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Best way to get started with new serger?
relliotts Beginner CA USA Member since 2011 Posts: 113	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 12:19 PM I recently bought a Brother 1034D. I was SO excited to get this and start on a new sewing adventure! I received it about two weeks ago, took it out of the box, admired it, set it up on my sewing table, and..... it's been sitting ever since. I've never used a serger, and I'm feeling a little intimidated by it. I have plenty of cheapy knit fabric to play with, but I guess I'm overwhelmed by how different this is from my old straight stitch Singer. Any ideas on the best way to get started? I have so many cute knit things I want to sew up for Spring/Summer, and I'd like to get started on them at some point. The serger is nice to look at, but I'm sure it's even nicer to play with! ------ http://reddthreads.wordpress.com/
OBX Advanced Beginner NC USA Member since 2010 Posts: 116	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 12:48 PM I think the best thing to do is just run some scrap fabric through it to get the feel of how it stitches. Practice sewing in a consistent straight line and then practice corners. I practiced doing the different techniques, like a rolled hem, wide and narrow overlocks and changing the differential feed. That got me over the idea that I couldn't "work" a serger. My first big project was making curtains.
HarrietHomeowner   Intermediate Member since 2010 Posts: 452	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 1:26 PM I had the same problem, but my machine sat there for about 6 months! What helped was when I took a 3-hour sewing class on an unrelated topic, the teacher brought her serger along, and I used it for a minute, which gave me a feel for how it was supposed to work. I then was able to use my serger with less fear. One thing I was worried about was being able to control my seam widths, so when I practiced on scraps, I marked the seam with chalk to see how well I stayed on the line. I haven't done much experimenting with fancier stuff (rolled hems, etc.), but I now feel fairly confident about serging seams. I have made several knit tops with it, and it was easy. I even have had to rethread it a few times. Just be patient and not in a rush and you'll get it.
racehorse   TX USA Member since 2009 Posts: 1009	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 1:40 PM I tried using my serger last night and could not even get it threaded properly! I had some time today and found a couple of youtube videos that show how to operate my model. I'm going to review them later when I'm in front of my machine. I've had my machine since September of 2009. ------ Erin in Dallas http://amateursewist.blogspot.com/
Sewnsewmom Advanced Beginner Member since 2008 Posts: 779	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 1:47 PM I love my Brother 1034d! I was using it last night and thinking that I really haven't even used it to its full potential. Get it out and play with it. It's not that hard as you think. And after awhile, you will be wondering how you ever sewed without it! Here's a nice Youtube video on how to thread it. Much better than the CD the serger came with. How to thread
Rosews13   Advanced CA USA Member since 2010 Posts: 756	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 1:47 PM Congrats on the purchase! You will LOVE your machine once you are comfortable. I would say, if you can't get help from a pro or take a class, read the manual about all the different parts of the serger and identify those on your machine so you know the terminology and location of the parts. You have to familiarize yourself before you do anything. Sergers are very different from a sewing machine and you can't just push on the gas. They have to be threaded properly, so learning that is a must.Then follow the directions in the manual step by step to begin actually serging. Hope you are a "reading the manual" type of person if you are not able to get professional help. It is really fun and once you have a comfort level with the new machine you can develop your skills. Gotta get the basics out of the way first and you will be on your way!
stirwatersblue Intermediate KS USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1737	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 7:47 PM Well, I'm no help. I got mine for my birthday last July (I had never even seen a serger up close before it got here). Spent a couple of weeks playing with it, learning to thread it, experimenting with the tensions and stitch widths/lengths, and various fabric scraps, until I felt really confident with it (it didn't take long; the thing is SUPER-EASY and good for timid, self-taught people). ...And then, nothing! Gah!! I still haven't figured out how to actually work it into my sewing. I even started a thread a couple months ago called "Learning to Use My Serger: Need a Plan," and got *tons* of great suggestions. ...And then, nothing! But right now it's lack of time. When my schedule clears up a bit, I have some projects lined up, and we've talked about starting a serger SAL in the SAL forum. One of the tips I was given was to use the serger to finish edges on any fabric yardage you haven't pre-washed yet. I've actually done that a couple of times. Another thing I did was pick up some different threads (cones, wooly nylon, etc) to experiment with. I had a little trouble figuring out the rolled hem, but mainly because I had no idea what it was supposed to look like. When I finally found a blog with extreme closeup photos, it was a lot easier. I then had the fun (no, really!) experience of forgetting to put the stitch finger back in the machine (you remove it for rolled hem), and trying to serge without it! It worked... sort of... for a bit... and then I had to figure out a big tangle, etc! It was a great learning opportunity, and *so* super-easy to fix. I was actually glad it had happened! Anyway, don't be scared of it. Grab some fabric scraps (that's why you kept them, right? ;)) and a notebook, and sit down with it. Set it up and run a short strip of fabric through it. You'll be SO EXCITED by what comes out that you'll get over 95% of your fear immediately. Come back the next day, and do some more. Change some of the dials, try new fabrics, etc, making notes as you do. Right down the ideal settings for the different fabrics you're using. ...And then once you've figured out what to do AFTER you've mastered the basics, come back and let me know! LOL ------ ~Gem in the prairie
hazelnut   USA Member since 2009 Posts: 1764	Login to reply to this post In reply to relliotts Like this post Date: 2/1/12 8:35 PM I have a 1034D and started out by serging the cut ends of fabric prior to washing. With anything over 2-3 yds I serged both cut ends together. I serged knits and wovens alike. The speed was astonishing! I got used to the foot peddle using a bare foot. I also took old t-shirts and serged around the hems, and then sleeves and necklines to practice smaller curves. I never used a serger prior to this one and it was easier than I had imagined. My biggest fear was rethreading it, yet once I got that part down life with a serger was good.
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 2002 Posts: 5451	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 9:10 PM And to think I'm going around the house trying to find things to serge! Try making pillowcases because they are very fast to do. Curtains are next. Then you can graduate to serging seams on those knits. ------ "Having to squeeze the last drop of utility out of the land has the same desperate finality as having to chop up the furniture to keep warm" -- Aldo Leopold "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit!" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln
racehorse   TX USA Member since 2009 Posts: 1009	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/1/12 9:16 PM I got my threading done with the assistance of the Youtube video, and I am off to the races! It's really, really fast. I could have sewed twice as much during the fabric stash contest lol! ------ Erin in Dallas http://amateursewist.blogspot.com/

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