I have a love/hate relationship with my serger and sewing machine for that matter.

I've tried three, four, five and the 10 thread and got the 10 thread to work one time. Both of my machines are Pfaffs.

Sometimes it works like a dream and other times, I'll spend three days trying to get it to work correctly and I just can't get it right.

I've always had tension problems with both the serger and sewing machine with my Pfaffs. The sewing machine has gone through a lot of sewing time and needs to be cleaned and tuned up, but I haven't had the courage to bring out the serger in two years. It scares me because of the need for the blade on suggested overlocks or coverlock threading.

I have three books and while they are helpful, I have the same problems as you. It's always the tension that gets me.

Sorry, I guess I'm really no help, am I?

Azeeza

The thread tensions listed in the instruction manual are usually pretty much spot on. I am a Huskvarna machine person myself (both serger and regular sewing machine.) If you are having a hard time with it, having purchased it in a yard sale, it may be worth it (and highly recommended) to take it in for a tune up/maintenance check. This may save yourself lots of headaches and frustration in the future. You could also (hint hint) get a lesson or two on it. I know with mine (a complex machine) different stitches require different threading patterns.

If you purchased your machine from a dealer, may I recommend that you go and ask them to show you how to use it.

I have a Huskylock and love it, and have found it to be super simple. you may want to be sure that you have the threads down into the tension channels all the way... Be sure that the machine is threaded correctly (I've threaded mine wonky more than once just by missing a loop)
OR if you didnt buy at a dealer, go and find a dealer who is willing to teach you how to use the machine. =)

I use the 4-4-4-4 tension most of the time. when I am doing a rolled hem stitch (yes I like to use 4 threads) I use 3-3-3-6.

What type of thread are you using? is it getting wrapped up on the bottom of the spool? That causes a whole nother pile of problems, but there should be some "net" thingies that go over the spools to hold em together.

Good luck with your sewing! read that book till it makes sense =) perhaps you are over-thinking it?

Perhaps I need to use the net thingies too. My dealer, who has since retired and is out of the business, didn't explain the net thingies to me, but we managed the 10 thread without any problems. It was a decorative stitch and I don't know if that makes a difference.

Azeeza