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From: Kew
Date: 08-09-2004, 12:02 PM (1 of 9)
I just purchased a Kenmore 81595 serger. It is a 2,3,4, thread one. It's my first serger and was wondering if anyone else has one and how they like it. I think it's hard to thread but I guess they all ar e. What is the easiest kind to thread? What should a serger definately have? Mine has differential feed also. I think it's top of the line for Sears. Any comments ar e welcome. Thanks Buttons
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User: Kew
Member since: 10-19-2000 Total posts: 58 |
From: wifetod
Date: 08-09-2004, 12:21 PM (2 of 9)
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Hi, I also have just ventured into the serging world. I picked up one at a garage sale and had it serviced and now I am starting my first project. Threading can be a challenge. Just be patient, have your manual at your side and be prepared that it may take several times to get it right. ( Like 7 times for me yesterday!) Most of the time the trouble will be with your loopers. My understanding is that you must thread the loopers first, then the needles, again follow your manual. I was also told by many that Maxi Lock thread is the one to get. I got some 50% off at Hancocks this weekend. I have also invested some time into reading books checked out from the library and just purchased 2 on ebay auctions. I also checked out a video. For me I know I need to take this a step at a time. For instance I am working with a sweatshirt fleece. When I got my tensions adjusted right, I put the scrap piece in a notebook and wrote down all my settings on tension, differential feed, and stitch info. That should help when I go back to this type of fabric again. Good luck and just take your time. I know I will be! Jolene
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User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004 Total posts: 149 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-09-2004, 01:15 PM (3 of 9)
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This is for you newbys to serging.. For t-shirts and sweat shirts.. Where you need to add the strip of twill tape to the shoulder seams, that gets expensive if you make lots of shirts.. I buy those little spools of ribbon that are 1/8 or 1/4 inch wide and come in a jillion colors at the craft dept.. 2 or 3 spools for $ 1.00. This satin ribbon is color fast and just as stable as twill tape and sure is a lot cheaper.. I keep off white and a medium dark gray color on hand.. It doesn't show and you do not have to match your fabric.. I use it to tie gifts with also, so I sometimes have lots of other colors to use.. I guess all patterns tell you to stabilize that seam (shoulder). My Kwik Sew pattern does, anyway..It makes a difference ..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: sandra237
Date: 04-12-2007, 04:38 PM (4 of 9)
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Hi, I see that you have had a Kenmore Serger. I just bought one last Xmas and you are right it is hard to thread. I am still experimenting with threading it and trying to get the tensions set to sew denim etc. Now that you have had your serger for awhile how did you find the Kenmore and do you have any tips on the tensions or threading. I find the instructions not to clear. thanks and have a great day Sandra |
User: sandra237
Member since: 04-12-2007 Total posts: 23 |
From: missmarple
Date: 05-01-2007, 03:44 PM (5 of 9)
| I've had the 16655 since September '04 and quite honestly don't use it much but keep it threaded with dark serger thread for when I need it. I had a problem with threading the lower looper until I sat down with the guide in front of me and went step by step. I hadn't realized that one of the levers moved to allow access to an area that I had been almost standing on my head attempting to reach. The only reason I don't like it is that it has the presser foot lever at the back, whereas on my Brother it is on the side. Other than that, it sews quite well for what I use it for - mainly seams. It is a much better built machine than the Brother and I probably should use it more than I do. |
User: missmarple
Member since: 04-13-2007 Total posts: 18 |
From: grandma C
Date: 05-04-2007, 11:40 AM (6 of 9)
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Buttons, I have been serger shopping also. would you mind telling me what you paid for your Kennmore. Belinda/Grandma C |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 05-07-2007, 04:32 AM (7 of 9)
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Kenmore has had a few different models of sergers and I think the Kenmore sergers are still made by Janome and most Janome sergers come with a video. I know that my Janome New Home that I purchased on line came with a video. I have owned 5 sergers..come to think of it, they all came with a video and they were Babylock and Elna, whoops, the Pfaff did not have a video but I do think all sergers should come with videos. It would sure help some that are new owners that are new to serging. Like finding the lever that when pushed helps to thread the lower looper that is not described well in the instruction book, is shown in the video. The sequence of threading and the different types of stitches and how to achieve them is also shown in a video along with different feet for your serger and how to use them, along with how to clean and where to oil if needed. If you don't have a video for your serger, sometimes even just viewing a video for another brand of serger can even help to learn things about your serger. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Kew
Date: 05-27-2007, 05:38 PM (8 of 9)
| Well I no longer have my Kenmore serger. I just found it expensive and really hard to thread. It did sew really nice though. I now have a Simplicity Serger. I still have a hard time threading. Does anyone have one of these? Hope you's are having better luck then me. I would like a serger that also does a coverstitch. Which one is the easiest and the best? Thanks sugarplum142 |
User: Kew
Member since: 10-19-2000 Total posts: 58 |
From: dmoses
Date: 05-27-2007, 07:30 PM (9 of 9)
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The 81595 is the serger I had first...I really liked it. I sold it and bought a Singer 5-thread with coverstitch, because I thought I wanted the coverstitch function. The first Singer I had was a lemon and had to be replaced. The replacement is okay, but I'd much rather have the Kenmore with the basic 3/4-thread stitches. Some sergers can be confusing to thread, but once you figure it out, it isn't so difficult. It takes practice...or in my case, lots of practice! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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