Serger Thread?

(Marcia)

Question:

Hi,
I have a brother quilting machine. Can I use serger thread as the thread in my bobbins for quilting purposes? What does it mean "serger" ? I am a new sewer.
thank you,
marcia
twdeee@yahoo.com

Answer:

The best thread for quilting is 100% cotton thread made for sewing machines, not serger thread.

Your question is similar to one that I received from David. Serger thread is a thinner thread and is not recommended for use in bobbins or the upper thread guide, it is not recommended for use in sewing machines at all. Threads used in sewing machines should have equal stregth in the bobbin and upper thread area since they interlock to form the seam.

Also since serger thread is lighter in weight than regular sewing machine thread, the thread can break easier, and the seam will be weaker since the thread strengths would be unequal if you used serger thread in your bobbins.

So, it is best to use 100% cotton thread made for sewing machines for both the bobbin and the upper thread guide for quilting. Quilting requires a strong thread so 100% cotton is ideal.

Serger comes from the word serge which originally referred to a type of strong wool cloth that is used to make coats and jackets.

The term serger was probably taken from the word serge, to indicate the strength of the seam, since a serger overlocks the threads to stregthen the seam and keep the seam from unraveling when a seam is serged at the high speeds that a serger operates at, overlocking anywhere from three to five threads, but in a sewing machine, the seams are produced differently, and with only the upper thread guide and the bobbins producing two interlocked threads, thinner serger thread won't hold up well in regular sewing machine seams, it's not designed for sewing straight sewing machine stitches.