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From: MartySews
Date: 12-17-2003, 09:38 AM (1 of 37)
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Hi Foxy, Welcome! Would you be able to post some basic serger lessons? I've had my serger for almost 2 years now but haven't used all of it's capabilities. It's an hour drive to my dealer so I don't get over there very often although free lessons are offered on how to use the machine. Being able to look at some basic serger lessons online would sure be a help to me and to others. Thanks! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 12-17-2003, 07:50 PM (2 of 37)
| That's a good idea. I've had mine for a number of years but really don't do much more than overcast the seams. Feel I'm really wasting my serger. Maybe some projects that uses new skills every week or so would be something to think about. Nothing like taking advantage of someone willing to help out.LOL |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 12-17-2003, 09:01 PM (3 of 37)
Same here. My serger is used for overcast knits only. I know it can do more but.....
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: foxy
Date: 12-27-2003, 12:00 PM (4 of 37)
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Originally posted by MartySews Hi Foxy, Welcome! Would you be able to post some basic serger lessons? I've had my serger for almost 2 years now but haven't used all of it's capabilities. It's an hour drive to my dealer so I don't get over there very often although free lessons are offered on how to use the machine. Being able to look at some basic serger lessons online would sure be a help to me and to others. Thanks! Marty Hi--Please let me think about this--its christmas time right now--haven't been answering questions--ha ve been busy sorry |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: Linda Marie
Date: 12-28-2003, 12:48 AM (5 of 37)
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I would be interested in lessons too. I am getting a belated Christmas gift of a serger sometime next week, and I would definitely love to put it to use so I won't have to listen to DH constantly say "you aren't using that thing!" I have found some neat books on ebay, half etc. about serging. Any help in that area though would be greatly appreciated. 
Linda Marie
Rock Hill, SC |
User: Linda Marie
Member since: 12-20-2003 Total posts: 26 
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From: foxy
Date: 01-02-2004, 02:39 PM (6 of 37)
| Hi--a great beginners book is "ABCs of Serging" by Tammy Young and Lori Bottom. I really like this book--also has hints in the black boxes which I find very useful. Good Luck with your baby & happy serging. |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: Linda Marie
Date: 01-04-2004, 11:20 PM (7 of 37)
My Kenmore serger arrived Friday! I have gone through the video and manual and tried it on a skirt I am making for my daughter--worked great! I do however admit I have a LOT to learn and would dearly love to take classes. Thanks for the tip about the book. I am gathering reference books from hither to yon and will be on the lookout for that one. 
Linda Marie
Rock Hill, SC |
User: Linda Marie
Member since: 12-20-2003 Total posts: 26
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-15-2004, 10:55 PM (8 of 37)
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Sorry Foxy I didn't see this post until today. I really need to learn all about my serger too. I bought it two years ago from HSN it's a Euro Pro and has differental feed and auto feeder and all I've done so far with it is overlock seams. I'd love to learn how to make ruffles and piping and all the things they showed on the show it can do. Will the book show the different feet I got with mine and how to use them? susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-16-2004, 09:11 PM (9 of 37)
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Well Ladies I just purchased the Singer Serger book and the first thing I tried when I got home with it was the part in it that tells you how to "tie off" to change threads. It's wonderful!!!!!! I hate changing threads and this is so easy. All you have to do is cut each thread up high where it comes off the top spool guides and tie a knot in the thread hooking the new thread to the old thread and serge a chain stitch and it pulls the new thread on threw and you don't have to rethread the whole machine again. What a simple way to do it. Oh I'm impressed. This book was worth the 14.95 I paid for it just by teaching me that and there is so much more in it to learn. Oh I'm a happy camper ya'll might not see me again on these board for days. LOL I'll be back soon. Can't live without Ya'll. Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-19-2004, 12:26 PM (10 of 37)
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Oh Susie, I did not realize that others would not know of that method of changing threads.. I do it all the time, its the only way to go.. I even do it to change the needle thread, you just have to be careful because the knot as tiny as it is will not go thru eye of the needle.. I just run the thread right up to the needle then cut the knot out and rethread the needle..I Change my looper threads very often when I'm making receiving blankets and leave the white or cream in the needle, its so much easier that way.. and most of the blankets I do are prints and the wooly nylon is usually pink or blue according to what baby I'm making them for.. I use what we call the 'sewers knot'. put the two ends together and tie one loop and pull very tight. That is the most secure knot I know how to tie, and the smallest..  
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-19-2004, 09:56 PM (11 of 37)
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Libby my knots went thr0ugh my needles. LOL Maybe I'm using the wrong size needles too but the knots went right through the holes in my needles. That's what tickled me because I have a catarac on one of my eyes and I have problems seeing to thread the needle with the other eye. ROFL I really need to get that taken care of before I go blind and can't see anything. But anyway this is a good lesson for everyone new on these boards. I've been here a year and I've had my serger two years now and didn't know that little trick. Wonder what else I could learn from Serger lessons, Hint hint Mary are you listening to that request. LOL Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: barbara j
Date: 01-20-2004, 07:11 AM (12 of 37)
| Hi, next month I start the first of four two hour overlocker lesson at Spotlight, and because I haven't been having a lot of luck with my o/l lately was not going to touch it until then, but being a bit like Dennis the menace I couldn't help but fiddle. Anyway, this knit fabric is I think poly/cotton with about 25% stretch and I am getting a great 3 thread stitch, I need the diff. feed at 2, but have trouble getting the fabric going under the foot, I try lifting the tip of the foot, doesn't work, and also lifting the whole foot but it doesn't want to start pulling. Is there a simple solution please? |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-20-2004, 07:45 AM (13 of 37)
I hear you Susie. I will see what I can do, but I am no expert either. lol.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-20-2004, 11:10 AM (14 of 37)
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If someone could post a project step by step to do and we could do it step by step (I get the most out of lessons when it's hands on,) that would be great. I know my serger does more than just flatlock and finishing seams but I don't have a clue how to do anything else. My machine came with about 8 or 9 feet so I know it's does more than what I'm doing with it. There is no place in my area that gives lessons unless you buy from them and I bought my machine through HSN. Thanks Mary, Hope you are having a wonderful time on your vacation. You're going to love Florida it's warm. LOL In the 70's susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 01-20-2004, 11:32 PM (15 of 37)
| Eight or nine feet ! Lucky you ! My serger didn't come with any, of course I bought it about 10 years ago. I'm envious. What does your manual say about these feet, and what do they do? Or did you get one? |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 01-20-2004, 11:39 PM (16 of 37)
| barbra j, don't know if this is answer to your problem or not but some times I have to cut off the seam allowance for the first inch or so and put that just before the needles ,on the feed dogs , before I start sewing and then everything works fine. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-20-2004, 11:52 PM (17 of 37)
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The feet that came with it are Bead/sequin, elastic, cording, taping, blind hem/lace, shirring and regular foot. That's 7 feet sorry about that. What is shirring? I keep hearing that term but don't know what it means. My feet didn't come with any book. It came with a workbook but the workbook is a small book that show how you do it and tells you what to set your machine on but not a lot of pictures to help with the visual part of it. And I'm not very good at pictureing things in my head. I have to see it in front of me most of the time. And it doesn't go into all the feet that they got with it. I think the only one is the rolled hem, flatlock, and things like that. It didn't have instuctions on how to use the feet that came with it. Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: Linda Marie
Date: 01-20-2004, 11:55 PM (18 of 37)
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Mine either. However, it does do roll hems, overlock, etc. so other than an elastic foot there isn't much I would want in the way of extra feet. I did pick up a tip from a sales clerk at Hancock Fabrics which I have found to be truthful--when a thread breaks or runs out, it messes up the tension and the best thing is to re-thread all 3 or 4 threads. I have had to do this several times. My biggest problem is adjusting measurements--tension, seam width, etc. However, I believe it is a matter of inexperience. One thing I have learned in my brief experience is practice on scrap fabric I'm about to sew first so I can work out all the knob settings first. Linda Marie
Rock Hill, SC |
User: Linda Marie
Member since: 12-20-2003 Total posts: 26
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-21-2004, 12:33 PM (19 of 37)
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One thing I have learned is to keep a very close eye on the cones to see when they are running low on thread, so I do not run out while serging.. I change thread when it gets low and put the ones with a little thread left on the needle thread post and use it up in the needle.. (takes a lot less thread than the loopers)..I wish I had extra feet with my serger, but mine is older that dirt and does nothing but serge and roll hem... note:: shirring is parallel rows of gathering.. I do that on my regular machine by using elastic thread in the bobbin and sewing rows 1/2 inch apart and after I get the sewing done just hold the iron about an inch away from the fabric and steam ... Voila ! ! shirring happens... Its a neat way to make a baby a sundress-- takes just a few minutes.. hem top and bottom and add little straps of ribbon or make spaghetti straps... The top is shirred and the bottom is left plain for the skirt of the sundress.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 01-21-2004, 03:29 PM (20 of 37)
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Great idea Libby. I'm going to pass this on to my friend who does my insurance. She just bought a new PE 150 embroidery machine and she ordered a sewing machine too. She wants to make her Grandbabies some sun dresses and she's not that good at sewing. This is great to pass on to her. Thanks Susie |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
From: barbara j
Date: 01-22-2004, 04:46 AM (21 of 37)
| Thanks Woodywoodpecker, that sounds like a good idea to try, maybe the blades are struggling too, they may be getting blunt as I have now read lycra blunts them quickly and I have been sewing that.! |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: barbara j
Date: 01-28-2004, 06:34 AM (22 of 37)
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Well, I tried trimming the seam allowance before serging but the machine still didn't want to grab the fabric, so I tried a cotton knit and had no problem, it must be the fabric that is the problem. It looks as if my serger classes will be cancelled as only two ,me included, have our names down on the list. I phoned another branch of Spotlight further away, and they are totally booked out and have a waiting list, they are trying to arrange more classes so am keeping my fingers crossed and waiting to hear. |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: foxy
Date: 01-28-2004, 08:53 AM (23 of 37)
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Originally posted by barbara j Hi, next month I start the first of four two hour overlocker lesson at Spotlight, and because I haven't been having a lot of luck with my o/l lately was not going to touch it until then, but being a bit like Dennis the menace I couldn't help but fiddle. Anyway, this knit fabric is I think poly/cotton with about 25% stretch and I am getting a great 3 thread stitch, I need the diff. feed at 2, but have trouble getting the fabric going under the foot, I try lifting the tip of the foot, doesn't work, and also lifting the whole foot but it doesn't want to start pulling. Is there a simple solution please? hi--try this & I hope it will work--lifted the pressure foot & insert the fabric under it to begin serging. Hold the thread chain behind the pressure foot & pull gently to help start the serge. |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: barbara j
Date: 01-31-2004, 12:47 AM (24 of 37)
| Thanks Foxy, I have tried your idea too, but have finished the tee with the sewing machine. I am now making a pair of lightweight pants, do you think the tee material, being poly/cotton and a bit stiff might be the problem, I have some left to make something else so will have to work out a solution. Spotlight are having an extra serger class starting wednesday, three cheers, we will be making a serger cover using a variety of stitches. |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: foxy
Date: 02-01-2004, 04:17 AM (25 of 37)
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Originally posted by barbara j Hi, next month I start the first of four two hour overlocker lesson at Spotlight, and because I haven't been having a lot of luck with my o/l lately was not going to touch it until then, but being a bit like Dennis the menace I couldn't help but fiddle. Anyway, this knit fabric is I think poly/cotton with about 25% stretch and I am getting a great 3 thread stitch, I need the diff. feed at 2, but have trouble getting the fabric going under the foot, I try lifting the tip of the foot, doesn't work, and also lifting the whole foot but it doesn't want to start pulling. Is there a simple solution please? Good morning:Put the fabric under the foot, keep the chain thread behind the pressure foot taut & serge--keep hanging on to the chain thread---hope this works. |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: MaryW
Date: 02-01-2004, 06:53 AM (26 of 37)
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What is Spotlight?
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Llantrisant
Date: 02-10-2004, 10:00 AM (27 of 37)
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Lazy shirring I did on my sewing machine,thread the bobbin with narrow elastic then do several rows with this keep an eye on the bobbin since it does'nt take up lots of elastic. Next i used an embroidery stitch on my machine to sew the fancy patterns in diff colours.The only prob with this method as apposed to doing it the old fashioned way is there isn't a lot of stretch in the gatherings.But its decorative anyhow lol. If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
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User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144 
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From: barbara j
Date: 02-12-2004, 01:16 AM (28 of 37)
| Foxy, I will give your idea a try this weekend. And Mary, Spotlight is a store selling fabric, craft items, and miscellaneous, probably not very good quality fabric but within my price range. |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: barbara j
Date: 02-23-2004, 06:26 AM (29 of 37)
| Foxy, you may remember my stretch blue fabric that would not feed through my overlocker, well I have had three o/l classes, and fiddled with everything and learned some, but before I went I changed the blade and oiled the machine (has always sounded clattery although only nearly one year old). Yesterday, after I had worked on the class overlocker cover I re-tested the fabric and it fed through fine, so maybe the oiling and blade made a difference although I did try cutting off the s.a. with scissors before. Anyway, the machine sounds a lot healthier now due to the oiling and the fabric feeds so I am happy. Thank you for your help. |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: DDS
Date: 03-02-2004, 08:06 PM (30 of 37)
| Hi everyone. I don't know if you are familiar with the book "Serger Secrets" or not, but I think it is wonderful, wonderful, and wonderful. It explains just about everything there is to know about a serger - threading, needles, thread, stitches. The book is written in an A-Z format, making it very easy to find a technique. Each technique has large, color pictures so you can "see" what is being done. You are told what settings to use, such as stitch length, width, needle position, thread, etc. I was so amazed at the different effects I achieved just by changing the tension. This book takes you past serging just the seams to learning beading, braids, gathering, hems, lace and so much more (without buying special feet) to create beautiful clothes.. This book has helped me so much. |
User: DDS
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 0 |
From: barbara j
Date: 03-04-2004, 04:15 AM (31 of 37)
| DDS, I bought this book last week, I couldn't resist it, it will help me to use my overlocker creatively, and I just had to buy it! |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: MartySews
Date: 03-04-2004, 07:53 AM (32 of 37)
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Well, I got a new serger for Christmas. It has 10 threads (5 for decorative stitching and 5 for regular). Being adventureous (sp?) I made a border print fleece jacket totally on the serger except for the topstitching. I even set in the sleeves on the serger. I was thrilled with how easy it was to use and that it only took about an hour to put the jacket together. I even made the button loops on the serger. I did use my workbook and manual for help in determining which stitch to use and the threading pattern. My design matched up perfectly. I have even been asked where did I purchase such an unusual jacket. I love working with fleece on the serger. Now, I want to try flatlocking as an edge finish for a baby blanket. I did the 3 thread rolled hem on one and everyone at the baby shower thought it had been purchased. Am having so much fun with this new machine. Sewing is fun ... I, too, have Serger Secrets and am looking forward to getting the book Serge Art by Dianne Bossom. It is a guide to wearable art created on the serger. Just wanted to share my experience with everyone. Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: barbara j
Date: 03-05-2004, 09:10 PM (33 of 37)
| Marty, I had no idea a 10 thread serger is available, wow, it must be fantastic, and here was I thinking it would be nice to have a 5 thread obviously I'm behind the times but I would probably have 2-1/2 times the current panic attacks from mine. Lucky you though! |
User: barbara j
Member since: 09-18-2003 Total posts: 41 |
From: dregan
Date: 03-12-2004, 01:48 AM (34 of 37)
I have been promised a new serger for my birthday, but my husband said not to spend over $300.00-is that even possible to get one? I've seen some quite nice sergers on web sites for $300-400.00 off the MSRP, so who knows? I might be able to talk him up to $399.00, but we really can't afford it. I have number #2 and #3 in college and #1 son graduated a yr. ago. I also had to go on disability 4 yrs. ago from nursing, but oh, well. Anyway, what serger could I get that is 4,3,2 and as many extra stitches and functions as possible? I have been looking at different web sites, but none mention a serger with 10 threads for decorative stitching and serging!! Wow! I'll take that one! How much did you pay for that machine and what is it called? (if you don't mind my asking?) I really would like the names of some sewing machine web sites that are real bargains, can anyone help me? I know I can do a search engine, but any advice would be appreciated. You all gave me encouragement when so many of you are able to use yours without the classes. The machines are much cheaper on line, but know it's hard to get classes then. Also, do you just take the machine to a generic service person if something is wrong with it? Thanks.
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User: dregan
Member since: 02-28-2003 Total posts: 24 |
From: MartySews
Date: 03-13-2004, 07:14 PM (35 of 37)
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If you have dealer you like, check out their traded-in models. My dealer offers a "same as new warranty" on all machines that they sell. You may be able to get more features buying one that has been gently used than one that is brand new especially since your budget is limited. Just a thought ... Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: MartySews
Date: 03-28-2004, 10:17 PM (36 of 37)
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The 10 thread serger is by Pfaff and retails around $2499. My DH paid around $1600 for it during a sale at Christmas. At least, that's what he told me. For sergers under $300, White makes one that has 4 thread, differential feed, and has some extra presser feet. It does rolled hems and chainstitch as well as the overlock stitches. It is sold at Hancock Fabrics for around $299 and comes with an instructional video.. Just do a google search for sergers and you will see a lot out there on the market. Good luck on your search. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Mother in Law
Date: 03-29-2004, 01:32 AM (37 of 37)
| I have a Euro Pro I paid 300.00 for and it has lots of feet that came with it. I purchased it off of HSN and really like it. It has 4 threads and a differental feed and the rolled hem with out changing the presser plate. I love it only thing is there is no classes or videos that come with it. When you purchase from a dealer you sometimes get classes with the purchase or the people at the dealership will help you with any questions. HSN doesn't. I just saw on HSN that they are selling the same one sometimes for less than 300.00 now. |
User: Mother in Law
Member since: Total posts: |
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