Thread To Use For Overlocker Machines
by Kelsi Watts: Overlocker machines, also known as sergers, are typically used with overlock thread. Overlock thread is a specific type of thread that is designed for use with sergers and is made from a durable, high-strength material such as polyester or nylon.
Overlock thread is available in a wide range of colors to match different fabrics, and it is typically thicker and more durable than standard sewing thread.
Using overlock thread in your serger will help to create strong, secure seams that finish the raw edges of your fabric. It is important to choose the right type and color of overlock thread for your project to ensure the best possible results.
When to use cone thread
The term ‘cone thread’ simply means a larger spool holding more thread than your average spool of thread. It’s called cone thread because of the shape of the spool which is cone-shaped (wider on one end).
The two main benefits of cone thread are a) the ease with which the thread comes off the narrow end of the cone and b) how much additional thread it contains for larger sewing projects.
Cone thread use on your sewing machine
Cone thread as it’s most often referred to is just regular sewing thread on a larger spool. You can use “cone thread” on your home sewing machine though it’s likely you will first need to add an attachment to make it work properly.
Cones of thread are larger than regular spools of thread and may not fit on your standard spool holder.
Overlock sewing thread (info and benefits)
Overlocking thread is a fine, smooth and relatively strong sewing thread designed to be used for sewing at high speeds. It can be used on the overlocker needle or looper, it’s interchangeable. All purpose overlock thread is most widely available for 250m and 1000m bobbins as well as 7500m thread cones.
How to thread your sewing machine needle
- Place a spool of sewing thread on your machine
- Pull the thread out and wind it around your bobbin
- Put the bobbin on your machine’s bobbin pin
- Engage the bobbin winder by pressing the peddle
- Cut and wrap the spool thread around the guide
- Pull the thread down around the catch
- Wrap the thread around the takeup lever
- Lastly, thread the needle and drop in your bobbin
Bobbin thread does not need to be the same color
When your top thread tension is properly set on your sewing machine the bobbin thread will not be visible in the finished product. For that reason your bobbin thread does not need to be the same color as your top thread.
To be safe avoid using high contrast color combinations, however, typically any bobbin thread color will work.
Strong thread is called heavy duty thread
Outside of industrial applications the strongest thread available for use in home sewing projects is called heavy duty thread. Modern heavy duty thread most often has a core made of a strong material wrapped in a more traditional thread material.
Heavy duty thread is ideal for use with embroidery sewing projects.
Engage your thread guide to keep thread in place
The thread guide on your home sewing machine is a small metal hook-shaped ring typically located on the upper needle assembly. By running thread through the thread guide it is kept in place during the sewing process.
Engage the thread guide to keep the thread moving smoothly between the spool and needle and to avoid frustrating tangles.
Spotting a good quality sewing thread
Sewing machines require good quality sewing thread to work optimally. You can spot good quality thread by giving it a good pull and by lightly scratching at it with a fingernail. If the thread breaks or frays you may want to use a higher quality thread with your sewing machine to avoid frustrating thread breaks.
Most sewing machines need upper and lower thread
Most sewing machines need upper and lower thread to form stitches. The lower thread is located in the bobbin below the presser foot and serves to lock individual stitches. Some machines, however, have been designed to work without a lower thread but these machines are considered difficult to use in comparison.
