Thread questions for sergers

[BoobyJuice]

I am just starting to sew. (My previous sewing experience was home ec in 8th grade.) I'm using a serger to bind the edges of baby blankets - flannel and fleece so far. I'm using my mother's machine, but she's never sewn much with it (she says I've used it more and I've only made 4 blankets!). She uses regular sewing thread (coats & clark) so she doesn't know what else can be used in the serger. The manual isn't any helping either. Just shows how to thread the machine and adjust the tension. I'd like to try something fancier to make nice borders on these blankets. I mean, a yellow fleece blanket with yellow thread is nice, but dull.

• What type of threads can be used in a serger? (when I look for thread, I keep seeing embroidery, hand quilting, etc)
• Where do you buy your variegated thread (I'm looking for pastel or baby colors)?
• For a thicker "border" look, what size thread do you use?
• Do you use the thicker or fancier thread in all 4 or just the loopers?
• Anything I don't even know enough to ask?

Thanks!!

[pageta]

I use wooly nylon for fancier borders, but just in the loopers (not the needles). The One Stop Diaper Shop (online) has a good selection fo thread. Generally I use the stuff that's on cones instead of bobbins like you use for regular machines.

[jmreinke]

I use Maxi-Lock thread (cones), and get them at Joann's or Hancocks. I also use Wooly Nylon in the loopers for that "border" look. Wooly can be a challenge to get right with the tensions. Turn the tensions way down on the loopers when using Wooly (0-1-2).

I checked out a few books from the library on serging, and you can use all sorts of things in a serger, ribbon, even. There is "jean stitch", metallic thread, etc.

But, you'll do well to get some Maxi-Lock and Wooly Nylon (the wooly comes in solids and variegateds)

HTH!

[BoobyJuice]

I've just seen such cool stuff, it makes me want to try! Since I'm about 100 miles from a fabric store, I'll try the one stop diaper shop online.

Thanks!

[Brayg]

You can get Wooly Nylon at www.fabric.com as well. And if you are a first time customer, you will get free shipping. Use the coupon code: first

[linnea]

One word of caution about wolly nylon: don't wash anything you serge it with in the same load as anything with hook and loop tape... wooly nylon is a velcro magnet! And when you rip it off, it really shreds the wooly nylon.

You can use just about any thread in your loopers. Stick to good high-quality serger thread in the needle, but you can use metallics, rayon, decorative threads, even thin yarn... basically anything that will fir through the eyes of your loopers and not fray as you're sewing.

Have fun!

[lestouffer]

Wow, I knew I had to hang out on thisboard more often. I got a used serger from a WAHM who had "upgraded" with no directions at all. She just dropped it off. I konw NOTHING about sergers. I had it tuned up and they put boring old white cone thread on there and since I know no better there it stays! Have no idea about tension or anything, or what ANY of these knobs do!

I do know wooly nylon gets "fluffy" or wooly in the wash adn that is why so many WAHM's use it.

Thanks for the tip about fabric.com I think I might go and look at their wooly nylon collection....

[BoobyJuice]

I'm really intrigued by the idea of using ribbon or yarn around the edges of these blankets - I think it would look so cool. I just found a site that has lots of ribbon. Any idea, in mm, what size ribbon would fit through the holes?

And, thanks again, to all of you. I'm having so much fun doing this!