How to Replace a Needle in a Serger

A serger can help finish garments and make sure their edges don't fray after they've been washed and worn a few times. Unfortunately, the serger can be a sensitive machine. Because of its many components, there are numerous things that go wrong. Threads can become knotted together or cut off, and the needles can bend or break altogether. Keeping your serger needles fresh can help minimize the number of things that can go wrong, and will keep your work running smoothly.

Things You'll Need

• Small screwdriver

Instructions

1. Consult the manual to your serger to determine the kind of needles your machine needs.

2. Once you have the needles, look at how your machine holds them in place--usually with a screw.

3. Unscrew the old needles and throw them away.

4. Look at the top of your old needles: You will note a flat edge and a rounded edge. In most sewing machines and sergers, the flat edge will be facing you when it's inserted in the slot.

5. Push the new needle as high as you can into the slot.

6. Use the small screwdriver to screw in the new needle.

7. Serge a test strip to make sure the new needle is working.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you never know when a needle will bend, break or become dull, always keep a set of serger needles handy.