Home sewers often find themselves in the difficult predicament of either waiting for a pricey serger to be delivered or wasting their precious time to struggling with an old manual sewing machine. Many people get frustrated when their fabric won’t flatten correctly and is riddled with undesirable stitches and loose hanging threads. The confusion surrounding whether or not to use serger thread on regular sewing machines begs the question: Can you use serger thread on a regular sewing machine?
Serger thread is thicker than regular sewing thread and sets up quickly. It is also highly resistant to tearing and fraying, making it the preferred thread for specialists such as fabricators and upholstery professionals. As it withstands the harsh conditions and puts up a formidable barrier to outside elements, serger thread remains a popular choice for both industrial and home sewers who would rather not put up with frayed and broken stitches on their work.
Serger thread can be used on regular sewing machines but with a few caveats. The knot that is used to tie the thread must be strong enough and not too bulky. Also, the tension should be adjusted correctly and not too tight as this could cause wear and tear on the fabric and could even break the needle. Additionally, the thread should be properly inserted into the needle eye, and the thread should be manipulated correctly when threading the machine. Further, using too fast a stitch speed can cause the thread to break, so it is important to stay within the working limits of the machine and the thread.
Experts agree that using a serger thread on a regular sewing machine is fine as it offers enhanced strength and better stitches as compared to regular sewing threads. In addition, it helps to prevent the fabric from unraveling, stretching and fraying. However, it is important to remember that there are limitations to using serger thread on a regular sewing machine. For instance, it may not be suitable for light-weight fabrics like chiffon, organza, and tulle as the serger thread could be too thick and can cause the fabric to tear.
In conclusion, while serger threads offer a stronger and better stitch than regular sewing threads, they may not be suitable for all fabrics. Therefore, it is important to understand the features of the fabric, the working limits of the machine, and the strength of the stitches when using them. If used properly, serger thread can definitely provide a much sturdier and durable finish to projects created on a regular sewing machine.
Threads And Needles
When using serger thread on a regular sewing machine, it is important to use the right thread and needle for the material being worked on. The thread should match the thickness of the needle and not be too thin or too thick as this can lead to uneven and frayed stitches. Similarly, the needle should be suitable for the material being used, as otherwise, it can cause the fabric to tear or suffer from puckered stitching.
It is important to note that the needle should be able to move through the threads of the project without dragging or binding the fabric. Therefore, when selecting a needle, it is important to consider its gauge, size, and other features. If a smaller needle is used, the stitches may be too fine and result in a weak bond; likewise, a larger needle may cause too much friction with the thread and cause the fabric to tear.
Tension
Another important factor to consider when using serger thread on a regular sewing machine is the tension. Too much tension can cause the thread to break, while too little tension will cause the stitches to be irregular or puckered. Finding the right tension is essential because it ensures that the fabric won’t be damaged and the final results will be beautiful. To provide enough tension, the upper tension should increase slightly as the needle moves down and the lower tension should decrease slightly as the needle moves up.
The lower tension should also be slightly higher than the upper tension to ensure a secure stitch. If the tension is incorrect, the fabric may pucker or the thread may shred or break. The tension settings should be adjusted until the threads move evenly and there is no visible tension or bunching when the fabric is gently pulled.
Speed of the Machine
Using a regular sewing machine with serger thread also requires certain adjustments to the machine speed. The speed of the machine should be determined by the type of fabric being used and how thick the thread is. Generally, some slight adjustments to the machine speed should be made to ensure a secure and neat stitch. For heavier fabrics, the machine should be turned down to a slower speed, and for lighter fabrics, the machine should be set to a faster speed.
As with tensions, it is also important to adjust the speed of the machine as the type of fabric and thread thicknesschange. For thicker threads, the machine should be set to a slower speed, and for thinner threads, the machine should be set to a faster speed. This will help to ensure that the fabric isn’t damaged and the stitches will be secure and even.
Thread Care
If regular sewing thread is carelessly used with a regular sewing machine, it can easily break and become unusable. Serger thread, however, is more resilient and can stand up to machine speed and tension. With that said, it is still important to take care when using serger thread on a regular sewing machine. It should be stored away from heat and direct sunlight, as too much heat can weaken the thread and make it more prone to breaking. The thread should also be cut at the correct length and the needle should be changed regularly.
Over time, the thread will become worn and dull and eventually need replacing. It is important to inspect the thread at regular intervals to check for signs of wear and tear. Keeping the thread in good condition not only helps to ensure the stitches stay strong but also helps to prevent any damage to the material being worked on.
Pressing Fabrics
It is also important to press fabrics after they have been stitched. This is equally important when using serger thread as it will help to keep the fabric flat and maintain the integrity of the stitches. In order to ensure the fabric is pressed correctly, a steam or dry iron should be set to the correct temperature setting and the iron should be moved over the fabric in a gentle manner.
It is also important to press fabrics in the same direction. This will help to make sure that the stitches remain secure and the fabric will stay flat. Additionally, pressing will help to prevent the thread from becoming too dense or bunched up. Finally, when pressing, it is important to avoid pressing directly over the stitches as this could distort the fabric and weaken the stitches.
Finishing Touches
It is important to pay attention to the finishing touches when using serger thread on a regular sewing machine. Extra care should be taken when checking for loose threads, as any loose threads can cause the fabric to be bulky and can also weaken the stitches. The fabric should also be trimmed after sewing and any extra threads should be cut off.
Additionally, it is important to make sure the thread knot is secure and not too bulky. A tight knot prevents the thread from becoming loose and prevents the stitches from unraveling. Finally, the seams should be pressed into place after sewing is complete. This will help to keep the fabric neat and ensure all stitches are tight and secure.
Cleaning And Maintaining The Machine
Sewing machines should be properly maintained at all times, especially when using serger thread. Regular cleaning is important to keep the machine in good working order and allows for better results when doing projects. The bobbin case, feed dogs, and machine belts should be cleaned with a dry cloth to remove any lint or thread residue. Additionally, the machine should be regularly oiled to keep the parts working correctly and prevent any potential wear and tear.
The machine should also be inspected for any signs of damage, such as broken parts or malfunctioning motors. If there are any signs of damage, the machine should be serviced by a qualified professional as soon as possible. Servicing helps to ensure the machine is functioning correctly and can help to reduce the chance of accidents and damages to the fabric.
