Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
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: mozeyrn
Date: 08-07-2007, 09:47 PM (1 of 16)
|
Today I got the White 2900. I'm pretty psyched and have gone thru the manual - will I ever get to the level of some of this stuff - I'm not too sure. My big question: Where do I start? I'm thinking before I do anything is to figure out how to thread it on my own. Should I just pull the threads, get out the manual and just figure it out? This seems to be everyone's albatross - the threading. It doesn't look to be too hard; everything opens up and the only hitch may be threading the needles - I've been spoiled with my sewing machine's needle threader. lol Or should I just start "serging" with some of the leftover fabric I have? - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-07-2007, 10:04 PM (2 of 16)
Congratulations on your new serger !!! Sure you'll be whipping up great stuff in no time at all. 
|
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
|
From: ninifav
Date: 08-08-2007, 12:18 AM (3 of 16)
|
That's great...hope you enjoy your new machine...Just play with it and try everything...I think yahoo has a serger site somewhere in case you have a problem... Do you know about tying off your threads rather than re-threading.....You know, cut off the thread closer to the spool, tie the end onto the new spool with a small knot, then just run the machine until it passes through all the needles... This may let you play a little while before you have to spend time figuring out how to thread the machine...Since I am a visual learner, I used a different color thread for each needle and looper so that I could understand what went where... I also purchased a Palmer/Pletch publication (Gail Palmer and Pati Palmer) called Sewing with Sergers...Think I got it on half.com or somewhere...Singers new Sewing with a Serger was also a good help... Don't be like so many who are afraid to use it b/c we mess up at first...I know one lady who purchased a serger and waited two years before she took it out of the box! Have fun...Paula |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 08-08-2007, 08:05 AM (4 of 16)
|
My serger has a quirk and I have to be really careful on the left needle to get the thread between the tension disks. It's no problem now that I've figured it out but when I first got it I threaded and threaded and threaded until it accidentally was right. Then a thread would break or something and I'd have to do it again. I had to do it with every color change (new project). I did it so much I can do it with my eyes closed now -- except for the left needle -- I'd have to open my eyes for that. I'd suggest you thread it again and again until you can do it with your eyes closed. Save a lot of time and frustration down the line. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: dmoses
Date: 08-08-2007, 10:10 AM (5 of 16)
|
Since it is pre-threaded, I would try out the stitching first, just to make sure it is working as it should. Just get out some fabric and play with it. You can tie on to the existing thread and pull it through. To pull it through, you will need to loosen the tensions and raise the presser foot, and probably cut the threads at the knot when they reach the needles. Most small knots will pass through the loopers easily enough. After you've had a chance to check it out, then you can start learning how to thread it. Threading is daunting at first, but before long, you will be will be a pro. Have fun! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
|
From: lendube
Date: 08-08-2007, 03:16 PM (6 of 16)
|
I never understood why I might want a serger but now I do. I like it more and more each time I use it and feel more comfortable with it. I'm lucky in that I have a baby lock. It's got an automated threading system that makes it sooooo easy to thread. I'm still learning how to use it to it's full potential but just get in there and do it and you'll fall in love too! Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: ninifav
Date: 08-08-2007, 08:02 PM (7 of 16)
| Okay, if you have a babylock, then you are in great shape...Mine came with a video...just pop that baby in and it will guide you step by step...did you get the wave?? Mine is just the evolve; but awesome...we used the wave at MP sewing camp...loved the edge!1 |
User: ninifav
Member since: 09-06-2004 Total posts: 204 |
From: lendube
Date: 08-08-2007, 09:02 PM (8 of 16)
|
I'm afraid mine predates yours. I've got the Eclipse. Got it second hand from the dealer last May. I got all the bennies of buying a new machine though. I do have fun with it. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Jeke
Date: 08-08-2007, 09:08 PM (9 of 16)
|
My serger probably predates everyone's but I love it and have used it so much. Mine is a White Superlock 534. Got it when my daughter was 2 ~ now 21!! I remembering practicing A LOT threading it at the beginning. Just two weeks ago I needed some quick tablecloths to the floor to cover the ugly legs of the table. Bought muslin and serged it quickly. They looked great. As with anything practice is the key. Enjoy 
Jay
|
User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 232 |
From: temom
Date: 08-08-2007, 11:02 PM (10 of 16)
|
Once you've stitched a bit, you need to learn how to thread it. I put labels on mine, telling me what order to thread it (#'s 1 - 4), and the name of what it is #1 Upper Looper #2 Lower Looper #3 Right Needle #4 Left Needle. Now it is simple. Upper, lower, right, left. It takes me just a jiffy to thread mine. Interestingly, I have not had any success with tying on! Theresa
|
User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
|
From: Tom Land
Date: 08-09-2007, 12:28 AM (11 of 16)
|
I'm suprised. I won't let a serger out of my store until the buyer can thread it without any help. I thought this was a pretty universal policy these days. Anyway don't let it scare you. You just thread one at a time. Your book will tell you the easiest order to thread it in but the order temom gave will work on all of them. Don't let it intimidate you. Jump in and fall in love.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: mozeyrn
Date: 08-10-2007, 10:40 PM (12 of 16)
|
I have my training on the 28th - the trainer is on vacation for two weeks. They have a Serger Club every third Saturday learning different techniques of doing different things so I'll be going to some of those soon. Right now I've got strep throat & on meds (including pain killers) so I'm not going to start playing with it right now. Later on this week, I've promised myself to at least try serging with the preset factory settings. - Maureen.
Learning something new with every stitch!! Kenmore 16231000 |
User: mozeyrn
Member since: 11-29-2005 Total posts: 349 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 08-10-2007, 10:59 PM (13 of 16)
| I know you can hardly wait to get at that new serger. So glad you not only found one you wanted but a place that you can get lessons as well. That's wonderful. I know you'll be making lots of things real soon. Keep in touch. Are you going to join the new site ? we hope so.We don't want to lose track of anyone. hope you feel better real soon. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
|
From: Judi
Date: 08-10-2007, 11:43 PM (14 of 16)
|
You can do it!!! it will take some practice, but after you've done it a few times it's fairly easy. DO raise the presser foot. DO give the threads a 'tug' after you have them thru the tension discs, to be sure they are seated. DON'T be afraid of this wonderful new addition to your sewing. I wrote on my machine with a permanent pen, the order of threading. I was having a problem seeing the small diagrams in my book, so I enlarged the drawing that showed threading each of the loopers. and stapled that enlarged diagram into the book on the right page. It helps with these 'well-seasoned' eyes. Judi
Sewing is almost better than Chocolate. |
User: Judi
Member since: 06-22-2000 Total posts: 85 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 08-12-2007, 12:32 AM (15 of 16)
|
Maureen, congrats on your new serger. I would practice threading the machine until you can do it with your eyes closed. One of the best primers for learning to use your serger is "The ABC's of Serging". You can probably find it at your local library. It is not brand or machine specific and takes you thru all of the basics and has projects to try. Another good book is "The Complete Serger Handbook". These will help you get started. Happy Stitching! Marty
|
User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
|
From: grandma C
Date: 08-13-2007, 08:05 AM (16 of 16)
|
Maureen, Be sure and have a notebook handy to record the settings that you use for each type of fabric and thread. make a sample of each stitch and record notes. I did a rolled hem on an outfit using 4 different thread colors and it looks great but now a few weeks later I have decided I need to make a sash for the same outfit and I cant get the settings right to recreate the same rolled hem. I didn't write down the settings. Mine is an old White speedylock 1500. I have a white 2000 I bought used. It is much easier to use and thread than the 1500 and I love it but havn't got the rolled hem down right on it yet. Havn't practiced on it much. I prey you have great results on your 2900. I hear it is very similar to the 2000 and it is really easy to thread. Belinda |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-23053.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft