Repairing Serger Stitch Problems

Stitch quality is of paramount importance. Like stitches on a ordinary sewing machine, the proper formation of stitches produces either a beautiful and functional finish, or a mess. Unlike the stitches on a ordinary sewing machine, serger stitches may have up to eight threads.

Speed, stitch quality, trimming, overedging, and a multitude of threads work together to give the serger huge advantages over conventional sewing machines. In one pass, the serger stitches, overcasts, and trims at speeds twice the ordinary sewing machine up to 1500 stitches per minute.

Professional looking stitches with vast varieties of applications, make sergers a prized sewing appliance, although you still need a conventional sewing machine.

When tensions are just right and each thread lies where it is suppose to be, it is a good stitch. Things like irregularities, loops, and puckers just dont exist.

Problems with stitch quality are a major irritation for serger users. They must be eliminated in order to produce consistent high quality seams and overedge finishes. Stitch problems may include faulty tension balances, irregular stitches, set up issues, and thread breakage. These and other stitch challenges can be overcome, but they require a little common sense, serger care, and basic technique.

To fix tension problems, first fix thread issues. Rethread. Make sure the individual tensions are working on each thread. Use distinctive colors of thread and adjust each thread for balance one at a time.

Stitches sometimes are just not right. They may appear malformed, irregular, or inconsistent. In any case, they need fixing. To do so, check the thread line, rethread, check tensions, replace needles, and smooth points that snag.

Threading, tensions, and snags are the most common problem sources. So rethread, balance tensions, and eliminate snags. Use good quality threads. Adjust stitch length or width as appropriate.

Often when you change the stitch set up, you will get faulty stitch formation. Go back and make sure you to properly complete the set up including associated tension balancing.

Sometimes thread breaks. This can happen the second you start serging, or it can happen at the most in opportune moment in the middle of a seam. The root causes are commonly needles, threads, tensions, burrs, and presser feet. Try the following to seek a solution. Check to make sure the needles are properly seated and positioned. Replace the needles and make sure they match the fabric. Change to a larger needle will sometimes reduce breakage. Inspect the thread to make sure it is good quality and has consistent integrity.

Why do threads break? We have found several common causes, but sometimes it is the thread itself. Old, rotten, decayed thread do not perform well. Use good quality thread and see if the thread breakage continues.

Generally, when the stitch quality is less than acceptable there are some basic things to check every time. These include needles, thread and threading, tensions, loopers, snag causes, settings, and balance. Replacing needles properly, rethreading properly, and adjusting tension balance are the three basic approaches to solve stitch problems.