Crazy Quilt Tray Liner on the Bernina L890 with Decorative Flatlock

If you’re completely new to serging – or just getting started with the Bernina L890 – you might want to begin with the first project I made, the Speedy Serger Shoe Bag. It’s a simple, skill-building project that’s perfect for getting comfortable with the machine. This is a perfectly imperfect project, that you can truly make your own. I think mine looks like I have a shrimp in the middle of it, and I love that! Also, I cut mine down to turn it into a bigger sized mug rug. Scroll down to see it on my desk being used!

Why I Picked the Catherine Crazy Quilt Serger Tray Liner Class

Up to this point in my fabric arts journey, quilting has been my main focus, but I had never attempted a crazy quilt before this project. Working through this creative challenge gave me a much better appreciation of what makes crazy quilts so unique and interesting. Now, I’m more curious to study them closely when I see them in person. Isn’t it wonderful when creating changes our perspectives? That’s the beauty of art.

This Serger Tray Liner Can All Be from Scraps

A great reason to make this project is that you can use scraps! Everything I used in this project is a scrap, except the thread.

I pieced the batting, the backing and used leftover fabrics for the top. It was great!

Skills I Learned in the Sookie Sews Class

• How to master the 2-thread flatlock stitch
• Designing a crazy quilt layout from scratch
• Threading both needles and loopers with decorative threads
• Several techniques for threading thicker or specialty threads, depending on the tools you have
• Creative ways to use decorative threads in your projects
• How to sew Sookie’s signature “cotton candy stitch”
• Smart tips for burying thread ends– even as someone familiar with this, her finishing advice was a great refresher

Some things I Needed for This Project

These are some of the things that I needed, that I didn’t have at the time. The pattern calls for Mettler Seracor serger thread – I use Madeira Aerolock Premium serger thread, which is also fine. Consult the pattern for the full list of supplies and materials.

• 12 wt WonderFil Spagetti thread
• WonderFil SoftLoc
• Sulky KK20000
• Standard or Clear presser foot – I bought the Bernina C27 Clear foot for my Bernina L890 serger.

Things I had but found incredibly helpful.

• Wonder Clips
• Pilot Frixion Heat Pen
• Fray Check
• Rotary cutter
• Tapestry (Blunt) Needle (I used this instead of a double eye needle or Lil Hookey Serger Seam Hook that are mentioned) – in hindsight the tapestry needle was a bit too big for the job, and I’ll try one of the other options next time I do this technique.
• Metal thread stand

Again, that’s not the full list of supplies, but things I needed to buy that I didn’t already have or things I found helpful that I did have.

What I Loved About This Project

This was my first time ever doing a flatlock stitch, and I was blown away by how beautiful and functional it is. I followed the pattern instructions closely at first, but then decided to make it fit my specific needs…a place to put a cup or small plate! I ended up cutting the piece in half and reassembling it with additional flatlock stitching. I felt confident enough in the skills I had just learned to make those changes – what a great feeling!

I also loved learning how to use decorative thread in my serger. What I learned here set the stage for understanding threading my machine with thicker threads, a skill I’ve built on as I’ve moved into more difficult projects. This was my first time using 12 wt Wonderfill Spagetti thread and Wonderfill SoftLoc and Sookie’s tips were extremely valuable for learning to thread with them and use them on a project.

The final result? A small mug rug that fits perfectly in front of my keyboard. It’s just right for holding a snack or drink when I’m working at my desk. More than that, it’s a reminder of how much fun I had learning and making this project!

Project Snapshot

• Machine: Bernina L890 Serger
• Pattern: Catherine Crazy Quilt Serger Tray Liner by Sookie Sews
• Instructor: Sookie Sews
• Sewing Studio: Joy’s Life

Getting started with a serger? This was the second Sookie Sews beginner serger project that I made with my Bernina L890, and it built perfectly on the skills from my first class with Sookie.
Save or share this post if you’re collecting beginner-friendly serger project ideas!

Want to Explore a Little More?

• Speedy Serger Shoe Bag – A Perfect Starter Project
• Cookin’ in Color Apron – Coverstitch Made Easy
• Hideaway Hanger Safe – Clever Storage Idea
• Bernina L890 Class Order for Beginners – Simple Path for Beginners
• Fabric Scrap Storage – Keep Your Fabric Organized

Check out my favorite sewing & craft resources — just a curated list of the thread, tools, and supplies I use most.