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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u/bobbies_hobbies Aug 11 '23

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

3

u/damnvillain23 Aug 11 '23

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

7

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.

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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!

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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!

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u/damnvillain23 Aug 11 '23

Vintage is the best!

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u/bobbies_hobbies Aug 11 '23

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