SEWING Sergers require regular care in order to do professional job

Hints make it possible to extend the life of your machine.
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
If you take sewing seriously, you probably own a serger in addition to your conventional machine.
A serger, sometimes called an overlock machine, gives your work a professional look while saving a considerable amount of time.
It does three jobs at once -- it sews the seam, overedges it and trims away excess fabric. Regular maintenance will prevent sewing problems, and extend the life of the machine.
Here are some tips from Geary Peel, manager of technical training for the Singer Sewing Co.:
UClean and oil according to your usage. If you use a serger as much as every week, clean it monthly. The oil should be specific for sewing machines. After oiling, serge on a bit of scrap fabric to absorb any excess. If the serger is noisier than usual, or has been sitting idle, oil it.
UUse a brush to clean out lint particles. Singer recommends canned compressed air to keep the looper and needle bar area lint-free.
UIt's best to use cone thread on a serger. Cone thread is lighter in weight, more economical and it's wound spirally to come off the spool more quickly. Singer suggests that all cones -- 3, 4 or 5, depending on your type of machine Ubuy the same brand. Because manufacturers may wind thread at different settings, mixing brands could cause unequal tensions.
UStatic may also lead to problems. If the thread is old, or if you have static in the sewing room in winter, try this simple trick: Place thread overnight in the freezer, and the moisture will be quickly restored.
UUse the correct type and size of needles, and change them fairly often. Make sure the needles are pushed up completely into the needle bar and screwed in securely. Replace the cutting blade when it no longer cuts fabric cleanly.
UClean between the tension discs with a knotted thread or the edge of a dollar bill. If you change tension settings when cleaning, be sure to readjust them. Check your manual for more advice.