skip to main content

Serger thread??? help appreciated

15 years ago

I recently bought my first serger, a Janome, I have been using normal spools of thread because that was what I had. The thread keeps getting cought and breaking, so I assume I need a different kind. What is the best kind of thread to use with a serger??

Any tips greatly appreciated,

AR_Dramaqueen

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

bonnie-w
15 years ago
Go to Joann's and ask for serger thread. It's on a cone and come in different colors. I would suggest you start with black and light beige and slowly add more colors. Serger thread is a lighter weight than regular thread because you are using 3 or 4 threads at one time.

Hope that helps
Bonnie
0
sheesh
15 years ago
I often use matching spool thread in the just the needle and serge as usual, but I often use four spools of thread when I want the inside of the garment to match and look good but don't want or can't find four cones of serger thread.

A couple tricks: Use the discs provided with the serger; make sure the tiny slit that holds the thread securely on the spool faces down on the spindle; put the disc on the spindle on top of the spools so the thread goes on the outside of the disc. Finally, serge a little slower than you normally would. If your beautiful new Janome didn't come with discs, you can buy them at JoAnn.

Bonnie is right that serger thread is lighter than spool thread, but if you go a little slower and make sure the slit is down you should have good luck with regular thread.

Sherry
0
Related Discussions
serger rolled hem - help, help, help
Q
Comments (6)
Hi Sandra, No, you were not being ignored, trust me. I read your post and said to myself, I don't have a clue, but I'll keep an eye on this post and maybe learn something myself! I'm sure others did the same. So thanks to Bonnie from me for her suggestion, and to you for the post. Kathy G in MI
...See More
HELP Wilcox and Gibbs serger
Q
Comments (37)
Hey jack, any quality sewing machine oil will be good. as far as using the serial number number to indentify the model i’m not sure, they came with small plates affixed to the top that would say the model but the plates fall off easily.
...See More
Help buying a serger
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks everyone. We really appreciate it! She doesn't know that we are planning to buy the serger for her. If she did, she would tell us, "no, no all of you have already helped enough." You know how moms are. I have no idea what type of machine her serger was. It was one of the many items that was not just broken, but missing altogether. It's either in the Gulf of Mexico or landed in someone else's home. It's such a shame that our parents are dealing with this at 70 and 80 years old. Thankfully they have some savings, but clearly not enough to cover all their losses. State Farm estimated their covered losses at 7000. If you've seen the pictures, you know that 7000 doesn't begin to help. Anyway, we like the idea of serger because she can make curtains, duvets, placemats, pillows clothes etc... I think her work is at least as good as what you find in the store, if not better. Of course she's my Mom, so I would think that! The only thing I remember about her serger was that it was a white squarish machine with four or five cone-shaped spools of thread - I think five spools. I realize that isn't much help. I may see if it's possible for us to buy her a gift certificate to a sewing machine store. Just a couple more questions if you have a moment. Any opinions on Pfaff or Bernina? I know my Mom likes Pfaff sewing machines and one of my sisters has a Bernina sewing machine that she likes. Also, eoes each brand have a separate store or can I find a store that carries serveral brands? If we chose a gift certificate, it would be nice to select a store with more options. Much appreciated, SKB
...See More
Juki Serger MO-734DE Help
Q
Comments (3)
Like sewing machines all sergers have some quirks. The settings vary from each machine. On adding the band, try increasing the pressure on the presser foot. Sometimes need to loosen the thread tension. If thread breaking or skipping usually tension too tight. If your sewing a lot of knits the needles and blades dull a little faster but since the machine is new the blades should be okay. Try testing on scraps. In the back of most serger manuals they have a blank sheet when I get a correct setting for different fabrics or stitch types I record all the settings. Needle(s), Looper(s), Differential, Stitch Width and Lengths, it saves time in the future. I have to admit on some fabrics I do actually do a basting stitch on the sewing machine. Hope this is helping.
...See More
shadylady2u
15 years ago
I usually use Maxi serger thread, but thread breaking is more an indicator that it's not threaded correctly, the tension is wrong or the needle is either the wrong size or inserted wrong.
0
joansews4u
15 years ago
I only used MaxiLock & I had a stand made that I can use it on my regular mchine for sewing there. I buy 5 spools so I don't have to unthread my serger to borrow a spool for the regular machine.

I understand what you are saying as I tried to use regular spooled thread at times too.
0
ar_dramaqueen
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you all for your advice. I think I have it actually threaded right, but the things that hold the thread spools onto the spool rods on back keep snagging the thread and breaking it, so I figured I needed a different kind.
Thanks to you all!
AR_Dramaqueen
0
budster
15 years ago
Have you checked to see if either the thread has burrs or the "things that hold the the spools onto the rods" have no little catches? I'm trying to see exactly what you mean there....I know it's simple but I'm just out of loop it seems.
0

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR 7 Ways Cats Help You Decorate

By Molly Brandenburg

Furry felines add to our decor in so many ways. These just scratch the surface

MOST POPULAR 9 Real Ways You Can Help After a House Fire

By Alison Hodgson

Suggestions from someone who lost her home to fire — and experienced the staggering generosity of community

DECORATING GUIDES Decorate With Intention: Helping Your TV Blend In

By Laura Gaskill

Somewhere between hiding the tube in a cabinet and letting it rule the room are these 11 creative solutions

LANDSCAPE DESIGN How to Help Your Home Fit Into the Landscape

By Jay Sifford Garden Design

Use color, texture and shape to create a smooth transition from home to garden

WORKING WITH PROS 5 Steps to Help You Hire the Right Contractor

By Dylan Chappell Architects

Don't take chances on this all-important team member. Find the best general contractor for your remodel or new build by heeding this advice

SMALL SPACES Downsizing Help: Where to Put Your Overnight Guests

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Lack of space needn’t mean lack of visitors, thanks to sleep sofas, trundle beds and imaginative sleeping options

MOTHER’S DAY What to Do for Mom Around the House on Mother’s Day

By Becky Harris

Show appreciation for your mother and make her day extra special with these ideas

MOST POPULAR 8 Little Remodeling Touches That Make a Big Difference

By Samantha Schoech

Make your life easier while making your home nicer, with these design details you'll really appreciate

CONCRETE Why Concrete Wants to Crack

By Matt Clawson

We look at the reasons concrete has a tendency to crack — and what you can do to help control it

MOVING 9 Ways to Calm New-Home Jitters

By Laura Gaskill

Buyer's remorse begone! Here are some tricks to help you warm to your new place, warts and all

Sponsored

RTS Home Solutions

3 Reviews

BIA of Central Ohio Award Winning Contractor

More Discussions

huck toweling, anyone?

3