Thread: I finally got a serger!

I am so excited! My mom bought me a serger for my birthday (June 23). I found it on Craigs list for $150. Its a 1991 White Superlock 734DW. Very old school, but I trust in Whites and I've heard that old can be better.



The machine has never been used. It's still in its original box, has loads of accessories, comes with a manual and a VHS tape! Thank God I've been holding on to our VCR.

I have no thread and it probably needs new needles. What else do I need to get? Do I have to buy a certain kind of serger thread? Do I have to buy certain needles?

Just thought I would share my joy!

You'll want to get the serger thread cones. I'd also recommend wooly nylon thread - it's stretchy and gives a nice finish while allowing more stretch to seams and edges. You can also use it for a good "lettuce edge" finish.

Yaaaaaaay! I usually stock up on thread cones when JoAnn or Hancock have 50% off thread sales since you want at least three cones of each color. (You *can* use regular spools in a pinch or mixed with the thread cones to get a better color match, but keep a file handy. The Coats & Clarks spools have a little notch for the start of the thread that can be a pain with the serger. Gutermann work more smoothly. The thread cones are definitely easier.)

p.s. Happy B-day in advance! That's my bff's b-day as well as one of my nieces.

You're really going to love it, Andalee. I'd recommend reading the owners manual and playing with some scraps of fabric before working on anything new.

You definitely want to use a premium serger thread like Maxi-lock.

Happy Birthday and congrats! It looks like it will be easier to thread than mine is. lol. Have fun with it.

Great tip Samira, I didn't know that. (Note to self, wooly nylon thread)

Oh, you will love sewing with your new serger.. Happy Birthday Early!!

Alrana

Thanks for the birthday wishes and the tips!

wow what a great gift! can't wait to see what you make.
p.s. i'm sending you a bundle of skirts to hem....lol just kidding

Sweet! You'll have to let us know how you like it compared to a regular sewing machine.

Originally Posted by kiyaana

(You *can* use regular spools in a pinch or mixed with the thread cones to get a better color match, but keep a file handy. The Coats & Clarks spools have a little notch for the start of the thread that can be a pain with the serger. Gutermann work more smoothly. The thread cones are definitely easier.)

I use regular spools of thread on mine all of the time, but I notice that if I mix brands, thread blends, or cones and regular spools, my machine gets finicky about the tension. If you are going to tackle a big project (e.g., a 10-yard skirt or something), make sure you buy enough thread up front (5-6 spools, plus one more if you are going to be going back and forth between the serger and a regular machine). Loopers can chew through regular spools of thread quickly, and Murphy's Law dictates that you will run out and not be able to find matching thread when you're frantically trying to finish sewing the costume the day before you need to wear it.

You do have to watch for catch points on the spools. If you want to use regular thread, the machine will run better if you make sure the catch is toward the bottom and you put plastic thread caps on top of the spools. If your machine did not come with thread caps, you can usually order them as an accessory.

Congrats! I sure do love mine, a Pfaff of similar vintage.

Congrats! I love my overlocker :)

Andalee, I highly recommend you treat yourself to a good general book on serging, like:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Serging-Complete-Creative-Machine/dp/0801981956/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276473522&sr=1-2]Amazon.com: ABCs of Serging: A Complete Guide To Serger Sewing Basics (Creative Machine Arts Series) (9780801981951): Tammy Young, Lori Bottom: Books[/ame]

or
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/SEWING-SERGERS-COMPLETE-HANDBOOK-OVERLOCK/dp/0935278583/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276473522&sr=1-4]Amazon.com: Sewing with Sergers: The Complete Handbook for Overlock Sewing…[/ame]

...because most of the books explain trouble-shooting better than the manuals do.

enjoy and happy birthday!

Thanks Tiger. My dad got me Sewing with Sergers for Christmas when I thought I was getting a serger...didn't work out then, but 6 months later isn't bad. Glad I kept the book!

Congratulations!!! Would love to get one some day...