What Is a Stitch Finger on a Serger

September 26, 2023October 15, 2023 Jessica 0 Comments Serger, Stitch Finger

A serger can handle many finishes on your fabric, and if you are keen, you may notice that it has many parts. You can tune the parts to attain the settings you want on your serger.

It would be wise to understand the workings of various parts of a serger and, in particular, a stitch finger. So, what is a stitch finger on a Serger? Read on to find out more.

What Is a Stitch Finger on a Serger?

A stitch finger (stitch former) could refer to a part of the stitch-making process involving the needle, thread, and the presser foot. You can find the stitch finger on the front part of the presser foot.

The primary function of the stitch finger is to create an intersection point where the thread moves into the serger. It directs the threads through the fabric during the stitching process.

How to Identify a Stitch Finger?

If you are a keen observer, you can quickly locate the stitch finger on your serger. It is on the front part of the presser foot. Note that the foot presser rests slightly on top of the needle plate, and it helps keep your fabric in place as you stitch.

Just like the name suggests, this part of a serger takes the shape of a finger. Moreover, it is close to the cutting blade.

As mentioned earlier, the stitch finger creates an intersection point. As a result, it helps you move the thread in a specific direction. It is pretty helpful during the stitching process.

How to Install a Stitch Finger?

If you want to start sewing, you might want to fix everything in your serger before starting your project. Follow the steps beneath to learn how to install the stitch finger.

Step 1: Elevate the Lever on the Presser Foot

The first and most vital step is to raise the position of the lever. It is adjacent to the presser foot. Make sure you do it before proceeding to the next step. Raising the lever will enable you to access the stitch finger easily.

Step 2: Open the Front Casing

Remove the cover carefully to allow you to access the inner parts.

Step 3: Rotate the Hand Knob

You can do it until the upper looper is in a proper position. Turning the knob to its position is more like unlocking a door. Again, you need to turn the knob carefully to minimize the chances of any damage to the knob.

Step 4: Fixing the Stitch Finger

At this point, you may now fix your stitch finger by placing it in line with arrow pointers on your machine. Take your finger stitch and place it carefully into its rightful position.

How to Remove a Stitch Finger?

Now that you understand how to install your stitch finger, it is essential to know how to Uninstall it if you are not using it. Most people do use the stitch finger, so it is essential to know how to remove it.

Step 1: Open the Front Casing

Pull the casing to the right side to expose the lever. Be sure to pull the cover gently because pushing it by force might damage your needle and other delicate parts.

Step 2: Find the Stitch Finger

Elevate your lever on the presser foot and locate the stitch finger. Raise the position of the lever that is adjacent to the presser foot before moving ahead to the next step.

You can quickly locate the stitch finger, which, in this case, is embedded in the loop area. Ensure minimal contact with delicate parts such as the needle whenever you are uninstalling your stitch finger.

Step 3: Pull the Threads

Reach out for the threads and pull them toward the rear end of the serger. Ensure you pull the threads gently and be sure they are not attached to the stitch fingers.

Step 5: Move the Knob Again

Now, you can rotate the knob till it gets to the lower level. Just like installing a stitch finger, you need to turn the knob correctly. It will help reduce the risks of potential damages.

Step 6: Check the Threads

Be sure that no threads are hanging around your stitch finger before dislodging it from its location to prevent any damages to your serger.

Step 7: Dislodging a Stitch Finger

Apply a little pressure on the lever to let go of the stitch finger. Dislodge your stitch fingers from their position, and there you go.

How to Go About the Stitch Formation Process?

Note that an overlock stitch is a formation process that happens when the needle goes through the fabric as you continue sewing. In the process, the knife blade may cut the edge of your fabric after loop formation.

Creating stitch formations is dependent on many factors, such as the number of threads to use, the nature of your fabric, and needle size.

Number of Threads to Use With a Stitch Finger

You can sew stitches by using up to four threads. The only trick is understanding the durability aspect of your stitch.

Note that you should pull the threads at once through the eye of your needle; this explains why a four-thread stitch is more or less the same as a thread stitch and a two-thread stitch.

1. A Four-Thread Stitch

You may be able to realize that using four threads makes your stitch more strong. This stitch type is beneficial when making hems and seams along the edges of your fabric.

2. A Three-Thread Stitch

This stitch will require you to incorporate three threads on a

needle. It is also a bit durable, and it creates a neat finish on your fabric. On that note, this stitch type is less commonly used compared to the four-thread stitch.

How to Create a Perfect Stitch With Proper Stitch Finger Settings?

Making a clean stitch is so fulfilling. However, you may find it hard to create a perfect stitch finish due to the lengthy process involved. Nevertheless, referring to the manual for specific settings to employ will save you lots of time and energy.

Ensure you maintain the proper stitch lengths, differential feeds, and margin width. Always go for default settings in case you are at a loss on what settings to use.

Uses of a Stitch Finger

You may discover that you create a neat and consistent narrow stitch when you take away your serger stitch finger.
Stitch fingers take the role of knitting your fabric.
Moreover, stitch fingers are helpful when dealing with rolled hemmings, narrow hems, and creating a four-thread stitch pattern.

Special Tips for Overlock Sewing

1. Ensure you stick baste seams together before starting sewing and ensuring they stick together throughout the sewing process. Besides, Make sure you can unpin the seams once you finish with sewing.

2. Use an appropriate sticking substance to hold your fabrics together. The most appropriate substance to use would be the glue that can dissolve in water. Mark along the edges of your garment where you will apply the sticking glue

3. Use your hands where possible to stick the fabrics together and ensure they remain in the same position throughout the sewing process.

4. Choose the colors of your threads correctly. Always go for colors that are visible to enable you to create a neat and consistent stitch line. Note that the color of your thread will depend upon the color of your fabric.

5. If you want to change your sewing thread, be sure to tie a knot at the end of your thread so you can continue sewing with ease. It would be helpful if you cut the tip of your thread before inserting it through the eye of your needle.

6. Avoid the habit of using a mixture of different colors of threads. You want to create a professionally woven piece of fabric, be sure to use a single thread color at any given time.

7. When you begin your stitch at the middle of your fabric, ensure you pull enough thread length through the needle to prevent the threads from retracting and then tie a knot at the tip.

8. Sewing curvy edges might be a difficult task, so you should stitch in a slow-motion style to achieve a consistent hem. Pull your threads gently to avoid distorting the edges of your fabric.

Is It Possible for a Serger to Sew Without Cutting the Fabric?

Provided that the Serge is much close to the edge, your serger can sew your fabric without cutting it.

Note that the primary function of sergers is to trim the edges of your fabric, so you should monitor your machine correctly to achieve the results you want without damages.

How Do You Choose a Serger Thread?

When selecting a suitable thread for your sewing project, consider basing your choice on color. The color of your thread should be entirely different from the color of your fabric for proper distinction.

Always select thread colors that are bright to enable you to make visible and neat stitches on your fabric. Additionally, ensure you go for quality threads.

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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.