An added note to the previous reply. Serger cone thread as well as spools of all-purpose thread work fine in a standard EL x705 needle. There are so many decorative threads that are heavier (jeans stitch, pearl crown rayon, and many many more), that require a topstitch needle. Never use larger than a size 16 needle in your serger. Thanks again!
I bought my serger last week and bought your thread yesterday. I'm going to use the idea for your pouch with decorative thread and expand it to a tote bag. I'm excited to try these new threads. It's a new world to me owning a serger.
Hi Catherine, glad to hear you have a new serger-congratulations! You’ll love the professional finish it gives your sewing projects and along with the decorative threads, it opens a whole new world of creative possibilities. Be sure to let me know if you need help of have a question and thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
If you are using heavier weight decorative thread in the needle(s) use a top stitch needle. It has a longer eye and deeper groove along the shaft. If you use heavy thread in a regular needle or serger needle, it may shred and/ or break. Hope that helps and thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Gail, you asked for comments. this video is great! It is so helpful to see what the different threads look like before we buy or use them. What would be even more helpful is brand names for each of them and links to where we can buy them. Most areas don't have fabric shops any more and quilt shops don't carry serger threads. So we need some help figuring out where to get these beautiful threads. Thanks!
+Patricia Ferrito Hi PAtricia, The Jean Stitch, Pearl Crown Rayon, Woolly Nylon, quilt Highlights (red ) are all by YLI. the Decora 6 (variegated blues) is Madeira and the pinkish 12 wt cotton quilting thread is Sulky. Red Rock threads has many of them. Thanks for watching and glad you're enjoying the Tip Clips!
I don't have a picture of the various threads other than what is in the Tip Clip. You can find many of the decorative threads at your local independent sewing machine dealer or online at Redrockthread.com. Some of my favorite brands are: Wonderful, YLI, Madeira, Sulky. They each have a wide variety of beautiful specialty threads. Try out different ones to find the ones that work well in your Serger and that you like the appearance of on your project. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Madeira thread isn't sold in chain stores. There are many brands that offer beautiful decorative threads. Some of my favorites are WonderFil, Madeira, YLI, Sulky. If you can't find them at a local independent dealer, try Redrockthreads.com. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips and for more fun ideas, check out my Pinterest Board "Serge Outside the Seams!"
Thank you for sharing the different thread ideas. Some looked very thick on screen, would a top stitch needle work for most of them/ Also, what threads did you use on the loopers? Did you use 3 or 4 thread stitching?
If you are using a heavier decorative thread in the needle, definitely use a topstitch needle. Most thick decorative threads won't go through the eye of a regular needle. But in the Tip Clip, the decorative threads were used in the loopers with matching or coordinating color serger cone thread in the needle. Some of my favorite threads are YLI Jean Stitch, Sulky 12 or 30 wt. quilting threads, all of the Wonderfil threads and Madeira threads as well. There are too many to list to choose from but find the ones that work well on your serger. That's the most important consideration. For decorative edges, I do either a 3-thread wide or narrow overlock or a 2-thread blanket stitch. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
When you use a heavier weight thread such as a 30 wt decorative thread, how do you thread the loopers? Do you use a carrier thread? A tip clip on this subject would be appreciated. Thank you
Hi Karen, A 30-wt. thread should go through air threading tubes easily without a thread cradle. But if it doesn’t, here’s a link to the Tip Clip using a Thread Cradle: th-cam.com/video/iRAW80rgSeI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZbFK4V7OD77TnUrQ. Also, if you check out my Serger Savvy on Thread Fusion, you’ll see how to use multiple threads in a looper. Let me know if you have questions and I’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for watching!
Hi Karen, Each serger handles thick decorative threads differently. From teaching events where attendees bring their own sergers, I have seen every brand and many models. Most sergers handle 12 wt threads well (both cotton and rayon). Some sergers stitch beautifully with heavier threads ( such as 8-wt.) while other machines chug along and don't stitch well.That weight is too much for the machine to handle. (It's like asking an economy car to keep up with a Ferrari.) My best advice is to purchase one spool of different weight threads and test them. Be sure to lengthen the stitch and stitch at a moderate speed. If your machine feels like it's straining, then the thread is probably too heavy for it. The heaviest thread I have used is a 6-wt. but I know other sewists who have successfully used 4-wt in top-of-the-line machines, Let me know if you need help or have other questions and good luck with experimenting. Save your nice samples in a ziplock bag and use them to embellish future projects. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Hi, Sewing machine dealers usually sell a variety of decorative threads. The selection varies widely among dealers. some have a wide range of threads, while others are very limited. The "big Box" stores typically don't sell them. An online source is redrockthreads,com. You can always try Amazon too. Thanks for watching!
I am making a simple tote bag out of canvas and was thinking of serging the edges together instead of binding them due to the thickness. Which thread would you recommend? Thank you for all your sewing tips.
Kandice Shepherd hi Kandice, I would use a jeans stitch thread in the upper and lower loopers. It’s 12 weight, polyester and strong enough to hold up. Alternatively, you could stitch the handles right sides together on your sewing machine, turn right side out, press and topstitch with Jean stitch thread. Use a topstitch needle and longer stitch length (3.5 - 4.0). Let me know if you need more help. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Hi K L, Metallic thread can be tricky on some sergers. Some brands work better than others and you would have to test for breakage. But it can be done. Stitch at a slower speed, use the decorative thread in the upper looper and matching color serger cone thread in the needle and lower looper Make samples to check machine settings. If you get good results, that's great, but if not, a rolled hem on a skirt is pretty far away from eye level. A different thread really won't make a huge difference visually. Let me know if you need more help or send a pic if you have a question. . Thanks for watching and stay safe!
It depends on your serger and how well it stitches with specialty threads. Not all sergers are the same. Many sergers will handle thick threads beautifully but you have to test to discover which work well in your serger. If your serger sounds like it’s straining, don’t overwork it. Change to a lighter weight thread. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
The Madeira thread is beautiful but not available anywhere..........does it go by another name? I've googled and just can't find it locally. one place 95 miles from me carries it, but so far they are the only ones. even on the Madiera site it isn't listed.
I've never worked with these heavier threads and really not sure how to use them. I have a babylock imagine wave and an Evolve. do I put these in the loopers only or also in the needles? If in the needles, how to I get them thru the needle eye or rather what type of needle do I use which would allow for thicker threads?
+ssarge2 The good news is you can use the heavy decorative threads in both loopers and many decorative threads can be used in a topstitch needle as well. When I do a 2-thread reverse flatlock stitch, I use heavy thread in a topstitch needle. It has a larger eye and can accommodate Jean Stitch, Pearl Crown Rayon and many other beautiful bold threads. I've never used a decorative thread that didn't work well on my Baby Lock serger-YAY! Be sure to contact me if you have any other questions-will be delighted to hear from you. Thanks for staying in touch and happy sewing and serging!
Hi Heidi, Use decorative threads in the loopers. If just the top of a garment or project is visible on the public side, stitch with the right side face up and use decorative thread in the upper looper. That is the looper that forms the loops on the top side of the fabric. For the nicest looking decorative stitch, I like to use matching color thread in the needle. Let me know if you have more questions-thanks!
Do you know the stitch length to use with that Quilt Highlights Rayon Braid? I would like a good coverage like you have here. And did you use it in both loopers or just one?
Angela All of the Thread samples had a 2.5 stitch length. Depending on the weight of your fabric and thread, make samples to determine the best looking stitch length. For the video, decorative thread was used in just the upper looper. However if both sides would be visible I’d use decorative thread in both loopers. Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips !
Woolly nylon is strong and doesn't break easily (in my experience). If it's just one cone, replace it with a new one and/or try a different brand. your looper tension setting may need a slight adjustment and is the threading route correct? Let me know if any of these suggestions work and if not, will do some research on the problem. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Hi Bonnie, Congratulations on your new Triumph! Don't be intimidated. It's a wonderful machine and when you take it step by step you'll be comfortable in no time. Most of the time I use an ELx 705 needle with decorative threads in the loopers. unless it's a 2-thread reverse flatlock. Then the heavier decorative thread is in a 90/14 Topstitch needle. The topstitch needle has a bigger eye. If I'm finishing the edge of a atable runner, placemat or similar project, I would definitely use decorative thread in the upper and lower loopers, but when a stitch will be visible just from the top sid (right) side, I don't waste it in the lower looper. Scroll through my Tip Clips and you'll find lots of info on various decorative stitches and threads. Many videos are done with the Ovation or Triumph but more recent ones are done on the BERNINA L890. However the principles are the same. And if you have questions regarding the set up on your Triumph, just email me and I'll help you: gail@gailpatrice.com. Have fun with your serger and I'll be doing some online classes beginning in January so stay tuned for announcements! Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips! @@bonniewarner7528
An added note to the previous reply. Serger cone thread as well as spools of all-purpose thread work fine in a standard EL x705 needle. There are so many decorative threads that are heavier (jeans stitch, pearl crown rayon, and many many more), that require a topstitch needle. Never use larger than a size 16 needle in your serger. Thanks again!
I bought my serger last week and bought your thread yesterday. I'm going to use the idea for your pouch with decorative thread and expand it to a tote bag. I'm excited to try these new threads. It's a new world to me owning a serger.
Hi Catherine, glad to hear you have a new serger-congratulations! You’ll love the professional finish it gives your sewing projects and along with the decorative threads, it opens a whole new world of creative possibilities. Be sure to let me know if you need help of have a question and thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
If you are using heavier weight decorative thread in the needle(s) use a top stitch needle. It has a longer eye and deeper groove along the shaft. If you use heavy thread in a regular needle or serger needle, it may shred and/ or break. Hope that helps and thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Thank you so much for your help
@@karenkurdziel4069 You're welcome, Karen and stay in touch!
Gail, you asked for comments. this video is great! It is so helpful to see what the different threads look like before we buy or use them. What would be even more helpful is brand names for each of them and links to where we can buy them. Most areas don't have fabric shops any more and quilt shops don't carry serger threads. So we need some help figuring out where to get these beautiful threads. Thanks!
+Patricia Ferrito
Hi PAtricia,
The Jean Stitch, Pearl Crown Rayon, Woolly Nylon, quilt Highlights (red ) are all by YLI. the Decora 6 (variegated blues) is Madeira and the pinkish 12 wt cotton quilting thread is Sulky. Red Rock threads has many of them.
Thanks for watching and glad you're enjoying the Tip Clips!
You’re welcome. Glad you got a Serger that works well! Send along any questions you have.
Oh my, this is great...thank you!
Thank you very much. I enjoyed listening to your suggestions.
I don't have a picture of the various threads other than what is in the Tip Clip. You can find many of the decorative threads at your local independent sewing machine dealer or online at Redrockthread.com. Some of my favorite brands are: Wonderful, YLI, Madeira, Sulky. They each have a wide variety of beautiful specialty threads. Try out different ones to find the ones that work well in your Serger and that you like the appearance of on your project.
Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Thank you so much for sharing, very interesting.
+chantalida53
You're welcome and thanks for watching! Let me know if you have questions or a suggestion for an upcoming Tip Clip!
Madeira thread isn't sold in chain stores. There are many brands that offer beautiful decorative threads. Some of my favorites are WonderFil, Madeira, YLI, Sulky. If you can't find them at a local independent dealer, try Redrockthreads.com. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips and for more fun ideas, check out my Pinterest Board "Serge Outside the Seams!"
You’re welcome!
Wish you had said where you got the Wooly nylon or some other deco threads. Awesome info
Christy Poos I purchased it at a local independent sewing machine dealer. Glad you liked the info-thanks for watching!
Thank you for sharing the different thread ideas. Some looked very thick on screen, would a top stitch needle work for most of them/ Also, what threads did you use on the loopers? Did you use 3 or 4 thread stitching?
If you are using a heavier decorative thread in the needle, definitely use a topstitch needle. Most thick decorative threads won't go through the eye of a regular needle. But in the Tip Clip, the decorative threads were used in the loopers with matching or coordinating color serger cone thread in the needle.
Some of my favorite threads are YLI Jean Stitch, Sulky 12 or 30 wt. quilting threads, all of the Wonderfil threads and Madeira threads as well. There are too many to list to choose from but find the ones that work well on your serger. That's the most important consideration. For decorative edges, I do either a 3-thread wide or narrow overlock or a 2-thread blanket stitch.
Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Thank you 💗💗
When you use a heavier weight thread such as a 30 wt decorative thread, how do you thread the loopers? Do you use a carrier thread? A tip clip on this subject would be appreciated. Thank you
Hi Karen, A 30-wt. thread should go through air threading tubes easily without a thread cradle. But if it doesn’t, here’s a link to the Tip Clip using a Thread Cradle: th-cam.com/video/iRAW80rgSeI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ZbFK4V7OD77TnUrQ. Also, if you check out my Serger Savvy on Thread Fusion, you’ll see how to use multiple threads in a looper. Let me know if you have questions and I’ll be happy to help you. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for you awesome tutorials-what the the “lowest” weight/width (mm) you would use for decorative stitching?
I have a HuskyLock s25
Hi Karen, Each serger handles thick decorative threads differently. From teaching events where attendees bring their own sergers, I have seen every brand and many models. Most sergers handle 12 wt threads well (both cotton and rayon). Some sergers stitch beautifully with heavier threads ( such as 8-wt.) while other machines chug along and don't stitch well.That weight is too much for the machine to handle. (It's like asking an economy car to keep up with a Ferrari.) My best advice is to purchase one spool of different weight threads and test them. Be sure to lengthen the stitch and stitch at a moderate speed. If your machine feels like it's straining, then the thread is probably too heavy for it. The heaviest thread I have used is a 6-wt. but I know other sewists who have successfully used 4-wt in top-of-the-line machines, Let me know if you need help or have other questions and good luck with experimenting. Save your nice samples in a ziplock bag and use them to embellish future projects. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
@@GailPatriceDesign Thanks for the advice!
Hello! I just watched this video and was wondering where can I purchase these decorative threads?
Hi, Sewing machine dealers usually sell a variety of decorative threads. The selection varies widely among dealers. some have a wide range of threads, while others are very limited. The "big Box" stores typically don't sell them. An online source is redrockthreads,com. You can always try Amazon too. Thanks for watching!
Do you have to change needles for the thicker threads. What are size needles that goes with the various size threads
Would you by chance have a picture with the tapes of thread? There is so much to learn. I can always use it his visit doe for reference. Thanks.
Hi Janice, I'm not sure what you're looking for. Can you ask again? Thanks!
think she meant types.
I am making a simple tote bag out of canvas and was thinking of serging the edges together instead of binding them due to the thickness. Which thread would you recommend? Thank you for all your sewing tips.
Kandice Shepherd hi Kandice, I would use a jeans stitch thread in the upper and lower loopers. It’s 12 weight, polyester and strong enough to hold up. Alternatively, you could stitch the handles right sides together on your sewing machine, turn right side out, press and topstitch with Jean stitch thread. Use a topstitch needle and longer stitch length (3.5 - 4.0). Let me know if you need more help. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Hi Gail, I do enjoy your video’s. I have to do a rolled edge on georgette skirt and would like to use a metallic thread. What do you suggest I use?
Hi K L, Metallic thread can be tricky on some sergers. Some brands work better than others and you would have to test for breakage. But it can be done. Stitch at a slower speed, use the decorative thread in the upper looper and matching color serger cone thread in the needle and lower looper Make samples to check machine settings. If you get good results, that's great, but if not, a rolled hem on a skirt is pretty far away from eye level. A different thread really won't make a huge difference visually. Let me know if you need more help or send a pic if you have a question. . Thanks for watching and stay safe!
Gail Yellen thank you! I’ll let you know how it goes.
Thanks for the video! I tried to work with wooly nylon and it just keeps on breaking, any advice? Thanks!
Mona Etaiw what machine do you have and what are you doing for a stitch?
so loopers can handle any type of thread?
It depends on your serger and how well it stitches with specialty threads. Not all sergers are the same. Many sergers will handle thick threads beautifully but you have to test to discover which work well in your serger. If your serger sounds like it’s straining, don’t overwork it. Change to a lighter weight thread. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
The Madeira thread is beautiful but not available anywhere..........does it go by another name? I've googled and just can't find it locally. one place 95 miles from me carries it, but so far they are the only ones. even on the Madiera site it isn't listed.
www.nancysnotions.com/product/decora+no.+6+amazon+110+yd+100m.do
I've never worked with these heavier threads and really not sure how to use them. I have a babylock imagine wave and an Evolve. do I put these in the loopers only or also in the needles? If in the needles, how to I get them thru the needle eye or rather what type of needle do I use which would allow for thicker threads?
+ssarge2
The good news is you can use the heavy decorative threads in both loopers and many decorative threads can be used in a topstitch needle as well. When I do a 2-thread reverse flatlock stitch, I use heavy thread in a topstitch needle. It has a larger eye and can accommodate Jean Stitch, Pearl Crown Rayon and many other beautiful bold threads. I've never used a decorative thread that didn't work well on my Baby Lock serger-YAY! Be sure to contact me if you have any other questions-will be delighted to hear from you. Thanks for staying in touch and happy sewing and serging!
which spool should you use the decorative thread on? That is where I am confused
Hi Heidi, Use decorative threads in the loopers. If just the top of a garment or project is visible on the public side, stitch with the right side face up and use decorative thread in the upper looper. That is the looper that forms the loops on the top side of the fabric. For the nicest looking decorative stitch, I like to use matching color thread in the needle. Let me know if you have more questions-thanks!
Do you know the stitch length to use with that Quilt Highlights Rayon Braid? I would like a good coverage like you have here. And did you use it in both loopers or just one?
Angela All of the Thread samples had a 2.5 stitch length. Depending on the weight of your fabric and thread, make samples to determine the best looking stitch length. For the video, decorative thread was used in just the upper looper. However if both sides would be visible I’d use decorative thread in both loopers. Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips !
I have trouble with woolly nylon staying unbroken on the loopers. What would you suggest do?
Woolly nylon is strong and doesn't break easily (in my experience). If it's just one cone, replace it with a new one and/or try a different brand. your looper tension setting may need a slight adjustment and is the threading route correct? Let me know if any of these suggestions work and if not, will do some research on the problem. Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
Do you use it on all spools?
Hi Bonnie, Congratulations on your new Triumph! Don't be intimidated. It's a wonderful machine and when you take it step by step you'll be comfortable in no time. Most of the time I use an ELx 705 needle with decorative threads in the loopers. unless it's a 2-thread reverse flatlock. Then the heavier decorative thread is in a 90/14 Topstitch needle. The topstitch needle has a bigger eye. If I'm finishing the edge of a atable runner, placemat or similar project, I would definitely use decorative thread in the upper and lower loopers, but when a stitch will be visible just from the top sid (right) side, I don't waste it in the lower looper. Scroll through my Tip Clips and you'll find lots of info on various decorative stitches and threads. Many videos are done with the Ovation or Triumph but more recent ones are done on the BERNINA L890. However the principles are the same. And if you have questions regarding the set up on your Triumph, just email me and I'll help you: gail@gailpatrice.com. Have fun with your serger and I'll be doing some online classes beginning in January so stay tuned for announcements! Thanks for watching Serger Tip Clips!
@@bonniewarner7528