• To prevent stitches from pulling off when serging lightweight or sheer fabric, apply a 1"-long sealant line onto the fabric edge and let it dry; this allows the needle to easily catch the fabric (Figure 2).
  
  

• If the edge doesn't roll consistently over a seam when roll hemming, dab sealant on the unrolled seam stitching wrong side. When tacky, finger-press it to the wrong side to create a bond.

  Figure 3 When serging over rolled edge seam, apply sealant, then press to wrong side when tacky.

  
  
• On loosely woven fabric, dab a fine sealant line along the trimming line. Let it dry, then serge without trimming. The sealant stiffens the fabric and prevents the threads from showing through the stitching.
  
  
• Using sealant when serging outside curves neatens the edges and the dried sealant doesn't affect the serged stitch. Or after serging, if threads show through, dab sealant lightly on the excess threads, let it dry, then trim carefully.
  
  
• For more body or to stabilize the fabric edge, dab on a sealant line, let it dry; serge, trimming just to neaten. Or fold a 1/4" sealant-treated edge to the wrong side and serge over the fold.
  
  
• When applying the softer sealants to lightweight or sheer fabric edges, the fabric will still roll into a rolled hem, sealing the threads inside the serging (Figure 3).

Figure 4

Wrap thread around three tear-away stabilizer layers; serge edge.

• When serging decorative thread chains, cording or braid, dab seam sealant on the ends to prevent the chain from raveling. Or knot the ends, dab sealant next to the knot and trim after drying. Use chains and cording for jewelry, belts, closures, etc.
  
  
• Make serger chain fringe using seam sealant. Select thread that will hang freely as fringe, then use it to serge yards of decorative chain. Loosely wrap the chain around three heavy tear-away stabilizer layers cut to the desired fringe length. With a wide balanced stitch, using the same decorative thread in the upper looper, serge along one long edge. Dab sealant on the opposite end chains to prevent unraveling; let it dry, then cut through the chains. Carefully tear away the stabilizer one layer at a time. Topstitch the fringe to the project along the balanced serging upper edge. Figure 4.
  
  
• Fray Stop aerosol spray is ideal when serging long edges, such as on bridal veils and home dec projects. It will stabilize without stiffness and doesn't affect needle penetration. Work on a protected surface and place a piece of waxed paper over the fabric, exposing just the narrow raw edge. Spray sparingly, let it dry, then serge.