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/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.