How to Change a Serger

Threaded serger with lower compartment open.

Changing the thread in a serger may seem difficult at first, but in reality the machines are built for easy threading and come with color coding. Sergers are used to finish seams or for fancy edge stitching that a standard sewing machine cannot do. Sergers come in different styles which vary the number of thread spools from two to five. The most common is four spools. Before beginning to thread the serger, have four spools of thread available and change your needles to a new, sharp pair.

Things You'll Need

• Four spools of thread
• Set of needles for machine

Instructions

Threading the Serger

1. 

   If some threads remain on the serger, pull out so you are starting with no threads attached. Open the lower threading panel to verify all thread is removed. Clear any lint from this area at this time. Before threading, turn the hand wheel so the needles are in the raised position. There should be a picture marked on the inside panel of the machine that outlines the threading sequence.

2. When threading a four-thread serger, start with the Upper Looper thread. This thread is usually the second from the right. Follow the markings coded on the machine. Each loop the thread goes through will have a color-coded knob. There is no needle to pull through at the end, just lay the thread tail on the throat plate.

3. Thread the Lower Looper thread, which in most cases is the right most spool. Follow all markings on the inside panel. There is no needle to pull the thread through at the end. Lay this thread on the throat plate next to the Upper Looper Thread.

4. Thread the Right-Hand Needle. This spool is second from the left. Follow the markings coded on the machine. The last step is pulling the thread through the right needle.

5. Thread the Left-Hand Needle. This spool is the left most thread. Follow the markings color coded on the machine. The last step will be pulling the thread through the left needle.

6. Lower the pressure foot and do a test of the threading. Place a double piece of fabric in the serger and sew. Hold all four threads as the serger starts the trial run. All threads should be making the overlock stitch. If any stitch looks loose or a thread is not properly threaded in the serger, rethread that thread and try the test again.

Tips & Warnings

• In some cases you may need to adjust the tension. The tension dials are found on the top, front panel at the start point of each thread. Turn the tension knob one half a number, until the proper tension is found. If you have your Instruction Manual, use it to verify the threading on your machine. Serger brands and thread numbers and sequences may vary.

• If you can't get the threads to stitch properly, start over by rethreading all threads and put the tensions at the neutral marking. Don't over adjust the tension; this can cause your machine to not work properly. If you have continued problems with your tension, consult a repair technician for adjustment.

References

• Serger Basics
• Bernina Overlock Serger Instruction Manual