The "Secret" to taming your Serger!

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  • Опубліковано 30 лис 2010
  • Ever want to pull your hair out because your serger threads "don't look right"? Complete this simple sewing exercise, and you'll never wonder which dial you need to touch!
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 188

  • @lisachristianson5884
    @lisachristianson5884 10 років тому +21

    It Totally worked!!! But,I started watching this and thought I had it down. I did it and still couldn't get it. I finally watched the WHOLE video. Also I didn't know what numbers to have the other dials on. Also noticed hers in the video. I guess it didn't matter .My problem was my thread was not all the way in the tension control. YAH!!! I did do a victory dance!

  • @trinialisha
    @trinialisha 11 років тому +15

    START WITH "ALL" DIALS ON 4. From there you can play with the dials on different fabrics

  • @Sunandsand4life
    @Sunandsand4life 3 роки тому +1

    Holy he// !! Thank you so much. I’ve been fighting my serger for a long time!! This is amazing info

  • @feliciamercer6664
    @feliciamercer6664 7 років тому +3

    This is my favourite video for fixing serger tension issues. I recommend it to anyone who is having troubles. I often use this method when I can't quickly fix issues on my own machines. Works EVERY time! Highly recommend! Thank-you for the video :)

  • @janicebradfordbelltolleshu4383
    @janicebradfordbelltolleshu4383 9 років тому +2

    Thanks so much. I really needed this. I'm getting my fabric ready now to get my tension guides made. You are a life saver.

  • @jacquievogler9038
    @jacquievogler9038 7 років тому +2

    I am finally getting a serger, so glad I found this video! thanks for posting

  • @amandajane8227
    @amandajane8227 10 років тому

    Thank you so much for uploading this simple to follow video. For the first time ever I have got perfect tension on my machine with a setting of 4,4,2,4 which I would never have worked out without your help.

  • @barb72832
    @barb72832 8 років тому

    I have 3 sergers which I haven't been using and finally you have given me the solution to my nightmares. Thank you for making this so easy to accomplish. I will do this immediately with each one and store them for quick access in their covers. It makes so much sense and great visual on how the machine really works.

  • @CGM52
    @CGM52 12 років тому

    This is brilliant. I have been using sergers for many years and have often struggled with achieving the correct tension on different fabrics. Thanks so much your video!!!

  • @AbisDen
    @AbisDen 6 років тому +7

    I think - and this is only my thought - this video is designed to help you adjust current tension setting to find the right tension settings for a specific fabric and only if you previously had a good tension or know what the factory settings are. Sergers/Overlockers don't have a one setting fits all... This video should not be taken to find that one magic setting to suit ALL fabrics, just the one you're going to be using at that particular time using the threads you will be using. Note also, the differential speed isn't discussed. You will not get a good feed if the fabric changes from say chiffon to denim, jersey to calico. So, this method to gauge which tension settings are good for you when you need to adjust them to suit the fabric you are going to be using is acceptable and good. With regular sewing machines, the number of possible combinations of the top tension is little over 10 settings (to the bottom tension including the adjusted foot pressure). There are literally thousands of combinations on 4 lots of 10 possible tension settings with 10 differential feed settings (and then the foot pressure as well). Anyone who managed to get a good tension on an old machine managed to do this with a gut feeling or luck mixed with previous understanding. But thats just my own opinion.

  • @ponalisa74
    @ponalisa74 7 років тому

    i tried your suggestions and figured a much much better setting for each of the threads. thank you

  • @nhcharmedone
    @nhcharmedone 9 років тому +2

    I love this idea! Yes it takes some time if you are using a few different types of fabric, but in the long run, it is much easier and faster than dealing with trying to get it all right at the start of a project! Thanks for sharing!

  • @agnespellowski674
    @agnespellowski674 7 років тому

    OMG! I have had my serger for over 20 years and never mastered the tension. I have been playing with it on different fabric types using your system for a week or so and it works amazingly well! Thanks!

  • @lilymay7758
    @lilymay7758 6 років тому

    This worked a treat...thank you so much! It sorted out my tension problems for 3 thread, single layer of lightweight fabric. Highly recommend! Thank-you for the video :)

  • @GVAteach
    @GVAteach 2 роки тому

    Thank you for such a practical and useful strategy to determine the best settings on my serger. I just purchased a Juki from a thrift shop - it sews great, but I'm trying to learn all I can about tension settings. Your video is a great resource!

  • @joanburnett1254
    @joanburnett1254 4 роки тому

    Thank you so much for this very time saving tutorial. Have fought with my serger for a week to get the tensions correct. Then i found and followed your tutorial and within an hour i had the right settings. I, am eternally grateful!!

  • @cleverblonde4406
    @cleverblonde4406 13 років тому

    Just fantastic. I've been sewing with serger for 10 yrs and extremely dislike tension issues. I never knew what I was doing and would spend hours fiddling with dials until the stitching looked right. Your system is fool proof and so easy to understand. Thank you

  • @YouTuttifrutti
    @YouTuttifrutti 10 років тому +1

    Thank you so much for such a instructive video. I am going upstairs right now and tame that serger once and for all :)

  • @dbgtwin1
    @dbgtwin1 12 років тому

    Love it Love it Love it. This is the FIRST video I watched before using my new serger. Wow this really makes sense. I think I'll do the same "stitch map" for my sewing machine. This is a real timesaver and you won't have to keep using scrap pieces to see the right stitch/and or serger stitch. YOU ARE AWESOME. Now on to threading. LOL!! :):)

  • @NiniGirl
    @NiniGirl 12 років тому +1

    This is so PERFECT!! Thank you so much. Love, LOVE, Love your video!

  • @liserodrigue1980
    @liserodrigue1980 6 років тому

    I have the top of the line Serger and it stayed in the box for 4 years...Now I am so happy to see the correct way to use it..Thank you so very much and I will follow your tips...

  • @TodayinJensSewingRoom
    @TodayinJensSewingRoom 13 років тому

    What a GREAT idea! Thank you so much. I just went through the whole "what the heck!" thing with my serger while changing threads. It never fails that my tension gets screwed up. Thanks so much for the tip!

  • @lindaschirmacher1737
    @lindaschirmacher1737 8 років тому

    I have been using the serger that I bought in 1989. I just ordered a brother 3/4 serger machine today. I can't wait to get it because the other one was just harder and harder for me to thread all 5 threads....and be correct.....lol. Until I get it.....I will be watching all you videos. TFS your talent, time and patience!

  • @kimdkus
    @kimdkus 12 років тому

    Hey Susan, when I frist saw this, I thought that's really a lot of work, but since I'm a newbie, I figured, ok, I'll try it. And I'm sooooooooo happy I did!! Now I know where to put my tensions to make a nice stitch. Thanks for the tip!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!!!!

  • @annie-sc8nd
    @annie-sc8nd 5 років тому

    God bless You! I bought a used serger, without a user manual, and this is my first machine, so I wasn't know, how to set it. But your video helped for me! Thank you! :)

  • @wisewoman7906
    @wisewoman7906 5 років тому +2

    New sub! Thanks for this tip; it's so clever!
    My serger was used/gifted to me, so it was threaded by the person who checked it out before I picked it up. It ran beautifully. Then I changed threads, had to cram study on how to thread the machine, and... it was awful. Two threads snapped. I didn't even realize they were snapped for several inches, and I'm just serging away... It was the hem of a prom gown! Fortunately I was able to salvage the job on another machine and it turned out fine; but now I have to go back and REALLY learn how to thread it!

    • @waltermessines5181
      @waltermessines5181 5 років тому +1

      Wisdom = the accumulated errors you learned something from... Some just RTM...

  • @susanokeefe9130
    @susanokeefe9130 10 років тому

    Your tutorials are GREAT! PLEASE DO MORE SERGER TUTORIALS AND PROJECTS.

  • @shazsell7509
    @shazsell7509 11 років тому +3

    Thanks very much for this very informative video. I followed it with my new Juki MO-735 serger and not only was able to identify the proper settings, but also practice using it. I added one additional test, which was a final strip with the settings I determined on the first 4 for the individual tensions, and then adjusted on that strip to get a very good stitch.

  • @MelissaGemini
    @MelissaGemini 12 років тому

    AMAZING. Thank you thank you. I just bought a serger and i watched the dvd and read the book. Srprisingly i was still lost. I watch our video and just a few amazingly easy mins i have set my serger and my sewer.

  • @anitasblog2761
    @anitasblog2761 2 роки тому

    Really helpful. Thanks for that great idea you brought up! That should help me finding out the perfect setting.

  • @sherriscreativemind
    @sherriscreativemind 9 років тому

    OhmyGOSH! TY so MUCH! I have had a battle for a very long time in regard to my old Brother 925D.. It's a workhorse, I've had it for years but lately it's been needing an overhaul, which I did today. I tore it down and cleaned, oiled, checked out stuff to make sure it was all good... then after it was put back together I had the age old problem of bad seams.. I love this tutorial and will def use it tomorrow.. this gal's gotta rest now. LOL

  • @chantalpinsonneault1299
    @chantalpinsonneault1299 4 роки тому

    Best explanation I've come upon so far. I will be doing that!

  • @baileyrose3
    @baileyrose3 10 років тому

    Genius! I just finished setting all of the tension settings using your method. Now my 20 year old serger sews like new again. Thank you so much for sharing this tip!!!

    • @sherriscreativemind
      @sherriscreativemind 9 років тому

      Mine is 15 years old and I can't wait to try this out... :D

  • @MsGordot
    @MsGordot 13 років тому

    this is fantasic ...you make getting the correct tension so easy.Thanks

  • @maryb.c.507
    @maryb.c.507 4 роки тому +3

    This is a great technique for a particular fabric. At least with my serger, when you switch to say a knit double layer or single layer, tension adjustments need to be made. I keep a sample of the serged fabric pinned to a paper with the tensions settings and stitch length etc. recorded so I can quickly adjust the serger for that type of fabric for next time.

  • @abigailperezful
    @abigailperezful 9 років тому

    Wow! Such a great video! Thank you!

  • @daisylichtenbergerdaisy4461
    @daisylichtenbergerdaisy4461 10 років тому +1

    Fantastic lesson. Thank you so much!
    DL

  • @katrinsmenio7847
    @katrinsmenio7847 Рік тому

    Absolutely brilliant, thank you

  • @sassewing
    @sassewing 12 років тому +1

    Great job!!! You solve my headaches with my serger. Thanks a lot!

  • @rebapepper4635
    @rebapepper4635 9 років тому

    Very smart lady !! I love it ..thanks !

  • @trish7440
    @trish7440 4 роки тому

    What a great resource! Thank you!

  • @NerahBee
    @NerahBee 4 роки тому

    Really like this tip. Great video

  • @FaerieFenergles
    @FaerieFenergles 7 років тому

    So methodical and logical ... thank you so much!

  • @yournamehere6925
    @yournamehere6925 8 років тому

    What a great idea and well made video!

  • @Katcocat
    @Katcocat 13 років тому +1

    Thanks so much for this, great tip and explanation.

  • @beachboyde
    @beachboyde 4 роки тому

    This was brilliant.... Thank you... Jon

  • @pinkscrapper99
    @pinkscrapper99 8 років тому +1

    thank you for doing this video. It helped me immensely to tame my serger. :)

  • @Mradrianodeco
    @Mradrianodeco 7 років тому +1

    Thank you very much for video. I appreciate.

  • @waraylou
    @waraylou 11 років тому +1

    Thank you, thank you. This video has really helped.

  • @carlynholmes
    @carlynholmes 7 років тому +1

    Thank you...this was very helpful.

  • @broiledhobbit
    @broiledhobbit 11 років тому +1

    I have no idea what you just did but you did it very, very well.

  • @alvaradoammy
    @alvaradoammy 7 років тому

    Thanks for your video, is a great help to my self.

  • @kimdkus
    @kimdkus 12 років тому +1

    @burningbirch I'm agreeing with BB on this one. Please give us good tips like when to use a certain serger stitch, when to use two or four threads, ect instead of where the on switch is. :)) Give us something we can chew on. :)

  • @abigailleroy-mira5536
    @abigailleroy-mira5536 2 роки тому

    This is great, thank you !!

  • @madogaso
    @madogaso 12 років тому

    You make seem this serger machine, be so easy to use. Thanks again for your great ideas.

  • @char0219
    @char0219 12 років тому +1

    Great advice! Thank you for this helpful tutorial~!

  • @jblinckmann
    @jblinckmann 11 років тому

    Thanks for this video. It was very helpful. Wish I had known about this secret earlier. It would have saved me some frustration.

  • @shamhat8730
    @shamhat8730 10 років тому

    An excellent video. I am going to try and fix my serger right now. I have had it for around 15 years and could not get the tension right. Well done!

  • @mollyv8b705
    @mollyv8b705 5 років тому

    Fantastic idea!!!

  • @mileyondisney5588
    @mileyondisney5588 11 років тому +1

    Outstanding! Thank you.

  • @HarryPotter-dg5qw
    @HarryPotter-dg5qw 9 років тому

    Great video. Thanks so much

  • @sutela2060
    @sutela2060 2 роки тому

    Thanks for your good tips

  • @markiepinkham-trundy4687
    @markiepinkham-trundy4687 4 роки тому

    This Video is Great thank you for making it.

  • @irenedale5256
    @irenedale5256 4 роки тому

    Thanks. That was really helpful!

  • @pamnewt45
    @pamnewt45 5 років тому

    Very helpful!!! Thank you.

  • @hglnumber4
    @hglnumber4 10 років тому +33

    This video over simplifies the issue. Serger thread tensions are not independent of one another. If one tension is changed this can then affect the tension of another even without altering the other's dial. In particular, the upper and lower looper tensions work together so a lot of tweaking is required to get them just right. In addition, different fabrics, stitch length and width also will require customised tension. Having these samples isn't going to help much - you need to play with your tensions for each new project.

    • @rosehep3301
      @rosehep3301 9 років тому +3

      hglnumber4 So right! I spent more time yesterday fiddling for the right tension for 4-way stretch than I did actually sewing the garment once I found it.

    • @ponalisa74
      @ponalisa74 7 років тому +4

      hglnumber4 I set all 4 to the settings that came out best and I got a great output... my settings sit at 6; 9; 8; 4... they work for me

    • @jayej692
      @jayej692 5 років тому +1

      Some machines go off tension during sewing. It's maddening.

    • @nynurse2
      @nynurse2 5 років тому +1

      You are absolutely correct!.. I make a sample for ea different fabric type and label ea one with the settings for future reference

    • @joanwillison9922
      @joanwillison9922 2 роки тому +1

      What I was just thinking. This doesn’t take into account four threads working simultaneously.

  • @seb2022
    @seb2022 6 років тому

    Excellent! Thank you!

  • @Britgirl58
    @Britgirl58 3 роки тому

    Great tip ~ thank you!

  • @PegLeg233
    @PegLeg233 8 років тому

    your video was so helpful , thank you for sharing ;)

  • @debbiebloodworth8252
    @debbiebloodworth8252 11 років тому +1

    I have had my serger for 3 years and never used it-I am now not afraid

    • @maggiem4734
      @maggiem4734 5 років тому

      Debbie Bloodworth LOL 😆 I know exactly what you mean....it IS intimidating, isn’t it?

  • @rosehep3301
    @rosehep3301 9 років тому +13

    Frustrating, but an inherent duty of using these awesome machines...
    Like +hglnumber4 said: "Serger thread tensions are not independent of one another. If one tension is changed this can then affect the tension of another even without altering the other's dial." "Having these samples isn't going to help much."
    The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is once you find the settings for a type of fabric, save the test scrap and write the settings on it, and save THOSE in a folder somewhere. I spent more time yesterday fiddling for the right tensions for 4-way stretch (instead of the medium weight woven cotton muslin I'd been using previously) than I did actually sewing the garment once I finally found it's crazy combo.
    If curious about the settings on my Singer, threaded with only the right needle,
    The swimsuit spandex turned out to be: Needle: 3. Upper: 9. Lower: 6.
    The settings for the woven cotton was Needle: 1. Upper: 4. Lower: 3.

    • @adada1st
      @adada1st 5 років тому +1

      Thank you, this is actually really helpful!

  • @arlenemurphy804
    @arlenemurphy804 11 років тому +2

    I have been using a serger for many years, and each fabric usually calls for a tension check. I adjust the tension with each project.

    • @maggiem4734
      @maggiem4734 5 років тому +3

      A Murphy Whenever you change your fabric to something different the first time, do you go through this method? I know tensions are different with each type of fabric, so, have you discovered a different “standard” setting for all of your different fabrics? I would imagine there would be.

  • @karenbilton3522
    @karenbilton3522 9 років тому

    Great informative video, thankyou

  • @tinabray7872
    @tinabray7872 8 років тому

    excellent in layman's terms...thank you so much!!

  • @SatanIsInsideYou
    @SatanIsInsideYou 12 років тому

    Awesome. I spend 30 min to an hour setting my serger for certain fabrics!! My seer

  • @emmawilliamson3936
    @emmawilliamson3936 6 років тому

    What a great idea.

  • @debbieweston8090
    @debbieweston8090 8 років тому

    Very new to sewing. Wow mind blown..... so logical thanks:-).

  • @leannephillips3258
    @leannephillips3258 8 років тому

    Brilliant. Thanks x

  • @tonymagner
    @tonymagner 13 років тому

    wow, this woman is a scientist!, great, makes sense.

  • @plushabola
    @plushabola 9 років тому

    I have finally sat down and went through this tip on simple cotton satin fabric. My perfect setting seems to be :
    Left Needle : 3
    Right Needle : 4
    Upper Looper : 3
    Lower Looper : 6
    Its amazing. I would have never come to this setting by just keep changing the tensions on the go. Thanks for the idea, its easier to guess the rest of the color settings if you are a bit familiar with serger. The tutorial is harder to follow for complete beginners.

  • @mariacoelho4581
    @mariacoelho4581 7 років тому

    very nice thank you

  • @ritac9637
    @ritac9637 12 років тому

    Excellent!

  • @knsinteriors1
    @knsinteriors1 12 років тому

    great idea!

  • @serundipity
    @serundipity 12 років тому

    Well done! Applying science to sergers!

  • @laurabarba3515
    @laurabarba3515 8 років тому

    even my husband wants to pull his hair out because of the threading😂. thanks for such a great idea .:)

  • @68868s
    @68868s 3 роки тому

    So smart.

  • @rjmodany7768
    @rjmodany7768 9 років тому +13

    What do you set the other tensions at when you are testing one?

  • @keepthefaith1912
    @keepthefaith1912 5 років тому

    Thanks!!😀

  • @rhondaroo65
    @rhondaroo65 10 років тому

    awesome thanks for sharing...

  • @lhianna327
    @lhianna327 9 років тому +1

    would love a video explaining how the upper and lower and needle threrads should look on each strip

  • @madisonlizotte5035
    @madisonlizotte5035 10 років тому

    excellent! very profesional

  • @cindechurm9476
    @cindechurm9476 5 років тому

    brillant!

  • @dougskow2005
    @dougskow2005 10 років тому +21

    What number should the other dials be on while one dial is being tested?
    Wonderful video! Thank you
    Diane

    • @AngieCee1
      @AngieCee1 2 роки тому +1

      I know it's been 8 years since your comment lol... but I saw another video where the lady said to keep all the other dials on 3 except the one you're adjusting. I'm sure other numbers could work, whatever your machine likes that isn't too tight or too loose I suppose.

  • @lynnharris6877
    @lynnharris6877 9 років тому +2

    Love the video. Have a few questions. What are you calling a serger seam? Is it a 4 thread overlock?
    How do I know what settings to begin?..... What are the settings for the needles and lower looper when you start the testing for the upper looper in order to begin the testing maps?

  • @tanda1206
    @tanda1206 8 років тому +1

    When you find the upper looper tension, do you turn it back to 0 to find the lower looper and the two needles, or do you leave it at 3 and continue on to find the remaining tensions?

  • @sajidramjan123
    @sajidramjan123 10 років тому +18

    hi all, ive looked at the video closely and found that Susan's strips of tensions are as so: Left needle = 5 - Blue thread
    Right needle = 4 - Green thread
    Upper Looper = 3 - Pink thread
    Lower Looper = 3 - Yellow thread
    does this help anyone?

    • @KingdomOriginators
      @KingdomOriginators 10 років тому

      yes it does! Because it's helpful to know a starting point. Thank you

    • @shamhat8730
      @shamhat8730 10 років тому

      Yes, it does. We do need a starting point. Thanks.

    • @Fioneenacockeen
      @Fioneenacockeen 9 років тому

      Yes, thank you very much

    • @toni3117
      @toni3117 5 років тому +2

      If I used these settings on my serger my stuff would be a hot mess. For a 3 thread overlock stitch start with 4 on all dials.

  • @dawneranken6911
    @dawneranken6911 6 років тому

    These samples will show which thread is out of balance. Sometimes just reaching across to change a thread color you might move the adjustment dial on another thread! It is helpful to see the changes each number makes!

  • @nynurse2
    @nynurse2 5 років тому

    I start with the #4 on all dials.. then If necc I start tweaking with the upper looper 1st..Usually that does it, but if not then I turn the lower looper up or down one number.. once I get the perfect balanced stitch I put a pc of masking tape next to the stitches and list in order: for example: LL = 5 UL = 6 RN = 4. LN = 3. St Width = 5.5. St Length = 2.5. Diff Feed = Norm. I cut my fabric samples abt 5 in by 10” ,and fold in half like she did ..once I have the correct combo i cut ea one abt 4-5 in.. You have to do this for EACH DIFFERENT fabric that U use!.. I put them all in a box.. Then in the future, every time U sew a specific fabric you just look. thru the fabric samples and use those settings..

  • @AbisDen
    @AbisDen 2 роки тому

    Abi's Den
    videos like this is why people are afraid of their overlockers. A title like that is intimidating and justifies the machine is scary - it's not a dragon or a wild beast to tame
    Like

  • @nailtech4years
    @nailtech4years 9 років тому +26

    what should the other tensions be set on when you are testing each one. So when I am adjusting the left needle from 1-9 what should all of the other 3 tension dials be set to?

    • @redinidaho335
      @redinidaho335 5 років тому +3

      Susan Hall that’s my question too.

    • @imdone65marshall80
      @imdone65marshall80 5 років тому +1

      Zero

    • @toni3117
      @toni3117 5 років тому +1

      If you’re not doing a rolled hems then 4-1 is a good starting point. That’s my settings when I sew 90% of the time