Overlocker Tips & Tricks Series
Forgotten Feet That Fix the Frustrations
Master overlocker skills that make every finish look professional.
If your domestic overlocker feels more stressful than satisfying, you’re not alone. Wavy hems, stretched seams, bulky gathers, elastic that misbehaves – these are the little battles that make many sewists avoid their machine unless they absolutely have to.
This Tips & Tricks series helps you turn those frustrations into confidence, one forgotten foot at a time. Each session focuses on a specific foot and the real problems it solves, so you stop guessing, stop unpicking and start getting clean, professional results that feel easy to repeat.
Workshop Details at a Glance
- Time: 9am–12pm or 1:30-4:30pm (3 hours), depending on the schedule. Check our Events calendar for dates.
- Price: R295 per session
- Skill level: Confident beginner to advanced
- Machines: All brands and ages welcome
- Bring: Your overlockere and basic sewing kit
- Provided : Test fabric.
How the Series Works
- Each workshop topic is offered twice per year.
- Maximum of 8 participants per session.
More About The Workshops
Forgotten Feet: Gathering Foot
Buttonholes are one of the most common stress points for sewists – and one of the most misunderstood.
Have you ever tried adding gathers to a project… and it turned into a slow, fiddly mess?
Pins everywhere. Uneven fullness. Fabric shifting. One side longer than the other. And by the time you’re done, the “pretty ruffle idea” feels like a punishment.
This workshop is for you – whether you already own a gathering foot or you’ve never even seen one in real life.
In this 3-hour in-store demonstration, we’ll show you how the gathering foot can turn gathering from a frustrating chore into a quick, controlled technique you can use for real sewing – hems, skirt tiers, sleeves, flounces and decorative details.
Mastering Zipper Techniques
Once you understand the structure, placement and order of construction, zips won’t feel intimidating anymore.
This workshop focuses on clean, professional zip insertion of the standard zip, fly front zip and invisible zips with neat finishes at waistbands and seams. You’ll practice controlling fabric layers, managing bulk and achieving smooth transitions at the top and bottom of the zip.
Also, we’ll look at common mistakes that cause puckering or misalignment and how to avoid them through preparation rather than correction.
Perfect Pockets
Pockets are functional, but they’re also a design feature – and they need to sit correctly to look intentional.
This session will teach you how to place and reinforce pockets, add seam strength and avoid distortion, sagging, or bulky corners.
You’ll practice different pocket styles and learn how to attach them neatly and securely. Pockets covered are the:
- patch pocket,
- in-seam pocket,
- welt pocket, and
- zipper pocket
You’ll gain confidence working with pocket bags, facings and linings and understand how to adjust techniques depending on garment type and fabric choice.
Mastering Bias Binding
Bias binding is one of those techniques that looks simple – until it isn’t.
This workshop teaches you how to handle bias correctly so that it curves smoothly, lies flat and finishes cleanly. We’ll cover how to:
- make your own bias binding,
- cut bias binding,
- use tape makers
- add binding on curves, and
- measure bias binding
You’ll practice attaching and finishing bias binding on straight edges, curves and corners, while learning how grain direction affects the final result.
We’ll also cover common problems such as twisting, stretching and uneven widths – and how to prevent them from the start.
Perfect Your Piping
Piping adds structure, definition and a professional finish – but only when it’s done accurately.
During this session, you’ll learn how to make piping, insert it evenly and keep it crisp through seams and corners. We’ll focus on:
- how to make piping ( using your sewing machine or overlocker),
- straight edge,
- curved edge, and
- corners edge piping
Also, we’ll cover decorative piping, including how to make:
- gathering piping,
- double cord piping,
- pebble piping, and
- the joining of piping
Lastly, you will learn how to manage layers, control seam allowances and maintain consistent spacing so that the piping enhances the design, rather than overpowering it.
This workshop is especially useful for garments, cushions, bags and home décor projects.
Needles & Threads Demystified
The right needle and thread combination can completely change how your machine performs – and yet it’s one of the most overlooked aspects of sewing.
In this practical session, you’ll explore different needle types, sizes and points, as well as a variety of threads and their best uses. You’ll learn how to match needle and thread to fabric, technique and project type, and how incorrect choices can cause skipped stitches, breakage, tension issues, or fabric damage.
This class helps you sew more smoothly, protect your machine and improve stitch quality across all projects.
Next Overlocker Tips & Tricks Workshops
FAQ
Do I need to attend all the workshops?
No. Each session is standalone. You can attend only the techniques you want to improve.
What skill level is required?
You should at least be a confident beginner who can thread your machine and sew a straight seam. The content is layered to support intermediate and advanced sewists as well.
Do I need a Bernina machine?
No. These workshops are suitable for all machine brands and ages.
Will I complete a project?
These sessions focus on technique practice rather than finished projects, allowing you to concentrate fully on skill-building.
Will there be notes or handouts?
Handouts will be provided in certain sessions. Other than that, the learning is practical and hands-on.
Connect with Us
Tel. 021 773 0145 (Hermanus)
Whatsapp: 072 987 2512
Email. [email protected]
Address. Shop 2,
Hemel-en-Aarde Village, Cnr R43 & R320, Sandbaai, Hermanus,
Western Cape, South Africa