Spools in back of serger

You have a nice serger, so let's start with some basics:
Is your serger cleaned?
Go back to the instruction book and set the entire machine to the factory settings. For example, set all the dials to tension 4. Use quality thread which is made for your spool holder. Usually cones of thread work best. Use an appropriate fabric, not sheer, not very heavy drapery fabric. Make absolutely sure it's threaded properly. Finally, make sure all the threads are under the presser foot.....then start serging. If the serger still won't serge without tangling, it might be good to have it serviced. I find that buying a new serger is more useful than having a worn out one serviced. Good luck!

you might want to replace the knives
you might have the serger checked for a timing problem
Serger thread breaks


1. Is the serger threaded correctly?


2. Is the needles inserted correctly?


3. Is one of the needles bent or damaged?


4. Is the tension adjusted too tightly?


5. Is the tension adjusted to accommodate thickness of thread being used?


6. Are you using inferior quality thread?


7. Is the thread feeding of the cone/spool freely?


8. Is the needle size correct for the type of fabric being used?


9. Are the needles being used the correct one for the serger?


10. If all of the above suggestions don't help then the serger needs to be checked for a timing problem at a sewing machine repair shop.

Serger thread breaks

1. Is the serger threaded correctly?

2. Is the needles inserted correctly?

3. Is one of the needles bent or damaged?

4. Is the tension adjusted too tightly?

5. Is the tension adjusted to accommodate thickness of thread being used?

6. Are you using inferior quality thread?

7. Is the thread feeding off the cone/spool freely?

8. Is the needle size correct for the type of fabric being used?

9. Are the needles being used the correct one for the serger?

10. If all of the above suggestions don't help then the serger needs to be checked for a timing problem at a sewing machine repair shop.

Serger thread breaks

1. Is the serger threaded correctly?

2. Is the needles inserted correctly?

3. Is one of the needles bent or damaged?

4. Is the tension adjusted too tightly?

5. Is the tension adjusted to accommodate thickness of thread being used?

6. Are you using inferior quality thread?

7. Is the thread feeding of the cone/spool freely?

8. Is the needle size correct for the type of fabric being used?

9. Are the needles being used the correct one for the serger?

Serger thread breaks
1. Is the serger threaded correctly?
2. Is the needles inserted correctly?
3. Is one of the needles bent or damaged?
4. Is the tension adjusted too tightly?
5. Is the tension adjusted to accommodate thickness of thread being used?
6. Are you using inferior quality thread?
7. Is the thread feeding of the cone/spool freely?
8. Is the needle size correct for the type of fabric being used?
9. Are the needles being used the correct one for the serger?

Serger thread breaks
1. Is the serger threaded correctly?
2. Is the needles inserted correctly?
3. Is one of the needles bent or damaged?
4. Is the tension adjusted too tightly?
5. Is the tension adjusted to accommodate thickness of thread being used?
6. Are you using inferior quality thread?
7. Is the thread feeding of the cone/spool freely?
8. Is the needle size correct for the type of fabric being used?
9. Are the needles being used the correct one for the serger?

here are some suggestions
Is machine threaded correctly, check each thread guide, all tension dics
Are needles inserted correctly
Are the needles bent or damaged
Is tension adjusted to tightly
Is tension adjusted to accommodate thickness of thread being used
Are you using good quality thread
Is thread feeding off cone/spool freely
Is the needle size correct for the type of fabric being used
Are the needles being used the correct ones for the machine

the tension must be too tight or check to make sure the spool does not have a crack that is catching the thread in the middle of using the serger. When the serger is working and the spool has a crack it catching the thread then you press to go on and it gives a break the needle because the spool is still holding onto the thread

Did you change to the narrow stitch finger? The narrow one is in the door of the machine where the other tools are -- a little square box on the left of where the needle box slides in. Sometimes that is needed instead of the normal one.

Caution: If you have never before changed it out, open the left door all the way and look and see where the stitch finger is coming out of before you remove it all the way. Refer to your manual.

When you thread the serger, your suppose to start threading the 3rd spool (left to right) first, then the 4th spool, then thread the 2nd spool which ends up in the second needle (left to right), There is a lever or bottom looper that the thread must go through before placing thread through the 2nd needle. Finally, the last spool to thread is the 1st spool (left to right). Follow the threading pattern and once you put the thread through the two loops that look like springs, turn the wheel at the right toward you until you can see like a lever with a ****, thread that **** from the back then put the thread through the machine to the right. Turn the knob to toward you again until the upper looper is showing, then you have the put your thread through the hole in that looper then through the first needle. You should now have 4 thread toward the back of your machine which you need to place under the presser foot and to the left side of the machine. There is also a VHS video that goes with the machine to help explain how to thread your serger. Also be sure that each spool of thread is in the tension of the upper colored tension wheels. If it is not, then your stitiches will be loose. Good luck and I hope this helps. I had to watch the video several times before I got it. If you don't have the video, try ebay for and perhaps you can obtain one. The video is Speedylock 1600, instructional video, USA Part #136000016, Perhaps you can contact White and see if they have one you could purchase.
Good Luck Serging!!!!