5 Beginner Serger Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Sergers have a reputation for being scary. The multiple spools, the complex threading paths, and the sharp knife can be intimidating. But often, the frustration comes from simple, easily avoidable mistakes.

If your thread is breaking, your loops are loose, or your machine is making angry noises, check this list. Here are the 5 most common mistakes beginners make.

1. Threading in the Wrong Order

Unlike a sewing machine where you just thread the needle, a serger has a specific sequence.

• The Mistake: Threading the needles first, then the loopers (or just guessing).
• The Fix: Always follow your machine’s manual, but the general rule for most 4-thread sergers is: Upper Looper -> Lower Looper -> Right Needle -> Left Needle. If you break a looper thread, you often have to unthread the needles before re-threading the looper to avoid tangles.

2. Ignoring the Antenna (Thread Tree)

That tall metal pole at the back of your machine isn’t just for show.

• The Mistake: leaving the telescopic thread tree (antenna) collapsed or only half-extended.
• The Fix: Pull it all the way up! The thread needs that vertical distance to unwind smoothly from the cone and release tension before it hits the tension discs. If it’s too low, the thread snaps or feeds unevenly.

3. Fear of the Tension Dials

Beginners are terrified to touch the tension dials, fearing they’ll never get them back to “normal.”

• The Mistake: Leaving all dials on “4” (or default) even when the stitch looks bad.
• The Fix: Test and adjust. Different fabrics need different tension.
  • Pro Tip: Thread your machine with 4 different colored threads (e.g., Blue for Lower Looper, Red for Upper Looper). Sew a test strip. You’ll instantly see which thread is too loose or too tight based on the color.

4. Pulling the Fabric

On a sewing machine, you might be used to gently guiding or even pulling fabric through tough spots.

• The Mistake: Pulling or pushing the fabric through the serger.
• The Fix: Let the feed dogs do the work. Pulling fabric against the needles can bend them, which leads to skipped stitches or damage to the looper mechanism. Just guide the fabric gently in front of the foot; don’t force it.

5. Using the Wrong Needles

You can’t just throw any universal needle into a serger and expect perfection.

• The Mistake: Using standard sewing machine needles (like 130/705H) in a machine that requires specific serger needles (like ELx705), or using dull needles.
• The Fix: Check your manual. Many sergers require ELx705 industrial-style needles, which have a special groove to accommodate the high speed and loop formation. And remember: change your needles often! A dull needle causes skipped stitches and fabric runs.

Summary

Don’t let these hiccups discourage you. Sergers are robust machines. Once you master the threading order and get comfortable touching those tension dials, you’ll wonder how you ever sewed without one.