Cómo usar el hilo de espuma en la overlock para acabados profesionales

How to Use Foam Thread in an Overlocker for Professional Finishes

The overlocker (or serger) is a great ally for achieving clean, elastic finishes on our garments. But to take sewing to the next level, there's a type of thread that provides softness, elasticity, and a more professional finish: foam thread, also known as woolly nylon or textured thread.

In this article, I'll tell you what it is, how to use it, and some tips to get the most out of it.

What is foam thread?

Foam thread is a textured thread, softer and fluffier than conventional threads. Its main characteristics are:

Elasticity: perfect for seams that need to stretch without bursting (such as sportswear, lingerie, or swimwear).

Coverage: as it expands, it better covers the edges of the fabric, achieving a fuller finish.

Softness: ideal for garments that will be in direct contact with the skin.

Where to place foam thread in an overlocker?

This type of thread is not recommended for needles because it can break or not penetrate the fabric properly. It's ideal to use it in the loopers of an overlocker.

Upper loop: Provides more coverage on visible edges.

Lower loop: Provides softness to the inside of the garment, especially for underwear or baby clothes.

Recommended Settings

To get the most out of foam thread, you can apply these settings:

Low tension: Reduce the tension of the looper slightly where you place it so that the thread expands properly.

Differential according to the fabric: For stretch fabrics, adjust the differential to avoid ripples or puckering.

Test stitch: Always make a sample on a scrap before sewing the final garment.

Most common uses

Sportswear: Seams that need to stretch without breaking.

Swimwear and lingerie: Comfort and elasticity.

Baby clothes: Softness against the skin.

Seam decoration: more covered and attractive edges.

Practical tips

Combine it with regular thread on the needles for greater durability.

Use quality cones: cheap foam thread can shed lint and jam the machine.

Keep the cones well protected, as textured thread tends to snag more easily.

✅ In short: foam thread on your overlocker is a simple trick to improve the quality of your seams, especially on stretchy or delicate garments. Just place it on the loopers, lower the tension slightly, and practice with scraps to achieve perfect results.