I have a Singer serger and have its own manual. Could you go to the dealer of your serger brand and get a manual. There is an internet site where you can download manuals for various sewing machines-perhaps sergers too.I have been on the site but didn't bookmark it as I really didn't need it. I'm sure someone else here will know. As well I have from the Singer series of books "Sewing With an Overlock" and "Innovative Serging" By Gail Brown and Tammy young. I have to admit that although I've had my serger for about 12 years and use it a lot, I've mostly just done overcasting of seams. It's been an annual promise to myself to explore its other capabitities. Just never enough time!!

Judy, I'll be interested to see if anyone suggests a good "how to" book. I have an old New Home serger that was my MIL's, and it's manual is pretty sketchy! I bought 2 books from Amazon (you know how they are..."if you want this book, it'll be better to buy this one too!"). One is troubleshooting for sergers (which has been helpful) and the other is serger techniques. Well, I found that not knowing anything about basic serger use, the technique book is sort of beyond me. Plus I don't really know what this serger will do (as far as different stitches & stuff). At least the troubleshooting book helped me figure out why only 3 threads were stitching when all 4 were threaded! (One of the needles wasn't inserted properly.)

I have the one that came with my serger,a white 534 and i also have one i purchased that covers the basics on all.It called"The Successful Serging handbook,by Lenora Johnson and Sharon Hirscher.In it they cover the basics,as well as tell/show problem solving,attaching elastic,ribbing,blindhemming,darts,gathering.Also spaghetti straps,decorative applications,suggest sewing projects,and has a dictionary of sewing terms.
I've had this book for at least 15 to 20 years,but you still may be able to find it or an equal at Amazon.com.
Hope this helps.
Kathi

"Serger Secrets: High-Fashion Techniques for Creating Great-Looking Clothes" is a good softcover book on technique (bought at Barnes & Noble), but I too would suggest a brand-specific manual from the manufacturer.

ya gotta get the manual. Which serger do you have?

I also reccommend the Singer book chickadee 3a mentioned...Sewing with an Overlock. It is very good. If you give us the brand and model of serger you have perhaps someone here can help you out....we need that to give you more effective information. a manual is really the key when you are starting out if at all possible to get one.

When I first got my serger from a friend (still in the box, no manual, sigh), first thing I did was locate a manual. I had to order it from England, but it's proved invaluable.

Then I got two books from Amazon that have been able to answer all my questions, so far.

The Serger Idea Book. A Collection of Inspiring Ideas from Pamer/Pletsch

ABCs of Serging. A Complete Guide to Serger Sewing Basics by Tammy Young and Lori Bottom

Good luck!

Here is a link where you can download manuals in PDF format for less that purchasing a hardcover book.
The have a manuals for = Sew Machines * Sergers * Embroidery Machines
Link below

Here is a link that might be useful: manuals