Now that I am a proud new owner of an old serger I'm learning all about serger thread. Regular polyester serger thread is usually on a cone. Cones hold much more thread and since a serger mows through tons of it, it makes economical sense to buy it in bulk. The thread is also thinner 2-strand thread.
I bought these Maxi-Lock cones to get me started with the serger sample book I'm making as part of the Beginner Serging Craftsy class. I signed up for this class ages and ages ago, way before I even thought about adding a serger to my sewing room. I had watched it in passing but never really dove too deeply into it because I didn't have a machine to refer to or work with.
Now I am much more intensively active with this class. I love that about Craftsy classes...you own them forever so you can stockpile them and watch the lessons when you are ready. I have to say, and I have taken many Craftsy classes, that this one is extremely valuable! It is totally meaty and FULL of content. It's almost like 2 classes in one: learning about the serger and going through all the stitches and making a sample book...and then, making several class projects to experience working with the machine on actual items! There is a trouble-shooting section, a 'how to clean your machine' segment, and a bonus lesson on extra add-on feet!
I can confidently say that Amy Alan is pretty much on the top of my list for Craftsy instructors. She is absolutely amazing - great voice, wonderful style, very active and responsive to questions, and she has such a calm and relaxed way of teaching that she gives you the confidence to dive right in. She is also cute as a button! lol!
I bought the different colours of thread to help me, as a beginner sergist(?), identify the 4 different thread paths (upper & lower loopers, left & right needles) as the red, green, gold, and blue correspond to each area. Threading a serger to begin with can be complicated and the different threads can help with that too. It also makes adjusting the tension easier because you can better see which thread is where.
I can't wait to get started with the sample stitches and complete my serger book. Amy provides the template pages for the serger book with spaces to record the various settings for each stitch and a place to attach a sample swatch. This is right up my alley!
Once I'm comfortable with the machine I'll move on to the actual projects: a boxed bag, an apron, and a scarf. They all look so fun and I'm excited to give them a try as well as use decorative threads to make the standard stitches serve as embellishing accents. I'll share the results when I get them!
If you have a serger that's gathering dust or hasn't even been taken out of the box yet (and there ARE several students who have admitted that!!!) I would HIGHLY recommend Amy's class. She really is very thorough and explains everything so it makes sense. I really knew NOTHING about sergers and now have the confidence to not only get a machine but actually USE it!!! :) Yipppeeeee!!!