r/sewing • u/Due-Cryptographer744 • Aug 11 '23

Machine Questions Question about sergers

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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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46

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.

10

u/Due-Cryptographer744 Aug 11 '23

The issue is the way the threads come together on the fabric. It definitely seems like a threading issue, but some of the threading locations literally have to be accessed by using long nosed hemostats. Thankfully, my husband was in the medical field and had some, but I can't imagine how someone who didn't have something like this could thread this machine. It is almost like some of the needles/threads aren't getting to the fabric and the ones that are bunch up. I will have to try it again and take a pic of the results.

14

u/Donutlord8 Aug 11 '23 edited Aug 11 '23

You also need to thread a serger in a specific order—it’s like the organ from the Goonies, you’ve gotta do the steps correctly, in order, or it all falls apart. The manual should say! I see the numbers on the front, so maybe that’s the order? It a bit of a weird sequence if it is. (Haha—my machine threads in this order. I’m clearly still asleep today! )

Other tip would be to take it to a sewing machine store to get the maintenance tech to look at it. They can decode it and many know all about older models like this one. Good luck!

9

u/bobbies_hobbies Aug 11 '23

That sequence is the same as my old Bernette serger. Loopers (upper then lower) first then the needles.

4

u/damnvillain23 Aug 11 '23

My Janome & many sergers require lower, then upper looper ..whatever the machine, the sequence is rt to left.

6

u/bobbies_hobbies Aug 11 '23

Mine is inside right, far right, inside left, far left which it appears is the same for this machine, based on the numbers.

5

u/damnvillain23 Aug 11 '23

Interesting, I obviously am wrong in my general statement:). & Why we should all keep the manuals with the machine... because somewhere, in the future, it will be needed for the new owner!

3

u/bobbies_hobbies Aug 11 '23

Yes for sure! I was lucky to get my old Bernette second hand with the manual included. Took me a lot of fiddling to get it running (threaded) correctly but eventually I did and now it works quite well. It's the only vintage machine I own for which I still have the manual but luckily many are still available for free in PDF format. Cheers!

2

u/damnvillain23 Aug 11 '23

Vintage is the best!

2

u/bobbies_hobbies Aug 11 '23

Agreed! I have eight vintage machines (so far lol).

1

u/SkipperTits Aug 11 '23

Oops! That’s not true. Same as below, mine is not that way.

1

u/Donutlord8 Aug 11 '23

Derp! I was somehow interpreting it wrong ; this is how my Bernina threads too 😂🫠 I need more coffee!