5 Overlocker Tips You Won't Find in the Manual (my best serger tips!)

[@eva_unrast]

My little overlock-tipp after about 40 Years of sewing: The third cone from the left holds the thread that sews the actual overlock stitch; the other three sew more or less straight. Therefore, the 3rd cone uses considerably more thread than the others. So if you always put the obvious fullest cone in the third spot, you'll use up the cones evenly. So, in your tip for never using purple thread again, the cone should be put in 3rd place; the other three places are then occupied by the small bobbins.

[@Julija_Gobere]

What a great insight! Thank you for this tip🤗

[@eva_unrast]

@Transplanted1 On all the overlock machines I've used so far, the third cone was the one that went around the hem and therefore used a lot more thread than the others. Possibly this is not the same on all machines? You can find out by testing four different color cones on the machine you are using, then you can see from the seam color which cone belongs to the high-consumption ones.

[@SBL1932]

Great ideas. Some I already knew, but not all. Thank you for sharing

[@debrun3275]

Brilliant thanks

[@linalice8318]

Good to know about it as I am a new learner,thanks! But I feel curious about the color arrangement. If using 4 different or contrasted colors of threads, should I think about how to put each one on the certain thread holder to create a master piece of view? Thanks!

[@MissRebekah1974]

Before sewing and especially serging, drink plenty of water. Fabric and thread put off dust and tend to dry out nose and eyes. Use a good hand lotion/moisturizer. This will keep your hands from getting dry and snagging fabric or threads. Set a timer for one hour and twenty minutes. This is to give yourself a break. Get up, drink some more water, rotate neck and shoulders, go look out a window at things far away. Take about twenty minutes to do this then reset your timer and now that you are refreshed go back to your project. Make Beauty! Aunt B

[@Julija_Gobere]

Oh these are such great tips! 🤗

[@06snydernancy]

Oh have a little air purifier close by.

[@007lovediamonds6]

Absolutely 100% you are right

[@GoldieHoffmanComedian]

Aw, these are GREAT and such important tips for our health, both physical and mental. we often forget this in advice/tips list, so thanks! :)

[@isabeljohnston5020]

Thanks a lot for those great tips!😊

[@katybe6]

I did know these tips already, but that doesn't mean they aren't valuable. My favourite tip is about tension settings. Once I have the settings right, I take a photo with my phone of the settings with a piece of the fabric on top. I often buy fabric by the roll, so I can easily check what settings the fabric needs by checking through the serger album on my phone.

[@Julija_Gobere]

That is such a clever tip!

[@cruznk9]

Excellent idea

[@UpInTheSky2025]

Thankyou!

[@danicourtnay]

If your shoulder seam doesn't need to stretch, you can also stabilize with a piece of ribbon or twill tape. I don't like the feel of clear elastic so I often use cotton twill tape to reinforce my shoulder seams.

[@lauraelbertsen]

Wait, I can thread bobbins and use them for the serger? My Lady, this is the best find of the year!

[@inekekrul6340]

Thank you for your tips! I have a few tips: use black and white as standard colours and only change the cones for the colour you need at the very left. And maybe the upper looper. So for a dark red sweater, you can use 1 or 2 red cones and 2 black. It is not visible in the seam! And the other tip; if your serger does not have a catching part for the scraps. There are plates for under the serger, with a bucket or net to catch the treads and cut of scraps. Your floor and lap will stay clean of treads.

[@cassieoz1702]

I use grey and cream as my 'standards' and colour in the left needle if using the serger in 4-thread mode

[@akbunny5221]

Thanks for that....! Only just got a serger, it was gifted to me...😊. I've sewn loads of practice seams and they appear good. The biggest 'problem' I have is guiding the fabric along the distance marks (keeping the fabric straight under the needles) - I'm used to using flat bed sewing machines where it's easy. Any tips greatfully received....! Cheers. Mark.....

[@MayowaOye]

This is spot on!

[@jewelgaither1504]

I have worked in a garment factory in the past and that's the way they taught us to change the threads. I've used it for 40 or more years. Really saves time.

[@Julija_Gobere]

I learned this at sewing school, where we would change threads for industrial overlockers like that - those industrial are so difficult to change threads any other way!

[@dale3404]

I clip the elastic tape that comes on RTW clothes, unless I need it to keep the garment on the hanger. The strips can be used for reinforcing shoulder seams, don’t add to the landfill, don’t poke out when wearing the garment, and are free.

[@Julija_Gobere]

That’s a great idea!

[@zazmau]

In some cases, not all, you can use cut off selvage edge of woven fabric.Try to match color. It's free!!!!

[@johannaholmgren8088]

Brilliant re-use of clear elastic!! Man, when I think of how many miles of that I've thrown out when I could have just used it...!!!!!

[@daxxydog5777]

I’ve been doing that for years! I also use old vintage ribbon pieces I end up with when I buy random bags of notions.

[@lilaholland5764]

Great idea for reducing waste & saving $'s!

[@nancybackes111]

I use a fabric loop turner rather than a needle for tucking in the thread ends. A loop turner is like a very long needle but it has a small latch hook at the end instead of an eye. Push the the hook end in through the stitches, catch the thread tail, and pull the turner back out. The hook closes as you pull the turner and pulls the tail into the stitches. So it does the same thing as the needle trick, but it is faster and not as fiddly as you don't have to thread those ends through the eye of a needle.

[@judykish1481]

Thanks for that idea. I normally thread a needle, but will certainly try the loop turner.

[@cruznk9]

The loop turner is easier for arthritic hands too.

[@MaximusOfTheMeadow]

Thank you, today I'm going to use a overlocker for the first time! Nervus..... By the way, Blue looks wonderful on you!

[@isabelleblanchet3694]

I simply lift the presser foot when changing the thread that way, it removes the tension automatically.

[@joanijackson3108]

I made a cover for my serger. Quilted and pockets at back for cord and peddle. Thanks for the tips 🙏🏼🤗🌸❤️

[@gildaparodi-swords5623]

I didn’t know to lower down the dial to zero for changing the thread. I kept it at 4 and the threads would come undone. Thanks for this great tip!

[@davernew.305]

Same here! Have used this technique but never heard of releasing the tension! Game changer and makes so much sense!

[@beesan7478]

same here.glad to learn it.Thank you

[@williamsews]

I don't know if you have the same terms for knots in your country, but you need to tie it off with a Reef Knot, not a Granny Knot, the Granny will slip. I haven't hand threaded an overlocker for decades.

[@marysesiegmanngodet2454]

👍🏻 Very good tip, I will turn the tension to 0 as of now. Many thanks 🌸

[@kthybrown007]

My solution is to lift the threads out of the tension disks (mine are knobs), pull the threads as described, then flip the threads back into the tension disks (and "floss" them to make sure they are in). It eliminates the need to (remember to) readjust the tension, which never seems to be the same as it was...

[@TorBoy9]

I love your tips. I, too, knew to tie the new threads when changing threads, but not reduce the tension. My favourite serger tip is to buy a book on sergers, which will tell you about the different serger stitches you can do, usually just by changing the tension of various threads.

[@loves2spin2]

Can you recommend one?

[@TheEvie202]

Good idea about the thread you are only using once or twice. I used to buy 4 cones of a fashion color and wound up with tons of serger threads. Didn’t know a bobbin wouldn’t work on a serger. Thanks 🙏 ❤

[@tallpaska5913]

Another tip is to frequently dust the serger's working parts. They create a huge amount of lint which affects their performance. Keep small paintbrushes handy and develop a habit of opening the machine and sweeping it. If you see a speck of lint next to the blade, you can be sure the inside is already dusty.

[@trishgrant2715]

After every sew

[@Julija_Gobere]

Ahh yes, that is very good tip and dusting more often is definitely something I should be doing!

[@sherrillsturm7240]

Yes, many times faster than the sewing machine. While cleaning the insides, you can also check the positions of the loopers as they pass the needle(s) by rotating the wheel by hand. Once in a while, they are off timing, and might have a tiny piece of thread caught.

[@bun04y]

I bought an attachment for my vacuum so that I can just suck out all the lint.

[@suzanner2454]

Love the bobbin tip. Thanks!

[@lisac1323]

I love how you get straight to the point. Great video!

[@sharonslater4935]

Great tips, I love it, especially the threading. Thank you.🙂

[@TheJaniebabe]

Great tips Julie, I would never have thought to use a grocery bag as a cover, simple yet genius.

[@sheilaguthrie4525]

Another thread saving tip is to use regular sewing thread in the needles. The needles don't use as much thread as the loopers, it's just like using the sewing machine in this way.

[@zazmau]

Regular sewing thread is more expensive than serger thread. It is also thicker than serger thread and adds excess bulk.

[@GoldieHoffmanComedian]

best serger/ sewing machine covers: the blanket/ sheet sets' thick clear plastic zippered cover they come with. Works great and if you're like me and like to take over the living room/kitchen/dining room (lol) then it's also a nicer look when it's on the table. I also use these for fabric scraps etc. Always great when you don't have to play the whole 'wtf is in this bag?' game with all your bags lol. same concept as clear bins basically.

[@raquelmarquesjackson1766]

Thank you. I loved your tips. Just got my first serger and I am still getting used to it so your tips were very helpful

[@susane945]

Fantastic tips! Thanks very much! 😊😊😊❤

[@cckrull8147]

Just came across your channel and I’m so delighted! Enjoyed all your tips and some I already use! Keep up the great videos on sergers!

[@nwester4232]

Great tips!! I always avoid changing the thread colors on my serger for fear of having to rethread the machine, so your first tip is especially appreciated - a game changer for me! Thank you!

[@olajordan4270]

I could listen to you speak all day. Greetings from an appreciative American. I asked on another tip you had Whether there is a sewing machine foot that we who do not have, or cannot afford a serger might purchase? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[@Julija_Gobere]

Thank you for such sweet comment!🤗 I have a video on sewing knits and in that video I share a few methods how to sew without serger - this video might be useful to watch! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGOmlaCPZZeilZYsi=sClkXifHg_Zq4iQL

[@daxxydog5777]

Thanks for the tips! I use the tapestry needle tip a little differently. I insert the needle into the seam first, and then thread the tail through the eye. You don’t need to leave such a long thread tail that way.

[@Julija_Gobere]

Yes, that's a great way to do this finish, too! 🤗

[@brendaweaver251]

Thank you for those tips!

[@gypsygirl731]

Great tips thank you😊my fav us the trick of changing threads and the bobbins. I will make a serger cover for practice but the bag is great too.

[@DuckInYellow]

Thank you for making this video! It helps alot!

[@MoMoZen-nk4is]

Very helpful tips! Thanks!

[@brenshev6957]

Thank you for the great tips.

[@margiecastillo1591]

Awesome, thank you for those awesome tips

[@marydz2673]

Thank you for sharing this valuable tips. I stopped using the serger machine because it terrifies me the idea of re threading. I am so happy that I found your video. I 'm going to start using my serger again. God bless you.🤗

[@Julija_Gobere]

so happy to hear my video encouraged you to use your serger again! I love mine and use it all the time :)

[@loislee4638]

After struggling with threading my lower looper, I've finally managed to master it. It was challenging but once you've done it a few times, you'll be much more confident 😁

[@littlecookie6636]

loislee4638 I agree! It happened that I had to finish a project and the tying-on method had failed. I referred to my serger book instructions and with the encouragement of my non-sewing-but- mechanically-minded husband, I re-threaded my machine successfully. I’ve done it three times now and it built my confidence. The serger doesn’t intimidate me any longer.

[@riasmith2396]

I loved the top about sewing the inner corner. Thank you for that! Ria Smith, South Africa

[@spooling_around]

I have had a serger for 14 years. I just learned about the tie off method last month! I wish I knew this years ago!

[@lovemesomeslippers]

I’m surprised at the number of sewist who haven’t sewn covers for their machines! Great scrap project.

[@trishgrant2715]

Love the clear elastic tape trick!

[@Julija_Gobere]

That one was game changing for me once I first learned it! 🤗

[@janemills7636]

Just bought my first overlocker & yet to use so I’m super happy to have come across your tips. Thanks 👍🏻🥰

[@revecarodriguez709]

I was taught in sewing how to change spools of thread , but was never told to turn dials ! I’ve had 1 serger machine Simplicity which I bought about ‘94 -95 was really frantic to use , the machine was sale for $500 , throughout the years I had spent about twice the price of it for repairs, finally my mom gave me hers Babylock , have been using since 2010 , it too was purchased by my mom when I bought mine ! I’ve practiced doing the corner by clipping, like you showed & like it , I just basically use for finishing seams , ( 3 thread ) rarely do I use second needle & 4th spool ! I would like to invest in a lock stitch machine ( ?) for athletic garments! Right now I need a car more than a new sewing machine !

[@Yahoo1339]

Thank you , as always fabulous tips.❤

[@Kevin-wo3kp]

Great tutorial. Thanks.

[@sistermaide]

I use a really small latch hook, like the ones for knitting machines, to pull my tails in. It is easier and faster than the needle threading to push it through. Thanks for sharing these five tips.

[@faefunston4076]

I use double-eyed needles made for knitting machines. They work very well and don't get caught in the loops. So easy!

[@backseatadventures7295]

This is the best serger tips video I have ever seen ! Thank you so much 🎉🎉🎉

[@kathyboschen6719]

I’ve just bought my overlocker and I have to change my threads for the first time. I found this video just in time! I can’t wait to change my threads now!

[@rhondamoore9842]

Brilliant tips! I’ve only used my serger a few times, and your tips will help so much!

[@debrun3275]

If I could like this video twice I would. The threading advice in #1 is worth it's weight in gold.

[@glot6013]

Thanks, the changing of the thread is a real game changer. I waste a lot of time re-threading the machine. All your tips were great but the threading took the cake. Thanks a trillion!!!!

[@akbunny5221]

Excellent. Thank you....!

[@bacon_girl1155]

Very helpful, Julija! A number of years ago, the very first thing I made with my serger was a cover for it. I thought that I would learn a ton of things doing that - and I did. But, you always teach me more. THANK YOU!!!!!

[@carolynrockafellow417]

Great tips some I knew and some I didn’t thank you. 2 of my granddaughters got sergers for Christmas and this is perfect for them.

[@creativekaii]

Such great tips!!

[@carolruiter1694]

Your a star...thanks for the tips. You're never too old to learn something new❤

[@mewitthoft3942]

Great tip for overlockers, we call them overlockers here in South Africa. Just came across your channel recently and have been watching your other videos, they are wonderful! Keep up the good work!!!

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

I didn't know that releasing the tension would help. I have been tying my thread but they ALWAYS were breaking. So frustrating 😢.I will definitely try this tip so I don't throw my serger out the 2nd story window! Thank you.

[@DavidWRyan]

I've had a serger for 15 years, I just learned about changing the thread that way!

[@suze1958wilde]

This tip was in my manual. Maybe a good tip is read the manual !

[@sandhillmom2]

Great tips! Thanks

[@Eva-ri1zb]

Thanks for your great tips, especially changing threads

[@diannelindeman3409]

Awesome tips

[@bkshopper]

Great tips great video!!

[@leoniemarks4594]

I am saving this video! Threading the 1st channel is especially difficult (the one that forms the seaming stitch), and I was worried about doing that, but the tip of tying on the new colours and pulling them through is genius - as is winding bobbins to use instead of buying 4 cones of each colour. My Janone came with 4 yellow mini spools, but I bought 4 spools in a mid grey - a nice neutral colour - as I tend not to sew white fabric. Regarding the bonus tip, I was reluctant to spend £20-25 for a dedicated overlocker storage bag, but found I had a nice zip-top 'supermarket' bagg to hand, and put the overlocker in there. Okay, it's too wide - but as it only cost a couple of pounds, who cares!

[@Julija_Gobere]

I’m so with you about dedicated overlocker storage bag - I just couldn’t bring myself to buy it, I’d rather buy fabric for sewing instead! 😅

[@daleodberg6714]

Thank you. 🌸

[@ellebrown6560]

I'm 65 and "just purchased my first serger, a Pfaff 796 Hobbylock. Thank you so much for your tips. I did have a friend tell me abt #1, abt the tying but yoou went further and showed where to tie. I think your tips are truly invaluable and thank you sooo much!!!!!

[@robinshane4661]

I change my threads the same way. Genius. It really does work like a charm. I love the clear elastic tape tip. I’m going to start doing that.

[@nancyfelkner9782]

Thank you for these tips! I just found your channel. You have some great suggestions. I haven't done much sewing for a very long time; your suggestions make we want to try sewing again. It is something that I LOVE to spend time at.

[@annanash2817]

I just got a serger today and these are such wonderful tips! Thank you.

[@Candlefly-zl6yu]

For someone starting out, this is genius!

[@sofiasewpray]

😮 Thank you so cool 😎 I have two severs I needed this tips.

[@lindawade1203]

Great Tips

[@dorcusmolomo1028]

Awesome !!! Thank you, that was helpful. 😅

[@solangeherault7038]

Thanks for sharing

[@darlajackson2767]

Great tips!

[@JustinaBergen-n9r]

Hi, I have been using all 5 tips and thank you for showing me the elastic trick I was never sure of to put in there. thank you.

[@soniaolivasalas8167]

That's awesome thanks for sharing.😉

[@noisey973]

Thank you, thank you so much for the thread changing idea. I was not using my serger cause of the thread changing process 😀

[@0campy]

Just found you! So glad I did. I'm new to serving... you've given me confidence.

[@marylindros6005]

Thread changing..game changer !….wow

[@user-sn7ee4fk3g]

Perfect!!!!n thanks what a Wonderfull tip...😘

[@francrouch9347]

I've used the thread tying method to change the threads on my 6 needle embroidery machine... never thought to try it on my serger. Guess you can teach an old dog a new trick

[@celarasmith8030]

Simply Brilliant tips. I'm going to try them all. Thank you very much.

[@viviannolen36]

I was given a serger from a friend who’s mom had been a seamstress. It really was difficult at first to learn to use it but now I really depend on it to use on all my seams when seeing blouses or pants. I didn’t know about the clear elastic. I will get some soon. I have a sweater I’m about to take down a few sizes and that elastic will be fantastic to hold the body of the sweater as it’s very heavy yarn and stretchy. Thank you again for your time. I just happened onto your video from a quilt site I watch. I’ll be back.

[@ilkbahar9424]

I just ADORE your channel.

[@MissTarryn]

Thats a fantastic tip 👏 😮

[@juliebrann7003]

Thanks so much!

[@lanabunn]

great tips thanks

[@dianacunningham5331]

Hi I'm new to your KZbin videos thank you for sharing those very important useful tips i knew how to cut the threads to change the cottons but never knew i could change the tensions on the dials. I really gave up serging when all the threads came out.its reall a nightmare trying to re thread the overlocker thank you so much❤

[@AngellSanvii]

Quickly changing threads on the serger was the first thing my sewing professor taught me in fashion school. It was lifesaving.

[@asheraucoin]

Very professional and helpful and I am so thankful!

[@lisanegus9113]

I have just got my first ever overlocker as am very new to seeing and your tips are brilliant thank you very much 🎉

[@samanthagalante-ei6vb]

thank youuuuu❤

[@ToniGuerrero]

Very grateful for the links to the elastic tape.

[@estherdael6151]

Your tips really help a lot for new serger user like me. Thank you so much.

[@joannchamberlain38]

I use the technique for changing threads

[@annjelley5363]

I have an old fashioned serger, so I’m hoping these tips will work. Thanks, I’ll keep you posted!

[@gaenortheresa1483]

Thank you

[@happychicken7773]

Amazing. I have this machine sitting in my closet for ages. Hopefully I will gain enough confidence to start using it.

[@dufocar566]

I already thread my machine just like you do. It really is a game changer. Thank you for the tips. Merci encore.

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

The last two tips were new to me so, thank you. Also, I do have the original soft plastic cover for the machine I inherited. I'm going to use it to make an new one out of scrap fabric and, practice using the serger at the same time :)

[@Julija_Gobere]

Great idea to use soft plastic cover as a template for new one! Too bad my serger did not have the cover when it arrived...

[@Copperpot415]

Love the corner tip! Great presentation and valuable tips

[@donnawood1827]

Thank you Thank you Thank you! I have recently started going to sewing classes near me, I have done quite a few projects now and am getting more confident. We are all just about at the same stage and I have bought a serger. I have only used it a couple of times but am going to make a coatigan and my teacher suggested that I can mostly do it using the serger😮 I was really anxious about re threading my machine and thanks to you I feel more confident about it. I have also bought rainbow coloured thread in various colours which I think will cover the colour of most projects so am hopi that will work and save me having to constantly buy different coloured threads? I will let you know how I get on 😊