November 25, 2008 - Let's talk sergers... so I got a Baby Lock Imagine and I'm learning a ton there is to know about sergers these days...
I have some questions... do any of you know
of good books/websites/instructions that
teach you technique as well as what the
heck to do with this little darlilng other
than bind seams and hems? Also, what
thread do you all usually use? My dealer
also gave me all the feet attachments, so
I'll be trying out different things...
my first serger class is 12/5 I believe.
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
27955 
10807 Hey welcome back!
On the Babylock Germany HP you can
purchased an serger online tutorial, maybe
there is the same in english
http
://www.babylock.de/index.php?si...;cl=i
nfo&tpl=abbo_kurs.tpl
I own a Bernina serger for over fifthteen
years. She is a very useful
"princess" does only like special
thread and no dust (cleaning after every
working), but then ....
10537 Girls, since so many of you are in the same boat, I will gather all the info from my serger classes and what I can from my dealer and post them on CUTE for you all... since we have these wonderful machines, we best learn how to use them! :-) xoxo
27955 Yes, please tell us all about sergers!! I have one that's about 15 years old, I just got it out of the box it came in last year. Now it's gathering dust in the sewing room instead of the garage. I watched the video that came with it, then took it down to my Janome dealer to get it threaded. It's a JC Penney, not a Janome. Rick just sighed, and did it for me for free like he does all my simple-minded requests. Please let us know what you learn to do with it, Teri!!! I think I need to belong to an "Overcoming Serger Fear" support group, hee hee hee. When I step on that foot pedal, it goes waaaayyy too fast! Love you, Marji
22879 congrat I just got my Husqvarna 2 days ago and so far it's terrific. I used it to bind off the quilt I just finished before putting the binding one, cut the edges even trimmed it all in one easy step, I think I'm in love!
9776 I like the 2-thread rolled edge, gives a nice finish to ruffles. Don't know any books but am thankful for the ones mentioned here, even when I have had mine for donkeys years. Nice to see that bespectacled lady again!
42439 oh man u got a serger can someone explain what one is for i dont know myself yea silly me
by simplyrosie 25 Nov 2008
So far I've used it for sewing garments together... but I know that I can do so much more. Hey log into Yahoo my friend.
by jasanne 25 Nov 2008
We call them overlockers 'down under'. It has 3 or 4 threads, 2 needles and does a very fancy style zigzag to finish seams, although you can do a lot more with them too. :)
by 
by mpo14011 25 Nov 2008
And if I remember correctly(I will have to check- I can do that later)in the lower looper.
by mops 26 Nov 2008
Lower looper(s) only, at least with mine, which came in the ark with Noah, but is still going strong.
320 Hey Teri! I have a serger that I don't believe has been uncovered in probably 10 years or so. It was top of the line when I bought it, but it must have been a lemon because it takes me 30-45 minutes to get it sewing correctly EVERY time I use it, so I don't even bother anymore. I did love using it when I could get it to stitch....maybe you will inspire me to work on it, trade it in, or throw it away!;)
by lbrow 26 Nov 2008
Jerrilyn, I have the same story as u. finally took it to the repairman a yr. ago. He said timing was not right on it. He fixed it. charged me $25.00 & it has worked like a charm ever since. It's the threading that gives me a pain. I hate threading a serger.
by simplyrosie 26 Nov 2008
Jerri, I know I shouldn't promote
companies, but BABY LOCK, BABY LOCK, BABY
LOCK. I have to say that they make the
best darn machines I've ever
tried...and I've tested them all.
I say dust of the serger and give it a
whirl...what the heck, what's the most
that will happen, you break a few needles?
:-)
by mops 26 Nov 2008
THreading a serger is no fun, but once it is threaded right and you want other colours: KNOT. Cot the thread near the cone, knot the new colour, set the tension for every thread at zero (Remember or write down the old setting!!) and pull th threads through. Just thread the needles and that's it; easy, peasy.
56787 Well, my dear Teri - it is so good to see that you have a new machine to play with - that is great - I was going to suggest that you take a couple classes - I have seen some fantastic items made with sergers - even a quilt - did you get a manual with your machine - if not ask for one. I hope someone with a serger comes along with all the answers - it would be interesting to find out what they have to say about it, too.
by shirlener88 26 Nov 2008
OH Teri - I am so happy to see your avatar, too! There is some really good info here - have fun.
96726 Teri, I also have a Baby Lock Imagine. I bought it a couple of years ago when my Elna Pro 5 gave me trouble. The Elna was a pain to thread. I bought the Baby Lock because it is so much easier to use. Take your lessons and I know you will love it.
22151 
28107 Simplyrosie, I love my Imagine. Did you get your CD of instructions. It walks you thru all the processes. I also purchased a Babylock Imagine workbook when I bought my machine. If your dealer does not have it on stock, I am sure they could order for you. Wow!! you are so lucky to have all the different feet also, as they run close to $30. a piece. Do not be afraid of it, try different things, then when it works well for you write down all the settings for that project. You will soon have it down pat. Happy Serging. H&*.
10807 Nice to see you back Teri, you've been
missed here.
I love my serger, I use it quite a bit,
mostly for seaming and decorative edging.
My dealer has a Serger Club and we've
done seaming, decorative stitching,
heirloom, and creating fabrics from scraps
using flatlock seams. I haven't tried
a zipper yet, not sure I have the courage
for that. Start with the manual and
babylock's website for instructions
for your particular maching. The Janome
site has some nice serger projects. A good
reference book is "The Complete Serger
Handbook" by Chris James. He's
not machine specific so it's a good
book for anyone with a serger. There are
good illustrations on the various seam
types and instructions on how to set up
your machine. Play with scraps of various
fabrics to get the feel of your machine.
Good Luck!
5429 Thanks for asking this Teri. I have a serger that's sitting unused in its box. What a shame! Thanks for the link to Nancy's videos, too. They are a great help. Somehow I had missed them on her site. Will be watching them all soon! *
3642 Thank you for this question. I have 2 overlockers . One with black thread and one with white thread both Janomes and only use them for seams. I have had them for over 19 years I think I need to learn more
by 
30414 Here are some videos that are good for serging.. go under techniques, and select "Serge with Confidence 1, 2 or 3".
www.sewingwithnancytv.com
by dkjack 26 Nov 2008
Thanks Teri, I will take a look. With all the sewing I do, I really should use it more.
27955 I like Sewing Machine & serger
Accessories by Jo
ann Pugh-gannon Any of her books on sewing
that have sections about serging.
by simplyrosie 26 Nov 2008
Thanks Lillian... will go on Amazon and look tomorrow.. .headed to bed now. what kind of serger do you have?
58970 I have only used mine to finish off seams and sew a quilt together. :) Have never taken the time to see what all it can do. It is on my list of things to do. :) Keep us informed on what you learn and we can try it too. Nice to see you back.
40500 So glad to see you back Teri, sweetie. I have attended a couple serger classes, but this is a little bundle that sits in a corner of my sewing room and scares the be-diddle out of me. LOL I have done serger heirloom sewing, and love it. I do not bind seams and hems with it. When I went to the School Room days put on by Viking in Cocoa Florida about a month ago I actually put a zipper in by using the serger. Can you imagine that? We did a small zippered bag, and no sewing machine at all. Maybe I should post it. I found a site that sort of explains - maybe it will help a little.
sewing.about.com
20629 Hubby gave me one for Xmas gift last year. I use it mostly for seams and hemming. I think it is a real time saver and really like it. I use sure lock or maxilock thread (cone thread especially for sergers). Ask your dealer for some lessons. Mine gave me a couple free lessons on it and it really helped to understand my machine. Mine is a Janome.
7551
Marji, I need that support group too! Good luck!