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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: SewingStephanie
Date: 04-11-2006, 12:52 PM (1 of 6)
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Do you have to use 4 cones of thread of the same color at the same time when you use a serger? Is it a basic sewing machine too, or does it serge only? Im so confused as what they do and how you use them. Can someone fill me in? Thanks! Stef |
User: SewingStephanie
Member since: 02-08-2006 Total posts: 40 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 04-11-2006, 04:38 PM (2 of 6)
| A serger is not a basic sewing machine. I think that there are some garments/projects that can be constructed entirely by serger but it will not replace your sewing machine. I think that the choice of cone color is your preference. You can use any colors you want, just as you would with your sewing machine thread and bobbin color. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 04-11-2006, 09:23 PM (3 of 6)
| Stef, you might want to check some books on serging at your library or dealers etc. There is much you can do on a serger that you cannot do on a sewing machine and you can do it much faster. There are 12 thread sergers (Pfaff) and 10 threads (Babylock). The older models were mostly 3 threads. A good 4 thread serger usually offers differential feed for gathering and feeding fabric taught without curling. They have 2 needles and an upper and lower looper to thread. You can use just 2 threads for hems and flatlocks. Overcasting edges can be done with many types of threads for different looks using pearl cottons and yarns and ribbon floss and woolly nylons etc. Mixing thread colors can give some lovely results. A serger saves you so much time because of the speed in which it sews. You can do shirring, piping, tucks, piece quilts, install zippers, serger weaving, install ribbon and lace and cording, couching, binding, beading, felled seams, blanket stitch, wrap stitch, tuck and roll, etc. Some sergers offer many stitch programs plus coverhems where others are very basic. Most 4 thread sergers can use the 4 thread overcast, 3 thread overcast and rolled hem and flatlock and 2 thread hem and flatlock. A 2 thread needs the converter that is usually included with the sergers accessories. This little device prevents the action of the upper looper in other to use just the bottom looper and needle. Coverhem models have an extra looper called the chain looper that is used in doing the coverhem stitches and chain stitch. Sergers give a profession look to garments..and they are truly so much fun to use. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: SewingStephanie
Date: 04-12-2006, 03:30 PM (4 of 6)
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To be honest with you, I bought one this week- and I havent even taken it out of the box....Its been almost 10 years since Ive used one, and that was in my home-ec class.....I really AM SCARED to use it. I dont know what Im doing- and Ive read the manual twice....Esp. on threading it. Its just gonna take time. Its a singer. Thank you for your help! |
User: SewingStephanie
Member since: 02-08-2006 Total posts: 40 |
From: bluebirdie
Date: 04-12-2006, 03:42 PM (5 of 6)
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Hi Stef, Welcome to serging. Being a serger newbie myself, I can assure you that once you start usign the serger you'll be very happy. I still haven't gotten over how wonder this machine is and I've only gotten an used one recently. If you bought a new Singer, please take it out and start using it immediately. Some of these new sergers may not have as good quality control as the older models. But there's always warranty comes with a new machine. It would be a shame to find anything wrong with it after the warranty period. I heard all those new sergers are much easier to thread than the old styles. If you already read the manuals twice, you're doing much better than I did. Give it a try. Although I'm new, there're always a lot of experts here who're always kind in lending their help and knowledge. - Robin
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User: bluebirdie
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 139 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 04-12-2006, 07:34 PM (6 of 6)
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There's an excellent basic book on serging, The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James. I've had my serger for a few years, got some training on mine too, and was amazed at how much I keep learning in this little book.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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