| If you own or use a serger, you know how important | | | | when threading the machine, or when adjusting the |
| they can be in your sewing room. Knowing how to use | | | | tensions. Be sure to follow your users manual precisely |
| these powerful sewing devices can make everything | | | | when setting up specific stitches and when converting |
| go much faster, smoother, and more satisfying. | | | | from one stitch set up to another. If the result does not |
| Few things are more important when serging than the | | | | look right, go back and reset the machine. Re-threading |
| quality of the stitch. While these machines are a bit | | | | will often correct threading issues. Balance tensions by |
| more complicated than conventional sewing machines, | | | | making certain the threads are properly seated in their |
| they are famous for producing high quality stitches. | | | | tension assemblies and adjusted one thread at a time |
| Seaming, over-locking, and trimming with a bunch of | | | | beginning with the loopers. |
| threads at high speeds is what serging is all about. | | | | To prevent thread breakage, it is essential that you |
| Sergers are well known for their professional edge | | | | eliminate the causes of the breakage. The common |
| finishes. There are many applications, but they cannot | | | | causes include needle issues, tension issues, and burrs. |
| replace an ordinary sewing machine. | | | | Replace needles. Re-thread and adjust tension |
| In a good stitch, all the threads are where they are | | | | balance. Eliminate burrs. |
| suppose to be with tensions appropriately balanced. | | | | Bad thread is bad and needs to be replaced. Old |
| Good stitches are void of irregularities, puckers, and | | | | thread and especially natural fiber threads tend to rot |
| loops. | | | | and decay. When you try to serge with rotten threads, |
| A little common sense and serger care are helpful in | | | | they break. Before using a thread make sure it is in |
| overcoming stitch flaws in your stitches. | | | | good dependable condition. |
| To fix tension problems, first fix thread issues. | | | | The common causes of problem in stitches include: |
| Re-thread. Make sure the individual tensions are | | | | needles, threads, tensions, snags, settings, and |
| working on each thread. Use distinctive colors of | | | | mechanical adjustments. If you make all the |
| thread and adjust each thread for balance one at a | | | | adjustments that you can figure out, have a |
| time. | | | | professional sewing machine technician intervene. |
| Hiccups happen. Sometimes stitches just mess up. | | | | If you trust your machine to a professional, be sure to |
| When they do, check threading, tensions, needles, and | | | | ask lots of questions. Learn all you can about your |
| snags. | | | | serger. Learn from the experts. Pick up tips, tricks, and |
| Threading, tensions, and snags are the most common | | | | secrets to successful serging. |
| problem sources. So re-thread, balance tensions, and | | | | You may feel hesitant to say anything, but if you are |
| eliminate snags. Use good quality threads. Adjust stitch | | | | paying for expert help be bold. Get full value for you |
| length or width as appropriate. | | | | investment. The technician may not intend to give you |
| Faulty stitches often result from faulty set up. This can | | | | a class on your machine, but that does not stop you |
| occur when converting from one setting to another, | | | | from getting all of your questions answered. |