How To Use A Serger (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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How to Use a Serger Download Article Co-authored by Sherri Miller

Last Updated: October 9, 2025

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• Threading a Serger
|
• Adjusting the Tension
|
• Finishing Seams
|
• Video
|
• Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Sherri Miller. Sherri Miller is a Seamstress, Costume Designer, and the Owner of The Scarlett Seam. With more than eight years of experience, she specializes in wedding gown alterations and has extensive knowledge in pattern-making. Sherri received an Associate of Science in Costume Design from Chaffey College. This article has been viewed 121,438 times.

A serger, or overlock sewing machine, gives garments and other sewn objects finished seams. When using one, you get many things done for you; a serger will secure seams with an overlock stitch to cover raw edges and cut excess fabric. The overlock stitch is ideal to use on knit fabrics since it has built-in stretch. The most important part of using a serger is threading the machine properly, since it has between three to five spools of thread.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Threading a Serger

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1. 1 Turn the machine off. A serger should be off when you thread it. Locate your sergers power button and switch it off.
2. 2 Determine the correct threading order. Most sergers use four spools of thread: two for looping underneath the needles and two to use in the needles. The model you have will tell you the order in which you thread them. Look at the threading diagram on your machine.[1]
   • A 3-thread machine has an upper looper, lower looper and a single needle thread.
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3. 3 Place a spool of thread on the upper looper. More than likely the upper looper will be on the right side of the machine. Set a spool of thread on the correct spindle for this.
4. 4 Thread the upper looper. Pull the upper looper thread up so that it is just below the needles. Remove the faceplate on the machine's front and pull the thread through the metal loops underneath the plate. Your serger will most likely have a color-coded guide to help you thread the upper looper.
5. 5 Thread the lower looper. Set the spool on the second spindle and bring the thread over the front of the machine. Use tweezers to help you get the thread through the tight spots on the machine.
6. 6 Thread the needles. Set the threads on the spindles and bring them over the front of the machine. Put the thread through the needle or needles on the overlock sewing machine.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Adjusting the Tension

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1. 1 Turn on the serger. You will need to use your serger to adjust the tension, so switch the power button on.
2. 2 Determine what stitch you want to use. A serger can do many things like create a rolled hem, finish raw knit edges and gather fabric. Look at your user manual to determine what stitch you need to use for your desired result.[2]
3. 3 Adjust each spool’s tension dial. After you decide on what effect you want, your manual should tell you the required tension for each spool. Adjust each tension dial accordingly.
4. 4 Run a practice stitch. You do not need fabric under the needles to test a serger stitch. Place your foot on the machine pedal and let the machine create looped thread.
5. 5 Inspect the looped thread. You should have an idea of how your stitch should look by looking in your serger’s user manual. The loops and interlocking stitches should be even, without areas that are too even or too loose.
   • If the stitches are loose, adjust the tension dials next to each spool of thread on the overlock sewing machine to make the thread tighter.
   • If the fabric is puckered or bunched up, loosen the tension on the serger.
6. 6 Practice on a scrap of fabric. Find a piece of scrap fabric to test your stitch. Continue to sew practice stitches until the stitches are even.[3]
   • Always do a practice stitch whenever you change your needle, thread, or any other part of the machine. That way, you can make sure that everything is in place and working properly.[4]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Finishing Seams

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1. 1 Lift the presser foot and needles. Lift the presser foot lever up to lift the metal presser foot and turn the needle dial towards you to lift the needles.
2. 2 Push your fabric under the needles and foot. Lift your practice string up and back while you slide your fabric under the presser foot and needles.
3. 3 Lower the presser foot and needles. Lower the presser lever to lower the foot and turn the needle dial towards you to lower the needles.
4. 4 Cut the fabric edge. A serger will finish seams and cut your fabric at the same time. Look at the seam allowance numbers to the right of the needle and push the fabric past the blade accordingly. This can be 1.5 to 2.5 cm depending on what seam allowance you used when measuring your fabric.
5. 5 Sew and guide fabric under the needles. Use the foot pedal to control the speed when sewing. Don't push on the fabric too hard and remember to keep the fabric straight. The feet on the overlock sewing machine should help push the fabric through.
6. 6 Create a tail of stitches. Continue sewing for a few stitches at the end of your seam to create a tail of stitches that you can tuck under and hand sew in place.
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Community Q&A

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• Question What do I do if I always have an extra thread when I pull the fabric out on a four thread overlock? Community Answer You shouldn't be pulling the fabric out. You should continue sewing past the end of the fabric for a few inches, then just cut the chain, not too close to the fabric if you need it neat. You can then tuck the chain underneath and stitch it, or unravel it and sew the ends in. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
• Question Is there a tool to change the needle? Community Answer Your serger should have come with a little hex screwdriver. You need this to loosen and tighten the screw holding in the needle. On some models of machine, the cleaning brush has some holes in the handle, these are intended to be used as needle holders to facilitate inserting the needle. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7

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Video

Tips

• Use long handled tweezers to thread a serger and reach into tight places. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Never start sewing with the needles in a raised position when you use a serger. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 3

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Things You'll Need

• Serger
• 4 spools of thread
• Tweezers
• Fabric

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References

1. ↑ http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/02/using-serger.html
2. ↑ https://www.craftsy.com/post/sewing-with-a-serger/
3. ↑ Sherri Miller. Seamstress & Costume Designer. Expert Interview
4. ↑ Sherri Miller. Seamstress & Costume Designer. Expert Interview

About This Article

Co-authored by: Sherri Miller Seamstress & Costume Designer This article was co-authored by Sherri Miller. Sherri Miller is a Seamstress, Costume Designer, and the Owner of The Scarlett Seam. With more than eight years of experience, she specializes in wedding gown alterations and has extensive knowledge in pattern-making. Sherri received an Associate of Science in Costume Design from Chaffey College. This article has been viewed 121,438 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 9 Updated: October 9, 2025 Views: 121,438 Categories: Sewing | Sewing Clothes Article SummaryX

To use a serger, start by making sure your machine is turned off, then following the threading diagram to thread the upper looper, the lower looper, and the needles. Next, turn your machine on, and adjust the tension dials for the type of stitch you want according to your machine’s manual. When you’re ready to finish your seams, lift the presser foot lever up, turn the needle dial toward you, and push your fabric under the needles and the foot. Then, lower the presser lever, turn the needle dial back, and begin sewing, using the foot pedal to control your speed. For tips on how to test the tension on your machine before you begin sewing, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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  "Helped a lot, got one with no instructions."

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Sherri Miller Seamstress & Costume Designer Co-authors: 9 Updated: October 9, 2025 Views: 121,438 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote

Pam Crouse

Aug 3, 2017

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