Baby Lock Wave Stitch + Rolled Wave Stitch: The “Instant WOW” Serger Edge

If you’ve ever wanted an edge finish that looks decorative and professional—without adding a bunch of extra steps—meet the Wave Stitch. It’s an exclusive stitch available on select Baby Lock sergers that creates a pretty, wavy edging that’s totally different from a lettuce edge (think “smooth waves,” not ruffly).

In the video, we demo both the Wave Stitch and the Rolled Wave Stitch, which is basically the wave stitch’s fancy cousin—perfect when you want that rolled, wrapped edge look with a decorative wave on top.

What is the Wave Stitch?

The Wave Stitch is a decorative serger stitch created using oscillating tensions, which makes the looper threads form a true wave along the fabric edge. It’s designed to add flair to things like:

• quilt binding

• garment hems

• ruffles and flounces

• napkins/tea towels

• scarves and edge finishes on lighter fabrics

Baby Lock describes it as a “charming wavy edging” and recommends testing when using decorative threads.

Before you start: what you’ll want handy

• A Baby Lock serger model that includes the Wave Stitch

• Standard serger thread plus optional decorative thread (for extra “pop”)

• Fabric scraps for testing (always!)

• Tweezers/threading tools (if needed)

• A steady “slow and smooth” mindset for your first run

How to set up the Wave Stitch (the practical overview)

Because exact dials/menus can vary by model, the goal is to follow the Wave Stitch setup for your specific machine, then fine-tune with test swatches.

Here’s the workflow you’ll see in the demo:

1. Select the Wave Stitch on your serger
   (On Baby Lock machines that offer it, the Wave Stitch is a specialty setting.)

2. Thread for the stitch
   Use the threading path your machine requires for Wave Stitch. If you’re using decorative thread, you’ll usually place it where it will show off most on the edge (many makers love heavier/decorative thread in a looper position for this). Baby Lock specifically encourages experimenting with thread colors and stitch widths.

3. Test stitch on scraps and adjust
   The “wave” look changes with:

   • stitch width (bigger/smaller wave feel)

   • tensions (balance = pretty waves)

   • thread type (decorative threads exaggerate the effect)

4. Stitch your final edge
   Go steady so the fabric feeds evenly and the wave pattern stays consistent.

Where this shines: A decorative edge on binding is chef’s kiss. Baby Lock even has a project where you stitch Wave Stitch on the folded edge of binding—using the knife as a guide and being careful not to cut through the fold.

Rolled Wave Stitch: same wow, extra polished edge

The Rolled Wave Stitch combines that wavy look with a rolled edge finish—so your raw edge gets wrapped/rolled while the wave decorates the outside.

Think of it like:

• Wave Stitch = decorative edge

• Rolled Wave Stitch = decorative edge plus a tidy rolled finish

This version is especially cute on lighter-weight fabrics and “pretty edge” projects like scarves, ruffle trims, and decorative linens.

Where to use it: quick project ideas

If you want an excuse to use this stitch immediately:

• Quilt binding with wave detail along the folded edge

• Tea towels / napkins with a decorative wavy hem

• Ruffle trim for pillows, aprons, or gift bags

• Garment hems (especially simple tops where the hem becomes the feature)

• Ribbon or trim accents (test first, then commit)

Troubleshooting tips (because the wave can be dramatic)

• Wave doesn’t look “wavy” enough: test a different stitch width and re-balance tensions.

• Thread looks flat or skimpy: try a thicker/decorative thread (and test first).

• Fabric edge looks messy: slow down and practice guiding; use the knife as a guide when appropriate (but don’t trim into folds).

Watch the video and stitch along

This is one of those techniques that clicks instantly once you see it—especially how the stitch forms and what changes when you adjust settings. Play the tutorial and do a few test strips right along with it so you can dial in the exact wave look you want.

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Ready to bring home a serger (or upgrade)?

At My Girlfriend’s Quilt Shoppe, we know a serger is the secret to professional-looking seams, flawless finishes, and stretch-friendly stitches. That’s why we carry trusted brands like Brother and Baby Lock, offering everything from beginner-friendly models to advanced sergers with cover stitch options. Whether you’re sewing garments, home décor, or quilting accents, we’ll help you choose the serger that takes your stitching to the next level.

You can shop sergers right on our website—beginner-friendly options all the way up to feature-packed dream machines.