What Color Serger Thread Should I Have on Hand

September 26, 2023October 15, 2023 Jessica 0 Comments Serger, Thread

Figuring out what serger color thread to always have on hand can be challenging. It becomes even more tricky if you have several projects that will use different fabric colors and textures.

Even more, it will be costly for you to buy four thread colors for each fabric you use. To avoid this, you should always have specific colors on hand.

What Color Serger Thread Should I Have on Hand?

It is difficult to tell which Serger color threads to always have on hand. The reason is different projects will need different colors. But many colors are neutral. So, they can match different types of fabric.

You can keep dark threads for dark fabrics. You can also keep light color threads for light fabric. And warm-colored thread will go well with warm fabrics.

Thread Doesn’t Always Have to Match Your Fabric!

We have heard that all thread colors must match the fabric color. While this is very true, it is a rule you can manipulate. In this case, manipulating it will save you time and money.

It may also save you from the stress of figuring out where to store your serger threads. But, this doesn’t mean you should use any Serger thread color for any fabric color. For example, using red threads on yellow fabric will look odd.

It means that you should pick colors that come close in value to the color of your fabric. So, using blacks on navy fabric or reds thread on hot pink fabric will stand out.

Moreover, make sure the colors are a bit darker and not lighter than the fabric. A color that is a bit darker than your fabric blends better than a lighter one.

But always make sure you place the thread which will be visible on the outer needle of your Serger.

All-Fitting Serger Threads

There are specific threads that you can use for a lot of projects. That is why we should call them all- fitting threads.

It means they are compatible with most fabrics. Whether the fabric is lightweight, medium weight, or heavyweight, they will go in harmony.

You can also use the term “all fitting threads” on threads that have neutral colors. You can use these threads on different projects because they blend with other colors without difficulty.

For choosing serger thread colors, you should also understand the serger thread types. The reason is you may have neutral colors, which can go with a lot of fabric colors but not fabric weight.

For example, you could have black threads, which can be used in dark colors but can only work on lightweight fabric. So when picking the thread colors, please pay attention to their types.

Below are the types of serger threads. This part will also explain neutral colors you can pick for your Serger.

Types of Serger Threads

1. Invisible Thread

It is also called monofilament thread. It got its “invisible thread” name because it is transparent, and it comes in clear and smoke. If you want to sew invisible stitches, this is the thread to use. But, it easily breaks and tangles.

2. Serger Cone Threads

These types of threads come in big yarns. Use them when your project is not decorative. It is the best possible thread for Sergers. It is economical and convenient because it lasts long.

Besides, it is easy to unwind and feeds smoothly through the Serger when running at high speed.

3. Woolly Nylon (Textured Nylon)

It is fluffy and quickly shrinks in the middle when pulled. But it has good strength recovery. It comes in solid, metallic, and variegated colors. You can use this thread for edges (rolled up or finished), knits, lingerie seams, swimwear, etc.

It quickly melts when subjected to high temperatures. So if you are using an iron, use low temperature to prevent it from melting.

4. Nylon

Many people use nylon for sportswear, bags, etc. That’s because nylon is one of the strongest threads. Besides, it is suitable for many sergers.

But, nylon loses its color quickly and melts at very high temperatures. So when dealing with nylon, make sure you live in low-temperature zones.

5. Silk

This thread is expensive but worth trying. It works well with silk or wool and delicate fabrics. What’s more, it adds shine to your projects.

Since it is expensive, use it on visible parts of your garments. This way, you can save money.

6. All-Purpose Thread

These are parallel-wood spools. These types of threads work for both sewing machines and sergers. Sewers use it for creating decorations, seams, and fabric edges.

It is a blended thread, and it consists of a little bit of several threads. It has the properties of cotton and polyester or cotton-covered polyester.

Moreover, it comes in a variety of colors. You can use it for knit, synthetic, or woven fabric. The major disadvantage is the small sizes it comes in. You will have to replace the spool constantly because a serger uses a lot of thread.

Neutral Thread Colors for Your Serger

Neutral colors easily blend well with a lot of colors. Even more, they do not mismatch with the fabric.

They blend well like a chameleon or camouflage. These colors move your focus to the fabric color and not themselves.

When we hear “neutral colors,” often what comes to mind are shades of blacks, greys, whites, or browns. But, neutral colors also exist in other color groups like reds, yellows, greens, etc.

Other people will argue that the most neutral color is light grey. The reason is, it blends well with both light and dark color fabric.

Like said earlier, you can use dark color serger threads on dark color fabric. And light color thread should go on light color fabric, for example, royal blue, red, and purple. The same goes for warm colors and so on.

Tips for Neutral Serger Thread Colors

Tip 1:

When picking your Serger thread colors, pick a neutral for several color groups. This way, you will have one color for each color group you can use for your projects.

Make sure you pick four of each since your Serger uses four colors at once.

Tip 2:

When picking from non-common neutral threads, pick colors that will disappear into fabrics.

Tips on Choosing Serger Thread Color for Your Project

Choosing the color thread for your project can be a tedious process. It requires a lot of attention because it involves picking from a lot of other thread colors.

Imagine having to choose four threads? Extra tiring! It is the headache most serger owners face.

Also, threads that can match your exact project can be challenging to find. So, here are five tips that can ease the thread selection process for you.

#1. Get the Palette You Must Always Have

You should have four spools of each of the following; white and dark (navy, black, brown, charcoal grey). Also, keep neutral colors like; creams and greys or mix.

These will cover you through a lot of projects. It is okay if you don’t match all four of your serger threads.

Remember, the thread color that is on the outer needle is the one that shows up after opening the seam. Thus, only match all four spools if your seams are going to show.

#2. Using Fullest Serger Spools

Use your fullest spools in the upper and lower loop positions. You can leave the spools that are almost empty for the needle positions. The reason is serger loppers use a lot of thread.

#3. Using Two Threads for 4 Thread Overlock

It is possible to achieve a four-thread overlock with two threads. All you need to do is roll the serger thread on two bobbins. Place the full bobbins in the right and left needle positions. Then place the spools in the upper and lower Serger looper positions.

#4. Matching Thread With Fabric

If you have fabric that requires a unique matching color, place the matching thread on the outer needle. The outside needle position is the one to match the fabric color.

#5. Always Choose Quality

For quality work, use quality thread. Quality always makes a difference.

How Do You Choose Correct Serger Threads for Garments?

Whatever thread you choose, make sure it is the best quality. You can consider your project type before choosing your thread. Choose a thread that is smooth and doesn’t easily twist.

Moreover, pay attention to the thread thickness and weight. That’s because the thicker the thread, the more visible the stitches and vice versa. Use thicker threads for sewing thicker fabrics to make the stitches stronger. Likewise, use thin threads for less thick fabric.

How Can You Match Serger Thread and Fabric?

If you already have several threads that you bought beforehand, use it to check if it matches. You can unwind it and lay it across the fabric.

Do this with several threads until you find one which is closest to your fabric color. For patterned fabric, pick the color that pops out the most. But if you want to choose the closest match, choose a thread that matches the background color.

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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.