The "Secret" to taming your Serger!

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 24 янв 2025

Комментарии • 189

  • @feliciamercer6664
    @feliciamercer6664 7 лет назад +3

    This is my favourite video for fixing serger tension issues. I recommend it to anyone who is having troubles. I often use this method when I can't quickly fix issues on my own machines. Works EVERY time! Highly recommend! Thank-you for the video :)

  • @Sunandsand4life
    @Sunandsand4life 4 года назад +1

    Holy he// !! Thank you so much. I’ve been fighting my serger for a long time!! This is amazing info

  • @cleverblonde4406
    @cleverblonde4406 13 лет назад

    Just fantastic. I've been sewing with serger for 10 yrs and extremely dislike tension issues. I never knew what I was doing and would spend hours fiddling with dials until the stitching looked right. Your system is fool proof and so easy to understand. Thank you

  • @liserodrigue1980
    @liserodrigue1980 6 лет назад +1

    I have the top of the line Serger and it stayed in the box for 4 years...Now I am so happy to see the correct way to use it..Thank you so very much and I will follow your tips...

  • @shazsell7509
    @shazsell7509 12 лет назад +4

    Thanks very much for this very informative video. I followed it with my new Juki MO-735 serger and not only was able to identify the proper settings, but also practice using it. I added one additional test, which was a final strip with the settings I determined on the first 4 for the individual tensions, and then adjusted on that strip to get a very good stitch.

  • @wisewoman7906
    @wisewoman7906 5 лет назад +3

    New sub! Thanks for this tip; it's so clever!
    My serger was used/gifted to me, so it was threaded by the person who checked it out before I picked it up. It ran beautifully. Then I changed threads, had to cram study on how to thread the machine, and... it was awful. Two threads snapped. I didn't even realize they were snapped for several inches, and I'm just serging away... It was the hem of a prom gown! Fortunately I was able to salvage the job on another machine and it turned out fine; but now I have to go back and REALLY learn how to thread it!

    • @waltermessines5181
      @waltermessines5181 5 лет назад +1

      Wisdom = the accumulated errors you learned something from... Some just RTM...

  • @nhcharmedone
    @nhcharmedone 10 лет назад +2

    I love this idea! Yes it takes some time if you are using a few different types of fabric, but in the long run, it is much easier and faster than dealing with trying to get it all right at the start of a project! Thanks for sharing!

  • @joanburnett1254
    @joanburnett1254 4 года назад

    Thank you so much for this very time saving tutorial. Have fought with my serger for a week to get the tensions correct. Then i found and followed your tutorial and within an hour i had the right settings. I, am eternally grateful!!

  • @agnespellowski674
    @agnespellowski674 8 лет назад

    OMG! I have had my serger for over 20 years and never mastered the tension. I have been playing with it on different fabric types using your system for a week or so and it works amazingly well! Thanks!

  • @GVAteach
    @GVAteach 2 года назад

    Thank you for such a practical and useful strategy to determine the best settings on my serger. I just purchased a Juki from a thrift shop - it sews great, but I'm trying to learn all I can about tension settings. Your video is a great resource!

  • @lindaschirmacher1737
    @lindaschirmacher1737 9 лет назад

    I have been using the serger that I bought in 1989. I just ordered a brother 3/4 serger machine today. I can't wait to get it because the other one was just harder and harder for me to thread all 5 threads....and be correct.....lol. Until I get it.....I will be watching all you videos. TFS your talent, time and patience!

  • @barb72832
    @barb72832 9 лет назад

    I have 3 sergers which I haven't been using and finally you have given me the solution to my nightmares. Thank you for making this so easy to accomplish. I will do this immediately with each one and store them for quick access in their covers. It makes so much sense and great visual on how the machine really works.

  • @kimdkus
    @kimdkus 13 лет назад

    Hey Susan, when I frist saw this, I thought that's really a lot of work, but since I'm a newbie, I figured, ok, I'll try it. And I'm sooooooooo happy I did!! Now I know where to put my tensions to make a nice stitch. Thanks for the tip!!! Keep 'em coming!!!!!!!

  • @lisachristianson5884
    @lisachristianson5884 11 лет назад +21

    It Totally worked!!! But,I started watching this and thought I had it down. I did it and still couldn't get it. I finally watched the WHOLE video. Also I didn't know what numbers to have the other dials on. Also noticed hers in the video. I guess it didn't matter .My problem was my thread was not all the way in the tension control. YAH!!! I did do a victory dance!

  • @amandajane8227
    @amandajane8227 10 лет назад +1

    Thank you so much for uploading this simple to follow video. For the first time ever I have got perfect tension on my machine with a setting of 4,4,2,4 which I would never have worked out without your help.

  • @CGM52
    @CGM52 12 лет назад

    This is brilliant. I have been using sergers for many years and have often struggled with achieving the correct tension on different fabrics. Thanks so much your video!!!

  • @jacquievogler9038
    @jacquievogler9038 7 лет назад +2

    I am finally getting a serger, so glad I found this video! thanks for posting

  • @sherriscreativemind
    @sherriscreativemind 10 лет назад

    OhmyGOSH! TY so MUCH! I have had a battle for a very long time in regard to my old Brother 925D.. It's a workhorse, I've had it for years but lately it's been needing an overhaul, which I did today. I tore it down and cleaned, oiled, checked out stuff to make sure it was all good... then after it was put back together I had the age old problem of bad seams.. I love this tutorial and will def use it tomorrow.. this gal's gotta rest now. LOL

  • @janicebradfordbelltolleshu4383
    @janicebradfordbelltolleshu4383 9 лет назад +2

    Thanks so much. I really needed this. I'm getting my fabric ready now to get my tension guides made. You are a life saver.

  • @anitasblog276
    @anitasblog276 2 года назад

    Really helpful. Thanks for that great idea you brought up! That should help me finding out the perfect setting.

  • @susanokeefe9130
    @susanokeefe9130 10 лет назад

    Your tutorials are GREAT! PLEASE DO MORE SERGER TUTORIALS AND PROJECTS.

  • @baileyrose3
    @baileyrose3 10 лет назад

    Genius! I just finished setting all of the tension settings using your method. Now my 20 year old serger sews like new again. Thank you so much for sharing this tip!!!

    • @sherriscreativemind
      @sherriscreativemind 10 лет назад

      Mine is 15 years old and I can't wait to try this out... :D

  • @TodayinJensSewingRoom
    @TodayinJensSewingRoom 14 лет назад

    What a GREAT idea! Thank you so much. I just went through the whole "what the heck!" thing with my serger while changing threads. It never fails that my tension gets screwed up. Thanks so much for the tip!

  • @broiledhobbit
    @broiledhobbit 11 лет назад +1

    I have no idea what you just did but you did it very, very well.

  • @sassewing
    @sassewing 12 лет назад +2

    Great job!!! You solve my headaches with my serger. Thanks a lot!

  • @MelissaGemini
    @MelissaGemini 12 лет назад

    AMAZING. Thank you thank you. I just bought a serger and i watched the dvd and read the book. Srprisingly i was still lost. I watch our video and just a few amazingly easy mins i have set my serger and my sewer.

  • @ponalisa74
    @ponalisa74 7 лет назад

    i tried your suggestions and figured a much much better setting for each of the threads. thank you

  • @trinialisha
    @trinialisha 11 лет назад +16

    START WITH "ALL" DIALS ON 4. From there you can play with the dials on different fabrics

  • @lilymay7758
    @lilymay7758 7 лет назад

    This worked a treat...thank you so much! It sorted out my tension problems for 3 thread, single layer of lightweight fabric. Highly recommend! Thank-you for the video :)

  • @dbgtwin1
    @dbgtwin1 12 лет назад

    Love it Love it Love it. This is the FIRST video I watched before using my new serger. Wow this really makes sense. I think I'll do the same "stitch map" for my sewing machine. This is a real timesaver and you won't have to keep using scrap pieces to see the right stitch/and or serger stitch. YOU ARE AWESOME. Now on to threading. LOL!! :):)

  • @annie-sc8nd
    @annie-sc8nd 6 лет назад

    God bless You! I bought a used serger, without a user manual, and this is my first machine, so I wasn't know, how to set it. But your video helped for me! Thank you! :)

  • @YouTuttifrutti
    @YouTuttifrutti 11 лет назад +1

    Thank you so much for such a instructive video. I am going upstairs right now and tame that serger once and for all :)

  • @beachboyde
    @beachboyde 4 года назад

    This was brilliant.... Thank you... Jon

  • @NerahBee
    @NerahBee 4 года назад

    Really like this tip. Great video

  • @arlenemurphy804
    @arlenemurphy804 11 лет назад +3

    I have been using a serger for many years, and each fabric usually calls for a tension check. I adjust the tension with each project.

    • @maggiem4734
      @maggiem4734 5 лет назад +4

      A Murphy Whenever you change your fabric to something different the first time, do you go through this method? I know tensions are different with each type of fabric, so, have you discovered a different “standard” setting for all of your different fabrics? I would imagine there would be.

  • @FaerieFenergles
    @FaerieFenergles 7 лет назад +1

    So methodical and logical ... thank you so much!

  • @NiniGirl
    @NiniGirl 13 лет назад +1

    This is so PERFECT!! Thank you so much. Love, LOVE, Love your video!

  • @jblinckmann
    @jblinckmann 12 лет назад

    Thanks for this video. It was very helpful. Wish I had known about this secret earlier. It would have saved me some frustration.

  • @MsGordot
    @MsGordot 13 лет назад

    this is fantasic ...you make getting the correct tension so easy.Thanks

  • @chantalpinsonneault1299
    @chantalpinsonneault1299 5 лет назад

    Best explanation I've come upon so far. I will be doing that!

  • @katrinsmenio7847
    @katrinsmenio7847 Год назад

    Absolutely brilliant, thank you

  • @AbisDen
    @AbisDen 7 лет назад +8

    I think - and this is only my thought - this video is designed to help you adjust current tension setting to find the right tension settings for a specific fabric and only if you previously had a good tension or know what the factory settings are. Sergers/Overlockers don't have a one setting fits all... This video should not be taken to find that one magic setting to suit ALL fabrics, just the one you're going to be using at that particular time using the threads you will be using. Note also, the differential speed isn't discussed. You will not get a good feed if the fabric changes from say chiffon to denim, jersey to calico. So, this method to gauge which tension settings are good for you when you need to adjust them to suit the fabric you are going to be using is acceptable and good. With regular sewing machines, the number of possible combinations of the top tension is little over 10 settings (to the bottom tension including the adjusted foot pressure). There are literally thousands of combinations on 4 lots of 10 possible tension settings with 10 differential feed settings (and then the foot pressure as well). Anyone who managed to get a good tension on an old machine managed to do this with a gut feeling or luck mixed with previous understanding. But thats just my own opinion.

  • @maryb.c.507
    @maryb.c.507 4 года назад +3

    This is a great technique for a particular fabric. At least with my serger, when you switch to say a knit double layer or single layer, tension adjustments need to be made. I keep a sample of the serged fabric pinned to a paper with the tensions settings and stitch length etc. recorded so I can quickly adjust the serger for that type of fabric for next time.

  • @kimdkus
    @kimdkus 13 лет назад +1

    @burningbirch I'm agreeing with BB on this one. Please give us good tips like when to use a certain serger stitch, when to use two or four threads, ect instead of where the on switch is. :)) Give us something we can chew on. :)

  • @pinkscrapper99
    @pinkscrapper99 8 лет назад +1

    thank you for doing this video. It helped me immensely to tame my serger. :)

  • @debbiebloodworth8252
    @debbiebloodworth8252 12 лет назад +2

    I have had my serger for 3 years and never used it-I am now not afraid

    • @maggiem4734
      @maggiem4734 5 лет назад

      Debbie Bloodworth LOL 😆 I know exactly what you mean....it IS intimidating, isn’t it?

  • @Katcocat
    @Katcocat 13 лет назад +1

    Thanks so much for this, great tip and explanation.

  • @madogaso
    @madogaso 12 лет назад

    You make seem this serger machine, be so easy to use. Thanks again for your great ideas.

  • @shamhat8730
    @shamhat8730 10 лет назад

    An excellent video. I am going to try and fix my serger right now. I have had it for around 15 years and could not get the tension right. Well done!

  • @trish7440
    @trish7440 5 лет назад

    What a great resource! Thank you!

  • @carlynholmes
    @carlynholmes 7 лет назад +1

    Thank you...this was very helpful.

  • @abigailperezful
    @abigailperezful 9 лет назад

    Wow! Such a great video! Thank you!

  • @daisylichtenbergerdaisy4461
    @daisylichtenbergerdaisy4461 10 лет назад +1

    Fantastic lesson. Thank you so much!
    DL

  • @tonymagner
    @tonymagner 13 лет назад

    wow, this woman is a scientist!, great, makes sense.

  • @sutela2060
    @sutela2060 2 года назад

    Thanks for your good tips

  • @rebapepper4635
    @rebapepper4635 10 лет назад

    Very smart lady !! I love it ..thanks !

  • @yournamehere6925
    @yournamehere6925 8 лет назад

    What a great idea and well made video!

  • @rjmodany7768
    @rjmodany7768 9 лет назад +14

    What do you set the other tensions at when you are testing one?

  • @dougskow2005
    @dougskow2005 11 лет назад +22

    What number should the other dials be on while one dial is being tested?
    Wonderful video! Thank you
    Diane

    • @AngieCee1
      @AngieCee1 2 года назад +2

      I know it's been 8 years since your comment lol... but I saw another video where the lady said to keep all the other dials on 3 except the one you're adjusting. I'm sure other numbers could work, whatever your machine likes that isn't too tight or too loose I suppose.

  • @abigailleroy-mira5536
    @abigailleroy-mira5536 3 года назад

    This is great, thank you !!

  • @waraylou
    @waraylou 11 лет назад +1

    Thank you, thank you. This video has really helped.

  • @hglnumber4
    @hglnumber4 11 лет назад +34

    This video over simplifies the issue. Serger thread tensions are not independent of one another. If one tension is changed this can then affect the tension of another even without altering the other's dial. In particular, the upper and lower looper tensions work together so a lot of tweaking is required to get them just right. In addition, different fabrics, stitch length and width also will require customised tension. Having these samples isn't going to help much - you need to play with your tensions for each new project.

    • @rosehep3301
      @rosehep3301 9 лет назад +3

      hglnumber4 So right! I spent more time yesterday fiddling for the right tension for 4-way stretch than I did actually sewing the garment once I found it.

    • @ponalisa74
      @ponalisa74 7 лет назад +4

      hglnumber4 I set all 4 to the settings that came out best and I got a great output... my settings sit at 6; 9; 8; 4... they work for me

    • @jayej692
      @jayej692 5 лет назад +2

      Some machines go off tension during sewing. It's maddening.

    • @nynurse2
      @nynurse2 5 лет назад +1

      You are absolutely correct!.. I make a sample for ea different fabric type and label ea one with the settings for future reference

    • @joanwillison9922
      @joanwillison9922 2 года назад +1

      What I was just thinking. This doesn’t take into account four threads working simultaneously.

  • @mollyv8b705
    @mollyv8b705 5 лет назад

    Fantastic idea!!!

  • @laurabarba3515
    @laurabarba3515 9 лет назад

    even my husband wants to pull his hair out because of the threading😂. thanks for such a great idea .:)

  • @alvaradoammy
    @alvaradoammy 7 лет назад

    Thanks for your video, is a great help to my self.

  • @plushabola
    @plushabola 9 лет назад

    I have finally sat down and went through this tip on simple cotton satin fabric. My perfect setting seems to be :
    Left Needle : 3
    Right Needle : 4
    Upper Looper : 3
    Lower Looper : 6
    Its amazing. I would have never come to this setting by just keep changing the tensions on the go. Thanks for the idea, its easier to guess the rest of the color settings if you are a bit familiar with serger. The tutorial is harder to follow for complete beginners.

  • @hannahranford5593
    @hannahranford5593 6 лет назад +2

    Hi All, in your serger manual it will suggest the neutral setting. For my bernette funlock 004 says 3-5, so I kept my other threads on 4. I actually found this exercise very helpful, it will probably keep using it in the future. Also in your manual, it will tell you which way actually loosens and tightens the tension, don't assume read your manual.

    • @maggiem4734
      @maggiem4734 5 лет назад

      Hannah Ranford Ya know, mine does not, it suggests to play around with settings until you find the right ones....🤷🏼‍♀️

    • @TawdryTempest
      @TawdryTempest 5 лет назад +2

      I've studied that manual like the Torah but it does not suggest any settings.

  • @char0219
    @char0219 12 лет назад +1

    Great advice! Thank you for this helpful tutorial~!

  • @lhianna327
    @lhianna327 10 лет назад +1

    would love a video explaining how the upper and lower and needle threrads should look on each strip

  • @markiepinkham-trundy4687
    @markiepinkham-trundy4687 4 года назад

    This Video is Great thank you for making it.

  • @debbieweston8090
    @debbieweston8090 9 лет назад

    Very new to sewing. Wow mind blown..... so logical thanks:-).

  • @HarryPotter-dg5qw
    @HarryPotter-dg5qw 9 лет назад

    Great video. Thanks so much

  • @sajidramjan123
    @sajidramjan123 11 лет назад +19

    hi all, ive looked at the video closely and found that Susan's strips of tensions are as so: Left needle = 5 - Blue thread
    Right needle = 4 - Green thread
    Upper Looper = 3 - Pink thread
    Lower Looper = 3 - Yellow thread
    does this help anyone?

    • @KingdomOriginators
      @KingdomOriginators 11 лет назад

      yes it does! Because it's helpful to know a starting point. Thank you

    • @shamhat8730
      @shamhat8730 10 лет назад

      Yes, it does. We do need a starting point. Thanks.

    • @Fioneenacockeen
      @Fioneenacockeen 10 лет назад

      Yes, thank you very much

    • @toni3117
      @toni3117 5 лет назад +2

      If I used these settings on my serger my stuff would be a hot mess. For a 3 thread overlock stitch start with 4 on all dials.

  • @glynishigham1893
    @glynishigham1893 8 лет назад +6

    this is great but like the other people i would wonder what the other dials are set too. im going to play with my overlocker tomorrow and set them to 4 while i test each of them. will let everyone know how it goes

    • @glynishigham1893
      @glynishigham1893 8 лет назад +1

      well i tried the above, and it didnt work. so just played around till i finally got it right

  • @Britgirl58
    @Britgirl58 4 года назад

    Great tip ~ thank you!

  • @mileyondisney5588
    @mileyondisney5588 11 лет назад +1

    Outstanding! Thank you.

  • @nailtech4years
    @nailtech4years 9 лет назад +27

    what should the other tensions be set on when you are testing each one. So when I am adjusting the left needle from 1-9 what should all of the other 3 tension dials be set to?

    • @redinidaho335
      @redinidaho335 6 лет назад +3

      Susan Hall that’s my question too.

    • @imdone65marshall80
      @imdone65marshall80 6 лет назад +1

      Zero

    • @toni3117
      @toni3117 5 лет назад +1

      If you’re not doing a rolled hems then 4-1 is a good starting point. That’s my settings when I sew 90% of the time

  • @Mradrianodeco
    @Mradrianodeco 8 лет назад +1

    Thank you very much for video. I appreciate.

  • @irenedale5256
    @irenedale5256 5 лет назад

    Thanks. That was really helpful!

  • @pamnewt45
    @pamnewt45 6 лет назад

    Very helpful!!! Thank you.

  • @sw13644
    @sw13644 13 лет назад +1

    When I first got my server, youtube barely existed and I didn't know anyone who had one, so I used it a couple of times and then the threads went wrong somehow and it took me hours to get it going again, having tracked down the manual. This is a really excellent technique for understanding the effects of the thread tensions, but I have one question. If I was altering the tension of a thread for the mapping, what setting should the threads which are not being altered be set to? Thanks.

  • @bailayaron2054
    @bailayaron2054 11 лет назад

    this is very smart except what tension numbers should the other threads be on while you try each number of the one you're experimenting

  • @rosehep3301
    @rosehep3301 9 лет назад +14

    Frustrating, but an inherent duty of using these awesome machines...
    Like +hglnumber4 said: "Serger thread tensions are not independent of one another. If one tension is changed this can then affect the tension of another even without altering the other's dial." "Having these samples isn't going to help much."
    The most helpful thing you can do for yourself is once you find the settings for a type of fabric, save the test scrap and write the settings on it, and save THOSE in a folder somewhere. I spent more time yesterday fiddling for the right tensions for 4-way stretch (instead of the medium weight woven cotton muslin I'd been using previously) than I did actually sewing the garment once I finally found it's crazy combo.
    If curious about the settings on my Singer, threaded with only the right needle,
    The swimsuit spandex turned out to be: Needle: 3. Upper: 9. Lower: 6.
    The settings for the woven cotton was Needle: 1. Upper: 4. Lower: 3.

    • @aidadaist
      @aidadaist 6 лет назад +2

      Thank you, this is actually really helpful!

  • @serundipity
    @serundipity 12 лет назад

    Well done! Applying science to sergers!

  • @karenbilton3522
    @karenbilton3522 9 лет назад

    Great informative video, thankyou

  • @tinabray7872
    @tinabray7872 9 лет назад

    excellent in layman's terms...thank you so much!!

  • @PegLeg233
    @PegLeg233 8 лет назад

    your video was so helpful , thank you for sharing ;)

  • @philsisson195
    @philsisson195 9 лет назад +9

    I never heard an answer for what the other settings were. I know that UPPER LOOPER WILL AFFECT THE LOWER looper and vice versa, so do you have the other three set at lets say 4 while you run the tests or are they set at one?

    • @TawdryTempest
      @TawdryTempest 5 лет назад +4

      Gah. why won't anyone answer? :(

  • @Sincmurr1
    @Sincmurr1 12 лет назад +1

    what tension did you set the other threads at that you weren't making the sample for?

  • @Sincmurr1
    @Sincmurr1 12 лет назад +1

    I have a question - what tension are the other threads set at that you aren't testing

  • @adriennegryczan226
    @adriennegryczan226 10 лет назад +2

    "Love the video. Have a few questions. What are you calling a serger seam? Is it a 4 thread overlock?
    How do I know what settings to begin?..... What are the settings for the needles and lower looper when you start the testing for the upper looper in order to begin the testing maps?"
    I'm with Lynn Harris on this one. Settings Needed: Lower Looper __?____, Right Needle ___?___, Left Needle ___?___

  • @vasgarcia
    @vasgarcia 13 лет назад

    Great idea! Does the type of fabric you're using change the ideal tension?

  • @emmawilliamson3936
    @emmawilliamson3936 6 лет назад

    What a great idea.

  • @karlsmith2052
    @karlsmith2052 4 года назад

    This is great, but I need to know what would be considered perfect and balance for the other three threads. We know what number are the optimal setting on her machine, but not why she picked them.

  • @janegirl33
    @janegirl33 13 лет назад

    I also have the same question as sw13644 - how should you set the tension dials for the threads you are not testing?

  • @ottie1954
    @ottie1954 5 лет назад +1

    I own a juki since a week and at moments I plan to give it back...although feedback says it is sooooo easy to use 😕😠

    • @maggiem4734
      @maggiem4734 5 лет назад

      Brainstorming RUclipsr Don’t give it back just yet.....RUclips is a wonderful resource for “How To” .....”Sewing Parts Online” has great videos. Or just type Juki Serger in the search bar. You are bound to find several helpful videos.

    • @ottie1954
      @ottie1954 5 лет назад

      @@maggiem4734 ....thank you very much Maggie. Meanwhile I also bought a book explaining how to use it and it is very helpful. 🤗🌹🌼

  • @karlsmith2052
    @karlsmith2052 4 года назад

    Does this not depend on what fabric you are using? Do you have to go through this process for each different fabric you want to serge?

  • @lynnharris6877
    @lynnharris6877 10 лет назад +2

    Love the video. Have a few questions. What are you calling a serger seam? Is it a 4 thread overlock?
    How do I know what settings to begin?..... What are the settings for the needles and lower looper when you start the testing for the upper looper in order to begin the testing maps?

  • @lindielee6322
    @lindielee6322 11 лет назад +1

    Are you saying these tension settings are for any weight fabric and any thread?

  • @Sincmurr1
    @Sincmurr1 12 лет назад +1

    did you get a response to this question because i was wondering the same