A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Use a Serger Sewing Machine
How the machine works is the first thing that anybody interested in sewing will want to know. Are you one of the many people who want to know how to operate a serger sewing machine? There’s no need to stress, since you’re going to learn how to use a serger like a pro.
Considering a serger is an excellent idea. It has the ability to sew, smooth off rough edges, and cut excess fabric all at the same time. You’ll never have to zigzag or trim seams again if you learn how to use a serger. Sewing using a serger ensures a high-quality finished product.
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What is a serger and what does it do?
The process of sewing together the raw edges of a cloth to prevent fraying is referred to as serging. If you’ve ever sewn, you’ve probably heard of overlocking, also known as serging or overclocking.
If you want to preserve your fabric from fraying, serging or overlocking is a great way to do it. An overlocker or a serger is often used to do serging. In a nutshell, this is a machine used to finish the edges of cloth by overlocking or serging them. You may use a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine to finish your cloth if you don’t have a serger.
Learn how to sew using a serger
To get you started, here are some fundamental tips for using a serger.
The most important components of a serger
Make sure you are acquainted with the various pieces of a serger before you begin. To learn how to operate a serger sewing machine fast, you must first locate the necessary instructions in the user’s handbook and ensure that you are familiar with the machine’s controls.
Dials for adjusting tension
It is very necessary to use tension settings in order to get lovely, silky threads with no looping.
Spools with three or four threads are available
Both the rear and top of a serger are often equipped with spools with three and four threads, respectively.
A pair of needles
The use of two needles is encouraged, however you may stitch with only one if you like to.
A blade for cutting
A serger blade’s function is similar to that of a pair of scissors in that it is a cutting blade.
Dials for the stitch length of a serger
The thread length dials on a serger are identical to the stitch length controls on a standard sewing machine. The greater the extent, the more stitches will be separated from one another. When the number of stitches is reduced, the stitches are closer together.
Knob for adjusting differential feed
The differential feed knob is often located on the side of the machine, however it may be located in a different location according on the type and brand of serger. It will have an influence on the speed with which the cloth is supplied to the rear feed dog.
Threading the serger
Its many threads, as well as the cutting blade, should not be a source of concern. Simply follow the straightforward directions in the handbook to get your computer up and running in no time. Although the threading may look complex at first, after you get experience with it, you will never want to go back.
Remember to use high-quality thread to reduce the likelihood of snapping and re-threading. Tie on your selected new color by cutting up the threads where the spools are located. Simply thread the new color into the machine with care, and you’ll be ready to sew with a vibrant color that won’t need you to rethread your machine again and again.
Sergers are used in sewing
It’s always a good idea to practice on a scrap of cloth before beginning on a new one. It takes time to get acquainted with the serger’s capacity to work with different types of fabrics. If you are the captain, you should avoid pushing or tugging the machine too hard, since this may cause the machine’s rhythm to be disturbed. The whole concept of how to use a serger sewing machine will become clear as time progresses.
When you’re ready to sew, place your cloth right beneath the foot of the machine. Leave a strand of chain thread protruding from the end of the project. Continue to hold on to this chain while you begin sewing in order to avoid it from getting entangled in the fabric.
The fabric between the machine’s plate and presser foot should be allowed to sew the blade cut in order to provide the cleanest possible result.
You must keep an eye on your speed while you pump the pedals on the foot press. It is possible that speeding up the process may result in the loss of important seam margins. Doing it gently and carefully will provide the finest initial results. A little practice can have you running up the stairs in no time.
The curved edge method will be explained in further detail when the straight edge seams have been successfully fastened in place.
Serger for curved surfaces
- It is recommended that you start with a scrap of cloth and practice on it, just as you would while sewing.
- In the case of outer curves
- Position the cloth just under the foot of the machine so that it is ready to sew.
- Use one hand to gently slide the cloth around the curve of the shape
- Remember to keep an eye on the blade, as it will be cutting up any excess fabric, so that you do not go over the edge.
In the case of inner curves
The fact that you just have a little space to stitch in makes this a bit more challenging.
- Straighten the edge of the needle to bring it level with the blade of the sewing machine. Simply grasp the fabric’s edge and pull it straight up and away from you. As a consequence, the fabric will collect on the opposite side of the cloth as well.
- When stitching, bring the cloth closer to the blade of the needle.
Serger in charge of the corners
There is no need to repeat the initial step in every situation, but practicing with a serger sewing machine is the first step before moving on to the actual thing.
- Begin stitching along the first edge as you would normally.
- Finish at the outside edge of the cloth, at the point of the first corner’s last stitch.
- Remove a stitch or two from the edge of the fabric. Slow slowly so that you don’t wind up with a lot of stitches on your hands. You simply need to build a tiny chain long enough to spin the fabric in the next one; this is all you need.
- Increase the pressure on the cloth by raising the foot and turning it in the direction of the next edge. To continue sewing, lower the foot of the machine.
Serger’s initiation and termination
Depending on the pattern you want to create, you may need to overlap the serger threads and start and stop at about the same location.
Beginning at the starting place, sew the threads onto the cloth by sliding them at an angle across the edge of the fabric.
To begin, overlap the stitching and slide off the edge at an angle, severing the chain from the machine, as you get closer to the beginning.
Cut the chain so that it matches the edges of the cloth. In the event that you’re utilizing a matching thread, the overlap will be almost undetectable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Is it worthwhile buying a serger?
A serger is an extremely useful piece of equipment for those who make clothes. Your clothing will appear better and last longer, and you won’t have to spend time after each wash removing thread nests from the insides of the garments. Those who sew knit textiles on a regular basis can benefit greatly from having access to a serger.
Is it difficult to learn how to operate a serger?
As time goes on, you will find that your serger is one of the instruments in your sewing room that you use the most. You won’t have any trouble figuring out how to use it, and you’ll quickly come to value how much faster you can sew as well as how expertly your completed products will appear.
Is it possible to use a serger for regular sewing?
Although there are tasks that may be completed entirely on a serger, it is not possible for a serger to take the place of a standard sewing machine. You will still need a standard machine in order to do tasks like as attaching facings and zippers, topstitching, buttonholes, and so on. This task cannot be accomplished with a serger.
Is it simple to use a serger?
For first-time users of a serger, there is a steep learning curve. It will take some time before you will feel comfortable using the sewing machine and will get used to the new way of stitching. You shouldn’t anticipate being able to begin serging short jobs immediately soon. A serger requires time and effort to learn how to use, just like a standard sewing machine.
How do you get started with a serger for the first time?
· Place yourself squarely in front of the machine and position the piece of cloth so that it is immediately under the foot of the machine.
· You may provide a hand by gently guiding the cloth around the curve while also helping to feed it.
· Be sure to keep an eye on the blade as it trims away the extra cloth and keep an eye on where you are going to ensure that you don’t go beyond the edge.
Conclusion
It’s common for a first-time serger user to be apprehensive about all of the many capabilities available on the machine. You need to be willing to learn how to operate a serger sewing machine in order to get the results you seek. While operating a serger is difficult, seeing how smooth and stable the seams and edges are and how serger added value to your handiwork is worth the time and effort.
Thank you for providing color-coded threads and a pre-made chain to assist you learn how to use the device. I haven’t used it yet. I’m glad you included this detail, especially as it’s one of the most challenging aspects of serging. There is an additional pair of needles included.
This is just what I needed. It’s taken the mystery out of serger stitching.” This serger sewing machine is excellent value for money. It’s something I’d purchase again.