish?
The beauty of Closet Core Patterns’ online classes is that you call the shots on when they begin and end. Serger + Coverstitch Basics is a completely self-paced online class, which means you get to decide when you start, when you finish, and how many times you replay it.
What will I need to get started?
You will need either a serger or coverstitch machine (or both!) We focus on each style of machine in seperate sections, do you don't need both to take the class.
We'll also share a complete supply list, along with information about where and how to source everything on said list. At the very least, you’ll need fabric to practice on and serger thread, plus the fabric and supplies needed if you are making Marine.
How long does the class take to complete?
It’s up to you! To give you an idea of how long the class is start to finish, the video runs just over 5 hours long and comprises 10 lessons total. Since we cover the construction of a pattern, you'll be able to skip around to relevant sections for you. Binge watch them in a weekend, or do a little at a time. You can return to the class as many times as you’d like, and there’s no time limit for you to complete in.
How do I get my pattern?
Marine is available in PDF format and you'll be able to download it immediately after checkout, or by using the download link sent to you via email.
How long can I access the class?
All day, ‘erryday. But for real, this class includes lifetime access. After you enroll, the class is yours, which means you’ve got unlimited access for as long as you like, across all devices for all of eternity.