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Member since 11/15/07
Posts: 693
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Posted on: 10/19/08 7:47 PM ET
My DH got me what I asked for (after helpful input from many PR members)--a new Brother 3/4 thread serger. He bought on-line and there's no dealer nearby. The machine did come with a CD with basic instructions, and another with info on techniques. But so far, I haven't touched it. How do I start exploring the machine? Any suggestions about familiarizing myself with its capabilities?
  
Member since 2/27/07
Posts: 864
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Posted on: 10/19/08 8:05 PM ET
In reply to dr. liz
They are rather different aren't they? What I did when I bought mine was get it threaded and cut up some pieces of fabric to practice with. You've got to get over the initial fear/intimidation you have of the machine. If that's what it is.

After you've practiced just start using it for real articles of clothing or home decor or whatever you want to do. There are some good books out there. This is one of my favorites:

Serge With Confidence by Nancy Zieman

Congratulations on your new machine. You're gonna be serging in no time and loving it!
-- Edited on 10/19/08 8:07 PM --
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Carol - * I always have more time to sew *
Babylock Ellageo, Viking Mega Quilter, Janome MC6600P, Babylock Evolve Serger, Janome FM 725
  
Member since 2/7/04
Posts: 2188
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Posted on: 10/19/08 8:41 PM ET
Woo Hoo!

Dig into those CDs. There is also a great serger book put out by Singer that you might like.

Did you get the manual with the machine too?
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Leah
  
Member since 11/5/02
Posts: 2755
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Posted on: 10/20/08 1:00 AM ET
In reply to dr. liz
Get yourself 4 cones of thread--each one a distinctly different color. If your machines thread paths are color coded as alot of machines are, try to match the thread color with those colors. (red for needle 1, blue for needle 2 etc or whatever your colors are on the thread paths on the threading diagram--a lot of machines have this diagram not only in the manual but also on the inside of the looper cover door.)
Then practice sewing on different fabrics--woven, knit, thick, thin etc. With the 4 different colors of thread, you will be able to tell which thing needs adjusting--like your lower looper is too loose or tight etc. Once you figure out how to make a stitch perfect on different types of fabrics with the stitch lengths etc, you will be ahead in the game as you will be able to identify "the culprit" if you have stitch problems. I have taught 2 new serger owners using this method and it works really well.
Practice figuring out how much fabric you will have to cut off with the serger to get the correct seam allowance and "driving" the machine without swerving. Maybe practice the rolled hem and make some napkins or something. (don't forget to switch it back from the rolled hem settings when you are done--ask me why I know!)
Then I would get a Kwik Sew basic t-shirt pattern and welcome yourself to the wonderful world of sewing on knits with a serger!Congrats!
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Janome 6500P, Babylock Eclipse SX, Janome Coverpro 1000, Babylock BLCS, Juki 654 (2), Babylock Spirit, Juki TL2010q, Brother PE770
  
Member since 12/3/05
Posts: 6572
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Posted on: 10/20/08 7:31 AM ET
Congratulations on your new serger. Practice is the key. Also keep in mind that many people like me don't construct their garments on the serger. They stitch them with the sewing machine and then finish the seams with the serger.
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No sewing project is ever a complete success nor a total failure.
  
Member since 2/3/07
Posts: 2304
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Posted on: 10/20/08 8:40 AM ET
In reply to Mrs.Moos
I totally agree with Mrs. Moos on the colored thread for practice. I would take it one step further and make samples to keep.

Take those perfect samples and staple them to an 8.5 x 11 cheet of paper marked with the settings you use. Then file those in a notebook for reference.

I would also make a sturdy cotten sample that shows errors - ie lower looper too loose, upper looper too tight, etc and file those as well. These don't need to be by type of fabric as the problem is the same no matter what the fabric.

I have samples I made over 25 years ago that I still refer to occassionally. Many of the good serger books have good illustrations, I just lfound the that I liked my samples as everything is in one place and it is from my serger

Have fun!
  
Member since 12/28/04
Posts: 13915
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Posted on: 10/20/08 8:51 AM ET
In reply to JanyceR
I would start with plain cotton or muslin too. I have the Singer book as well and it is a good basic book for dealing with problems. Well worth the money.
I also have the serger dvd from Palmer Pletsch which I also recommend for beginners as she shows you how to do everything you'll need to get started. The easiest way to re thread at the beginning is to tie off each thread above the initial path and gently pull through. You will have to learn how to thread, and in my machine, the top looper must be threaded first, so read your manual and learn what is necessary for your machine. I love my machine, a Viking 905 after years of resisting buying one. I sew a lot of knits, but I don't construct it on the serger, as a lot of people do. I use a narrow zig zag to sew the seams on knits and then finish the seams with my serger, sewing them together so that in effect it is a safety stitch. It works for me. I don't sew well without at least some pins, and you cannot sew over pins with a serger! You will have to come to your own method of sewing with the serger. I like to fit as I sew and it is a little hard to do that with a serger. I have learned some tricks, like how to sew around corners or how to finish the edge of a fly front from the Palmer Pletsch dvd. But, happy birthday and enjoy your serger.
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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 753
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Posted on: 10/20/08 10:07 AM ET
In reply to dr. liz
Happy Birthday and enjoy your new toy. Mrs. Moos gave you excellent advice on how to familiarize yourself with your particular serger's settings, likes and dislikes. Do pay attention to the order of threading, which can make or break the stitch on most sergers, and needs to be followed if a thread breaks. Otherwise, it's just a question of practice. I can recommend the P/P video and the Singer serger book, too. Be prepared for a short learning curve and have fun
Sue
  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
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Posted on: 10/20/08 10:11 AM ET
The Singer book is the best. There are others out there but the Singer book has detailed photos.

http://www.amazon.com/Sewing-Overlock-Singer-Reference-Library/dp/B000FBUMKC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1224511882&sr=1-1singer overlock book

This is the one that I have, but there is a newer version out there.
-- Edited on 10/20/08 10:13 AM --
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Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
Member since 11/15/07
Posts: 693
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Posted on: 10/23/08 0:11 AM ET
Thanks everyone for the good advice. I've been so busy lately I haven't even turned the machine on yet! But I'll try out the excellent suggestions as soon as I have a couple of hours to spare.
  
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