As the number of layers increase, so does the challenge to feed those layers through an overlocker. For a long time I lived (well) with not so accurate starts.

It remains a puzzle, I just know that I am not alone when it comes to believing that making “Homemade” is right, but looking “Homemade” is wrong. So in an effort to have better looking seams I tried various approaches. Like tacking down the bound edges of a neckline before overlocking the second shoulder. That worked quite well but it involved two steps with two machines. Mmmm… didn’t I use this as an argument to purchase an extra machine not so long ago? 😆

But efficiency wants a say too so, while performing mundane stuff like emptying dishwashers and ironing, I started thinking of a method that would produce a seam start like this

Here is a quick resume of the steps I am taking:

1. lower the needles
2. raise the presser foot
3. position the trimmed and aligned edges against the needles
4. turn the handwheel two full turns towards me (counter clockwise) and stop with the needles down
5. grab the thread tails and remove all threads from the stitch finger and firmly pull them forward and underneath the presser foot
6. check to see if there is any slack on the threads near the edge, if necessary pull gently at the threads at the top of the thread pole
7. place a fabric hump jumper (6 layers of ribbing) next to the edge underneath the presser foot
8. lower the presser foot
9. place a plastic hump jumper or the back of a pair of tweezers underneath the front part of the presser foot making sure to stay to the left of the mark for the left needle on the tip of the presser foot
10. start sewing while holding on firmly to the thread tails and exerting downward pressure on the (yellow) hump jumper

And here I have taken these steps to the movies

Anything useful in what I shared? I welcome your comments and questions. For more conversation, please join us on Facebook Coverstitch/Coverlock.