The Verge’s Senior Designer Reveals Her Sewing Secret Weapon
Cath Virginia, senior designer at The Verge, is known for her stunning illustrations and collages that bring articles to life. Her work has been instrumental in feature designs for award-winning pieces, and she recently refreshed the branding for Notepad by Tom Warren and Verge Deals. However, beyond her professional accomplishments, Virginia harbors a passion for sewing – and her favorite gadget might surprise you.
Enter the Brother 1034D Serger, a specialized sewing machine that has become Virginia’s go-to tool for her hobby. This device, also known as an overlocker, is a game-changer in apparel making. Unlike traditional sewing machines, sergers feature two needles and use up to four strands of thread to create loops and finished edges on knitwear. They’re also equipped with a knife for clean, professional-looking seams.
Virginia purchased her serger in March as a birthday and tax return present. Her motivation stemmed from the difficulty of finding well-fitting clothes and a preference for comfortable knits. “Traditional machines just aren’t ideal for stretchy seams,” Virginia explained.
When choosing her serger, Virginia prioritized easy threading, an adjustable free arm for cuffs and sleeves, and the ability to sew multiple layers. After extensive research, including watching numerous YouTube reviews, she settled on the Brother 1034D for its affordability and positive user feedback.
The learning curve was steep, with Virginia admitting to initial frustration and intimidation by the threading process. However, she persevered, starting with simple projects like hemming shirts before progressing to a maxi skirt with pockets and a crop top.
The serger’s advantages quickly became apparent. It solved issues Virginia had encountered with traditional machines, such as unintentional ruffles on knits. The differential feed feature, with two feed dogs for fabric control, allows for flattening seams or creating lettuce hems. Additionally, the machine comes with a gathering foot for easy ruffles.
Despite its many benefits, Virginia noted one limitation: the lack of two-thread coverstitch capability. However, she’s found a workaround using the blind hem foot, though she admits it requires practice to perfect.
For those considering a serger, Virginia recommends it for frequent knitwear sewers, emphasizing how it enhances garment quality and efficiency. She cautions that while it’s not a replacement for lockstitch machines, it’s a valuable addition to any sewing enthusiast’s toolkit.
Virginia’s final advice? “Don’t let the threading process intimidate you, and whatever you do, don’t sew over pins – the knife won’t forgive you!”
As The Verge’s senior designer continues to create visually stunning content for the digital world, her serger allows her to craft equally impressive creations in the physical realm – one stitch at a time.
