Before sewing and especially serging, drink plenty of water. Fabric and thread put off dust and tend to dry out nose and eyes. Use a good hand lotion/moisturizer. This will keep your hands from getting dry and snagging fabric or threads. Set a timer for one hour and twenty minutes. This is to give yourself a break. Get up, drink some more water, rotate neck and shoulders, go look out a window at things far away. Take about twenty minutes to do this then reset your timer and now that you are refreshed go back to your project. Make Beauty! Aunt B
Thank you for your tips! I have a few tips: use black and white as standard colours and only change the cones for the colour you need at the very left. And maybe the upper looper. So for a dark red sweater, you can use 1 or 2 red cones and 2 black. It is not visible in the seam! And the other tip; if your serger does not have a catching part for the scraps. There are plates for under the serger, with a bucket or net to catch the treads and cut of scraps. Your floor and lap will stay clean of treads.
Thanks for that....! Only just got a serger, it was gifted to me...😊. I've sewn loads of practice seams and they appear good. The biggest 'problem' I have is guiding the fabric along the distance marks (keeping the fabric straight under the needles) - I'm used to using flat bed sewing machines where it's easy. Any tips greatfully received....! Cheers. Mark.....
I did know these tips already, but that doesn't mean they aren't valuable. My favourite tip is about tension settings. Once I have the settings right, I take a photo with my phone of the settings with a piece of the fabric on top. I often buy fabric by the roll, so I can easily check what settings the fabric needs by checking through the serger album on my phone.
Good idea about the thread you are only using once or twice. I used to buy 4 cones of a fashion color and wound up with tons of serger threads. Didn’t know a bobbin wouldn’t work on a serger. Thanks 🙏 ❤
Another tip is to frequently dust the serger's working parts. They create a huge amount of lint which affects their performance. Keep small paintbrushes handy and develop a habit of opening the machine and sweeping it. If you see a speck of lint next to the blade, you can be sure the inside is already dusty.
Yes, many times faster than the sewing machine. While cleaning the insides, you can also check the positions of the loopers as they pass the needle(s) by rotating the wheel by hand. Once in a while, they are off timing, and might have a tiny piece of thread caught.
I've used the thread tying method to change the threads on my 6 needle embroidery machine... never thought to try it on my serger. Guess you can teach an old dog a new trick
Came across your channel and I love it. Your tips are informative and very helpful so thank you. The most trouble I tend to experience when overlocking is the tension. I cannot seem to get it correct, especially the top loops, they are either too high or they drop down. Can you help please?
Number 1 was in my maual for my singer serger! Number 3 i believe is also in my manuel. Tip number 4 serger threads are twisted in the oposite direction to regular sewing thread! So becareful of the twist of the thread.
It’s so nice that the manual had this info included - a lot of manuals out there provide so little information… The manual for my industrial sewing machine was literally one page with barely any info! 😅
@@Julija_Gobere i bought an industrial regular sewing machine second hand and got the manual off line for it as it didnt come with a manual. But my Singer serger was new and was not industrial its manual has lots of pages showing all kinds of stuff. Actually came with 2 manuals 1 in english 1 in french. I live in Canada thats why the 2 of them.
I don’t have much experience with air-threaded overlockers, but one of their key benefits (and reason why they are more expensive than regular overlockers) is the fact that air-threading makes switching threads very easy, so this tip is definitely not needed for such overlocker! 🤗
I like the first tip on putting new thread or changing color of thread that you mentioned. But what if you need to clean and oil the machine? The thread would be in the way and not a good idea to get oil on thread....what do we do then?
Leave the thread in the machine while you are oiling the machine. When you are finished oiling , pull the thread through the machine until you get to the clean thread , or just serge scrap material until you reach all fresh threads.
The main difference is that 3-thread is considered for only neatening raw edges of fabric, while 4-thread can also be used to sew knit fabrics. To me, 4-thread one is definitely worth it!
My little overlock-tipp after about 40 Years of sewing: The third cone from the left holds the thread that sews the actual overlock stitch; the other three sew more or less straight. Therefore, the 3rd cone uses considerably more thread than the others. So if you always put the obvious fullest cone in the third spot, you'll use up the cones evenly. So, in your tip for never using purple thread again, the cone should be put in 3rd place; the other three places are then occupied by the small bobbins.
@Transplanted1 On all the overlock machines I've used so far, the third cone was the one that went around the hem and therefore used a lot more thread than the others. Possibly this is not the same on all machines? You can find out by testing four different color cones on the machine you are using, then you can see from the seam color which cone belongs to the high-consumption ones.
Good to know about it as I am a new learner,thanks! But I feel curious about the color arrangement. If using 4 different or contrasted colors of threads, should I think about how to put each one on the certain thread holder to create a master piece of view? Thanks!
If your shoulder seam doesn't need to stretch, you can also stabilize with a piece of ribbon or twill tape. I don't like the feel of clear elastic so I often use cotton twill tape to reinforce my shoulder seams.
I clip the elastic tape that comes on RTW clothes, unless I need it to keep the garment on the hanger. The strips can be used for reinforcing shoulder seams, don’t add to the landfill, don’t poke out when wearing the garment, and are free.
I use a fabric loop turner rather than a needle for tucking in the thread ends. A loop turner is like a very long needle but it has a small latch hook at the end instead of an eye. Push the the hook end in through the stitches, catch the thread tail, and pull the turner back out. The hook closes as you pull the turner and pulls the tail into the stitches. So it does the same thing as the needle trick, but it is faster and not as fiddly as you don't have to thread those ends through the eye of a needle.
I have worked in a garment factory in the past and that's the way they taught us to change the threads. I've used it for 40 or more years. Really saves time.
I learned this at sewing school, where we would change threads for industrial overlockers like that - those industrial are so difficult to change threads any other way!
I love your tips. I, too, knew to tie the new threads when changing threads, but not reduce the tension. My favourite serger tip is to buy a book on sergers, which will tell you about the different serger stitches you can do, usually just by changing the tension of various threads.
I don't know if you have the same terms for knots in your country, but you need to tie it off with a Reef Knot, not a Granny Knot, the Granny will slip. I haven't hand threaded an overlocker for decades.
My solution is to lift the threads out of the tension disks (mine are knobs), pull the threads as described, then flip the threads back into the tension disks (and "floss" them to make sure they are in). It eliminates the need to (remember to) readjust the tension, which never seems to be the same as it was...
I buy 2 cones of the same color for use on the loopers. I wind bobbins for the 2 needles. Gray & taupe will blend with a lot of colors. You gotta have black & white cones for sure.
Very helpful hints. I had heard about tying threads together to avoid re-threading the whole machine but no one mentioned changing the tension. I'll definitely be trying this again.
My serger recommended tying the threads but didn't say anything about changing the tension or just pulling. Instead it said to serge a chain to pull the threads through the machine. I'm going to try just pulling as usually the knots get stuck at my needles and break.
I use a similar technique but rather than changing the tension and pulling the threads, I just run the machine until the knots on needle threads get up to the eye, then clip those and thread the needles
Another thread saving tip is to use regular sewing thread in the needles. The needles don't use as much thread as the loopers, it's just like using the sewing machine in this way.
Thanks for the tips! I use the tapestry needle tip a little differently. I insert the needle into the seam first, and then thread the tail through the eye. You don’t need to leave such a long thread tail that way.
Great tips!! I always avoid changing the thread colors on my serger for fear of having to rethread the machine, so your first tip is especially appreciated - a game changer for me! Thank you!
@@imaniwilliamson5165 if you don’t know then your machine shall not have it. The machine pushes with air the thread through so you don’t have to lead it along all the clips. Very easy to have( must say I was sceptical in the beginning but it is really nice to have and saves time)
@@imaniwilliamson5165 Babylock was the first to have this patented feature on their home sergers. It used an internal air pump feature to automatically thread the loopers with a single burst of air. The newer sergers with auto threading loopers have an improved system.
I am saving this video! Threading the 1st channel is especially difficult (the one that forms the seaming stitch), and I was worried about doing that, but the tip of tying on the new colours and pulling them through is genius - as is winding bobbins to use instead of buying 4 cones of each colour. My Janone came with 4 yellow mini spools, but I bought 4 spools in a mid grey - a nice neutral colour - as I tend not to sew white fabric. Regarding the bonus tip, I was reluctant to spend £20-25 for a dedicated overlocker storage bag, but found I had a nice zip-top 'supermarket' bagg to hand, and put the overlocker in there. Okay, it's too wide - but as it only cost a couple of pounds, who cares!
I could listen to you speak all day. Greetings from an appreciative American. I asked on another tip you had Whether there is a sewing machine foot that we who do not have, or cannot afford a serger might purchase? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for such sweet comment!🤗 I have a video on sewing knits and in that video I share a few methods how to sew without serger - this video might be useful to watch! ua-cam.com/video/F2CdmY02o_4/v-deo.htmlsi=sClkXifHg_Zq4iQL
I use a really small latch hook, like the ones for knitting machines, to pull my tails in. It is easier and faster than the needle threading to push it through. Thanks for sharing these five tips.
best serger/ sewing machine covers: the blanket/ sheet sets' thick clear plastic zippered cover they come with. Works great and if you're like me and like to take over the living room/kitchen/dining room (lol) then it's also a nicer look when it's on the table. I also use these for fabric scraps etc. Always great when you don't have to play the whole 'wtf is in this bag?' game with all your bags lol. same concept as clear bins basically.
Thanks, very helpful. My best tip is to check for burrs on the loopers if you're having stitch problems. A lite sanding with emery cloth should do the job.
Thank you Thank you Thank you! I have recently started going to sewing classes near me, I have done quite a few projects now and am getting more confident. We are all just about at the same stage and I have bought a serger. I have only used it a couple of times but am going to make a coatigan and my teacher suggested that I can mostly do it using the serger😮 I was really anxious about re threading my machine and thanks to you I feel more confident about it. I have also bought rainbow coloured thread in various colours which I think will cover the colour of most projects so am hopi that will work and save me having to constantly buy different coloured threads? I will let you know how I get on 😊
I didn't know that releasing the tension would help. I have been tying my thread but they ALWAYS were breaking. So frustrating 😢.I will definitely try this tip so I don't throw my serger out the 2nd story window! Thank you.
I'm having a terrible time with my New Serger. I have a big chart on my wall, that shows the threading individually.. I've had five different servers and the best was a metal, not plastic, Singer. The original one it lasted for forty five years. My new Singer? The number 3 thread is constantly breaking.
Great tips. One question....you have all of this sewing equipment and I am certain you have a bit of fabric laying around....why not just make a decent cover instead of the tacky grocery bag??
I hate my serger ( most of the time) I have a brother Lock 2104D. Every time I use it, I end up rethreading the whole machine, as it won’t stitch correctly. The blue level inside to swing the arm out, doesn’t seem to come out far enough. Im forever taking it apart cleaning and oiling it. Drives me mad. Help!
Go back to the manual! It will direct you how to thread it. There should be also a diagram on the machine itself (open the front) which will show you exactly where the threads go. Each thread will be numbered so you start with 1 and continue, rather than doing it randomly or left-to-right. This is crucial. You may need long tweezers to reach some threading points. Finally, you might look on UA-cam for a video on how to do it. All sewing machines have demonstration videos and they are very helpful. Try again, you will succeed.
Thank you for the tip on threatening I haven't started using mine yet as it was frying my brain, I'm dyslexic so instructions don't stick but I can do it if I'm shown how to do it. Many thanks.
I already used the first 1 but the rest seem good too. I'm gonna try this week. Julie, where are you from? I can't figure it out by your accent and name. I'm just curious.
Nice tips to know, Thank you. one question though, since you have all the tools you would ever need along with the knowledge in sewing, why would you not just design and sew an exact fit cover to you serger instead of throwing a grocery bag over it? ..... yes I understand that it is easy to just use a cheap grocery bag, but you paid a few hundred dollars for your serger, so does it not desirve a little loving care in creating a custom fit cover for it? lol
Ive had a serger.for 20 years and not once changed the yarn any other way. I didnt know you were supposed to change the needles unless they bent or broke either, and thats never happened, so Ive had the same four sets for 20 years and they still sew perfectlly. Thousands of miles, hear after year. I reckon its the needle sellers who push the sales.
I usually thread this way…but there are times when things happen and you have to rethread the whole machine….but it’s no big deal I can thread the whole machine in a few minutes .. the more you do it the quicker you become
I was given an overlocker a few years ago and found the most frustrating thing about it was the thread that broke was always the most impossible one. I sold it last week!! It was just a waste of thread and a dust catcher.
When threading your serger using this technique, I have never been able to take it through the needles. Is that correct? You still need to thread the needle or am I doing something wrong?
I was taught in sewing how to change spools of thread , but was never told to turn dials ! I’ve had 1 serger machine Simplicity which I bought about ‘94 -95 was really frantic to use , the machine was sale for $500 , throughout the years I had spent about twice the price of it for repairs, finally my mom gave me hers Babylock , have been using since 2010 , it too was purchased by my mom when I bought mine ! I’ve practiced doing the corner by clipping, like you showed & like it , I just basically use for finishing seams , ( 3 thread ) rarely do I use second needle & 4th spool ! I would like to invest in a lock stitch machine ( ?) for athletic garments! Right now I need a car more than a new sewing machine !
Before sewing and especially serging, drink plenty of water. Fabric and thread put off dust and tend to dry out nose and eyes.
Use a good hand lotion/moisturizer. This will keep your hands from getting dry and snagging fabric or threads.
Set a timer for one hour and twenty minutes. This is to give yourself a break. Get up, drink some more water, rotate neck and shoulders, go look out a window at things far away. Take about twenty minutes to do this then reset your timer and now that you are refreshed go back to your project.
Make Beauty!
Aunt B
Oh these are such great tips! 🤗
Oh have a little air purifier close by.
Absolutely 100% you are right
Aw, these are GREAT and such important tips for our health, both physical and mental. we often forget this in advice/tips list, so thanks! :)
Thanks a lot for those great tips!😊
Wait, I can thread bobbins and use them for the serger? My Lady, this is the best find of the year!
Thank you for your tips! I have a few tips: use black and white as standard colours and only change the cones for the colour you need at the very left. And maybe the upper looper. So for a dark red sweater, you can use 1 or 2 red cones and 2 black. It is not visible in the seam! And the other tip; if your serger does not have a catching part for the scraps. There are plates for under the serger, with a bucket or net to catch the treads and cut of scraps. Your floor and lap will stay clean of treads.
I use grey and cream as my 'standards' and colour in the left needle if using the serger in 4-thread mode
Thanks for that....!
Only just got a serger, it was gifted to me...😊.
I've sewn loads of practice seams and they appear good.
The biggest 'problem' I have is guiding the fabric along the distance marks (keeping the fabric straight under the needles) - I'm used to using flat bed sewing machines where it's easy.
Any tips greatfully received....!
Cheers.
Mark.....
This is spot on!
I did know these tips already, but that doesn't mean they aren't valuable. My favourite tip is about tension settings. Once I have the settings right, I take a photo with my phone of the settings with a piece of the fabric on top. I often buy fabric by the roll, so I can easily check what settings the fabric needs by checking through the serger album on my phone.
That is such a clever tip!
Excellent idea
Thankyou!
Thank you, today I'm going to use a overlocker for the first time! Nervus.....
By the way, Blue looks wonderful on you!
Good idea about the thread you are only using once or twice. I used to buy 4 cones of a fashion color and wound up with tons of serger threads. Didn’t know a bobbin wouldn’t work on a serger. Thanks 🙏 ❤
Another tip is to frequently dust the serger's working parts. They create a huge amount of lint which affects their performance.
Keep small paintbrushes handy and develop a habit of opening the machine and sweeping it. If you see a speck of lint next to the blade, you can be sure the inside is already dusty.
After every sew
Ahh yes, that is very good tip and dusting more often is definitely something I should be doing!
Yes, many times faster than the sewing machine. While cleaning the insides, you can also check the positions of the loopers as they pass the needle(s) by rotating the wheel by hand. Once in a while, they are off timing, and might have a tiny piece of thread caught.
I bought an attachment for my vacuum so that I can just suck out all the lint.
I love how you get straight to the point. Great video!
Great tips, I love it, especially the threading. Thank you.🙂
I loved the top about sewing the inner corner. Thank you for that! Ria Smith, South Africa
I’m surprised at the number of sewist who haven’t sewn covers for their machines! Great scrap project.
Great tips! Thank you ☺️
Great Tips
Great tips! Thanks
Thanks.
I have hunted serger sites so I will try yours. Thanks for the tips.
I've used the thread tying method to change the threads on my 6 needle embroidery machine... never thought to try it on my serger. Guess you can teach an old dog a new trick
Thank you for this video I just go a singer heavy duty server. So these tips are so helpful ❤
Thank you! You are so sweet and easy to listen to, I am a new subscriber!
Thank you for these great tips.
Well put together video and great tips.
These are really great tip.
that is brilliant, thank you so much.
This was very helpful. Thank you so much. :)
Came across your channel and I love it. Your tips are informative and very helpful so thank you. The most trouble I tend to experience when overlocking is the tension. I cannot seem to get it correct, especially the top loops, they are either too high or they drop down. Can you help please?
thank you for those nerves saving tips :)
Just found ur video. Love thank u for the tips
Number 1 was in my maual for my singer serger! Number 3 i believe is also in my manuel. Tip number 4 serger threads are twisted in the oposite direction to regular sewing thread! So becareful of the twist of the thread.
It’s so nice that the manual had this info included - a lot of manuals out there provide so little information… The manual for my industrial sewing machine was literally one page with barely any info! 😅
@@Julija_Gobere i bought an industrial regular sewing machine second hand and got the manual off line for it as it didnt come with a manual.
But my Singer serger was new and was not industrial its manual has lots of pages showing all kinds of stuff. Actually came with 2 manuals 1 in english 1 in french. I live in Canada thats why the 2 of them.
Someone mentioned the tip about knotting threads to re thread will damage a blow through overlocker, mine has this facility, will it damage it.
I don’t have much experience with air-threaded overlockers, but one of their key benefits (and reason why they are more expensive than regular overlockers) is the fact that air-threading makes switching threads very easy, so this tip is definitely not needed for such overlocker! 🤗
I want to try using bobbins in place of cones. How do you do it successfully? I have a brother 1034D and 1034DX
I like the first tip on putting new thread or changing color of thread that you mentioned. But what if you need to clean and oil the machine? The thread would be in the way and not a good idea to get oil on thread....what do we do then?
Leave the thread in the machine while you are oiling the machine. When you are finished oiling , pull the thread through the machine until you get to the clean thread , or just serge scrap material until you reach all fresh threads.
I have a 3 thread machine & have been thinking i should buy a 4 threader, is it more advantageous to have than a 3 ?
The main difference is that 3-thread is considered for only neatening raw edges of fabric, while 4-thread can also be used to sew knit fabrics. To me, 4-thread one is definitely worth it!
Thank you. I knew a couple of these tips, but there were a few that were new to me. Well done!
Watch how Catherine sews hides the chain tail. It quicker and easier.
Thank you, I will have to check it out - I love learning something new! 🤗
* me, a beginner at sewing and doesn’t own a serger * “as yes, of course.”
Yes good idea using grocery bag to keep machines clean or you can make one…
My little overlock-tipp after about 40 Years of sewing: The third cone from the left holds the thread that sews the actual overlock stitch; the other three sew more or less straight. Therefore, the 3rd cone uses considerably more thread than the others. So if you always put the obvious fullest cone in the third spot, you'll use up the cones evenly.
So, in your tip for never using purple thread again, the cone should be put in 3rd place; the other three places are then occupied by the small bobbins.
What a great insight! Thank you for this tip🤗
@Transplanted1 On all the overlock machines I've used so far, the third cone was the one that went around the hem and therefore used a lot more thread than the others. Possibly this is not the same on all machines? You can find out by testing four different color cones on the machine you are using, then you can see from the seam color which cone belongs to the high-consumption ones.
Great ideas. Some I already knew, but not all. Thank you for sharing
Brilliant thanks
Good to know about it as I am a new learner,thanks! But I feel curious about the color arrangement. If using 4 different or contrasted colors of threads, should I think about how to put each one on the certain thread holder to create a master piece of view? Thanks!
Thank you for useful tips !!!
If your shoulder seam doesn't need to stretch, you can also stabilize with a piece of ribbon or twill tape. I don't like the feel of clear elastic so I often use cotton twill tape to reinforce my shoulder seams.
I clip the elastic tape that comes on RTW clothes, unless I need it to keep the garment on the hanger. The strips can be used for reinforcing shoulder seams, don’t add to the landfill, don’t poke out when wearing the garment, and are free.
That’s a great idea!
In some cases, not all, you can use cut off selvage edge of woven fabric.Try to match color. It's free!!!!
Brilliant re-use of clear elastic!! Man, when I think of how many miles of that I've thrown out when I could have just used it...!!!!!
I’ve been doing that for years! I also use old vintage ribbon pieces I end up with when I buy random bags of notions.
Great idea for reducing waste & saving $'s!
I use a fabric loop turner rather than a needle for tucking in the thread ends. A loop turner is like a very long needle but it has a small latch hook at the end instead of an eye. Push the the hook end in through the stitches, catch the thread tail, and pull the turner back out. The hook closes as you pull the turner and pulls the tail into the stitches. So it does the same thing as the needle trick, but it is faster and not as fiddly as you don't have to thread those ends through the eye of a needle.
Thanks for that idea. I normally thread a needle, but will certainly try the loop turner.
The loop turner is easier for arthritic hands too.
I have worked in a garment factory in the past and that's the way they taught us to change the threads. I've used it for 40 or more years. Really saves time.
I learned this at sewing school, where we would change threads for industrial overlockers like that - those industrial are so difficult to change threads any other way!
I simply lift the presser foot when changing the thread that way, it removes the tension automatically.
Great tips, thanks!
I love your tips. I, too, knew to tie the new threads when changing threads, but not reduce the tension. My favourite serger tip is to buy a book on sergers, which will tell you about the different serger stitches you can do, usually just by changing the tension of various threads.
Can you recommend one?
I didn’t know to lower down the dial to zero for changing the thread. I kept it at 4 and the threads would come undone. Thanks for this great tip!
Same here! Have used this technique but never heard of releasing the tension! Game changer and makes so much sense!
same here.glad to learn it.Thank you
I don't know if you have the same terms for knots in your country, but you need to tie it off with a Reef Knot, not a Granny Knot, the Granny will slip. I haven't hand threaded an overlocker for decades.
👍🏻 Very good tip, I will turn the tension to 0 as of now. Many thanks 🌸
My solution is to lift the threads out of the tension disks (mine are knobs), pull the threads as described, then flip the threads back into the tension disks (and "floss" them to make sure they are in). It eliminates the need to (remember to) readjust the tension, which never seems to be the same as it was...
I buy 2 cones of the same color for use on the loopers. I wind bobbins for the 2 needles. Gray & taupe will blend with a lot of colors. You gotta have black & white cones for sure.
Very helpful hints. I had heard about tying threads together to avoid re-threading the whole machine but no one mentioned changing the tension. I'll definitely be trying this again.
Once u tie properly no need to change tension.. DO IT ALL D TIME
My serger recommended tying the threads but didn't say anything about changing the tension or just pulling. Instead it said to serge a chain to pull the threads through the machine. I'm going to try just pulling as usually the knots get stuck at my needles and break.
Do it slowly when it reaches the needle cut the thread then thread the needle
exactly the same for me! I was thrilled to get this tip as it's a game changer
I use a similar technique but rather than changing the tension and pulling the threads, I just run the machine until the knots on needle threads get up to the eye, then clip those and thread the needles
Another thread saving tip is to use regular sewing thread in the needles. The needles don't use as much thread as the loopers, it's just like using the sewing machine in this way.
Regular sewing thread is more expensive than serger thread. It is also thicker than serger thread and adds excess bulk.
I made a cover for my serger. Quilted and pockets at back for cord and peddle. Thanks for the tips 🙏🏼🤗🌸❤️
I was very interested to see how to make a sharp corner that looks fantastic! Thanks for the tip
I knew most of these and they are good tips. The winding of bobbins is a great one I hadn't heard.
Thanks for the tips! I use the tapestry needle tip a little differently. I insert the needle into the seam first, and then thread the tail through the eye. You don’t need to leave such a long thread tail that way.
Yes, that's a great way to do this finish, too! 🤗
Thank you for those tips!
Just came across your channel and I’m so delighted! Enjoyed all your tips and some I already use! Keep up the great videos on sergers!
Great tips!! I always avoid changing the thread colors on my serger for fear of having to rethread the machine, so your first tip is especially appreciated - a game changer for me! Thank you!
Brilliant tips! I’ve only used my serger a few times, and your tips will help so much!
For tip nr 1 make sure you have an ‘ old fashioned’ serger. If you have a more modern blow thru serger you will damage it with this technique!
Thank you for this information!!!!
What do you mean blow thru??
@@imaniwilliamson5165 if you don’t know then your machine shall not have it. The machine pushes with air the thread through so you don’t have to lead it along all the clips. Very easy to have( must say I was sceptical in the beginning but it is really nice to have and saves time)
@@imaniwilliamson5165 Machines, both regular and serger/overlock, usually call this feature "Self Threading".
@@imaniwilliamson5165 Babylock was the first to have this patented feature on their home sergers. It used an internal air pump feature to automatically thread the loopers with a single burst of air. The newer sergers with auto threading loopers have an improved system.
I am saving this video! Threading the 1st channel is especially difficult (the one that forms the seaming stitch), and I was worried about doing that, but the tip of tying on the new colours and pulling them through is genius - as is winding bobbins to use instead of buying 4 cones of each colour. My Janone came with 4 yellow mini spools, but I bought 4 spools in a mid grey - a nice neutral colour - as I tend not to sew white fabric. Regarding the bonus tip, I was reluctant to spend £20-25 for a dedicated overlocker storage bag, but found I had a nice zip-top 'supermarket' bagg to hand, and put the overlocker in there. Okay, it's too wide - but as it only cost a couple of pounds, who cares!
I’m so with you about dedicated overlocker storage bag - I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it, I’d rather buy fabric for sewing instead! 😅
Great tips Julie, I would never have thought to use a grocery bag as a cover, simple yet genius.
I have had a serger for 14 years. I just learned about the tie off method last month! I wish I knew this years ago!
I could listen to you speak all day. Greetings from an
appreciative American.
I asked on another tip you had
Whether there is a sewing machine foot that we who do not have, or cannot afford a serger might purchase?
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for such sweet comment!🤗 I have a video on sewing knits and in that video I share a few methods how to sew without serger - this video might be useful to watch! ua-cam.com/video/F2CdmY02o_4/v-deo.htmlsi=sClkXifHg_Zq4iQL
I use a really small latch hook, like the ones for knitting machines, to pull my tails in. It is easier and faster than the needle threading to push it through. Thanks for sharing these five tips.
I use double-eyed needles made for knitting machines. They work very well and don't get caught in the loops. So easy!
Great tips some I knew and some I didn’t thank you. 2 of my granddaughters got sergers for Christmas and this is perfect for them.
Is there seam allowance guide for an older serger Simplicity Easy Lock 809?
best serger/ sewing machine covers: the blanket/ sheet sets' thick clear plastic zippered cover they come with.
Works great and if you're like me and like to take over the living room/kitchen/dining room (lol) then it's also a nicer look when it's on the table. I also use these for fabric scraps etc. Always great when you don't have to play the whole 'wtf is in this bag?' game with all your bags lol. same concept as clear bins basically.
Thanks, very helpful. My best tip is to check for burrs on the loopers if you're having stitch problems. A lite sanding with emery cloth should do the job.
Love the clear elastic tape trick!
That one was game changing for me once I first learned it! 🤗
Thank you Thank you Thank you! I have recently started going to sewing classes near me, I have done quite a few projects now and am getting more confident. We are all just about at the same stage and I have bought a serger. I have only used it a couple of times but am going to make a coatigan and my teacher suggested that I can mostly do it using the serger😮 I was really anxious about re threading my machine and thanks to you I feel more confident about it. I have also bought rainbow coloured thread in various colours which I think will cover the colour of most projects so am hopi that will work and save me having to constantly buy different coloured threads? I will let you know how I get on 😊
I didn't know that releasing the tension would help. I have been tying my thread but they ALWAYS were breaking. So frustrating 😢.I will definitely try this tip so I don't throw my serger out the 2nd story window! Thank you.
Great tips thank you😊my fav us the trick of changing threads and the bobbins. I will make a serger cover for practice but the bag is great too.
I'm having a terrible time with my New Serger. I have a big chart on my wall, that shows the threading individually.. I've had five different servers and the best was a metal, not plastic, Singer. The original one it lasted for forty five years. My new Singer? The number 3 thread is constantly breaking.
Great tips. One question....you have all of this sewing equipment and I am certain you have a bit of fabric laying around....why not just make a decent cover instead of the tacky grocery bag??
Thank you for making this video! It helps alot!
I hate my serger ( most of the time) I have a brother Lock 2104D. Every time I use it, I end up rethreading the whole machine, as it won’t stitch correctly. The blue level inside to swing the arm out, doesn’t seem to come out far enough. Im forever taking it apart cleaning and oiling it. Drives me mad. Help!
Just bought an Overlocker. Is it worth getting accidental damage insurance?
Pretty standard “tips” that beginners can learn from manual or any blog or video. Would be interested in lesser known tips!
I wish I would have seen this video before I tried to changed my thread. I still have not been able to use it.
Threading serger from scratch is such a tricky task! Sorry to hear you're not able to use your machine 🙁
Go back to the manual! It will direct you how to thread it.
There should be also a diagram on the machine itself (open the front) which will show you exactly where the threads go.
Each thread will be numbered so you start with 1 and continue, rather than doing it randomly or left-to-right. This is crucial.
You may need long tweezers to reach some threading points.
Finally, you might look on UA-cam for a video on how to do it. All sewing machines have demonstration videos and they are very helpful.
Try again, you will succeed.
Thanks for your great tips, especially changing threads
Thank you for the tip on threatening I haven't started using mine yet as it was frying my brain,
I'm dyslexic so instructions don't stick but I can do it if I'm shown how to do it.
Many thanks.
Very useful video. Thank you. Please, what model of Serger do you use?
Perfect!!!!n thanks what a Wonderfull tip...😘
Thank you. I loved your tips. Just got my first serger and I am still getting used to it so your tips were very helpful
Simply Brilliant tips. I'm going to try them all. Thank you very much.
Awesome !!! Thank you, that was helpful. 😅
Does Lithuanian people speak English or other languages.
I already used the first 1 but the rest seem good too. I'm gonna try this week.
Julie, where are you from? I can't figure it out by your accent and name. I'm just curious.
New to it - very helpful :) many thanks
Nice tips to know, Thank you. one question though, since you have all the tools you would ever need along with the knowledge in sewing, why would you not just design and sew an exact fit cover to you serger instead of throwing a grocery bag over it? ..... yes I understand that it is easy to just use a cheap grocery bag, but you paid a few hundred dollars for your serger, so does it not desirve a little loving care in creating a custom fit cover for it? lol
Just starting== thread already broke Darn . loved your tips
Fantastic tips! Thanks very much! 😊😊😊❤
Good tips....but strange you did not Make a fitting cover for your serger! Just a 2 mn job.
Ive had a serger.for 20 years and not once changed the yarn any other way. I didnt know you were supposed to change the needles unless they bent or broke either, and thats never happened, so Ive had the same four sets for 20 years and they still sew perfectlly. Thousands of miles, hear after year. I reckon its the needle sellers who push the sales.
Thank you, thank you so much for the thread changing idea. I was not using my serger cause of the thread changing process 😀
I usually thread this way…but there are times when things happen and you have to rethread the whole machine….but it’s no big deal I can thread the whole machine in a few minutes .. the more you do it the quicker you become
@jilijagobere where did you buy the red bust behind you in this video? Thanks
I was given an overlocker a few years ago and found the most frustrating thing about it was the thread that broke was always the most impossible one. I sold it last week!! It was just a waste of thread and a dust catcher.
When threading your serger using this technique, I have never been able to take it through the needles. Is that correct? You still need to thread the needle or am I doing something wrong?
I was taught in sewing how to change spools of thread , but was never told to turn dials ! I’ve had 1 serger machine Simplicity which I bought about ‘94 -95 was really frantic to use , the machine was sale for $500 , throughout the years I had spent about twice the price of it for repairs, finally my mom gave me hers Babylock , have been using since 2010 , it too was purchased by my mom when I bought mine ! I’ve practiced doing the corner by clipping, like you showed & like it , I just basically use for finishing seams , ( 3 thread ) rarely do I use second needle & 4th spool ! I would like to invest in a lock stitch machine ( ?) for athletic garments! Right now I need a car more than a new sewing machine !
I need help with rolled hem tule fabric for veiling. 1. Do I need a different needle? 2. Where do I place the wooly thread?
I don’t know if it’s a good thing to try, I saw a person having only one needle threaded for sergers for narrower stitches.