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Serger needles

Walkerwoman | Posted in General Discussion on

Hi Everyone,

I’m pretty new to sewing and I think it will become an addiction pretty quickly.

I just got a serger and  I keep breaking needles the one to the right  ( I forget what it’s called  I’m at work and don’t have the book with me not that I really understand it any way.)  The fabric that I was using is really thin, I was making sheers for my bedroom. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Walker

My friends call me

Walkerwoman

Replies

  1. ValerieJ | | #1

    A serger should be able to sew on pretty much any type of fabric, so I don't think the weight is the problem.

    My first thought is that the needle may not be inserted in the needle clamp correctly. I would loosen the needle clamp and make sure that the top of the needle is in all the way.

    If the needle is inserted correctly I would then check the tension for that thread. Have you tried decreasing the tension?

    Also, make sure you are using the correct type of needle. Some sergers can use regular sewing machine needles, but some need a machine-specific needle.

    Hopefully one of these suggestions will get you closer to a solution.

    Valerie

    1. Walkerwoman | | #2

      Thanks,

      I checked the tension when I broke the first one.  And I used the needles that came with the serger. So of course I assumed they sent the proper ones.  And there are no pins when I get to that point.   I'll just kep trying.

      Walker

      1. kathyann | | #3

        I had this problem with my old White 534D. Took it to the repairwoman and something was out of alignment; she fixed it right up and wasn't too expensive. It was not something I ever would have figured out on my own.I'd say if you've tried all the obvious remedies (needles, tension etc.) and checked in your manual and done everything suggested there, it's time for a trip to the repair shop.kathyann

        1. Walkerwoman | | #4

          Thanks Kathyann.

          I'm in Atlanta does anyone know of a great repairshop?

          Walker

  2. HMaterialgirl | | #5

    Just a thought...Are you stabalizing the edges of the sheers when putting them through the machine?

    I ran into a similar problem when doing the same project...So, I cut long & narrow pieces of water-soluble stabilizer and wrapped it around the edges before serging...What a difference...

    Maybe that will help (?)...

  3. MaryinColorado | | #6

    Hi!  I agree with the above suggstion of using a water soluble stablizer or something to run along the underside of the fabric when stitching sheers or very lightweights.  Also, do you have a manual?  If not, you might try to write to the company for one as those can save alot on repair bills for work that may not be needed. 

    You might have an orphan thread hiding in the tensions.  There are some stitches on my serger that require a 90/14 needle in the left side and an 80/12 in the right needle. 

    Does the machine seem to be running smoothly?  Does it work okay with another fabric scrap?  Is it making any strange noises?  Does it work at first and then break needles?  Is the thread serger cone thread?  You change the tensions depending on what you are working on just as you would a sewing machine.  Also the thread might be old or very fuzzy?

    Hope this helps.  Mary

    1. Walkerwoman | | #7

      Goodmorning Everyone,

      Thank you all for your help.  I spend the day with a friend yesterday and I broke her needle under her watchful eye, so what I was doing was very small but deadly to right needles :) I tend to hold the back of the fabric on the serger just like I do on the sewing machine. too much tension.  So, for punishment :)  she made me learn to thread all four spools. She made me thread it five times!!! So now I can do it!!!!  small step for many huge step for me.

      Thanks again!!

      PS. Does any one know of a great sewing class in Atlanta area?   My friend is trying to teach me but she doesn't use patterns--it's amazing when I want something she just takes the fabric moves it around a little, starts cutting, starts sewing and in a few minutes you see whatever it is.  I watch every thing but then I come home and try to follow the instructions.  I need basic skills  I want to start making bags and learn to quilt.

      See you later

      1. mygaley | | #8

        For classes, try Cooperative Extension Service.  Every state has one.  Galey

      2. TJSEWS | | #9

        I recommend joining the American Sewing Guild.  I just checked their website and there are two chapters in Georgia.  You'll make plenty of friendly sewing friends who can share with you their knowledge, experience and resources.  I am sure one of them would be able to tell you of nearby classes or workshops.  Visit http://www.asg.org.  I am a member - I think it's a great organization! 

        1. Walkerwoman | | #10

          Hi!

          Thanks for all the great ideas.

          Walker

          1. Kiley | | #11

            Something that might cause the needles to break is pulling or tugging the fabric or thread chain. Just guide the fabric and let the serger do all the work and watch it gobble up the fabric on it's own. Sergers are hungry little beasts. I love to watch them do their thing..they do it so well.

          2. Walkerwoman | | #12

            Yes,   that's what I was doing!!

            thanks

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