Serger Needle Thread Keeps Breaking – Causes and Solutions
A serger machine is different from a regular sewing machine. A serger machine can sew a seam and also trim and overcast the edge. What’s more, all this happens in just one step quickly.
If everything works smoothly, you can have fun sewing on the serger machine. But, if problems start arising like needle, thread, or bobbin issues, you would have difficulties in sewing.
While using a serger machine, the needle thread might keep breaking. Needle thread-breaking issues might occur with a newbie or an experienced tailor.
So below is a list of some causes and solutions for the needle thread breaking issue found in a serger. Our tips will help you solve the issues. In the end, you can continue your sewing.
Why Does Serger Needle Thread Break and How to Fix It?
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As you know, a serger is suitable for knit garments. This machine cuts the fabric and then seams, trims, and overcasts it.
But, there is a difference in the neck of the sewing machine and the serger sewing machines. The neck in a serger is very short compared to mechanical machines where there are long necks.
Nevertheless, the needle thread breaking issue might be prevalent in both machines. Thus, the causes and solutions might be the same for both the sergers and standard sewing machines.
If you find your needle thread breaking at the time of sewing, many elements are responsible for it. Here is a list of the causes for you to detect it and continue your sewing smoothly.
1. Issues in the Threading Itself
There might be a problem in the threading if your serger needle thread keeps breaking. The threading process followed by you might be wrong.
Note that you should also thread the lower loop of the thread perfectly. While threading the lower loop, you should make sure that you pass the thread from the side of the lever and not through the lever.
The whole threading process should be accurate. There should not be any knots or lint in the thread.
The quality of your serger thread is also important. That’s because the needle thread might break due to cheap quality.
Moreover, the thread also breaks if you are using an old thread for sewing. Thus, you can avoid using old and cheap-quality threads. In short, if your serger thread keeps breaking, the cause might be the thread itself.
Solution – Solve the Serger Thread Issues
Correct Threading: You must correctly thread the whole thread. If you fail to do so, the serger needle thread will break.
You should always pass the lower loop from the side of the switch and not through it. If you do so, problems will occur.
Thread Tension: How can we overlook the thread tension in this regard? Well, to avoid thread breakage, the thread tension must be correct. If the tension is not equivalent, the needle thread will keep breaking.
Thread Quality: The thread should be of good quality. Besides, you should choose the serger thread according to the fabric and needle.
The thread should be knot-free. So always untangle the thread if you find a problem. Never use an old thread for sewing, or else it will break.
Also, change the thread after frequent intervals. Whenever you are in doubt and cannot detect the problem, rethread the whole thread in the serger.
2. Wrong or Damaged Needle Can Break the Thread
Another reason for the breaking of the serger needle thread might be the needle itself. Yes, that’s correct! If you find your thread breaking quite often, you must verify the condition of your needle.
It may happen when the needle is blunt or broken. So have a check on your needles that you use for sewing on a serger machine. The needle should also be suitable for the fabric you are using.
The next most crucial point is the quality of the needle. The needle should be of excellent quality.
If it is of low quality, the thread will break while rubbing through the needle. That happens because of the rough motion.
It is also essential that the needle and needle plate position is correct. If the position is not correct, the plate will collide. As a result, the needle and needle thread might break.
The needle should be clean and sharp. Even more, it should be free of even the slightest damage. Otherwise, the needle thread will keep breaking.
This problem may also occur if you don’t use a needle of the correct size for sewing. So have a check if your needle is of the correct size or not for your serger.
You’ll have to keep in mind that not always the needle breaks because of this reason only. Sometimes it may break due to other reasons too.
Solution – Solve the Needle Problems
Select the Correct Needle Size: The needle should be of the correct size according to the serger model. The needle should also not be damaged. Instead, it should be sharp and pointed. Even if it is blunt and broken, the serger thread will break.
Check the Fabric Type: The serger needle should suit the fabric type. Moreover, it should also work well with the thread type. Always choose the needle which is fit for your serger.
Match the Needle and Thread Quality: Besides all these points, the most crucial point is that you should never undertake the thread quality. If you want to avoid the breakage of the needle thread, ensure the quality of both the needle and thread.
3. Wrong Stitches Can Break Serger Needle Thread
One more reason for the breaking of needle thread is the stitch. It might happen that the stitch you choose may not be appropriate for the thread.
It may be too tight or too loose for the thread. Thus, it is mandatory to choose the right stitch for your thread to avoid breakage of the serger thread.
Solution – Choose the Right Stitch
Choose the right stitch for your serger for proper sewing. It should neither be too tight nor too loose.
Besides, you can choose the stitch according to your thread, needle, and fabric type. Some of the common stitches used in serger include the following.
- 3-Thread Overlock
- Flatlock (2 or 3 Thread)
- 2 Thread Rolled Edge
- 4-Thread Overlock
You can choose any of the above stitches to prevent needle thread-breaking issues in your serger.
4. Your Serger May Not Be Clean
The begrimed serger is also one of the reasons for your thread breakage. If there is dust in any part of your serger machine, the needle thread will keep breaking.
The dust does not provide proper resistance to thread, and due to exertion, the thread would break.
So make sure the vital parts of your serger are clean and tidy. It includes the needle, needle plate, bobbin, bobbin case, discs, and lever.
You can also count other parts and ensure they are clean to avoid the breakage of your needle. That’s the way to have a better sewing experience on your serger.
Solution – Clean Your Serger Quite Often
You can think about cleaning your serger periodically. Your serger cleaning schedule will depend on the following factors.
- How often do you use a serger?
- What type of fabric do you use with your serger?
- What kind of needle and thread do you use with a serger?
You can start by unplugging your serger. First of all, clean the tension discs with the help of cotton fabric. You can also try using an air compressor to take out any dust stuck inside your serger.
5. Your Serger Might Be Defective
If any of the serger parts are not in a good state, defective, or not working correctly, it will lead to the needle thread breaking.
You should check all serger parts in a short period and ensure whether they are in a working position. The needle thread can also break if there is no proper oiling or enough lubrication.
Solution: Regular Maintenance of the Serger Is the Only Way Out!
Maintenance of the serger is obligatory for a smooth sewing process. All the parts of the machine should be dust-free.
That’s because dust doesn’t provide proper resistance to the needle thread. So proper servicing of the serger is necessary for a hurdle-free process.
Well, you can do the correct servicing of your serger at home. You don’t need to take the serger at stores to get its annual or monthly servicing.
Make sure you have tweezers, screwdrivers, and a lint brush. That’s it! You can unplug the serger and perform its servicing.
If you detect the cause for the breakage of the needle thread in your serger, you need to fix it soon to continue your sewing process.
If you find this problem within short intervals, then you may consult a professional and repair it according to the need. What’s more, if the issue is not so complex, you can solve it yourself through the solutions listed above.
Which Thread Should I Use in Serger Machines?
Serger thread can be of various types. It may be cotton, polyester, or nylon. Mainly polyester is quite common in serger machines due to its strength, durability, and flexibility.
General serger threads are usually T-27. Whenever you choose a serger thread, the color of the thread should blend with the fabric.
How to Perform the Correct Threading in a Serger Machine?
It is imperative to perform the threading process properly, especially for a newbie. Follow the below steps for proper threading. It will ultimately help you avoid the breakage of the thread.
Firstly, wind the serger thread onto the thread guide. Then neatly thread the needle and open the compartment below the needle. With one hand, unwind some thread from the bobbin and then insert the bobbin thread with your other hand. That’s it!
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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