Replies

1. 
   fabricholic | Aug 04, 2008 09:58pm | #1

   They are on cones, for one thing. In the loopers you can use, if you chose, wooley nylon or some other thread. The loopers use the thread up more quickly than the needles, so when the loopers get low, you can switch the cones from the needles to the loopers. There is an accessory you can buy which uses threads out of bobbins, but it's mainly for matching a certain color that you might not find in serger thread. Also, the cone thread doesn't have a notch in the spool that the thread might get caught on. Look at Threadart.com or some of the other sights to see prices on serger threads and different available threads and colors.

1. 
   canei | Aug 05, 2008 02:31am | #2

   Thanks for the info!

1. 
   Ralphetta | Aug 05, 2008 04:08am | #3

   I believe the cone thread is frequently a little finer than regular thread. This can make a big difference when you have four strands sewn on a lightweight fabric.

1. 
   canei | Aug 06, 2008 03:11am | #4

   Thanks a bunch!

1. 
   Lilith1951 | Aug 07, 2008 05:47am | #5

   Both answers are correct--it does come on cones that have lots more thread and no notches and it is definitely finer thread.  You wouldn't want the normal thread thickness on all the loopers and the needle(s) on a serger--it would be to heavy and edge.

2. 
   canei | Aug 08, 2008 03:39am | #8

   Thanks!

2. 
   MaryinColorado | Aug 07, 2008 04:45pm | #6

   If you do a "search" here, you'll see lots of good information on sergers and serging.  I prefer Maxilock Serger thread.  Watch for sales and start with just a few colors that you use often.  If it's possible, try to go to a shop that sells them and ask them to demonstrate the different stitches and how to thread.  Or, try to get a class, book, or video on serging as it is very different than a sewing machine, but wonderful.  I love it.

   http://www.lindaleeoriginals.com has some great info on these "magical" machines.  I have her workbook, which might be helpful to you.  Serger books are also available at book stores and some fabric or sewing machine stores.  I love "Serger Secrets" for the creative serger side and it shows all you can do with these great machines. 

   Rolled hems like on the edge of napkins uses 2-3 threads of the same color, depending on the machine. 

   3 or 4 thread overlock, the needle thread can match your fabric but the looper threads will be on the under side (like your bobbin thread on a sewing machine) so can be a neutral that won't show through.  This saves on buying say 4 cones of thread if you're using a color that you'd rarely use again.

   For sewing knits, you might want to get a serger with Cover Stitch capability.  The stitch looks like double needle sewing with a zig zag look underneath and is wonderful for knits. 

   Ease of threading and switching from one stitch to another varies with each machine.  Some require changing several parts. 

   I used a spiral notebook and researched online and in shops and read books before buying my second serger.  I was disappointed with my first as it was complex and finicky and ended up trading it in after a few months of frustration with unacceptable stitching results.

   I love my Husqvarna/Viking 936 serger and have owned it for about 10 years.  It is on the expensive end because I use it for art to wear, quilt tops, sweatshirts, jeans hemming with the coverstitch, knits with the coverstitch, seam edge finishing with the 3 thread overlock, heirloom sewing, everything from soup to nuts.  I can do complete garment construction on it, but learning to do sleeve and neckline curves takes alot of practice not to cut up the fabric and ruin it. 

   Hope this helps and is not too late in responding.  Mary

1. 
   canei | Aug 08, 2008 03:38am | #7

   Thanks, Mary very helpful. I didn't get it yet. Friday or Sat.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Aug 08, 2008 07:12am | #9

   You can go to http://www.patternreview.com if you like.   They have reviews of most of the machines on the market.  Real owners give the reviews.  It's an interesting site, they evaluate patterns mostly and really give great information usually. 

   Have you decided which serger you will buy? Let us know if we can help you in any way.  There are quite a few of us here with the "urge to serge".  I don't know how I ever survived without one.  Mary