Serger Machine
 

My mother left for me a Serger Machine, and it is precious to me, but I don't know how to use it or even thread it. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Do you know what brand of serger it is? I know a serger can be somewhat intimidating, especially threading it. After searching the web, I was able to find several videos on youtube that was very helpful. There was one in particular that I found to be very helpful by Artistkae sewing. I have a brother 1034D which came with an instructional dvd but after watching Artistkae method of threading a serger, I have managed to master my fear of threading a serger. I have found so may helpful tips on youtube. I hope this is a start for you.

I have heard such good things about sergers, I own one and have had it for over 10 years, and have used it once. I feel so bad about that, I know you can make kids quilts using them, but I just don't have anyone that can show me how to put it go good use.
Learning how to make a quilt with it, is on my long to do list. I wish there was a Tutorial on it.

What brand? I've had a White and now a Singer, have used a Baby Lock. Threading can still make me crazy but there are lots of tips and techs to pass on.

I would look in your area and see if you can find a class on using sergers. A store that sells them may have classes, or your local Technical college also would be a place to check out.

I would check locally to see if you have a dealer to answer your questoins. I have a White (25+ years old) works like a charm. Check out Nancy Ziemann's site (sewing with Nancy), she does a lot with sergers, perhaps you can e-mail them too and they might be able to answer questions too. Good luck!

I have a Husqvarna Viking Huskylock 936 and love it. Had a Singer before and it was ok, but like this one soooo much better. If I were you, I'd figure out what kind it is, see if there is a dealer in your area and see if they can teach you to thread and use it. Serggers are amazing and can do many things. I have made wired ribbon, rolled hems on silk blouses, table clothes and napkins, ruffles, blind hems, of course finishing seams, "seal " fabric edges for many reasons, decorative stitching and so on and so on. There are many instructional books available with wonderful projects as well. If you don't have an instruction book for your serger, I would get one of those as well.

Hope you can learn to use it and enjoy it....Don't be intimidated by it....Remeber it's a machine, somewhat like a computer, you can always turn it off and start over later.

Good Luck, Drue

I wish I was closer to you and I could show you how. I use to sell and teach serger. The best way to learn is to thread each thread pathway with a different color of thread. It is easier to see the path of the thread with the different colors. There should be a thread chart on the machine some where, and there are usually color dots for the path of each thread. There is usually a door on the front of the machine that comes down. This is where the thread chart usually is. When you get the machine threaded and going, then the different color threads will help you to know how to adjust the tensions ( all those knobs on the front). A serger is a wonderful invention for sewing and finishing a sewn piece. I don't know how I ever sewed without one. It helps make your work look very professional. After you practice some and get the hang of it, then you can change the thread color. Be sure to use the needle thread the color of the project. Hope this helped some.

I had a manual with my Pfaff and got free lessons. I also sew and use my serger quite a lot actually. I do hems, some slip covers and curtains, and also make decoratifve pillows or quilting accessories. My serger is the workhorse there.

I agree, get some classes as the principles are universal to all machine.

I did rewrite the direction and put on my computer and then printed it out. I used color to highlight the different threads like where the color is on the serger. Several friends have used my instructions as they are direct and easy to follow.

There are some really good videos you can get. I actually bought a set years ago and we still refer to them for specialty things. I imagine there is stuff online also.

I do use one of those blue dental cleaners type thing - a plastic piece with a loop to clean tween teeth? - and have it hanging from the thread stand so it is always with the machine. It makes threading a whiz.

ali

Have you checked you tube? I bought a Speedy lock 1600 serger on craigslist. It came with instructions that I found hard to understand. I checked you tube and they had videoes. They helped me a lot.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, and tips. You do make it sound less intimidating, and more of a challenge to look forward to. It doesn't take the place of the regular machine does it? I also don't know the age of this serger since my mom left it to me. It is a Kenmore from Sears. My husband found the manual for it online, because my dad didn't know where my mom left it.

Sergers are wonderful! But they can be intimidating to start. I took a class on learning to use my serger at the local store where I bought it. The class was free if you bought the serger from them, or $55 if you didn't (it was a 4-5 hour class, if I remember right). Totally worth it, if I hadn't bought the serger from them. And we made samples of different stitches and techniques, which I still have. See if you can find a local store which offers classes.

A serger doesn't take the place of a sewing machine, it enhances your sewing machine. I don't use my serger for quilting, however, if I were to use tshirt or sweatshirt fabric for a quilt I would definitely use my serger for that. Generally, in quilting we don't bother to cover the edges of the seams, since they'll be covered with batting, and then the fabric gets quilted in addition to that. Sergers are great for garment construction, or any type of sewing where the seams will be exposed, such as curtains.

Christine-
http://quiltdasher.blogspot.com/

Can anyone tell me if a cone of serger thread can be used like regular thread? I have several cones just sitting here and I don't like the serger I have. I thought I might could use the thread though in other sewing projects on my other machine.