Can You Use Regular Spools Of Thread On A Serger

Using a regular thread might make your stitching work look thicker than it usually does. But overall, using a standard thread will not give birth to any problems if you use the serger for everyday sewing work.

Additionally, using the regular threads on your serger will allow you to do the lead stitch easily when you are sewing knits. It will make the knits durable and stronger right under the seam.

Can You Use Regular Spools Of Thread On A Serger？

Yes, you can use regular or standard spools of threads on a serger for your stitching or sewing projects. But when you use common threads for your serger, make sure to use the spool caps over the spool of thread.

Doing so will help in unwinding it correctly. But using a regular thread is something you must do with caution. Why? It’s because the common threads come in 3 or 4-ply, and the serger threads are two-ply.

How To Use A Regular Spool Of Thread On Serger

When it comes to threading a serger or an overlock sewing machine, the process is pretty simple and doesn’t require extra knowledge.

But individuals who use the serger for the first time might find the entire threading a bit complicated.

So, make the process easier; below are the steps to learn how to thread a serger with a regular thread. Have a look!

Step 1: Gather The Materials

When you want to thread the serger, you must first collect a set of things before starting. You will require four spools of regular thread, tweezers, thread scissors, your serger manual, and a can of air.

The tweezers and scissors are already stored with the serger’s looper cover door. You will also find other essential items, such as a screwdriver, extra needles, thread locker, and a lint brush.

You can go for any colors for the threads and look for threads that come in a cone shape. These threads will not snag on the tiny thread clip. You will find regular cone-shaped threads available at any craft or sewing store.

Step 2: Lift The Presser Foot

Raising the serger’s presser foot or the overlock sewing machine will release the tension disks of the threads. It will become more manageable for you when you do the threading work.

Apart from that, lifting the presser foot will also empower to tie up all the threads together and then pull them right through the serger with no issues.

Step 3: Lower The Knife And Release The Presser Foot

When you are still learning how to use the serger, it will be good to lower the knife and release the presser foot. Doing so will open up the threading pathing within the stitching plate.

You need to be careful when you put back the presser foot onto the serger. Otherwise, the thread will get stuck on the clamp of the presser foot.

After you become a bit comfortable with the threading work, lowering the knife and getting rid of the presser foot will not be necessary.

Step 4: Lift The Needles To Its Highest Position

Some sergers out there have a feature, which raises the needles to their highest point. You find a needle position window right within the serger or overlock sewing machine itself.

You must constantly move the wheel until the red line matches perfectly with the arrow located on the needle position window.

Step 5: Pull The Retractable Thread Stand Completely

Raising the retractable thread on your serger stands out as an essential thing. Choose the thread you want and put it right on the thread stand.

After that, pull up the thread and guide towards the thread stand’s top area. Take the help of the spool nets, stabilizer, and caps on the thread only when it’s necessary.

Using a spool net will enable you to control the unwieldy thread in a hassle-free manner.

Step 6: Put The Thread On The Pre-Tension Guide Of The Serger

You need to put the thread within the pre-tension guide, and to do so, you need to floss the thread in it.

After that, it will ensure that the thread will pass through the spool and into the serger smoothly and quickly.

Step 7: Place The Thread On The Tension Disc

You need to lift the presser foot that will enable you to open up the disc. Doing so will make it a lot easier for you to put the thread within the tension disc.

If you ever possessed a serger where you need to catch the disc by pulling up around the knob linking with the wire, you will understand how easily you can handle this particular machine.

Step 8: Put All The Threads On the Color-Coded Marked Area

The serger comes with a thread chart, which you need to follow without fail. You have to put all the threads on the color-coded area.

These color-coded markings come in a dot shape and will tell you the type of colored thread you need to place on that area.

Step 9: Lower Down The Looper Threader Lever

You come across a thread guide in the lower looper located beneath the stitch plate. So, if you want to reach the guide, you find a lever of the lower looper, and you have to press it downwards.

Once you do, the guide will instantly move out from the stitch plate. You need to place the thread within the guide and then pull up the lever.

Otherwise, you can turn up the handwheel, and the guide will immediately go back to its place.

Step 10: Take The Help of Tweezers To Thread The Loopers

You can use a tweezer that you have for your sewing work or go for the one that comes with the serger.

The tweezer will help you thread the looper’s eye when it’s necessary. On the other hand, the tweezers will also help you thread within all the guides.

Type Of Stitches With A Regular Thread On A Serger

Using a regular thread on serger will enable you to do some excellent stitching work. To know what kind of stitching you can do, look at the information below.

1. Two-Thread Overlock Stitch

If you use a serger that can allow you to do a two-thread stitch, you will have some tricks right on your sleeves.

Through this stitching technique, you can give a flawless finish to the edges of your lightweight materials.

But the stitch might not be that strong and will not be an excellent choice when it comes to seaming. You are free to use this stitching technique if you are designing handkerchiefs or any other thing.

2. Four-Thread Overlock Stitch

The 4-thread overlock stitching technique takes the help of a second needle to complete the entire sewing work. This stands out as the most-strongest serging stitches among all the others.

Apart from that, using the 4-thread stitching technique stands out as an ideal choice for seaming. The stitch is also pretty standard, and you can easily find some on the clothes you are wearing.

The stitch is mainly used on wovens or knits when you want the material to become flexible and durable at the same time.

Difference Between A Regular Thread And Serger Thread

Regular or home sewing threads are T-34, and the serger thread used for general purposes is T-27. Also, the sewing machine can handle up to T-50 and not more than that.

The difference between the regular thread and the serger thread is not that massive, but the serger thread is weaker than the regular one. The regular thread stands out to be a lot stronger and will not tear off that easily.

So, when you use regular thread on a serger, it will provide you with durable and robust stitches that will not get damaged or come off.

The Best Thread To Use On A Serger

When it comes to choosing the best thread for this particular machine, you must select Polyarn. It stands out as a premium-quality polyester thread well-known for its flexibility, elasticity, and recovery.

It’s also one of the best choices for garment construction when stitching or sewing on a serger. On the other hand, poly yarn is 100% polyester and comes with heat-resistant properties as well.

Can I Use Regular Cotton Thread On A Serger?

In short, yes, you can. There are various projects where different threads are required for the stitching or sewing work. So, when you are working on a fabric where you have to use a cotton thread, you can easily do so.

You need to thread the cotton thread just like you usually do and start with your stitching with no issues.

You can also use multicolored cotton threads that will allow you to create a zig-zag pattern. You can use this pattern on the edges of your material and prevent it from fraying.

Are There Any Other Stitches I Can Create With A Serger?

Yes, you can do many types of stitches on the serger, such as the rolled hem, 2-Thread flatlock, and 3-Thread Overlock stitches.

These stitching techniques are different from each other and have their methods, which you need to follow.