Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

Sulky thread in Imagine serger

osgoodgirl | Posted in General Sewing Info on

I’m a long-time Threads subscriber but this is my first time in Gatherings.

My question: this afternoon I’m trying to use Sulky thread in my new Babylock Imagine in a two-thread overlock.  The thread keeps breaking, sometimes the looper but more often the needle thread.  Is this thread too heavy?  Or do I have some other kind of problem?  I can take it to the dealer on Saturday but maybe you have some obvious hint that will save me that trip.

Thanks,

Marguerite

 

 

Replies

  1. MaryinColorado | | #1

    I don't make any adjustments with my Viking serger for this thread.  You might need to loosen the tensions a bit as it is heavier than serger thread.  The experienced serger users at the shop should be able to tell you on the phone how to troubleshoot this on your specific machine. 

    1. osgoodgirl | | #2

      Thank you, Mary.  My next stop will be my local shop where I bought it.   They are only half a mile away so I'll just drop in.

      Marguerite

  2. Pattiann42 | | #3

    You have the serger set for the single needle?  I sometimes forget this.  My Imagine is new also and has many more features than my old serger.

    You may have to use the Sulky in the loopers and a matching general purpose in the needle.

     

    1. osgoodgirl | | #4

      Thanks.  I'll try the Sulky in the looper (I'm doing just 2 threads) before I give up and use some other thread.  I'm just using it to add ribbing around the neck and so it won't show, except to me.

      Marguerite

      1. MaryinColorado | | #5

        If it is not going to show, why use the more expensive Rayon, the polyester cone thread would be stronger and less hassle for you.  When I first started serging, I didn't worry about exact thread/fabric match.  I used black, white, grey, and beige for everything unless it showed.  Then I went crazy and ended up buying tons of colors.  I am addicted to threads and have more than some stores, silly me.  Mary

        1. osgoodgirl | | #6

          That's just what I ended up doing, Mary.  My nightgown is Christmas red and I used some medium pink serger thread to serge the neck binding on and it worked just fine.  Since it's on the inside, only I know it doesn't match.  I'm just glad to get beyond this stage so I can finish it; I need a warm gown!  The fabric is panne velvet - pretty squirmy - but I'm trying to get some practice on projects that don't matter so much.  thanks for your help.

          In the 60's I lived in Denver and it's one of my two favorite places to live; the other is the San Francisco Bay Area where I live now, in Marin County.

          Marguerite

           

          1. MaryinColorado | | #7

            I'm so glad it worked out for you!  That fabric is usually so slippery to work with, so if you can handle that, you are doing great!  It sounds pretty and cozy warm!  It gets so chilly in the evenings now.  I love my serger and use it more than my sewing and embroidery machines. 

             My brother loved living in San Francisco in the 70's, I've been there twice and loved it too.  (Now I'd love to live in a rural area near water where it's warm all year.  Just daydreaming.)  Small world, yes?  Mary

          2. osgoodgirl | | #8

            Yes, it's a small world!

            And I hope someday (soon) I can say I use the serger as much as the sewing machine.  Right now it makes the sewing machine look simple.

            Marguerite

             

          3. MaryinColorado | | #9

            Practice, Patience, and Perseverity!  (I had to correct it, I almost wrote perversity! lol)  You'll be humming along in no time!  Mary

  3. midnitesewer | | #10

    There is a Yahoo group devoted to Babylock sergers. Everyone in the group is very nice and helpful. I haven't tried any decorative threads in my serger yet; so I can't offer any advice.

    1. osgoodgirl | | #11

      Thank you, midnitesewer.  I'll certainly look into that; I think I might pick up a lot of ggod info there.

      Marguerite

       

      1. MaryinColorado | | #12

        I loosen the needle tension when using Sulky rayon in the needles.  For a two thread, I'd use it in the loopers first to see if I liked the results.  You also might have had luck in changing the needle. 

        The main thing about sergers is learning to adjust for a "balanced stitch", it just takes time and practice with each thread/fabric/stitch.  I had a notebook with it all written down but misplaced it.  So now, I am back to trial and error...thank goodness I have lots of fabric scraps.

        1. osgoodgirl | | #13

          That's such a good idea.  I'm going to start a notebook too, Mary, since I can't remember how to duplicate certain finishes I've done.  And I've only done a few!

          Marguerite

          1. MaryinColorado | | #14

            Next time you go to the dealer, have them show you how to do a thread cradle or what they suggest for the heavier threads.  I don't know what needles you can use in your machine.  Mary

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More