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How to Adjust Serger Tension - VIDEO TUTORIAL

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Let’s face it. Serger tension can be tricky AND it takes a lot of patience. All those threads create beautiful, and dare I say magical, overcast stitches but they also create more opportunities for a tension issue. Each thread has a tension dial that can either be too tight or too loose, meaning you have 8 different options for how to adjust the tension. In today’s YouTube video, I give some tips for adjusting the tension on your machine and show some common tension issues.

If you’re running short on time today, here’s a quick rundown of my top tips for adjusting the tension dials on your serger or overlocker:

1. Test out your tension on a scrap of fabric before you stitch your garment (and make sure to use the same fabric and number of layers that you plan on stitching)

2. Evaluate the stitches and consult your serger manual to identify the possible issue

3. Adjust only one dial at a time. Snap a photo with your phone if you tend to forget what adjustments you’ve been making.

4. Have patience. It’s a process of trial and error and will take a little bit of time to find the best tension settings for your fabric.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video “How to Thread a Serger". And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube. Happy sewing!

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The Ultimate DIY Sweatsuit

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The Ultimate DIY Sweatsuit

As a pattern maker, I always end up making my patterns many, many times during the development phase. And usually end up with an excess of supplies for those particular patterns. When I was developing the Ali Sweatshirt, I was constantly on the lookout for sweatshirt fabric and grabbed a few yards whenever I found it. I found this classic grey sweatshirt fabric on a visit to The Fabric Store’s LA location (now sadly closed). It has a nice amount of stretch and is a nice lightweight that is perfect for the warm climate of Southern California. I first used this fabric to make a sample of the Ali Sweatshirt which I wear all the time. But I had a good amount leftover so in January I decided to make a matching pair of Hudson Pants. And voila! A fully me-made sweatsuit. (Side note, there’s something about January that always makes me want to sew cozy things like pajamas and sweat pants.)

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How to Thread a Brother 1034D Serger - VIDEO tutorial

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A few weeks ago, I did a poll on Instagram asking what people’s biggest problems were when sewing knits. One issue that kept coming up was how to use a serger. Threading a serger can often be intimidating but with a little practice, you’ll feel comfortable with it in no time. The video will show you step by step how to thread this machine. I can’t say it enough, so it bears repeating that the most important thing is to thread the machine in the correct order. I also recommend practicing threading the machine so that you become comfortable with the process.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video 6 Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabrics. And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube.

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