Storing Your Serger Between Projects

While sergers are wonderful specialized machines to use in tandem with sewing machines, not every owner uses one on every project or even very often. It’s easy to simply set the machine aside in between projects, especially if you plan to devote a lot of time working on your sewing machine or to protect your serger from curious pets or children. But like sewing machines and embroidery machines, sergers seem to become instant dust magnets when not in use. Prolonged exposure to dust can seriously damage your machine. It’s vital to the health of your serger to keep it well protected when stored.

Serger Covers

Not every serger includes a cover as part of the purchase, new or used. And not every serger owner wants to dismantle the serger or remove the thread cones during short storage periods. However, it’s important to lower the support rod before storing. Most serger manufacturers offer options on serger covers, but even one made for your machine may be a bit too snug when the thread cones are left on the serger. It’s very easy to find plastic and hard shell covers online in a variety of sizes and prices.

But many serger owners have opted to create their own customized covers using a variety of materials, including fabrics, flannel-backed vinyl and plastic. There are plenty of tutorials online. Here are a few ideas:

Brother 1034 Serger Cover

Because this serger model is so popular and this design is so clever, this easy-to-make cover is a great way to protect your own serger. Even if you don’t own this model, adjustments can be made so the cover fits your machine.

Sew a Custom Sewing Machine Or Serger Cover

This tutorial uses quilted fabric and piping to create a custom cover for your serger. It includes directions on how to measure your machine so it fits perfectly.

How to Make a Simple Serger Cover

This tutorial produces a pretty patchwork cover made of a variety of fabric scraps. The directions are comprehensive and include step-by-step photos.

Preparing the Serger
for Storage

It’s important to clean your serger more frequently than your sewing machine. Because the serger cuts fabric when used, it attracts (and collects) far more dust and lint than your sewing machine, especially when working on knit fabrics. While most sergers include a lint brush, it’s also important to inspect the machine and remove any larger pieces of fuzz or lint using tweezers. Going over the machine with a microfiber cloth will also help remove surface dust. Using compressed air is not a good idea, as it can force dust and lint further into the machine, making it difficult or impossible to remove.

Storing the Thread

Due to the size of serger thread spools and the number of spools your machine uses, it’s vital to come up with a fool-proof method of storing these as well. Exposed thread spools can gather just as much dust as the serger, and they can become damaged by direct sunlight and even by being located close to air vents. While serger owners use everything from manufactured spool holders to custom cabinets to multiple covered totes to store their threads, whatever storage method you choose to use, keeping your threads in top shape will help you produce beautiful projects while also protecting your serger.

Storing your serger doesn’t have to be a chore. And protecting your serger while it’s being stored – for however long – will not only prolong the life of your machine, it can help guarantee years of top performance.