Serger Troubleshooting Guide
While entry-level (and long-time) serger owners do overcome the frustrations involved in threading their machines, it’s just as bad when an unknown operating problem develops as you’re getting ready to begin stitching. While these machines are designed for durability, heavy use, improper maintenance or even simple neglect can cause operational hindrances. Unless you’re highly experienced in locating and fixing common problems, avoid the urge to jump into troubleshooting without knowing what to look for. The good news is that, like sewing machines, you might be able to locate and repair the problem yourself.
There’s no need to rush off and throw your money to your local repair shop or dealership at the first sign of trouble. Keep your money in your wallet. With that thought in mind, we’ve compiled several common problems that occur in sergers – and the solutions to getting your machine humming again.
Tension Troubles?
- Suddenly producing loose or poor stitches can be due to either improper tension settings or merely a threading problem. Check the tension settings and ensure they’re in the proper position for the fabric you’re using. If the top stitches are loose, increase the lower tension settings. Do the opposite if the lower stitches are loose.
- If that doesn’t do the trick, try re-threading your serger and make sure the thread is seated properly on the tension disks. Run the thread(s) through the needles and slowly pull on the thread. If you feel any hesitation in the thread movement, check for snags on the spool pins and thread guides.
Skipped or Uneven Stitches
- A bent, broken, loose or blunted needle is often the culprit when stitches skip. Check that both needles are securely seated and they exhibit no signs of dirt, oil or damage. If one or both look suspicious in any way, then securely insert new ones, making sure you’re using the right needle for the job. Needles can also become coated with residue from improperly prepared interfacing material.
- If you do find a broken or damaged needle, it’s usually due to using the wrong type or size. Heavy woolens and often thick layers of denim, canvas or duck cloth require using a heavier, sharper needle. And remember, pulling the fabric while stitching can bend needles.
- Poor stiches can also be due to the type and quality of the thread you’re using. Try not to purchase poorly spun bargain brands. When using 100% polyester thread, look for brands made in Europe. If planning to work with cotton-encased polyester, choose a good American brand.
Fabric Jams and Puckering
- If the fabric you just started to stitch suddenly jams while traveling under the needles, it might be due to tangled thread caught in the feed dogs, stitch fingers or simply a loose or open looper cover. Check all three areas. If you do find caught or tangled threads, remove them and re-thread the machine. An improperly closed looper cover needs no special attention: simply secure it and try going on with your project.
- Fabric puckers could be due to a few problems. They can include an overly long stitch length for the fabric type and weight, setting the presser foot pressure too high, using the wrong presser foot, working with the wrong type of thread or even a blunt needle. Also, make sure to back very sheer fabrics with tissue or removable backing.
Everyone who’s ever used a sewing machine or serger knows they can develop annoying, yet often minor snags. We hope this serger troubleshooting guide helped. If you’re having problems not covered in this article, make sure to consult your owner’s manual or instructional DVD. Both typically contain a list of common problems and solutions.