The 'Knot Method': How to Change Serger Colors in 60 Seconds

The biggest barrier to using a serger isn’t the sewing—it’s the threading. Many sewists leave white thread on their machine for years because the thought of swapping to black or navy is too exhausting.

Enter the Knot Method (also called the Tie-On Method). This technique lets you pull the new threads through the machine using the old threads. No tweezers required for the tricky parts.

Here is how to do it in 60 seconds.

Step 1: Cut the Old Threads

Go to the thread tree (antenna) at the back. Cut the old threads just above the cones. Do NOT pull the thread out of the machine yet! Remove the old cones and place your new color cones on the spindles.

Step 2: Tie the Knots

Tie the end of the new thread to the end of the old thread.

• The Knot: Use a tight overhand knot or a square knot. It needs to be secure (you don’t want it coming undone inside the machine) but small enough to pass through the guides.
• Tip: Trim the “tails” of the knot fairly short (about 1/2 inch), so they don’t get caught.

Step 3: Release Tension

This is the secret sauce. Turn your tension dials down to 0, or (on many machines) lift the presser foot. Lifting the foot often opens the tension discs, allowing the knots to slide through without resistance.

Step 4: Pull the Loopers

Start with the loopers (usually the first two threads on the right). Gently pull the old thread chain from the needle plate area. Watch the knots travel through the antenna, the guides, and the tension discs.

• If a knot gets stuck, wiggle it gently. Do not force it.
• Keep pulling until the new color comes all the way out.

Step 5: Pull the Needles

Now for the needles. Pull the old needle threads. Stop just before the eye of the needle. The knots will not fit through the eye of the needle (unless you are using very thick needles and tiny knots). If you pull them through, you might bend the needle.

1. Cut the knot off just before it hits the needle eye.
2. Thread the eye manually (or use a needle threader).

Step 6: Reset and Test

1. Lower the presser foot.
2. Reset your tension dials to normal (usually 4).
3. Serge a test chain.

Why This Works

The hardest part of threading a serger is the lower looper path, which involves buried hooks and levers inside the machine body. The Knot Method bypasses that entirely by using the existing thread as a guide wire.

Once you master this, you will never fear changing thread colors again. It makes matching your beginner serger thread to your fabric a breeze, ensuring your projects look professional inside and out.

Is your thread breaking during this process? Check out our guide on Why Your Serger Thread Keeps Breaking.