For best results when using your Overlocker or Serger with ease, check out these top tips!
Stick Labels On Your Overlocker / Serger
When you very first use your overlocker / serger it can be daunting because there are quite a lot of parts to learn and get the hang of. If you can’t initially remember what all the parts are cut some small pieces of white tape or sticky labels, write the name of the part on the label and actually stick it on the overlocker / serger. As you use the overlocker / serger more you won’t need these but if you don’t use the it for some time and then get it out again these will help remind you what the parts are.
Power Off to Thread Up
While you are threading up and adjusting settings on your overlocker / serger make sure the power switch is turned OFF so you don’t accidentally start it up and cut yourself with the needles and blade! Sounds obvious but these accidents do happen!
Before Threading Up - Check The Presser Foot Is Raised
This loosens the tension.
Before Threading Up - Check the Needles Are In The Highest Position
You can manually adjust the position of the needle by using the hand wheel on the right hand side of the overlocker / serger. Raise the needles to thread them. The machine does not need to be turned on to manually adjust the needle positions.
Before Threading Up – Set The Tension To Zero For All The Threads
This makes it easier to pull the thread through the machine as you are threading.
Before Threading Up - Check The Sequence Of Threading
Check whether on your overlocker / serger model it has to be threaded in a particular order or not. For newer machines this is often not the case but for older models you have to thread some reels before others. Bare in mind that if you do have to thread in order then if one thread breaks you may have to rethread the whole machine.
Check Whether The Blade Is Engaged Or Not
If you want your overlocker / serger to cut away excess fabric then make sure the blade is in the engaged position, which is usually pointing downwards close to the presser foot. The blade is usually situated slightly to the right and a little higher than the presser foot. Check the manual for your specific overlocker / serger model to locate it. If you don’t want to cut the excess fabric, the blade can usually be rotated round and upwards so that is tucked safely in, towards the machine body. Check your own manual to ensure you have the blade in the correct position.
There will usually be a handle to engage or disengage the blade so you shouldn’t have to handle the blade directly. However when changing the blade then you may have to handle it and for this you should always take great care as blades can be dangerously sharp!
Keep blades away from children!
Don’t Fear The Overlocker / Serger – Threading Up
Many people are very nervous of threading an overlocker / serger and then give up and don’t use it. At first glance it can seem daunting as each of the threads has a different threading path through the machine. Don’t panic and take your time, it can be done! It’s best to try this first when you’re not rushed for time and you can do it slowly and think about each stage. Very often overlockers / sergers have a colour key either on the machine or in the manual to explain how its done. Do one thread at a time.
Once you’ve got the hand of threading up, and many people who are not rocket scientists do, you will be thrilled with what your overlocker / serger can do – and proud of yourself!! Don’t give up!
Threading Up The Small Hooks On The Overlocker / Serger – Use Tweezers
When threading up your overlocker / serger the cotton has to pass through various small hooks and eyes on the machine. If you are finding it too fiddly to do with your fingers then you may find that holding the thread with tweezers is an easier and more precise way to loop thread through the hooks. The other advantage with tweezers is that your hand is further back and not blocking your view of what you are doing.
Struggling To See The Overlocker / Serger’s Small Hooks and Eyes – Use A Magnifying Sheet
If you still struggle to see clearly the small parts, a large magnifying sheet may also be helpful.
Take your time and pull the thread through carefully so that it doesn’t get accidentally snagged on the machine parts.
Finishing Threading The Overlocker / Serger – Loose Ends Go Behind
As with normal sewing machines, when you have completed threading the overlocker / serger, finish by passing the thread underneath the presser foot and leave the loose end facing the back of the machine.
Not Using Both Needles – Remove The Unused One
If you are not using both needles on your overlocker / serger, remove the one you are not using. Remove (or replace) a needle by loosening the screw using a small screwdriver. You don’t need to take the screw completely out, just loosen it enough to be able to pull the needle out. Hold the needle as you loosen the screw in case it suddenly falls and ends up in the machine! If it does, use a magnet on a stick to more easily get it out!
Changing Needles in Your Overlocker / Serger
Needles can lose sharpness over time so need to be changed from time to time in order not to cause stitch problems. Needles do sometimes break or you may only want to use one needle in which case you should remove the one you’re not using!
Turn the power off! Use the manual dial on the side of the machine to put your needle in the highest position
Use your small screwdriver to unscrew and remove the presser foot before you change a needle. This gives you space to work.
Ideally use a needle inserter to hold the needle before you unscrew it. This is so the needle doesn’t drop into the machine, which can be a nuisance!! If you haven’t got a needle inserter then physically hold the needle as you loosen the screw so that it doesn’t drop into the machine. You can put a sheet of paper or a piece of fabric under the needle to catch it if you accidentally drop it! If you do drop it inside the machine, a magnet on a stick is an easier way to get it out.
When replacing needles in the overlocker / serger, put the inner most needle (which may be labelled as the “A” needle on some overlockers / sergers) in first. Put the needle fully into the needle hole, as far as it will go, and hold it in position as you tighten the screw. Take care not to over tighten the screw or not to damage the screw so that it becomes difficult to remove in future.
The inner needle, often labelled as the “A” needle, should hang slightly lower than the “B” or outer needle.
When the needles are securely in place put your presser foot back on the serger and tighten (but not over tighten) the screw on that.
A Couple of General Overlocker / Serger Questions
Should Overlocker / Serger Needles Hang Down To Different Lengths?
Yes, one will be slightly lower than the other. They are secured in place by using a small screwdriver on the small screws directly above them
How Do I Set The Tension?
Tension should be set to Zero when threading your overlocker / serger.
Tension number 4 is reportedly the average or most common tension for usual work, although all overlockers and sergers are different. Start here and make adjustments as necessary. But depending on the fabric type, thread type and desired outcome, you should consult your manual as all overlockers/ sergers are different.
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