Instructions for a Pfaff Serger

Sergers can sew with decorative thread.

Sergers, also known as overlock machines, are a special kind of sewing machine that speed the process of sewing considerably, since the machines trim, bind and sew all at once. Some sewers find that learning how to use their sergers involves a learning curve, which can be frustrating at times. Threading the overlock machines is the most complicated process; the actual sewing process is simple once you practice using the different attachments and techniques. Pfaff threads the machines before sending them to retail outlets, which helps sewers learn to use the machines without having to thread them first.

Things You'll Need

• Pfaff serger
• Scrap fabric
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Study your manual. Pfaff manufacturers different types of sergers and yours may let you hem, sew seams and apply decorative stitches. Some Pfaff sergers use four threads; others use five. If you don't have the manual, order one from Pfaff. The company's overlock machines last a long time and it's not unusual to lose or misplace the booklet. It's an indispensable tool, even for experienced sewers for determining tension for the bottom loopers, settings for making rolled hems or setting the machine for decorative stitching.

2. Turn the serger on. The machines have a foot pedal that propels the feed dogs forward to pull the fabric through and to coordinate the top needles with the lower loopers to create the serged seams or hems. Use waste fabric to learn how to manage feeding the fabric through the machine before undertaking a sewing project. Place the fabric in front of the needles, pull the thread chain behind the needles and push gently down on the foot pedal. The fabric feeds beneath the presser foot, the knife trims the excess fabric and the fabric exits behind the needles.

3. Cut the fabric away from the thread chain using scissors. It's important to leave a 3- to 4-inch chain behind the needles when serging because it's the easiest way to guide the fabric through the machine as you begin sewing another seam or a hem.

4. Learn to thread your serger. Both the manual for the serger and the machine itself contain guides on how to thread the Pfaff sergers. The company uses colored dots as guides to help users master threading the machines. Be patient as you thread the overlock machine because it can take a while to learn. Threading the needles is much easier than the loopers. Some users simply cut the looper threads above the thread guides and tie on new cones of thread to avoid having to thread the machine from scratch. The knot has to be small, tight and trimmed to go through the looper guides.

References

• Pfaff: Overlock Machines