Thread: umm so i bought a serger.

and now im kind of scared. considering i cant even properly use my sewing machine. what have i done?

Does the store where you bought it have classes? When I bought mine (about 15 years ago-wow!) They gave me a free hour lesson and offered others. Also, it came with a VHS tape and a decent sized technique book that accompanied the manual.

no i bought it second hand, but it does come with the manual and a vhs (i dont have a vcr tho) i guess im gona be spending some quality time with it ahah ...omg im so over my head!!

When I was in highschool (Years ago) we had to use a serger and I couldn't even thread mine.

Good LUCK!!

My serger the only thing still gets me frustrated is the threading the machine with correct tension. But I like it you can do a lot more with stretchy fabrics and hem chiffon in half the time. Then again mine is packed. Maybe there are some online how to classes.
Don't let it scare you.

Alrana

ACK! i just spent an hour with the manual and im more confused than before! im gona go check out youtube now!

as a future serger owner (probably a used serger owner), let us know how you're doing! I'm sure after the nerves wear off you'll be allll goood!

i will update you for sure.. maybe i should blog about it ! :)

Take a class from a local fabric shop. I had my serger for years and it was nothing more than a glorified edging machine before I took a class. Now not only do I know how to actually sew with it, but I have a notebook full of special stitches and settings. A serger class is a small investment that's totally worth it.

You tube and sewing blogs have lots of helpful stuff! Mine came with a 1 page cheat sheet on how to set the different stitches. I used a bunch of fabric scraps and just tried them all out. It was great. The trick is to just start sewing.

i think im going to officially start playing with it over the weekend...and the serger class is an excellent idea, i think i need it.

Take a class if possible. I had a tough time trying to follow the Pfaff video threading online--it's better in person with your machine.

I'm in the same boat. I just got a serger last week (also used). I managed to get it threaded but I had to have help from a friend to get the tension adjusted. That's as far as I've gotten so far. I think I need a class too.

Originally Posted by jetgirl

You tube and sewing blogs have lots of helpful stuff! Mine came with a 1 page cheat sheet on how to set the different stitches. I used a bunch of fabric scraps and just tried them all out. It was great. The trick is to just start sewing.

that is the absolute best way to figure out these machines-just play around with them. 2nd best is taking some classes.

Once you have good "samples" make notes to refer back to.

do yourself a favor. Buy a magnifying glass, serger threader, serger tweezers and an instructional vid. Plan to spend literally a whole day learning how to thread it. Take lots of breaths and breaks. i love mine now but there was frustration in the beginning. try only using 2 cones to start.

i havent even touched it since the first night..but hey, tomorrow is another day!