Look for a manual for your type of machine. All thread differently. Miss one step, and you get a birdnest.

I have a serger, and use it often. But I HATE threading it. I prefer to knot the tread together and run the machine till the thread gets to the needles. Then I snip the knot off, and thread the needle, one at the time. :)

Moni

I have several of them they are awesome machines. The worst part is threading it. My suggestion is to find a local place that offers classes. They will show you how to thread it and set the tensions properly, until that's done you will have problems. I always teach new users to use a different color thread on each holder this makes it much easier to see where the thread is going and which of the tensions need adjustment. My favorite of my machines is self threading. One important thing to learn is never ever unthread it. When you want to change thread tie the new thread onto the one being used the knot will go through, you may need to clip it at the smaller eye needle and thread those but it will go right through the loopers. I have only threaded my machines that original time from then on they stay threaded. I do have several books but truly going to one good class is best. Especially with no prior knowledge. If you have stores that sell sergers or repair shops you can call and ask if you can bring it in and they can help you thread it.

One important thing since this was a used machine and you don't know how it was treated, the loopers could be bent. Run the machine with no thread, just turn on and run it to see if everything seems to move smoothly and if there's anything rubbing or clacking. Bent loopers are probably the main reason you find them for sale. That and worn out blades. Blades can be replaced but every machine model has a different blade configuration so it has to be just for the model. Bent loopers I wouldn't mess with on a used machine not worth the money to try to get it repaired.

When brand and model is it?

I bought one used. I pretty much just use it to make goat coats. I'm not sure about good books, but I do have a few that came with the used, but they are older books. You can likely find all you need to know on the internet. I agree with above about looking up the manual number. Also on mine it has a flip down on the front that shows you how to thread it depending on the number of thread you want to run. It's a little trickier than a sewing machine, but it's not too bad.

Thanks to everyone. I appreciate the replies. Lots of great tips. I will try to find the manual online. DH, the engineer who can build or fix anything, checked it over and thought it was in good shape. I had asked at a couple of fabric stores about classes, but no one knew of any being offered. I wish there were some, I learn faster that way.

You might even be able to find a visual instruction on Youtube. There are some types on there. I saw them after I bought mine because I am more of a visual learner. Just do a search for your make and moldel number to see if it's on there.

My thought was to input your serger name and number and youtube it as littlemonkey suggestion - you can replay it over and over till you understand it... I thread mine all the time unless it is just replacing the thread when it is low... It is confusing at first, but will become easier...

I used to have one and loved using it....I got rid of it when I got a tremor in my hand and it became very difficult for me to thread. If you have a sewing machine repair shop near, I would take it there and have them thread it for you the first time and see if it is stitching properly.....if it isn't, they can be a real pain! Good luck and I hope you enjoy your serger!

A gal taught me to use a floss threader to help with the threading on the loopers... You feed the thread thru the loop and thread the tail in the holes. Here's a picture of the floss threader. http://www.dental-health-advice.com/dental-floss-threader.html... makes it so much easier...

I've never used one and I do a LOT of sewing. This is pretty interesting. Thanks for posting this thread caflowerluver.

Again thanks everyone for posting. Our last close by sewing machine repair shop closed in 2012. I guess there is not the demand for repairing sewing machines today. I will have to see if there are any further out. I know there use to be some in San Jose but that is 1.5 drive one way.

Sometimes there is a thread guide in the front panel...or as someone else suggested...google for the manual. I try to do mine as the other poster said...Tie a knot in the thread at the top of the machine and then just pull it throgh or run the machine till it gets to the needle. Once in awhile you will get lucky and it will go through the eye of the needle but not often.

Love my serger, hate threading it. Sew for 15 minutes, rethread for 45 minutes!

There used to be a fantastic Sewing Machine/Quilt Shop in Mountain View. I drove 100 miles just to go there and cannot imagine that they are not in business today. Janome brand machines but repair all kinds. Can't recall the name, however. Everyone has given sound advice, check "quilt shops" for classes. I know one just moved from Fresno....poor folks will miss it... to Medford, Or; so I wish you good hunting for a helpful quilt shop.

I did just look it up...seems like it has moved to Sunnyvale, "Eddies Quilting Bee", actually two stores now. They had excellent teachers, fabrics, classes. My goodness, I loved the place and bought a machine there for my (non-sewing) ExDIL. Wish I had that machine back! Best of Luck.

Nanny - Thanks for the information, I will check them out when I am next in the area. San Jose is 1.5 hours drive one way is what I was trying to say. Or longer if there is an accident on HWY 17. I have been stuck for 3 hours!

I love my serger, I've used it to make lots of things, last year I made table runners with matching placemats for all my girls for Christmas. I find if you go slow with the threading it isn't that hard. The main issue with threading is to make sure the thread goes into the tension disks for each needle. I also have the floss threaders but it's almost just as easy to use my fingers and a bent tip tweezer. YouTube has a bunch of serger videos and they are really good for helping you understand the tension set up and threading.

Baby blankets are a really fast project and comes in handy when you need a shower gift.

I don't know what we did when we didn't have YouTube lol.