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From: Military_Mom
Date: 02-28-2005, 02:18 PM (1 of 8)
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I have a White 1600 Speedylock and I can't figure out how to set the differential settings. I'm sewing a knit top and the seams are all wavy and puckery looking. My book says to set the differential to 2.0 (for stretchy knit, which I'm using) but the markings on the dial doesn't indicate WHERE 2.0 would be! There are 8 available settings and none is marked. The 8 settings are BELOW the "N" (which is for no differential)...then there are 3 settings above the N up to the S (for stretch?). I've played around with the settings a little but I'm not coming up with a flat seam. Another question..... the book says to avoid any puckering in seams on lightweight woven fabrics or smooth nylon, the rear feed teeth must feed faster than the front feed teeth. ..THEN it says to set the differential to 0.7....where would THAT be?? Any help here would REALLY be appreciated! Thanks! |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109 
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From: dmoses
Date: 02-28-2005, 05:56 PM (2 of 8)
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Hi Military Mom, The higher settings(above the N) are to prevent stretch on knits, and also for easing and gathering. The 2 means that the front feed dogs move twice as fast as the back. The lower settings(below the N) are supposed to prevent puckers on lightweight fabrics. The 0.7 means that the front feed dogs move seven tenths as much as the back. In addition to adjusting DF, try this to prevent puckers on lightweight woven fabric: Shorten stitch length. Loosen needle tension slightly. Hold fabric taut on both sides of presser foot, without 'pulling'. Hope this helps. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Military_Mom
Date: 02-28-2005, 06:32 PM (3 of 8)
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Thanks, Donna for your reply. I hope I'm understanding, but if not, straighten me out, ok?? So in order to get a flatter seam, I should use MORE differential with the stretchy knit? OR should I go up closer to the S to prevent the stretch? I'm confused about this...please bear with me! Would you have any idea what the increments would be for the settings between the N and the G? Just so I would know where to set it for 2.0? or 0.7? The more questions, I ask..the more I have! Becky |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109
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From: dmoses
Date: 02-28-2005, 09:33 PM (4 of 8)
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Hi Becky, Your serger seems to have a lot more settings on the DF than mine. I suspect that '2' is probably equivalent to your highest setting, and 0.7 is the lowest, since those are the two extreme numbers I see most often mentioned with regard to DF. Since you have letters(S & G) instead of numbers, I would guess that G is for 'gather' which suggests a higher number(2), and S is for the lower number(0.7). The S may stand for 'stretch''(again, a guess), not for the type of fabric, but rather for motion that the DF puts on the seam. If this is the case, then you will need to turn your DF towards G for stretchy knits. I think your best bet is to take some scrap fabric, either from your current project, or a similar type, weight, etc. and do some practice runs. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 03-01-2005, 01:19 AM (5 of 8)
| Both of my sergers go from .5 to 2 if this helps you in determining where .7 might be on your serger. If your serger has a pressure control sometimes adjusting that helps with different materials as it does with your sewing machine. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: dmoses
Date: 03-01-2005, 11:38 AM (6 of 8)
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My Singer(5-thread with Coverstitch) has five markings on the DF dial - 0.6, 0.8, N, 1.5, & 2.0. It seems as though the dial can stop in between these increments, but I haven't tested to see if it actually makes a difference. Becky, let us know how you make out!
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Military_Mom
Date: 03-01-2005, 07:02 PM (7 of 8)
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Well....I played around a little bit with some scrap knit from the fabric that I'm using and here's what I found.....If I put the DF on the G, which WOULD be the highest setting on my machine...and set the stitch length at about 3.5...I get a FLAT seam!! The closer I get to the S, the more puckered it gets. Thanks, Donna and Kylnne2 for your input! I'm considering this top to be my 'practice and learn' top..  I started out with a size 12 pattern and everytime I tried to re-serge the seams to make it flat, I think I took off a size! So it just might end up being for my size 6 daughter! Oh, well....gotta laugh! It's all about learning!! Good thing it wasn't expensive material.
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User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109
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From: dmoses
Date: 03-01-2005, 09:22 PM (8 of 8)
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Glad you got it figured out, Becky!
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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