Get PERFECT serger tension EVERY TIME with this method.

[@rebeccalewis9480]

I just got a serger a couple of weeks ago and I have been going crazy trying to get all 4 tensions correct for the different fabrics I am trying to sew. I am going to try your method right now! Will let you know who it works though I expect to work great. Thanks! --- Just finished trying this out and it worked FABULOUSLY! I can't believe how easy this was. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!💖💖💖

[@thekeyboardzone-kas]

Wow. I have been serging since the '80s, and I've always used the willy-nilly hit-and-miss method to adjust my tensions. I usually grab a handful of scrap fabrics and sew down an entire seam with a particular setting, then adjust, sew another seam, rinse-and-repeat. It's often a LOT of rinse-and-repeats because I'll have a hard time remembering which one I liked best when two or more seams are really close to being right. This is a GENIUS method to use, especially when switching to different fabric types that you know are likely to require adjustments. No more hit-and-miss for me after discovering your vid today. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Now, please excuse me while I go and smash the Like and Subscribe buttons. -Karen 🥰

[@cydavis47]

Thank YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Best tutorial ever.

[@sewmuchsewing]

Fabulous tutorial even for a seasoned sewer. Who hasn't had a breakdown over the tension on the overlocker! Thanks!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Great and interesting technique, Claire! Very well explained!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you Alisa!

[@dinglebat63]

Brilliant idea. Really clear instructions. I've struggled for years with my overlocker, hopefully not anymore. When the video ended, I was like, noooo, I was quite excited to see the perfect result from the adjustments. Aghh, I can't believe you didn't show us, haha.

[@BobbieCarter-d1s]

Thank you so much. I am a beginner so this was extremely helpful ❤️

[@donnastiles2518]

Very clever Claire. Using different color thread helps identify which tension dial needs to be adjusted.

[@Penguinandpear]

Exactly! That’s why I used different colours.

[@t398g]

Thank you, for getting those of us who have avoided our sergers out of the fear of the unknown to getting closer to getting them out of the box and those who have sergers covered in dust to get them serging again ! LOL!!! 😂Love your videos that always take the mystery and frustrations from the experience of sewing by providing a realistic and productive approach .

[@elizabethfredette2971]

I had no idea how to even begin testing tension on a serger! Thank you so much for making this video!

[@sheelaghhalstead4549]

This is brilliant! It's so clear. And there I've been playing trial and error, with bad words, for about 30 years! Thank you Claire

[@Penguinandpear]

Happy to help! Easy when you know how huh! Happy serging!

[@Asalashjari]

you changed my life! I thought I got a shitty serger but it was in fact my shitty tension settings! Also I did the same thing with differential foot and stitch length too and the results are amazing! my threads doesn't break anymore! thank you so much...

[@cwfan2]

I don't own a serger and never have, but, I enjoy your videos. I'll refer back to this video if I ever get one.

[@rbrown6476]

Oh Claire! Where were you 25 years ago, when I first got my serger! 😂 I’ve had it all this time and use it for every garment and every project, but getting the tension correct was always hit and miss. Now I’ve seen this, I finally understand how to troubleshoot for myself. Genius explanations- thank you so much x❤x

[@terrivanharen955]

Well done Claire. This is a great video for seasoned sewists and newbies.

[@maureencullen1008]

This was brilliant.I don't have an overlocker but I'll now understand when vloggers talk about their overlocking stitches.

[@heidikolden625]

This is exactly what I did, but I also added with a label maker each of where the threads go/are. So, UL, LL, for upper and lower looper, Stitch width and stitch length also. Even though it is up all the time, and I use it regularly, I rely on those to help me remember what each knob does. I also made a binder with different fabrics, and the tension settings for each, and info on how I work on corners, both outer and inner, and curves. That includes when I work with regular thread and woolly nylon for a rolled edge hem, say for napkins, or hem of something. You really put a lot of work into this, and it is a great video! Really useful!

[@Penguinandpear]

This all sounds great!!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Great tip! I keep a notebook with the samples I've sewn attached to a page where I've recorded the settings I used.

[@orchidpaint9885]

I have been serving for years. This is a great idea. Methodical problem solving.

[@Jayemceetee]

I now have a machine with auto tension, but have recommended this to a friend who is new to overlocking. Very straightforward thank you!

[@tinaellison3521]

Thank you for a clearly explained video! I have a book that does something similar, but your demo is so much better - thanks again!

[@marlenegibbs430]

Such a simple technique. Shows how complicated our lives are when for years I’ve been wrestling with my serger tension and this is all I needed to do. Sewing machine repair people have made a lot of money off people frustrated with the tension of their Overlockers. Thank you so very much.

[@EdenBartholomew-eu7oj]

I was so frustrated with trying to adjust the tension on my first serger - my first time! When I looked at my stitches vs. what my instruction booklet said, everything was too loose AND too tight! 😵‍💫 Then I found your video and decided to try it. OMgosh! It was amazing!!! It only took me about 20 minutes! And now I have perfect, beautiful stitches! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 😅

[@anntapfumaneyi5588]

You are a life saver dear,thank you so much.This tutorial made my work easy❤

[@doloresw]

Great way to check your tension on your fabric and catalog a photo of what the tension is for different fabrics.

[@ckim5134]

This is the video I was looking for. Now I understand the tension and know what I need to adjust. Thank you

[@jenniferspulis5373]

You are a wonderful teacher! Thank you so much for this video. You have given me the understanding and encouragement I've needed to make real use of my machine!

[@hudozhnicaananas5742]

This is the best tutorial for serger settings I’ve seen. Now I know what is upper and lower loopers. Thank you❤

[@kristinabathory8870]

I got a new serger a few weeks ago. My old one was so easy to adjust. The new on OMG! I hated it at first. This is so informative. Thank you.

[@Joy1957K]

WOW !!!😲 Thanx Claire ... you explained that perfectly!👏👏👏🥰😘

[@LK-vf9uc]

I am so glad I found this video. I am really frustrated with my new serger, just can't get the tension right for my swimsuit project. I will try this, it makes sense, and now I know what normal tension should look like. Different colored thread is also super important.

[@erikakatuin2124]

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. Now I finally know how to set my serger.

[@kaybellor2284]

This was very helpful! I just unboxed my first serger and have been having a hard time figuring out tension. Now I know what to look for. I want to sew a t shirt just using the serger and am excited to work out the tension using this method. Thanks so much!

[@lesleyterrybennett5789]

I have a serger and can’t understand the instructions very well, I will try your method which makes complete sense to me

[@UtahGmaw99]

I will remember this when my granddaughter is ready for a serger. Great idea!

[@karenbensdon4643]

This was very helpful. There isn’t enough instructional content about sergers.

[@vickyk5510]

Thank you. I will be using this when I finally try my serger.

[@newcreations1064]

This is so helpful for new to Serging.I will have a go at doing this.Thank you Claire.

[@vickiepine5566]

Wow! That is so much easier to understand when you can see it this I'm a visual learner and for once it makes sense now. This will save hours of frustration. Thanks ever so much now I get it. Great work explaining it.

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

This is the Clearest explanation I’ve come across and so helpful. thank you 😊

[@PennyMoorhouse]

Thanks Claire - this is super helpful. I have been a prolific swearer when using my serger. I’m going to practise this technique today and master my machine! 😂🎉

[@redwest7617]

This video was SO helpful, and I wish I'd watched it MONTHS ago. Thanks so much!!!

[@annblachly8068]

Not understanding how to get proper tension has been my issue, so my machine has been put aside for over ten years. THANK YOU!🥀🌺🌹 I've been wanting to get it out again but wasn't looking forward to the frustration. No problem now. Just check each fabric before working on the project.

[@evepaludan7713]

Very useful. You really explained it so well! Thank you!

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

My Janome overlocker and its owner are very grateful - we've been at loggerheads for years! Thank you so much for your excellent demonstration and video.

[@Shazdog123]

Thank you so much for doing this. I saw a video with same idea, but they didn’t explain it as clearly as you. Once again, thanks. X

[@Penguinandpear]

Glad it was helpful

[@angelikaminer8457]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. I had no idea how to check tension on my serger.

[@helennessfield5606]

What a fantastic tutorial. I have seen and used this method before but it has let me down the last couple of times (I now know why and not going to publicly admit where I went wrong🤣) However I have never had a clear explanation of the loopers and although I have known something was wrong could not fathom out what or how to rectify it - but now I do. Thank you so much - perhaps I wont love hate my overlocker

[@truthdaisy2098]

Wonderful! My struggle presently. Appreciate your teaching.

[@sheilabernadetteclairemcin1107]

Great tutorials. I will be trying this out.

[@annrsaunders9968]

So methodical, will certainly try this method, I have been going dizzy looking at so many utubes on how to fix the tension.Hopefully this will work for me. Thank you 😊

[@nevaolaughlin6866]

Such a helpful video!! I have my original serger-an Elna -with no instruction book(lost in the past 35 years somewhere) and I am ready to pitch it--but NOW with your video I have a place to start!! Thank you!

[@Penguinandpear]

You should search online. There maybe a copy of the instruction book online

[@emma544s8]

Thank you for this tutorial. You explained it so clearly and I finally understand how to “read” the threads on my serger. Can’t wait to make test pieces for different weights of fabric.

[@eileenhaskins2710]

That really looks so simple. I am scared of my serger and I think this will really help.

[@babscampbell738]

Thank you for this video, can't wait to do this on my overlocker. I've always been a little frightened to experiment.

[@gigracer]

Great tip thanks. I’m new to overlocking despite seeing for 33 years, so this is incredibly helpful!

[@eileenfb1948]

This is brilliant information. Thank you so much, you have made is less complicated for me to adjust. ❤❤❤

[@Lilyfae84]

Brilliant post!! After thinking it was too much previously, I was treated to a Janome overlocker, because we are reupholstering our sofa and we came to the conclusion that overlocking the seams especially on the box cushions would make the job last longer. My Janome remains a bit of a diva (I’ve made friends with lower looper but right needle still hates me) but I’ve learnt loads by making mistakes and persevering but tension is one thing I struggle with ‘reading’ on the fabric ☺️ so thank you!!

[@roseculp2924]

This is the cats meow!!! Thank you so so much!!!

[@aussiekiwichick6694]

Thank you for this video, i been having trouble getting the tension right. This method is brilliant.

[@Penguinandpear]

It’s not my method but when I came across it I had to share it!

[@JuliaJagger]

Thanks! That was a truly useful video. I suppose it's kind of obvious really but I've never thought to work through in such a logical way. I've been struggling with the settings for some activewear all evening and have just been blindly making amendments to each tension. I can now go and do it properly once and for all!

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks! I hope it helps!

[@trishyunghanns7175]

Thanks for the fantastic tutorial . It demonstrates the 4 threads clearly and re mystified how an overlocker works. A great resource.

[@paulinemcleggan7585]

Your video is really timely Claire. I just got my first overlocker. Thanks for all the tips

[@massagebyconstance5665]

SSSOOOOOO HELPFUL!!!!🤯😱👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🥰Thank you

[@cynthiasloan3867]

This is the best method I've seen. Great video

[@Cecibug1]

This will no doubt, be helpful to me. I'm getting a surger for my birthday coming up in February 😄, wish me luck!

[@sewbecsews9549]

Most helpful video on overlocker tension I’ve found. So, thanks 🙏🏼

[@lindymorrison5850]

😅omg ! Thank you for this explanation, my hubby very kindly bought me an over locker 2021 Christmas, im so scared to use it as I cannot sort the tension, I will defo be trying this out on my fabric. Thank you thank you. ❤

[@panteras236]

I will finally be able to do this properly. Thanks a lot 🙏

[@rmorine6394]

Very helpful, looking forward to trying this soon! Thank you for taking the time to make such a clear video.

[@JRo605]

Brilliant tip! I've got a Bernina serger, pretty familiar with it but this will REALLY help with different fabric choices and tension changes. Thank you!

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

A perfect method and beautifully explained. I wish I had this all explained when I got my first overlocker. That had only 3 threads but it drove me crazy for a long time. It was all hit and miss to get the tension right because I just couldn't get the hang of it then. I have a 4 threader now and I'm okay at sorting it but your methodical approach is far superior. Thanks so much Claire.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks Juli. It’s not my approach just one I’ve seen explained a lot in blog posts over the years. It’s so easy to do isn’t it.

[@julibeswick-valentine3690]

@@Penguinandpear It is now, thanks.

[@pamela235]

Thanks for this clear and detailed video Claire. I'm having loads of problems with irregular stitches on my new overlocker, so I'm going to try out this method and see if I can solve them.

[@jojosewist8921]

This was the most useful 18min I have spent learning to use my serger. All the dials and info in my manual only intimadated me. Thank you for this well explained, video. You worked very hard and it shows. I have put off really using my serger because I wasn't sure how the threads were suppose to look when tensions were correct? Have watched several not very useful videos trying to understand. Thank you. for showing close- ups of both poor and correct stitches. This will be my next project.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks. You don’t need to purchase anything 😊 I encourage people to buy me a ko fi as a thank you for the content I put out. It’s entirely voluntary. This time as a one off I wrote a blogpost explaining the process for those who may benefit from the written instruction as a supplement to the video and made it available to those who had bought me a ko-fi. You don’t need it though you can just follow the video. Hope this makes sense.

[@jojosewist8921]

Now if I can figure out how to buy you a hot chocolate and cinnamon roll or whatever. By the way you look so "good" in this video. Hope that means feeling better.

[@Penguinandpear]

@@jojosewist8921 thank you. You can go to www.ko-fi.com/penguinandpear to support me. Just fill in what you see on screen. I really appreciate it. I wasn’t feeling too bad in this video but have been struggling with a relapse lately. I appreciate your kind comment!

[@evelynwald9132]

Game changer! This takes so little time to get perfect results for the particular fabric being used. Thanks so much for sharing this from a new subscriber! So glad you showed up in my recommendations.❤️

[@Penguinandpear]

Welcome!

[@juliehale9491]

Brilliant idea I’m going to try this out because I never know if my overlocker dials are correct.

[@Penguinandpear]

Good luck!

[@ninadebeer477]

Thx very well explained. Will defntely help me. Saved video. Gauteng South Africa❤

[@mgam9501]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@Craftytutu]

Pure genius! 🤷‍♀️😄

[@shugg881]

Thank you so much!!! ❤❤I thought my serger was broken and was about ready to give up! I had no idea how to get the settings correct. I will try this and then I need to figure out how to use the cutter with the pattern recommended seam allowance. I want to sew an entire outfit with a seger🙂🙂

[@laurabarbato3204]

Thank you so much. What a great tutorial.!

[@sarahrieth9042]

Thank you so much for this very helpful video. My first serger just arrived and I am ready to learn how to use it properly. You have helped me a lot, once again.

[@Penguinandpear]

Enjoy!!!

[@pamelawillsteed9144]

Yes I think it was very helpful 👍🏻😊

[@robynlaszlo6128]

Fabulous tutorial really learnt alot many thanks

[@StephanieMayfieldDIG]

Thanks! So helpful!

[@pghshops]

11:14 excellent

[@peteravila83]

Great tutorial

[@roosterruler]

Soooooo stoked to try this.

[@DollyHaskoll]

Love this! Thank you

[@robinmazariegos1]

This was very helpful! Thank You

[@leanneqld]

This is great. Thank you

[@deannesherriff3247]

Brilliant. I’ve got an over locker and no idea how to balance it. It seems so overwhelming when you’ve got all these threads, I’ve got threading it now, but because I’m dyslexic the book doesn’t make much sense to me! Thanks. 😊

[@katieschnowske2774]

This was so helpful! Thank you .

[@peteravila83]

Great tutorial. I just subscribed!

[@susanneharney4625]

That was extremely helpful! My stich is perfect!

[@KristiGirlLuvsTravel]

Thanks!

[@pastda3]

Great video and very informative. Thank you so much. :)

[@severine7753]

Great video! Thank you Claire :)

[@sandralowe2874]

Thank you Claire that is the explanation of how it work mine is doing big loops and just didn’t know what to do so will definitely be trying this 👍 brilliant video🥰👏

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you. If the stitching comes out further than the edge of your fabric you’ll need to move your knife over. But if it’s just loopy like mine was in places this method will definitely help.

[@glendamackey4853]

so informative, thanks👍👍👍👍👍