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From: yogamama
Date: 04-10-2004, 10:57 AM (1 of 30)
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HELP! I have a Kenmore serger, inherited from my MIL. It ran beautifully when I got it. Recently, I decided to sit down and go through the manual, trying all the different stitches. Now, I can't get it to do standard 4-thread serging right! Here is what's happening: The left needle thread seems to not be picked up by the lower looper, so it's not forming that stitch consistently. I've rethreaded, changed both needles, readjusted everything. (It actually ran perfectly once -- the left needle thread tension was on '0', and the RH switch was in the "RH" position. But, when I tried it again, it didn't do it.) HELP! Thanks! Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12 
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From: foxy
Date: 04-10-2004, 12:46 PM (2 of 30)
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Originally posted by yogamama HELP! I have a Kenmore serger, inherited from my MIL. It ran beautifully when I got it. Recently, I decided to sit down and go through the manual, trying all the different stitches. Now, I can't get it to do standard 4-thread serging right! Here is what's happening: The left needle thread seems to not be picked up by the lower looper, so it's not forming that stitch consistently. I've rethreaded, changed both needles, readjusted everything. (It actually ran perfectly once -- the left needle thread tension was on '0', and the RH switch was in the "RH" position. But, when I tried it again, it didn't do it.) HELP! Happy Easter---the first thing I would do is make the needles are put in right. sometimes when changing needles we don't put them up as high as they can go----hope this is your problem Thanks! |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: Onehunga2002
Date: 05-22-2004, 05:08 PM (3 of 30)
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Hello. I have a four thread which was giving me trouble. No matter what I did the loops were well out from the material. Found out by accident that I had put the wrong thread in the wrong needle. Rethreaded it being very careful to put in in the right needle and haven't had the problem since. Anne NZ: Anne
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User: Onehunga2002
Member since: 02-01-2002 Total posts: 6 |
From: foxy
Date: 05-23-2004, 03:12 AM (4 of 30)
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Originally posted by Onehunga2002 Hello. I have a four thread which was giving me trouble. No matter what I did the loops were well out from the material. Found out by accident that I had put the wrong thread in the wrong needle. Rethreaded it being very careful to put in in the right needle and haven't had the problem since. Anne NZ: Hi--threading is very important--if you don't have it threaded right===it just doesn't serge |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
From: dmoses
Date: 05-23-2004, 11:05 AM (5 of 30)
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Hi Alex, I think the 'RH' setting is for a rolled hem. If you want to do standard 4-thread serging, then your machine should be set to 'S', or whatever the other setting is called on your serger. Also, you may need to tighten the tension for the left needle...experiment, adjusting the tension a little at a time until you find the right balance. Hope this helps. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: yogamama
Date: 06-10-2004, 10:55 PM (6 of 30)
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Thanks for all your replies! I have cleaned the entire machine (including under the feed dogs), then rethreaded the machine. I have tried several different new needles. And, different thread. When I try 4-thread serging, the left needle only "catches" the looper thread about 50% of the time, but the right needle does fine. When I try 3-thread serging, the needle "catches" about 75% of the time. I've adjusted the knife position. I've adjusted the tension like crazy. It just doesn't seem right for it need to be on tension "0" for it to work. I recently read something that indicated that the upper knife could need replacing -- that that could cause skipped stitches. This could explain why it worked when I had it in "rolled hem" position. Does this sound possible? Does anyone know if this is something that I could do by myself? Thanks! alex (by the way, I'm serging diapers -- 3-4 layers of birdseye with 1 layer of flannel.) Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-11-2004, 07:11 PM (7 of 30)
My stitches look like you described sometimes when I change from thin to thick or vice versa.. I just have learned that when it happens, I need to change my number of stitches per inch and this solves the problem.. Have you tried that ? ?. I cannot remember whether its from thick to thin or from thin to thick... Sorry, for my bad memory.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: yogamama
Date: 06-11-2004, 08:04 PM (8 of 30)
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Originally posted by LeapFrog Libby My stitches look like you described sometimes when I change from thin to thick or vice versa.. I just have learned that when it happens, I need to change my number of stitches per inch and this solves the problem.. Have you tried that ? ?. I cannot remember whether its from thick to thin or from thin to thick... Sorry, for my bad memory.. I have tried EVERYthing!   Actually, I got it to work for me today. I disengaged the (upper) knife, and am doing 3-thread serging. It still won't work with the 2nd needle. I guess I'm going to have to take it in for a tune-up (or, get this book: http://sewmachinerepair.com/sergerrepair.htm). Thanks! Alex
Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-12-2004, 03:20 PM (9 of 30)
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I always have the 2 needles engaged.. My close vision is not too good and its too hard to take it off and then put it back in.. I guess the button I turn is called stitch length button..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: yogamama
Date: 06-12-2004, 03:30 PM (10 of 30)
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Libby, I can definitely see why you'd leave both needles in all the time - it's a pain to deal with that tiny screw! As I've mentioned though, I've adjusted everything there is to adjust, in trying to get this to work -- including the stitch length. It still skips stitches. It's working fine right now, though -- with just one needle (specifically, the right one; it won't, won't, won't work AT ALL with the left one in), stitch length at about "2", and loopers a bit looser than normal (I'm serging diaper stuff, so there's lots of layers). Oh, and I'm using Wooly Nylon in the loopers. So, I'm guessing that the knife has something to do with the main problem. However, there's obviously still another problem, since I can't get the left needle to work right. [sigh] Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: plrlegal
Date: 06-12-2004, 07:53 PM (11 of 30)
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I have a Singer 5 thread (w/chain stitch) and I can't think of anytime I use both needles except when I use the chain stitch and when I use woolly nylon, I only use it in the upper looper. I have never tried using it in the lower looper. Also, when I use the woolly nylon, I have found that the use of a thread net allows the woolly nylon to feed better off the spools. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: yogamama
Date: 06-13-2004, 10:00 AM (12 of 30)
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Patsy, Wow! I'd love to have a 5-thread serger! In thinking about it, I don't really need to use both needles, I guess. But, you mentioned that you do when you use Wooly Nylon, and that's what I'm using. But, I can see that there would be times when I'd at least like to use the left needle by itself -- for a wider stitch. But, that won't work, either. Regarding using Wooly Nylon in the lower looper, I'm sewing diapers, where using Wooly Nylon in both loopers is quite common. I can't see a reason why using it in one looper but not the other should cause skipped stitches. The thread doesn't seem to be having a problem coming off the spool. What should I be looking for with that? Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: paroper
Date: 06-13-2004, 10:28 AM (13 of 30)
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My serger requires using only a number 14 needle in the left hand (LH) side. The right hand side (RH) can have just about anything. Make sure that your needle is inserted correctly...with the flat side to the back. My LH needle is higher than the right when it is inserted correctly. Make sure that your needle is all the way into its position. If all else fails, you might check to see if Singer can use "just any brand". Several years ago I had a Kenmore and it required a little different length needle than the standard. Some needles have different shapes to the "eye" portion too.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: yogamama
Date: 06-13-2004, 11:02 AM (14 of 30)
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Pam, In mine (a Kenmore), the flat part of the needle is in front. I've taken the needles out and put them (and new ones) back in several times, always making sure they're up as high as they can go. I've read the manual, which says that most standard size needles will work, but that 11 and 14 are most common. I'm using size 14. And, I'm using Schmetz brand needles. alex Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: paroper
Date: 06-13-2004, 12:38 PM (15 of 30)
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As I said my Kenmore was very old...bought in 1973 and it was a sewing machine...great machine, who knows who made it....but at that time, the Kenmore needles were a little shorter than the Schmetz which I found out when I bought a new machine that took the Schemtz and couldn't use the Kenmore needles in that machine nor vice versa. I also think that my needles went in backwards too..I haven't used that machine for several years now.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: yogamama
Date: 06-13-2004, 02:23 PM (16 of 30)
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I understand your issue with different size needles -- I previously had my MIL's older Kenmore sewing machine. However, this serger is pretty new. Here's the model that apparently replaced the one I have: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?vertical=APPL&pid=02016655000&bidsite It appears to be pretty much the same machine. The only thing I can see as different is the automatic oiling reservoir-thingy. And my manual specifically says: "Your overlock uses standard sewing needles (HA-1, SP, #11, #14)." I searched on "http://www3.sears.com/" which is Sears' online parts store, and they don't list specific needles on the parts list for this machine. So, I assume that, as they say, I can use standard needles. Could it be a simple timing adjustment that's necessary? If so, does anyone know how one goes about doing this -- or would it be specific to each machine? Thanks a bunch for all the suggestions! I'm really wanting to find out what's going on with this machine, without spending the time and money to take it to a repair shop! Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: wghmch
Date: 06-15-2004, 10:13 AM (17 of 30)
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"In mine (a Kenmore), the flat part of the needle is in front." Not possible. If this were true, you would have to thread it from back to front. Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: yogamama
Date: 06-15-2004, 10:44 AM (18 of 30)
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Originally posted by wghmch "In mine (a Kenmore), the flat part of the needle is in front." Not possible. If this were true, you would have to thread it from back to front. Bill Holman You guys don't know what it took for me to post this. But, Bill, it IS indeed possible. I did it. I'm not exactly sure where I got the idea that I had to insert the needle backwards. But, the fact of the matter is, IT FIT. So, I've always thought that Kenmore just did things backwards! And, regarding threading the needle from back to front, only someone who actually looked at a needle, to see the channel for the thread (which I've just done, and which everyone here has probably done -- years ago!) would know that there's a difference in the front and back of the needle. Clearly, if someone says they insert the needles "backwards," they likely don't know that there's a front and a back to a needle!  So, it IS possible. But, as I've found out -- through an amazing amount of frustration -- it will cause your machine to hate you. Thank you for showing me "the error of my ways." I've humbled myself to admit this amazingly basic mistake. On the postitive side, I don't have to pay to have my machine tuned up! 
Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: dmoses
Date: 06-15-2004, 11:20 AM (19 of 30)
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Hi Alex, I just wanted to say that I was feeling your frustration , and am happy for you that your serger problem has finally been solved.  Thank heavens for this site and the knowledgeable people here who so generously share their expertise! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: yogamama
Date: 06-15-2004, 11:28 AM (20 of 30)
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Originally posted by dmoses Thank heavens for this site and the knowledgeable people here who so generously share their expertise! inDEED! Thanks, everyone! alex phoenix, az Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: wghmch
Date: 06-15-2004, 11:43 AM (21 of 30)
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"I've humbled myself to admit this amazingly basic mistake." A little humility never hurt anyone. (I thought I made a mistake once, but I was mistaken ;> ) I admire anyone who can say, "I goofed". Bill Holman |
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003 Total posts: 249 |
From: yogamama
Date: 06-15-2004, 11:49 AM (22 of 30)
 I was really wanting to just "dump" this thread, and not respond to your suggestion. But, the thrill I experienced in getting my machine to work overpowered my embarrassment! Again, THANK YOU! alex phoenix, az Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-15-2004, 12:33 PM (23 of 30)
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Alex, we have all had something in our pasts that says 'been there, done that'... How in the world do you think we know how to solve so many problems.. LOL.. I have a featherweight portable (singer 221) that is a treasure.. loaned it to DIL and it came back not working.. I inserted a new needle and forgot that it goes flat side to the side and not the back. (top of needle, not eye) Now I have had this machine since 1957 and this is the first time I ever had a problem with it.. So, I put it back in its case and started asking around to locate my favorite repairman, who had moved his shop.. In the meantime , on this site one day someone, (Bill , maybe) mentioned that this machine needle had to be inserted with flat side to the side... EUREKA ! ! the light bulbs went off in my head...My beloved featherweight portable works as well as it ever did.. I only admit this now, to let you see that everyone needs help at sometime or other, and we all goof from time to time..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: yogamama
Date: 06-15-2004, 12:38 PM (24 of 30)
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Thanks, Libby! I knew I wasn't alone! alex phoenix, az Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-16-2004, 10:13 AM (25 of 30)
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And a big thanks to Bill Holman.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Emmy
Date: 09-03-2004, 03:41 PM (26 of 30)
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If changing thread, and needles doesn't solve this problem you need to get a serviceman to adjust your timing. Not something you can or should attempt on your own. Mine was skipping stitches after trying to serge a woven stretch fabric. The fabric has tiny latex threads through it. It messed up my serger big time. Been to the service man 3 times, and still skipping, he says he'll have to ship it to the factory to get it looked at as he can't find anything wrong with it, and doesn't know why its still skipping. Cheap thread, bent needles, incorrectly threaded, needles too high or too low, all can cause skipped stitches. Dull blades will not cause skipped stithces, but they will cause the fabric to bunch up and make a real mess, which can in turn bend the loopers or needles and that could cause skipped stitches. If your loopers are bent, they have to be replaced. Emmy |
User: Emmy
Member since: 09-01-2001 Total posts: 127 
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From: yogamama
Date: 09-03-2004, 06:43 PM (27 of 30)
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Thank you for your suggestions. But, as I mentioned before, Bill's observation was exactly the problem. It runs like a dream, now! namaste, alex
Alex
Phoenix, AZ |
User: yogamama
Member since: 04-10-2004 Total posts: 12
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-03-2004, 08:47 PM (28 of 30)
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Yogamomma, I know exactly where you are coming from with your serger. I also have a Kenmore serger that lastnight I was ready to find any open window I could a put it through!!!!!! Well I took an hour out of my time and cleaned it out, took off the throat plate, and opened everything up that wil open and blew the crazy thing out. This is the one thing that I do not like on this model, junk can get into places that it should not be getting into. I even held it upside down to make sure that junk fell OUT and not into the machine. Look at your throatplate and make sure that you have what looks like long metal needles in it and check to make sure that they do not have any grooves or chunks in them, also the throat plate. One of these needles will appear to be a bit longer than the other, that is okay. When you thread the lower looper on mine you have to feed the thread under the throat plate area, there is a thread holder under there. (Mine was doing the same as yours, I found that my thread had slipped out of the holder.) Then it threaded into the swing arm and back under the throat plate to the eye on the finger. Check your fingers and make sure that there are no chips, chunks, burrs. I had to drop all my setting to "0" and re-set from there with scrap material. Mine seem to be doing okay now. Hope this helped. Sewhappie |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: sewcr8v
Date: 09-05-2004, 12:11 PM (29 of 30)
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I don't know if you ever got this working but I thought I would give you a couple of suggestions: 1) threading can only be in this sequence: upper looper, lower looper, right needle, left needle. Don't ever try to thread loopers with thread still in your needles. 2) wooly nylon is very very tight when going through the tension discs - LOOSEN your lower looper tension and upper wherever the wooly is until it gives the right look (I kind of think the problem is this) 3) if serging knits - use a ball point or stretch needle 4) I didn't read if you actually put new needles in - do that, and does your manual say to put the flat part to the front? I found that odd. 5) for heavy fabric (or several layers) increase the presser foot pressure. The feed dogs will then push the fabric thru better. Hope it is working for you again. Let us know! Sewcr8v
Keep the world sewing... |
User: sewcr8v
Member since: 09-05-2004 Total posts: 30 
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From: foxy
Date: 09-22-2004, 11:22 PM (30 of 30)
| hi----when removing needles & putting them back in---make sure you have the both needles the same size & that they are in as high as possible. Again, I only serge with three needles usually left needle expect fine fabric then i use the right. |
User: foxy
Member since: 11-13-2003 Total posts: 58 |
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