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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: sews4love
Date: 03-23-2007, 06:07 PM (1 of 8)
Hello to all and help! I just bought a Serger and totally love it but..................
What am I supposed to do with all that extra "chain" of thread? The manual says to "chain off" at least 3 inches. Then what???
Thanks,
Molly
User: sews4love
Member since: 05-20-2006
Total posts: 57
From: temom
Date: 03-23-2007, 06:19 PM (2 of 8)
Hi Molly,

After you have a 3 inch chain, you can cut the thread. Before trimming close to the fabric, you will need to use Fray Block or Fray Check to keep the thread from unravelling. Just a drop is all you need, at the end of your seam.
So once you sew your seam or decorative stitch, continue for another 3 inches, then cut the threads. Seal the seam, then trim close to the end. Or you can thread the "thread tail" back under your seam.

Now when you are ready to serge again, you will have a bit of chain started (it is on the stitch fingers, which is very important) so you can just put your fabric under the foot and serge away.

I hope this explains it. It is much simpler than I explained it. Hopefully someone will come along who can explain it better!
Theresa
User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007
Total posts: 410
From: Kylnne2
Date: 03-24-2007, 01:52 PM (3 of 8)
When I have come to the end of a serged seam, to save time and steps, I bring the chain around and run it through the knife to cut it off rather than taking the time to use the thread cutter on my machine or scissors. This still leaves just enough chain to start serging again.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: westbrook
Date: 03-27-2007, 04:16 AM (4 of 8)
I use a large blunt needle and thread the chain through the eye, then thread it through the seam.
http://www.sewnews.com/library/sewnews/library/aamach9.htm

all the extra chain... save in a baggie! when you have enough put solvy http://www.sulky.com/stabilizers/solvy.php and stitch it all down. you have created fabric.. kind of cool.
http://www.sewnews.com/library/sewnews/library/aafashthreadsofdistinction.htm
User: westbrook
Member since: 12-13-2004
Total posts: 35
From: pretnichols
Date: 03-27-2007, 08:01 AM (5 of 8)
Guess I need to get some "solvy". I was told to tie it off and then snip. They did tell us in the "instructional" class to buy a large needle and thread it back into the serged material. Solvy just sounds quicker for future projects, as I'm only making pillow cases right now.
Peggy

So little time, sew much to do...........
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005
Total posts: 342
From: sews4love
Date: 03-27-2007, 10:26 AM (6 of 8)
Thank you all so, so much!
What a cool idea to save the chains!
Now I need another little basket for that.
Thanks again,
Molly:smile:
User: sews4love
Member since: 05-20-2006
Total posts: 57
From: Kylnne2
Date: 03-27-2007, 06:37 PM (7 of 8)
My Elna 744 has a little feature that sets the chain into the serged seam, but I don't use it.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: sews4love
Date: 04-01-2007, 05:00 PM (8 of 8)
Kyleen2, what a wonderful thing to have! Well, that is if it is easy to use. I wish mine had one because I would sure try it.
I have used the fray not stuff, threading it back into the seam, and even tried something on my own.
I set my stitch to zig zag, tuck the extra chain back over the seamed edge, and stitch it for about an inch.
I still haven't decided which is the easiest.
Thanks again for all the tips.
Molly
User: sews4love
Member since: 05-20-2006
Total posts: 57
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