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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mspat10
Date: 06-09-2005, 01:33 PM (1 of 9)
I just started using the cover stitch on my Singer serger. It was working okay except the looper was skipping stitches about every 5 or 6 stitches. I adjusted the tension wheel and when this didn't work, I adjusted the pressure foot pressure. Now, the looper is not connecting at all. I tried to readjust the pressure foot pressure to normal but still the looper is not connecting. How do I get this back realigned or have the cover stitch back working again.
User: mspat10
Member since: 06-09-2005
Total posts: 1
From: dmoses
Date: 06-09-2005, 02:25 PM (2 of 9)
Have you tried rethreading from scratch?

I have a Singer serger, and I became so frustrated :bang: trying to thread it for the chain stitch and cover stitch that I just haven't attempted to do either stitch in ages. The one thing I remember from my 'ordeal' is that the manual is not the best and the threading instructions for those stitches are not particularly clear, especially in reference to the chain looper. It doesn't really say what to do with the thread once you pass it through the chain looper. I found if I pulled it to the back of the foot(as instructed for all the other threads), the machine doesn't want to pick up the looper thread.

Good luck. I hope you find a solution for your problem soon. :bluesmile

Maybe you have some hints for me. If so, I would be very grateful! :bluewink:
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: Kylnne2
Date: 06-09-2005, 04:40 PM (3 of 9)
Donna, I have a different serger but with the chain looper thread..I just let it hang a few inches inside after threading and the machine automatically picks it up. I don't bring it to the top to put it under the foot. Be sure your upper looper is set in a "non " working position. Pat, I was wondering if possibly your skipped coverhem stitches are from using the wrong needles. You might want to check your manual. Though some sergers can take household needles many sergers need special needles for coverlock. My serger requires EL x 705 for coverhem. If your manual doesn't state what stitch length to use for coverhem..I would also suggest to start at 3 then adjust higher from there but it depends on what your manual recommends.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: dmoses
Date: 06-09-2005, 05:46 PM (4 of 9)
Thanks, Kylnne! I honestly never thought to leave it dangling! I figured it would lead to a tangled mess. :bluesmile I did try holding on to the end, to see if the needle would pick it up(like picking up the bobbin thread on a regular machine). Well, I will let you know if it works! :bluesmile
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: chris b
Date: 06-09-2005, 08:19 PM (5 of 9)
As someone who worked on professional sergers in a sewing factory once in my life....the first thing anyone should try when having problems is to change the needles before doing anything else.Even if you just put them in sometimes they are defective right out of the package!If this doesn't do anything then start adjusting! :bluewink:
Pfaff 2170,Pfaff 7570,Elna 945
Singer 301A,Singer Redeye,Singer 15 HC
Simplicity 2/3/4
Pfaff Creative 3-D digitizing,3-D Fabric Decorator
Pfaff PCDMac2.2
StitchBunnyPro,FlutterWhumper
Embird,Studio,cross stitch,
EQ5....and adding all the time!
User: chris b
Member since: 01-10-2001
Total posts: 109
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-09-2005, 09:19 PM (6 of 9)
I have a Singer 5 thread and when I thread the chain looper, I have to put the thread through the hole in the feed dog cover plate and bring it to the top myself otherwise, I break thread and use some naughty language, etc. However, my serger doesn't have a cover stitch on it. It only took me the better part of 4 years to figure that out. DUH!!! :sad:

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Kylnne2
Date: 06-10-2005, 09:41 PM (7 of 9)
I know that different brands of sergers have different threading technique. My Elna 744 states in the manual to leave the chain looper thread to dangle and the machine has always brought it up automatically as stated. Much of the 744 is automatic however, including the tensions. It really is a no hassle machine that is why I am quite amazed to see when people have problems with the Elna line. The computerized model above the 744 seems to have more problems posted but then it is a more complicated 5 thread machine and computerized where the 744 is not. I feel videos should come with all new machines to help new owners like the 744 has. Even my inexpensive Janome had a video but I realize not all sergers do come with them but it would be nice if they did.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: sewcr8v
Date: 06-11-2005, 12:45 PM (8 of 9)
What I have found is that coverstitching does NOT like taut serging - meaning you hold the fabric behind the needles with one hand and the other hand is in front and you are holding the fabric 'taut' as you serge. I would say coverstitching really is at its worst when applying it to woven fabrics. It really is for knit fabrics such as t-shirts, bathing suits etc (in my opinion). One thing that did correct this problem on knits for me was to always use stretch 90 needles without exception. I have a Husqvarna 936 coverstitch.
Sewcr8v
Keep the world sewing...
User: sewcr8v
Member since: 09-05-2004
Total posts: 30
From: chris b
Date: 06-11-2005, 01:23 PM (9 of 9)
You should never run a serger holding the fabric at the back!This is a great recipe to bend or break a looper not to mention the needles.Let the machine do the work.With the newer computerized sewing machine you really shouldn't sew like that either.It can interfere with any decorative stitches.Again,let the machine do the work and just support the fabric with a light hand.
Pfaff 2170,Pfaff 7570,Elna 945
Singer 301A,Singer Redeye,Singer 15 HC
Simplicity 2/3/4
Pfaff Creative 3-D digitizing,3-D Fabric Decorator
Pfaff PCDMac2.2
StitchBunnyPro,FlutterWhumper
Embird,Studio,cross stitch,
EQ5....and adding all the time!
User: chris b
Member since: 01-10-2001
Total posts: 109
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