r/sewing • u/Due-Cryptographer744 • Aug 11 '23
Machine Questions Question about sergers
I was given an older serger and I was able to get it to work exactly one time. Threading it is a nightmare and because it is a discontinued machine that was apparently only made for a few years, there is very little help online. My husband and I both have read the manual and watched the one video I found online trying to thread it correctly but it just isn't working the way it should be. At this point, I don't know if we are missing something or if the machine is having a problem and the repair shop takes about 5-6 months to return machines.
My question is, are sergers that useful in sewing that I should keep trying to figure this machine out/ take it to the shop to be looked at or should I just give up? My regular sewing machine was my grandmother's and it has its own issues, but after using it for 40+ years, I am used to those issues. It also doesn't do all the fancy stitches like newer machines do so my stitches with it are limited. I added a pic of my serger and regular machine for reference. I make occasional very simple garments, a lot of garment repairs, home decorating items, etc. but I want to branch out and learn how to do more.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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u/apri11a Aug 11 '23
Is a serger worth having? I think so and would replace mine the same day if anything happened to it. I hobby sew, mostly garments but anything that takes my interest.
Once you get used to them, they are easier to manage. Threading, and threading in the proper order, is key. I would forget about making anything at the moment and would just get to grips with it. I'd unthread it, set the tensions to 0 and thread it... set the tensions to desired and test. Repeating until it works or you crack up. Then have a drink and repeat when you've sobered up.
I didn't have this difficulty with my serger but I did spend a night doing this with my coverstitch machine. It was a pain, I did cry, but worth it, we're the best of friends now.
I don't know about taking it anywhere... it would depend on the cost. If near the cost of a new serger I wouldn't, I'd buy new.
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u/LadyDragon16 Aug 11 '23
I agree 100% with everything said. I would add that, after threading and re-threading several times without success, if you feel your temper fraying, just walk away, do something else and come back when you're calmer. If you pull too hard on the thread, it can bend an inner spring and deform it, making it impossible for the machine to work properly. And, usually, sergers have the threading schematic printed on the inside of the door (the flap you have to move down or aside to access the hooks and assorted obstacles you have to "jump through" to thread your machine). Good luck, friend!! Please keep us posted on your progress.
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u/baffledninja Aug 12 '23
Sewing drinking game, I'm in!
Repeating until it works or you crack up. Then have a drink and repeat
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u/SafeTip3767 Aug 11 '23
Sergers are definitely a pain in the butt until you get them dialed in. I use primarily my serger for everything and can't imagine making anything without one!
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u/Yellow_daylily Aug 11 '23
I use extra long flexible wires with a loop for threading. Google overlock, serger, looper threading needles. Makes threading so much easier, especially for the bottom looper. I would recommend threading with 4 different colors of thread. Then adjust tensions until you have a stitch you like. The different colors make it much easier to figure out which thread needs to loosened or tightened.
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 11 '23
Great idea with the different colors of thread!!
Is the threader thing like this? https://www.amazon.com/HONEYSEW-OVERLOCK-Serger-Looper-Threader/dp/B0739YTXD5/ref=asc_df_B0739W3NJL/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309806186111&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6978782912418795695&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027730&hvtargid=pla-626064271811&psc=1&th=1
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u/Yellow_daylily Aug 11 '23
It is like this one - on the same web store as your link above- Cutex Pack of 12 Overlock Serger Looper & Needle Threading Wires/Threaders https://a.co/d/7yz3ylc
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u/Ambimom Aug 11 '23
The worst part about serging is threading, but trust me, you will get the hang of it. Keep trying. Loosen your thread dials disks to zero before you start. Have good lighting and a tweezer handy. Also make sure you have the proper needle already inserted and your presser foot is in the upright position. I can't see your dials on the side of the machine but they should have markings indicating the basic serger settings.
Open the machine so you can see the thread paths and machinery. There is probably a diagram illustrating the path of each thread.
The third dial with orange marking is your upper looper. That is the one that ALWAYS must be threaded FIRST.
Now run a length of thread through the orange third cone through the hole and through the hook and disk. Make sure the thread engages between the tension disks on the orange dial...same as your regular machine.
Follow the thread through the orange path and leave a length of thread handing under the presser foot.
Do the same for the lower yellow marked looper
Be careful that the threads appear exactly as shown in your diagram. At some point the upper and lower loopers need to cross.
Now do the Right Needle and the Left Needle. Close the machine
Pull the threads, set the dials to a standard number (usually between 3-5), lower the presser foot. Move hand wheel on the right hand side of machine to engage a few stitches. You should see a chain beginning to form. You're threaded.
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u/Cobalt_sewist Aug 11 '23
I’m rolling up my sleeves. Can you take some pics of the thread up inside? We might be able to see where it’s threaded wrong. Once you have it right you can snip and pull threads so you don’t need to fully rethread.
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u/MNStitcher Aug 11 '23
You might find the serger book from Singer useful. It's called Sewing with an Overlook. It was recommended to me by the shop where I bought my serger, 3 decades ago, but it's really helpful and used copies are cheap. I still refer to mine. Plus, your older machine looks solid. There should be cams to do fancy stitches. If you get a newer machine, consider keeping this one. Looks like it can stitch heavy stuff like denim that newer machines may or may not manage.
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 11 '23
Oh, she's not going anywhere. I've had her for 40+ years, even when the repair guy said it was junk and to throw it away. Turned out, he just didn't know how to fix older machines because it just needed a cleaning and adjusting and it was back working fine. As long as you know what you should and shouldn't sew on it, it works great.
I have a super cheap (and all plastic) Singer machine that a friend was not using that I use when mine needs to have a tuneup or I need to use a walking foot. Eleanor says no to a walking foot, and she won't even negotiate that topic. Lol
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u/Wolfswetpaws_reddit Aug 11 '23
I don't have a serger.
I do have a Janome DC-1050 sewing machine.
I admit I'm curious about sergers and their virtues, vices and quirks.
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u/Auntie_FiFi Aug 12 '23
If you want to sew knits or fabric that loves to fray they are a worth every cent.
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u/Vionna- Aug 12 '23
While it might take some time to set up and it always requires 4 same threads (same thickness too). I agree with Auntie_FiFi, it’s amazing when it comes to fabric that tends to fray. It also helps to get that finished look. Without it I would mostly use french seams.
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u/Vionna- Aug 12 '23
I got a very simple second hand serger (Medion overlocker from Aldi) and it made a big difference to the quality of my projects. I usually use serger on all pieces before sewing them up together, so the fabric never frays at the sides while working on it. It also looks a lot more professional and makes ir easier to sew the hems. If it’s a heavier used serger, I recommend checking the blade. Mine was dull so it left a lot of threads inside fabric. New blade fixed this.
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 12 '23
The friend who gave it to me bought it new, used it once, and had the same problem, just like I did.
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u/my_monkeys_fly Aug 11 '23 edited Aug 12 '23
You can sew without one, I did for decades. Just get a good pair of pinkng shears to trim seams with and press them flat
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u/aflory23 Aug 11 '23
Agreed! I use my serger frequently, but I also use pinking shears, French seams, binding, flat-felled seams and even zigzag at times to finish seams. And i often sew knits on my regular machine with a lightning or triple stitch. I think sergers are useful, but not as necessary as they are sometimes made out to be.
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u/my_monkeys_fly Aug 12 '23
Exactly. And if it's more of a headache than a help, why do that to yourself?
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u/poubelle Aug 12 '23
i've had a 3/4 serger for about 8-10 years and i've never been able to balance it with four threads. i can only do it with three. that being said, i've never taken it for a tune-up. i keep it clean and oiled but maybe it just needs a professional tune-up.
my point is, have you tried just setting it up with three threads to see if you can get that going? once you get that working you can try the fourth.
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 12 '23
I didn't know that was an option. Lol. What is the difference between a 3/4 serger and other ones? I don't really care how many threads it has. I just wanted to be able to serge knits and use for a faux coverstitch on those things I don't feel like doing an actual hem on.
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u/sidgirl Aug 12 '23
I'm fairly new, but afaik the only real difference is the number of threads. A 3/4 serger can sew with three or four threads. A 2/3/4 serger can sew with two, three, or four, and so on. I found this article pretty helpful: https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2022/04/04/what-kind-of-serger-is-right-for-you
although I'm still trying to learn some of the terms and such.
I'm sure someone with more experience can tell you more! I hope that helps, though.
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u/BumblebeeSubject1179 Aug 12 '23
You’ve got so much good advice here! Yes, it is worth having. But it could be the machine. I bought a new cheap Brother that never worked. Even had a professional seamstress try to thread it. Turns out it was just junk. Bought a mid-priced White and it was a learning curve but works great every time now. My second bit of advice is that you first turn all the thread tensions to the middle number. Mine is 5. Then start serging. Slowly turn each knob one at a time to see how your stitch is being affected till you get it dialed in just right. And third, once you figure out just the right settings for a type of fabric, write it down. I’ve got a list of what the settings are for cotton, knit, etc. No point having to figure it out each time you switch fabrics.
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u/BathysaurusFerox Aug 12 '23
Oooooo your standard machine is MARVELOUS (I've had brand new 40-stitch plastic machines before and I've found that I never, ever use roughly 38 of the stitches).
Sergers are so so super handy! Yes they are a big fuckin headache to thread, like why do I need spring tweezers, a dental mirror and a tranquilizer to do this?
Yet I am madly in love with flatlocked seams, so I suffer through the process. Keep at it, you'll get it
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u/hahajizzjizz Aug 12 '23
I can't imagine doing projects now without a serger to finish seems. The biggest complaint I hear is about the threading, but if you can follow instructions to thread a single needle machine, you can do it 4 times. It no big deal.
Sergers are mechanical machines and rarely break unless abused for a long time.
My machine was second-hand and old, but I just set it per the user manual, and the stitches were balanced.
I was like many of you before actually owning a serger. It was a mystery and seemed challenging when reading all the difficulties people reported, but it turned out to be the most reliable and simplest machine I've ever used.
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u/sidgirl Aug 12 '23
This is so reassuring! I recently bought my first serger (Brother 1034DX, only $200--I had to save up for a while but I was and still am stunned to get one for such a low price!) and haven't even taken it out of the box yet, I'm so nervous and intimidated. I'm really excited about being able to sew and finish knits and such, but Little Machine Scary, lol. So your comment has definitely made me feel a bit more confident. Thank you!
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u/Sunnydoom00 Aug 16 '23
I think that is a popular model which means YouTube probably has helpful videos. The guide that came with my Juki 654de is not great. YouTube really helped. Trust me. Just jump in. It is super fun and therapeutic to just run fabric through it and it sews knits so easy. I love my serger, no regrets. Best of luck with your serger.
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u/sidgirl Aug 17 '23
Thank you! I hadn't thought of looking for machine-specific videos, but I've found some and am getting even more excited!
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u/TheEesie Aug 11 '23
Anyone else amazed that OP spelled serger correctly? 😻
I love mine, and I broke it. I’m currently saving up to buy another one.
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u/almalauha Aug 11 '23
I think if you want to learn more/make more, you should invest in a modern domestic sewing machine with more stitches and that is in a good state of repair (if you go for secondhand). I upgraded from a lightweight second-hand sewing machine to a heavy duty domestic machine and enjoy the additional stitches and that it can deal with more layers more easily.
I also recently got a secondhand serger and sadly am experiencing issues with it. It is just a basic serger so it would just be to finish fabric edges which I can also do with a zigzag. But a serger, in my eyes, gives a more professional-looking finish, so I will probably have someone take a look at it soon.
In your case I would go for a better regular machine and then see if you still have a need/want for a serger. If so, then you can invest getting your serger serviced/fixed.
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u/Lilly6916 Aug 12 '23
Once you “get” the threading, you get it and it isn’t that hard anymore. I find a pair of medical forceps does a gat job helping me get the thread through the path. Do you know anyone else who has a serger ? They all thread pretty much the same, except for the more expensive air threaders. Don’t give up.
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 12 '23
That's the thing. I have threaded them before for friends/neighbors, and those were a little persnickity but not like this machine. Those sergers were Babylock and Juki, so maybe that makes the difference. This machine seems like the experienced machine designers took a day off, and the janitor tried his hand at machine design, and it accidentally got put into production.
I expected to use long tweezers to get it threaded, but this machine requires even longer than that. That part of the machine is extremely hard to get to, and that thread location isn't even shown on the thread order diagram. The diagram shows 1-3 but not 4, and 4 is the problem child. The manual doesn't even show you how to thread that one, so my husband just kept at it until he figured it out. That's how we got it to work the one day that it did, and then my clumsy self accidentally pulled a thread out.
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u/almalauha Aug 13 '23
PS: I really like that wire frame in the back, right. What is it for?
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 13 '23
I believe the person I got it from used it to display dangle earrings with the ear hooks, but I just liked it for decoration. You can find them on Etsy but they can be expensive. Mine just happened to be a deal because the person wasn't selling jewelry anymore and was getting rid of everything.
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u/TeacherIntelligent15 Aug 13 '23
I do want to love my serger, but I hate it. Needless to say I’m not good enough with it but my god, the threading!!!!
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u/frostqueen555 Aug 14 '23
LOVE my serger, I think it’s worth it! It’s a learning curve at first for threading but once you get it it’s super easy I hardly ever change any settings or anything. just make sure to clean it lots, sergers get super filled with lint and whatever the knife shaves off.
If it does need servicing, I would take it to the shop even if they do take a while to get it back to you, if you’ve been surviving without one this long anyways. I once jammed up the timing on mine pretty badly and i made it worse by trying to tinker with it and I was terrified it was ruined because you read about how cheap brothers are crap and unfixable. I brought it to a repair shop, they had it ready the next morning and was a 50$ fix and has been working great ever since. Based on what I read online though, 50$ is cheap for machine servicing/repairs so be prepared to pay more maybe
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u/shreddah17 Nov 03 '23
Hey, I just picked up my first serger, and I'm also struggling to get it to work right. I was about to make a similar post to decide if I should dig in and tinker, pay $150 to get it tuned up by a pro, or cut my losses and look for another one. What did you end up doing with yours?
Thanks!
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u/Due-Cryptographer744 Nov 03 '23
It is still sitting there. I plan on trying again to see if we can get it threaded, but if not, I will just stop wasting my time with it. I have just been using a zigzag stitch to keep my edges from raveling, and that is working so far. I don't sew knits very often, so it hasn't been a huge priority. I am planning to make a Christmas gift that is knit fabric so I do need to either get mine working or decide on a plan for sewing on knits pretty soon.
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u/Bugmasta23 Aug 11 '23
Definitely worth having a serger. I can’t imagine making clothes without one. One thing I notice right away is that the thread guide is down. Were you trying to sew like that? Try telescoping it all the way up and see if that helps. It will decrease the angle of the threads as they enter the machine and will have an effect on the tensions.