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Serger Smarts Quick Tips for Successful Serging |
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Naomi Baker |
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These tips make serging faster, less frustrating and fun!
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Rather than ripping out a rolled edge, simply serge off the narrow rolled edge.
For the fastest ripping, gently pull the thread chain and find the shortest thread(s). This is the needle thread in a balanced stitch and the lower looper thread in a 3-thread flatlock. Carefully pull to remove that thread; the other threads will then fall away.
Change needles often. New needles provide for the best stitch and prevent holes in the fabric. Synthetic fabrics dull the needle faster.
Use smaller needles for lightweight fabrics and larger sizes for heavier fabrics. Use stretch needles for knits or tightly woven fabrics to prevent skipped stitches.
When replacing a needle, make sure it's all the way up in the needle slot. If it won't go all the way up, loosen the set screw of the other needle slightly.
When removing a needle, keep it threaded so it's easily pulled out if dropped into the serger.
Watch the knives rather than the needle when serging. The fabric is cut 3/4" before the needle forms the stitches.
If fabric is dragging while serging, check the knife sharpness by serging on a soft, slippery fabric. If the cut edge is jagged rather than smooth, it may be time to replace the lower and/or upper knife.
When adjusting tensions, adjust one tension disc at a time and test the stitch after each adjustment, rather than making multiple adjustments at once.
To balance the tension, loosen the tightest thread first
| Page 1 | Basics Threading Threads |
| Page 2 | Ripping Stitches Needles Knives Tension |
| Page 3 | Securing Seam Ends Serging |
| Page 4 | Serging Corners & Curves |
Naomi Baker is a freelance serging and sewing consultant specializing in quick and easy techniques. She is co-author with Gail Brown and Cindy Kacynski of The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide from Krause Publications.
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