How to Use a Serger
Turn the machine off., Determine the correct threading order., Place a spool of thread on the upper looper., Thread the upper looper., Thread the lower looper., Thread the needles., Turn on the serger., Determine what stitch you want to use., Adjust...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Turn the machine off.
A serger should be off when you thread it.
Locate your sergers power button and switch it off., Most sergers use four spools of thread: two for looping underneath the needles and two to use in the needles.
The model you have will tell you the order in which you thread them.
Look at the threading diagram on your machine.A 3-thread machine has an upper looper, lower looper and a single needle thread. , More than likely the upper looper will be on the right side of the machine.
Set a spool of thread on the correct spindle for this. , Pull the upper looper thread up so that it is just below the needles.
Remove the faceplate on the machine's front and pull the thread through the metal loops underneath the plate.
Your serger will most likely have a color-coded guide to help you thread the upper looper. , Set the spool on the second spindle and bring the thread over the front of the machine.
Use tweezers to help you get the thread through the tight spots on the machine. , Set the threads on the spindles and bring them over the front of the machine.
Put the thread through the needle or needles on the overlock sewing machine. , You will need to use your serger to adjust the tension, so switch the power button on. , A serger can do many things like create a rolled hem, finish raw knit edges and gather fabric.
Look at your user manual to determine what stitch you need to use for your desired result.Visit https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2012/10/what-does-this-serger-stitch-do/ for more information or if you don't have a manual. , After you decide on what effect you want, your manual should tell you the required tension for each spool.
Adjust each tension dial accordingly., You do not need fabric under the needles to test a serger stitch.
Place your foot on the machine pedal and let the machine create looped thread. , You should have an idea of how your stitch should look by looking in your serger’s user manual.
The loops and interlocking stitches should be even, without areas that are too even or too loose.
If the stitches are loose, adjust the tension dials next to each spool of thread on the overlock sewing machine to make the thread tighter.
If the fabric is puckered or bunched up, loosen the tension on the serger. , Find a piece of scrap fabric to test your stitch.
Continue to sew practice stitches until the stitches are even. , Lift the presser foot lever up to lift the metal presser foot and turn the needle dial towards you to lift the needles., Lift your practice string up and back while you slide your fabric under the presser foot and needles. , Lower the presser lever to lower the foot and turn the needle dial towards you to lower the needles. , A serger will finish seams and cut your fabric at the same time.
Look at the seam allowance numbers to the right of the needle and push the fabric past the blade accordingly.
This can be
1.5 to
2.5 cm depending on what seam allowance you used when measuring your fabric. , Use the foot pedal to control the speed when sewing.
Don't push on the fabric too hard and remember to keep the fabric straight.
The feet on the overlock sewing machine should help push the fabric through. , Continue sewing for a few stitches at the end of your seam to create a tail of stitches that you can tuck under and hand sew in place. -
Step 2: Determine the correct threading order.
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Step 3: Place a spool of thread on the upper looper.
-
Step 4: Thread the upper looper.
-
Step 5: Thread the lower looper.
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Step 6: Thread the needles.
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Step 7: Turn on the serger.
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Step 8: Determine what stitch you want to use.
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Step 9: Adjust each spool’s tension dial.
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Step 10: Run a practice stitch.
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Step 11: Inspect the looped thread.
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Step 12: Practice on a scrap of fabric.
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Step 13: Lift the presser foot and needles.
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Step 14: Push your fabric under the needles and foot.
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Step 15: Lower the presser foot and needles.
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Step 16: Cut the fabric edge.
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Step 17: Sew and guide fabric under the needles.
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Step 18: Create a tail of stitches.
Detailed Guide
A serger should be off when you thread it.
Locate your sergers power button and switch it off., Most sergers use four spools of thread: two for looping underneath the needles and two to use in the needles.
The model you have will tell you the order in which you thread them.
Look at the threading diagram on your machine.A 3-thread machine has an upper looper, lower looper and a single needle thread. , More than likely the upper looper will be on the right side of the machine.
Set a spool of thread on the correct spindle for this. , Pull the upper looper thread up so that it is just below the needles.
Remove the faceplate on the machine's front and pull the thread through the metal loops underneath the plate.
Your serger will most likely have a color-coded guide to help you thread the upper looper. , Set the spool on the second spindle and bring the thread over the front of the machine.
Use tweezers to help you get the thread through the tight spots on the machine. , Set the threads on the spindles and bring them over the front of the machine.
Put the thread through the needle or needles on the overlock sewing machine. , You will need to use your serger to adjust the tension, so switch the power button on. , A serger can do many things like create a rolled hem, finish raw knit edges and gather fabric.
Look at your user manual to determine what stitch you need to use for your desired result.Visit https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2012/10/what-does-this-serger-stitch-do/ for more information or if you don't have a manual. , After you decide on what effect you want, your manual should tell you the required tension for each spool.
Adjust each tension dial accordingly., You do not need fabric under the needles to test a serger stitch.
Place your foot on the machine pedal and let the machine create looped thread. , You should have an idea of how your stitch should look by looking in your serger’s user manual.
The loops and interlocking stitches should be even, without areas that are too even or too loose.
If the stitches are loose, adjust the tension dials next to each spool of thread on the overlock sewing machine to make the thread tighter.
If the fabric is puckered or bunched up, loosen the tension on the serger. , Find a piece of scrap fabric to test your stitch.
Continue to sew practice stitches until the stitches are even. , Lift the presser foot lever up to lift the metal presser foot and turn the needle dial towards you to lift the needles., Lift your practice string up and back while you slide your fabric under the presser foot and needles. , Lower the presser lever to lower the foot and turn the needle dial towards you to lower the needles. , A serger will finish seams and cut your fabric at the same time.
Look at the seam allowance numbers to the right of the needle and push the fabric past the blade accordingly.
This can be
1.5 to
2.5 cm depending on what seam allowance you used when measuring your fabric. , Use the foot pedal to control the speed when sewing.
Don't push on the fabric too hard and remember to keep the fabric straight.
The feet on the overlock sewing machine should help push the fabric through. , Continue sewing for a few stitches at the end of your seam to create a tail of stitches that you can tuck under and hand sew in place.
About the Author
Mary Murray
Experienced content creator specializing in organization guides and tutorials.
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