I hadn't used my serger in years and it was so clogged up with the dust that had acccumulated over the years that I thought it was broken. But I spent almost an hour patiently cleaning it and oiling it and found that it still works really well. So before you discard an old machine, take the time to clean it again and you might be pleasantly surprised.
I know this video is old, but I'm so grateful for it. I finally got a serger, from my local thrift shop, for $75! So thank goodness for you, Catherine, because you're such a good teacher.
Great tips, especially how to end your chain and tie off or incorporate the chain...Loved it! I just purchased a Brother from a company that refurbished machines, called All Brands, that comes with a warranty but is priced under new. So far, I've been very pleased with the machine and it's performance...happy sewing!
This was awesome! Thank you so much. Your instructions were perfect and I learned a few things. I was gifted a serger but knew nothing about it. I found a manual online and managed to get it working but not great. Your video reaffirmed I had threaded it correctly, I know now I need to play with the tension to get it working to perfection.
Excellent video! I have always hated my serger and you have given me the push I need to replace it. One small tip for threading, use a dental floss threader. The are made of dense dental floss and are rigid enough to push through all those little eyes and holes. The other end has a large loop. Thanks for this one, I really needed it.
Thank you so much for these instructions, I do have a serger but haven't used it much. Really appreciate the way you demo'd how to cut the last loop using the scissors after the knotting on, that helped hugely to see what was happening and why. Also really enjoyed learning how to undo serging! I often want to remove serging from bought items that need altering, this will really help!
You are just terrific. And, as always, find owner’s manuals online and read up to get the most from your machine-with occasional oiling instructions. Thank you! 👏👏👏
Hi Catherine, Thank you for yet another very helpful and encouraging video. I love how clear your instructions are and the lighthearted manner in which you share your knowledge and expertise. Many thanks
I'm so happy I found your videos! They have all been great but I'm especially excited about this one!! I saved up and bought a serger back about 1999 after we moved to England, and have never gotten up the courage to even set it up!! I've thought about taking a course because getting some instruction makes it seem doable now! I did use one when I sewed for a lady that sold crafts in Okinawa before I decided to buy one but she always had the machine set up for me! So excited! Oh my gosh! The way to change thread is so cool!
Thanks so much for this video! A neighbor sold me her serger for $20, & I’ve been too intimidated to attempt anything with it. Thanks to you, I’m going to get it out & play! Btw, I do all my sewing with a 1966 Singer Touch & Sew!
Another great video! I do want to point out that the threading order may differ depending on the machine. The Brother 1034D, a popular serger, must be threaded in the order shown in the manual; upperlooper first (third thread), then lower looper (fourth thread), then the needles. If not you will get all kinds of broken threads. I had a lot of grief before I found this out!
Thank you so much for this video!! I got a server for Christmas and have been too nervous to try it. Now that it is July..... I watched your video 3 times and it was so helpful!! I can now thread and use my serger!! Keep the wonderful videos coming!!
Hi Catherine, my serger is arriving tomorrow, and I can't wait. I have watched this video over and over, just getting used to how it all threads up and learning your genius tricks. I love all your videos, they are fantastic. I really can't wait to get started on my daughters new pajamas, and all your recycling projects. Keep it up Catherine. Thankyou for being so informative. Do take care. X 😘
This was so very helpful! I have been sewing for years, but I acquired my serger and never took a class, but was self-taught. These tid bits will make my sewing so much better!
Dear Catherine, found your channel and am truly grateful for this video! It is super helpful. Bought a used Jenome serger that really want to start using. It threads like your. Thanks a LOT!!
Awesome video I just picked up a chandler serger today for 10 dollars at a thrift store was wondering how to use it found your video now im hooked thank you ....
Thanks Catherine! Another helpful and informative video, as always. The more of your videos I watch, the more I'm convinced I need a serger. Could you do a video about what to look for when buying a serger? There are so many brands and models out there that it's hard to know what's good (or good enough).
Yes, you'll love having a serger! I don't think I've ever met a serger I didn't like, but if I was buying one today, I'd go for one with the air puff threading, like the Baby lock Victory. It's a dream!
@@CatherineSews Thanks so much for the reply! 😁 That sounds like an awesome feature, although that particular model is sadly slightly out of my budget. 😜 A girl can dream though, right? I agree with what you said about the little side tray to catch the fabric scraps... it's mind boggling that they wouldn't be standard on all machines. 🤯
I bought a second hand serger from a friend about eight years ago and it has been sitting under its cover since. It had old, dusty thread and it was really dirty. I bought new thread and after watching this video the first time, I found the confidence to switch out the cones and get it threaded. My friend also gave me all the books and accessories that came with it - it even had old VHS tutorials. I don't have the tension quite right on it but I will dig through the manual and get that figured out. I appreciate how patient you are and how well you explain every step you take in all your videos. Thank you for such good content!
You are incredible! Thank you for this video. Maybe now I can make friends with my serger!! Anyone that has a serger needs to watch your videos. (New Sub here forsure!)
Using a makeup brush is brilliant. I’ll try it! I have always used q-tips & tweezers to gently pull out anything that has wrapped or burrowed into crevices in my machines. Thanks for the vid. I haven’t had a serger for awhile, and this was a great refresher course.
Another great video! I learn most sewing tips from TH-camrs like you these days. I have a Brother 1034D serger that is a good machine, but I hate threading it. The loopers are threaded in the opposite order and the Brother doesn't open up on the left side to pass looper thread through. Instead the Brother has a finger that slides out with a hook to pass the thread thru. It was interesting to see how your machine is threaded. TFS
When you begin threading, you want all your tensions at "0" as you pass the thread through them.....just in case you don't have your presser foot up. That's the way I was taught 30+ years ago, on my Janome serger. I find that I get a nicer seam if I trim just a tiny bit off while serging. Thanks for the video! Nicely done.
I've never heard that one! You'll remember very quickly to lift your presser foot because it's hard to pull the threads through if it's down. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I am always honoured to have people who have sewn for years watch my videos!
Thank you so much for showing this. I have a different brand, but have had several different brands in the past. I have found that if I cut my thread on a slant, it’s much easier to go through the holes. By the way, I love your serger!
I was so happy to stumble across this video as I bought this same serger from a sewing machine repair guy a few days ago. He explained that it was actually made by Janome for Sears back years ago. I looked online and think it may be the same model as a Janome EzyLock 404D. This is my first ever serger. Now I just have to get sewing with it. Thanks for a great video! :)
I went thru years of frustration when my serger would break a thread, rethread, broken thread.. yes the threading order was noted, but who would imagine that order needed to be followed for a broken thread. Message received, Finally, no more broken threads.
So glad I came across this ❤ I’ve had a Serger for years and never truly comprehend and was a bit intimidated by the Serger. Now I understand a bit more the first two threads go into the twin needles, and the furthest threads loops under the bottom. You zoom in at a good angle, however at the very beginning did you thread into the small hold from the back , the top location where the threads start? . Have now subscribe and will continue viewing your wonderful tutorial. Thank you 😊
Thank you for this!! I'm on the fence about a serger. I have found one on FB. But am weary of buying it even though I definitely can't purchase a new one. I really want one though 🤷🤔
I would go for the used serger. I bought my simplicity serger for 35 bucks from offerup. The person was selling it because she never got comfortable threading it. I see lots of used segers available and they are often like new just because of intimidation!
ok cathryn I got it can you please kindly film on this sewing machine model how to operate using the start stop button being used and how to operate using the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please ok? Thank you very much
Hi Frank! I really only use the Start/Stop button when I'm in the embroidery mode on this machine. I've had some students with mobility issues and they have learned to use the Start/Stop button instead of the foot pedal, but otherwise, the foot pedal is more convenient as it leaves your hands free to control your fabric.
@@CatherineSews ok I got it it looks like it has a start stop button please kindly film how to operate using it with the start stop button and how to operate it using the sewing machine electric foot pedal being used please ok? Please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much
@@frankjanvari8650 Hi Frank, I generally only use the Start/Stop button when I'm using the embroidery function of the machine. You can unplug the foot pedal and just use Start/Stop button so that you're sewing only with your hands, and not using your foot at all. But I like to keep both hands on my fabric as much as possible, so I don't use that button very much. But with embroidery you unplug the foot pedal and just press start when you're ready to embroider. Makes sense?
I think you just answered the question I left on your other serger video - do you still sew first then serge, or does the serger do it all. I believe you said with knits you can just serge, but with woven fabric you would sew first then serge? Is the reason you wouldn't need to sew first on knits because a straight stitch wouldn't have any stretch?
I just bought a 55th anniversary babylock…excited to take lesson…all new to me
Brilliant! Love the finished edge serger tips. I’ve been sewing for more than 60 years but brand new to serging. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
Yay 🎉 finally a tutorial that discusses cleaning the machine too! Thank you 😊
This was excellent. I have owned different sergers over the years but learned some better tricks here. Thank you so much.
I hadn't used my serger in years and it was so clogged up with the dust that had acccumulated over the years that I thought it was broken. But I spent almost an hour patiently cleaning it and oiling it and found that it still works really well. So before you discard an old machine, take the time to clean it again and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Thanks Catherine. Great video with clever hints at the end.
I know this video is old, but I'm so grateful for it. I finally got a serger, from my local thrift shop, for $75! So thank goodness for you, Catherine, because you're such a good teacher.
This was so helpful, Catherine. Thank you!!!
Excellent video and teaching instructions 😊
I love your serger tips.
Love this video .
I love your channel!!❤️❤️❤️ Thank you so much ❤️
Oh, thank you, Deborah! That's lovely to hear!!
The best serger threading instructions! Why haven’t I watched this before!?
Great tips, especially how to end your chain and tie off or incorporate the chain...Loved it! I just purchased a Brother from a company that refurbished machines, called All Brands, that comes with a warranty but is priced under new. So far, I've been very pleased with the machine and it's performance...happy sewing!
This was awesome! Thank you so much. Your instructions were perfect and I learned a few things. I was gifted a serger but knew nothing about it. I found a manual online and managed to get it working but not great. Your video reaffirmed I had threaded it correctly, I know now I need to play with the tension to get it working to perfection.
New threads!
Excellent video! I have always hated my serger and you have given me the push I need to replace it. One small tip for threading, use a dental floss threader. The are made of dense dental floss and are rigid enough to push through all those little eyes and holes. The other end has a large loop. Thanks for this one, I really needed it.
THANK YOU FOR THE SHOUT OUT
Haha, glad you saw that! Thanks for the request!!
Thank you so much for these instructions, I do have a serger but haven't used it much. Really appreciate the way you demo'd how to cut the last loop using the scissors after the knotting on, that helped hugely to see what was happening and why. Also really enjoyed learning how to undo serging! I often want to remove serging from bought items that need altering, this will really help!
You are just terrific. And, as always, find owner’s manuals online and read up to get the most from your machine-with occasional oiling instructions. Thank you! 👏👏👏
Hi Catherine, Thank you for yet another very helpful and encouraging video. I love how clear your instructions are and the lighthearted manner in which you share your knowledge and expertise. Many thanks
I know I commented before but, once again, find myself reviewing your instructions 😂
I'm so happy I found your videos! They have all been great but I'm especially excited about this one!! I saved up and bought a serger back about 1999 after we moved to England, and have never gotten up the courage to even set it up!! I've thought about taking a course because getting some instruction makes it seem doable now! I did use one when I sewed for a lady that sold crafts in Okinawa before I decided to buy one but she always had the machine set up for me! So excited! Oh my gosh! The way to change thread is so cool!
Excellent tutorial!!! Learned a lot! Thank you!
You're very welcome!
Thanks so much for this video! A neighbor sold me her serger for $20, & I’ve been too intimidated to attempt anything with it. Thanks to you, I’m going to get it out & play! Btw, I do all my sewing with a 1966 Singer Touch & Sew!
Another great video! I do want to point out that the threading order may differ depending on the machine. The Brother 1034D, a popular serger, must be threaded in the order shown in the manual; upperlooper first (third thread), then lower looper (fourth thread), then the needles. If not you will get all kinds of broken threads. I had a lot of grief before I found this out!
Oh, that's crazy! Good to know!
Oh, I just bought one of those. I'll have to pay special attention to threading it. Thanks for the heads up.
That was SO clear and helpful!!
I want to invest in a serger, but intimidated until now. Will reconsider. The unpicking of the serger stitching is magical❤
Makeup brush - genius
Thank you so much for this video!! I got a server for Christmas and have been too nervous to try it. Now that it is July..... I watched your video 3 times and it was so helpful!! I can now thread and use my serger!! Keep the wonderful videos coming!!
Thank you!!! This was so helpful! I got my serger threaded and running beautifully!
Hi Catherine, my serger is arriving tomorrow, and I can't wait. I have watched this video over and over, just getting used to how it all threads up and learning your genius tricks. I love all your videos, they are fantastic. I really can't wait to get started on my daughters new pajamas, and all your recycling projects. Keep it up Catherine. Thankyou for being so informative. Do take care. X 😘
Oh my goodness , that’s so exciting!!!
Great video! Love how you show exactly the areas you are referring to- looking forward to more 'how to videos' , thank you!
Thanks so much, Patricia! BTW, your name is so familiar to me, like something from my childhood. Did we know each other??
This was so very helpful! I have been sewing for years, but I acquired my serger and never took a class, but was self-taught. These tid bits will make my sewing so much better!
Dear Catherine, found your channel and am truly grateful for this video! It is super helpful. Bought a used Jenome serger that really want to start using. It threads like your.
Thanks a LOT!!
Awesome video I just picked up a chandler serger today for 10 dollars at a thrift store was wondering how to use it found your video now im hooked thank you ....
Congrats! That's a score! You'll love having a serger. And I'm so glad it led you to my channel!
Excellent video!!! Thank you, for having such a great understanding of new sewers.
Oh, thanks for giving this video some love, Lorraine!
Thanks Catherine! Another helpful and informative video, as always. The more of your videos I watch, the more I'm convinced I need a serger. Could you do a video about what to look for when buying a serger? There are so many brands and models out there that it's hard to know what's good (or good enough).
Yes, you'll love having a serger! I don't think I've ever met a serger I didn't like, but if I was buying one today, I'd go for one with the air puff threading, like the Baby lock Victory. It's a dream!
@@CatherineSews Thanks so much for the reply! 😁 That sounds like an awesome feature, although that particular model is sadly slightly out of my budget. 😜 A girl can dream though, right?
I agree with what you said about the little side tray to catch the fabric scraps... it's mind boggling that they wouldn't be standard on all machines. 🤯
Absolutely 💯 amazing! So glad I found you!
Oh good! I’m so glad to have demystified sergers for you! Happy to help!
I bought a second hand serger from a friend about eight years ago and it has been sitting under its cover since. It had old, dusty thread and it was really dirty. I bought new thread and after watching this video the first time, I found the confidence to switch out the cones and get it threaded. My friend also gave me all the books and accessories that came with it - it even had old VHS tutorials. I don't have the tension quite right on it but I will dig through the manual and get that figured out. I appreciate how patient you are and how well you explain every step you take in all your videos. Thank you for such good content!
I love watching your videos! You explain everything so well.
You are incredible! Thank you for this video. Maybe now I can make friends with my serger!! Anyone that has a serger needs to watch your videos. (New Sub here forsure!)
Oh, thanks, Christi! I'm happy to see this older video get some love, and I'm happy if your serger gets some love too!
Using a makeup brush is brilliant. I’ll try it! I have always used q-tips & tweezers to gently pull out anything that has wrapped or burrowed into crevices in my machines. Thanks for the vid. I haven’t had a serger for awhile, and this was a great refresher course.
Oh, Kaerze, I hope you have/get a new serger and LOVE it!
Another great video! I learn most sewing tips from TH-camrs like you these days. I have a Brother 1034D serger that is a good machine, but I hate threading it. The loopers are threaded in the opposite order and the Brother doesn't open up on the left side to pass looper thread through. Instead the Brother has a finger that slides out with a hook to pass the thread thru. It was interesting to see how your machine is threaded. TFS
Thank you so much!!! This is a wonderful tutorial 😊
When you begin threading, you want all your tensions at "0" as you pass the thread through them.....just in case you don't have your presser foot up. That's the way I was taught 30+ years ago, on my Janome serger. I find that I get a nicer seam if I trim just a tiny bit off while serging. Thanks for the video! Nicely done.
I've never heard that one! You'll remember very quickly to lift your presser foot because it's hard to pull the threads through if it's down. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I am always honoured to have people who have sewn for years watch my videos!
I loved watching this video, loads of good tips. Thank you.
Thank you.
I don't have a serger but have always wondered how to thread them. Thank you so much for this video, very enlightening.
Glad it was helpful!
So helpful. Thank you Catherine!
You're so welcome, Annabel! Great to hear.
Thank you so much for showing this. I have a different brand, but have had several different brands in the past. I have found that if I cut my thread on a slant, it’s much easier to go through the holes. By the way, I love your serger!
Well done, thank you
I was so happy to stumble across this video as I bought this same serger from a sewing machine repair guy a few days ago. He explained that it was actually made by Janome for Sears back years ago. I looked online and think it may be the same model as a Janome EzyLock 404D. This is my first ever serger. Now I just have to get sewing with it. Thanks for a great video! :)
Oh, I'm so happy to hear this! It's been such an awesome serger for me, for decades! And I didn't know the bit about Janome making it.
thanks for making the overlocker (serger) monster less scary!
Hi Catherine, I also have an old Kenmore serger. I don’t use mine as well as you use yours, so thank you for the instruction.
I went thru years of frustration when my serger would break a thread, rethread, broken thread.. yes the threading order was noted, but who would imagine that order needed to be followed for a broken thread. Message received, Finally, no more broken threads.
Oh thanks so much for this ❤
So glad I came across this ❤ I’ve had a Serger for years and never truly comprehend and was a bit intimidated by the Serger. Now I understand a bit more the first two threads go into the twin needles, and the furthest threads loops under the bottom. You zoom in at a good angle, however at the very beginning did you thread into the small hold from the back , the top location where the threads start? . Have now subscribe and will continue viewing your wonderful tutorial. Thank you 😊
This was so helpful! I’ve had a serger for many years and still did not know some of the tricks and tips you shared. Thank you!
Thank you for this!! I'm on the fence about a serger. I have found one on FB. But am weary of buying it even though I definitely can't purchase a new one. I really want one though 🤷🤔
I would go for the used serger. I bought my simplicity serger for 35 bucks from offerup. The person was selling it because she never got comfortable threading it. I see lots of used segers available and they are often like new just because of intimidation!
I got a new serger this week 🎉❤
Thank you much ❤ I have a Babylock Imagine and NEED to learn your tricks.😊😊😊
Awesome thank you, however I have a Singer and always do my upper looper first then lower looper. Neat trick for unpicking 😊
When we moved 5 yrs ago my server got untreated haven't sewn with it in all this time!
ok cathryn I got it can you please kindly film on this sewing machine model how to operate using the start stop button being used and how to operate using the sewing machine electric foot pedal how it's used to sew please ok? Thank you very much
Hi Frank! I really only use the Start/Stop button when I'm in the embroidery mode on this machine. I've had some students with mobility issues and they have learned to use the Start/Stop button instead of the foot pedal, but otherwise, the foot pedal is more convenient as it leaves your hands free to control your fabric.
Nice job, Catherine. Also, Great name.❤
hello great videos please kindly film the same for the regular sewing machine please ok? Please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much
So glad you liked it! Here's the video I made for regular machines: th-cam.com/video/ldxMDn-If3g/w-d-xo.html Let me know if that does the trick!
@@CatherineSews ok I got it it looks like it has a start stop button please kindly film how to operate using it with the start stop button and how to operate it using the sewing machine electric foot pedal being used please ok? Please kindly reply back ok?thank you very much
@@frankjanvari8650 Hi Frank, I generally only use the Start/Stop button when I'm using the embroidery function of the machine. You can unplug the foot pedal and just use Start/Stop button so that you're sewing only with your hands, and not using your foot at all. But I like to keep both hands on my fabric as much as possible, so I don't use that button very much. But with embroidery you unplug the foot pedal and just press start when you're ready to embroider. Makes sense?
I think you just answered the question I left on your other serger video - do you still sew first then serge, or does the serger do it all. I believe you said with knits you can just serge, but with woven fabric you would sew first then serge? Is the reason you wouldn't need to sew first on knits because a straight stitch wouldn't have any stretch?
Haven't learned how to use mine yet. I did read some of the manual and it says to oil before using.
I recently inherited my mother's serger and am learning about it. She always used "regular" thread not the tall bobbins. What's the difference?
Doyou have a video on a baby lock sewing machine?
Do you need a special table for a serger?
Thank you I just get frustrated with minded let it sit there