¶ Introduction
Instructions to thread the Juki Serger.
¶ Skills/Class Required
A membership or day pass is required to access Textiles. The following Shop Safety Class is required to access the Lockstitch sewing machines:
¶ Machine Reservations
The lockstitch sewing machines do not require a machine reservation and are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
¶ Before You Begin
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times for traction and stability.
• Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back to prevent getting caught in moving parts.
For more information on shop safety visit Textiles under "Safety."
✓ Make sure the machine is turned off before threading the machine.
✓ Ensure that you are not wearing any dangling jewelry or loose clothing that could get caught in the machine.
✓ Keep your feet off the drive pedal[^1] as you perform this procedure.
¶ Time to complete
- 10 minutes.
¶ Tools Required
- Tweezers (optional)
- Scissors
¶ Materials Required
- Four spools of cotton-poly thread
¶ Previous Steps
Replacing the needles on the serger.
¶ Threading the Serger
There are two main ways to thread the serger. If it is already threaded correctly, you can use the fast way. If it is not threaded, or threaded incorrectly, follow the diagram below.
 |
| Diagram adapted from the Juki Manual. |
-
Open up the table and machine.
1.1 Open the table by releasing the catch underneath and lifting the machine surround to the side.
1.2 Use the lever on the left side of the machine to release the presser foot. Rotate it to the side.
1.3 Slide the plate on the front of the machine to right until it opens forward.
1.4 Press the release tab and rotate the cloth plate and cover to the left.
-
Place the four spools of thread on the spool holder. From left to right, the left two will be the needle/top threads, and the right two will be the looper/bottom threads.
-
Thread bar #1.
-
Thread bar #2. Thread bottom to top, and then bring the thread underneath again and forward.
-
Tensions discs. Thread underneath to top through the thread guide. Then wrap the thread from back to front around the right side of the discs, being sure to go between the discs. Then thread from top to bottom through the guide.
-
Thread guides. The needle threads and looper threads diverge through their own guides.
The front plate that you slide to the side earlier has a threading diagram on it for reference.
- Thread the loopers, making sure that the threads don't get tangled. The looper guides have colored dots on them to help you distinguish which thread goes where.
- Thread the needles, making sure that the threads don't get tangled.
- Make sure that there are several inches of thread so that a tail can be started.
¶ The Fast Way
-
Open up the table and machine.
1.1 Open the table by releasing the catch underneath and lifting the machine surround to the side.
1.2 Use the lever on the left side of the machine to release the presser foot. Rotate it to the side.
1.3 Slide the plate on the front of the machine to right until it opens forward.
1.4 Press the release tab and rotate the cloth plate and cover to the left.
-
Place the four spools of thread on the spool holder. From left to right, the left two will be the needle/top threads, and the right two will be the looper/bottom threads.
-
Unthread the needle.
-
Cut the thread between the machine and the spool.
-
Tie the end of the new spool of thread to the machine end of the old thread.
-
Using the end of the old thread by the needle, pull the knot and new thread all the way through the machine.
-
Cut the old thread off of the new thread.
-
Thread the needle with the new thread.