Serger Loops off Edge of Fabric – Causes & Solutions

The discovery of the serger (overlock machine) significantly improved the sewing industry in garment finishing. It replaced the traditional finishes with more professional finishes. An overlock stitch encloses a seam and prevents it from fraying. The stitches add stretch and strength to a seam. Additionally, it simplifies edge finishes and makes the garment look attractive.

It all looks gorgeous when done correctly. But if done wrongly, you end up with serger loops off the edge of a fabric.

Why Serger Loops Off Edge of Fabric?

There are several reasons behind serger loops off the edge of a fabric. They include but are not limited to; tight upper and lower looper thread, loose upper and lower looper thread, or tight and loose needle thread. To understand the reasons better, be my sewing partner as I expound further on each cause.

Possible Causes of Serger Loops Off Edge of Fabric

There can be several reasons causing the serger loops off the edge of the fabric. However, here I will discuss the four leading causes.

1. Issues With Upper Looper Thread

issues with upper looper thread

  • Tight Upper Looper Thread: When the upper looper thread is tight, it pulls the lower looper thread on to the upper side of the fabric. Thus, it makes the fabric curl under the stitches.
  • Loose Upper Looper Thread: When the upper looper thread is loose, it spills over the cut edges to the fabric underside. Though the cloth does not curl, it hangs loosely, which looks very ugly if not corrected.

2. Issues With Lower Looper Thread

  • Tight Lower Looper Thread: When the lower looper thread is tight, it pulls the upper looper thread to the fabric bottom. So, it makes the fabric curl under the stitches. It leaves the material in a balloon-like shape.
  • Loose Lower Looper Thread: When the lower looper thread is loose, it spills over onto the fabric upper side. Although the cloth does not curl, it leaves an inferior finish that hangs on the upper side of the material.

3. Issues With Both Lower and Upper Looper Thread

issues with both lower and upper looper thread

  • Tight Lower and Upper Looper Thread: When both the upper and lower looper threads are firmly fixed, the stitches become narrower than the stitch width making the fabric curl under the stitches.
  • Loose Lower and Upper Looper Thread: When both lower and upper looper threads are loose, the seam extends over the cut edges, leaving a hanging finish.

4. Issues With Needle Thread

  • Tight Needle Thread: When you tighten the needle thread, the fabric gets some folds on the length side.
  • Loose Needle Thread: When you loosen the needle thread, you get loose loops on the material’s underneath, which exposes the snitches.

How to Fix Serger Loops Off Edge of Fabric

how to fix serger loops off edge of fabric

Things become more comfortable to solve after we know their reasons. So, let’s discuss some of the common workarounds to fix the issue.

1. Fix Upper Looper Thread

  • Loose Upper Looper Thread: To solve the curling issue, you only need to loosen your upper looper thread until the upper looper thread locks the edge.
  • Tight Upper Looper Thread: To fix the problem arising from this, you need to tighten the upper looper thread until it locks at the edges.

2. Fix Lower Looper Thread

  • Tight Lower Looper Thread: To correct this, you need to loosen the lower looper thread until it locks the edges.
  • Loose Lower Looper Thread: To fix the hanging stitches on the upper side of the fabric, you need to tighten the lower looper thread until it locks the edges.

3. Fix Both Lower and Upper Looper Thread

  • Tight Lower and Upper Looper Thread: To avoid the fabric curling under the stitches, you need to loosen both upper and lower thread until they lock the edges.
  • Loose Lower and Upper Looper Thread: To correct this hanging seam, you need to tighten both upper and lower looper thread until they lock the edges.

4. Fix the Needle Thread

fix the needle thread

  • Tight Needle Thread: You can fix this by loosening either one or both needle threads until the seam lies smoothly without folds.
  • Loose Needle Thread: To avoid loose loops on the garment’s underside, you need to tighten either one or both needles until the seam closes without folds.

What Is Tension on a Serger?

Tension on a serger is what determines the amount of thread that goes into the seam. If you increase force, less thread goes to the seam. Similarly, if you reduce tension, more will go into it.

For a perfect overlock finish, you have to get it right on thread tension. Below are tips on how to achieve a flawless overlock finish.

4-Thread Overlock Stitches

4-thread overlock stitches

  • If your fabric folds lengthwise, one or both needle threads are too tight and need adjustment.
  • Besides, if the fabric folds across under the stitches, then one or both looper threads are tight and need adjustment.
  • If the looper thread can move quickly, then your thread is too loose and needs some tightening.
  • Likewise, if the seam pulls open, then the needle thread is too loose.
  • Sometimes, the thread locks on the upper side of the fabric. It is either the upper looper thread is too tight, or the lower looper thread is too loose.
  • The thread can also lock on the lower side of the fabric. In this case, either the lower looper thread is too tight, or the upper looper thread is too loose.

2-Thread Chain Stitch

  • If your fabric folds, you should automatically know that one or both threads are too tight. Make adjustments separately to determine the thread that needs loosening.
  • If you can move either of the treads without difficulties, then know that some tightening is required.

2-Thread Overedge Stitch

  • If the threads lock on the fabric upper side, then the looper thread is too tight, or the needle thread is too loose.
  • If the thread closes on the fabric underside, then the needle thread is too tight, or the looper thread is too loose.

FAQs:

How Do I Stop My Edges From Unrevealing?

To prevent your edges from unrevealing and stretching out of shape, you need to cover them with a serger. By so doing, your serged edges will stop flying and look more professional.

How Do You Tighten a Stitch on a Serger?

To tighten a stitch on your serger, you need to adjust the thread tension on your overlocker. Ensure that the upper and the lower looper thread are not too tight nor too loose.

How Do I Adjust the Overlock Stitch Width?

If you are using an overlock with more than one needle, you can adjust the stitch width by removing one or more needles. Alternatively, the stitch can be adjusted by turning a dial, moving the lever, or loosening a screw.

Why Is My Serger Skipping the Stitches?

When the stitches start skipping randomly, this tells you that there is something wrong with your needle. You can change it to a new one. Now, if you get a smooth stitch, then obviously, the old one was the problem. It can be caused by a mismatch of thread and needle, tugging too hard on the fabric or the needle hitting a pin.

Conclusion

That’s all about finding the causes of Serger loops off the edge of the fabric issue. Well, I have discussed different methods to fix the problem. Though there are other ways to stop the edges from unrevealing, the serger remains the most common and suitable machine in the sewing industry.

It allows you to secure and finish a seam in one pass. Moreover, it overcasts raw edges and creates tiny and perfect rolled hems. It can also crate flatlock seams, flatten edges, and so on. As stated, a Serger performs fantastic roles and produces professional finishes.

Jessica

Jessica

I'm Jessica Flores, a professional fashion designer and an expert seamstress. Crafting has always been a deep-seated passion of mine, one that has flourished and evolved over the years. I've dedicated considerable time to both studying and practicing in the realm of fashion and sewing, amassing a wealth of experience and skills. It brings me great joy to share these insights and experiences with you all, hoping to inspire and foster a similar passion for the art of sewing.

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