The "Secret" to taming your Serger!

Ever want to pull your hair out because your serger threads "don't look right"? Complete this simple sewing exercise, and you'll never wonder which dial you need to touch!

[@lisachristianson5884]

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!

[@feliciamercer6664]

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 :)

[@wisewoman7906]

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]

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

[@trinialisha]

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

[@liserodrigue1980]

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...

[@cleverblonde4406]

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

[@nhcharmedone]

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!

[@Sunandsand4life]

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

[@lindaschirmacher1737]

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!

[@agnespellowski674]

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!

[@shazsell7509]

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.

[@joanburnett1254]

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!!

[@AbisDen]

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.

[@arlenemurphy804]

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]

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.

[@debbiebloodworth8252]

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

[@maggiem4734]

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

[@barb72832]

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.

[@amandajane8227]

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.

[@maryb.c.507]

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.

[@sherriscreativemind]

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

[@kimdkus]

@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. :)

[@baileyrose3]

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]

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

[@CGM52]

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!!!

[@GVAteach]

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!

[@jacquievogler9038]

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

[@janicebradfordbelltolleshu4383]

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.

[@broiledhobbit]

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

[@susanokeefe9130]

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

[@kimdkus]

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!!!!!!!

[@MelissaGemini]

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.

[@anitasblog276]

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

[@lilymay7758]

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 :)

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

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!

[@ponalisa74]

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

[@hglnumber4]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@nynurse2]

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

[@joanwillison9922]

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

[@annie-sc8nd]

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! :)

[@sassewing]

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

[@dbgtwin1]

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!! :):)

[@tonymagner]

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

[@YouTuttifrutti]

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

[@plushabola]

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.

[@dougskow2005]

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

[@AngieCee1]

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.

[@katrinsmenio7847]

Absolutely brilliant, thank you

[@rosehep3301]

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.

[@adada1st]

Thank you, this is actually really helpful!

[@chantalpinsonneault1299]

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

[@shamhat8730]

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!

[@hannahranford5593]

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]

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

[@TawdryTempest]

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

[@savedbygrace1902]

recently heard: The past is history and the future is a mystery. Today is a gift, that's why it's called the "present".

[@FaerieFenergles]

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

[@beachboyde]

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

[@NerahBee]

Really like this tip. Great video

[@jblinckmann]

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

[@MsGordot]

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

[@laurabarba3515]

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

[@Katcocat]

Thanks so much for this, great tip and explanation.

[@sajidramjan123]

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]

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

[@shamhat8730]

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

[@Fioneenacockeen]

Yes, thank you very much

[@toni3117]

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.

[@lhianna327]

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

[@SatanIsInsideYou]

Awesome. I spend 30 min to an hour setting my serger for certain fabrics!! My seer

[@madogaso]

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

[@kjirstinyoungberg6092]

Everyone having issues: Just do it like she demonstrates. If you do, you have a map of what your particular machine will do on EACH setting. As ALL machines are different, this is the only way to adjust YOUR particular machine. Understand? She can't just say, "Everybody should do 3-3-5-4." If you make the changes she suggests in this vid, you have a distinct road map for your individual serger. Good luck! (Now, I just need to find why mine won't turn!)

[@carlynholmes]

Thank you...this was very helpful.

[@pinkscrapper99]

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

[@daisylichtenbergerdaisy4461]

Fantastic lesson. Thank you so much! DL

[@rjmodany7768]

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

[@chrislusbytaylor3197]

As several others have said, it is meaningless to say, as she does, that the upper looper wants to be set to 3 for perfect balance. No. The upper looper almost certainly wants to be set to the same number as whatever the lower looper is set to, which is a number she never tells us. Far better to start with sensible average numbers, as usually stated in your manual, such as 4,4,4,4, then adjust each tension separately up and down from that by 1 or 2. But be aware that you are seeing the settings for one specific seam width and stitch type on one specific fabric. Different stitches, different fabric weights and different seam widths all require different tensions, so do a little test before sewing.

[@glynishigham1893]

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]

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

[@abigailleroy-mira5536]

This is great, thank you !!

[@TheBitterBeard]

Looks like Blue is at 5, Green is at 4 but yellow I cannot read. See for yourself at 1:57

[@raylast3873]

Of course, as a foolish mortal I don‘t even know what exactly these things do. Aside from having needles…

[@mollyv8b705]

Fantastic idea!!!

[@NiniGirl]

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

[@AbisDen]

Abi's Den videos like this is why people are afraid of their overlockers. A title like that is intimidating and justifies the machine is scary - it's not a dragon or a wild beast to tame Like

[@sutela2060]

Thanks for your good tips

[@trish7440]

What a great resource! Thank you!

[@adriennegryczan226]

"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 ___?___

[@nicolemarshall312]

Adrienne Gryczan yf Leibniz Ff opkj

[@waraylou]

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

[@karlsmith2052]

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.

[@dawneranken6911]

These samples will show which thread is out of balance. Sometimes just reaching across to change a thread color you might move the adjustment dial on another thread! It is helpful to see the changes each number makes!

[@nynurse2]

I start with the #4 on all dials.. then If necc I start tweaking with the upper looper 1st..Usually that does it, but if not then I turn the lower looper up or down one number.. once I get the perfect balanced stitch I put a pc of masking tape next to the stitches and list in order: for example: LL = 5 UL = 6 RN = 4. LN = 3. St Width = 5.5. St Length = 2.5. Diff Feed = Norm. I cut my fabric samples abt 5 in by 10” ,and fold in half like she did ..once I have the correct combo i cut ea one abt 4-5 in.. You have to do this for EACH DIFFERENT fabric that U use!.. I put them all in a box.. Then in the future, every time U sew a specific fabric you just look. thru the fabric samples and use those settings..

[@mileyondisney5588]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@abigailperezful]

Wow! Such a great video! Thank you!

[@Britgirl58]

Great tip ~ thank you!

[@rebapepper4635]

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

[@alvaradoammy]

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

[@char0219]

Great advice! Thank you for this helpful tutorial~!

[@serundipity]

Well done! Applying science to sergers!

[@Mradrianodeco]

Thank you very much for video. I appreciate.

[@yournamehere6925]

What a great idea and well made video!

[@lynnharris6877]

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?

[@tinabray7872]

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

[@HarryPotter-dg5qw]

Great video. Thanks so much

[@pamnewt45]

Very helpful!!! Thank you.

[@68868s]

So smart.

[@seb2022]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@markiepinkham-trundy4687]

This Video is Great thank you for making it.

[@debbieweston8090]

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

[@irenedale5256]

Thanks. That was really helpful!

[@philsisson195]

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]

Gah. why won't anyone answer? :(

[@nailtech4years]

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]

Susan Hall that’s my question too.

[@imdone65marshall80]

Zero

[@toni3117]

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

[@sw13644]

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.

[@Sincmurr1]

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