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From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-04-2005, 02:46 AM (1 of 34)
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I finally decided on a new serger and bought the Pfaff 4862. I know I liked the Elna 744 but there were backup problems in Australia. The Pfaff was very close to it but with only 1 coverstitch - sigh. Just wondering if any others have this serger. I know DorothyL does. My local dealer has little knowledge of it and has booked me in for lessons 1 month away (I think they hope by then I will have taught myself). I have been studying the manual like my life depends upon it and have threaded it from the first day I had it - and it's not too hard. I'm stuck on silly things though since I've never owned a serger before and don't know what to expect. Anyone else out there got this one so I don't have to drive Dorothy to distraction with my questions? Aussiesewer 
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User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-04-2005, 05:15 AM (2 of 34)
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Sorry, I have an olden golden goodie myself. Ask all the questions you want, sometimes the same answer is good for lots of different machines or at least similar. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 07-04-2005, 06:38 AM (3 of 34)
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Can't help with your brand/model but I suggest getting at least one good serger book. I recently got The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James from Amazon. It is wonderful. Lots of pics and explantations on any topic you could think of. My first book was The Singer Sewing with an Overlock and it too got me out of a lot of jams. Happy Serging, and like Mary said keep asking questions. Someone will have an answer.
Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-04-2005, 03:57 PM (4 of 34)
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Did you find all the little levers that make threading easy? Be sure they snap back in place before you take the thread through the next guide or the looper. There is a lever for the lower looper and one for when you do the cover stitch. I wouldn't want to tackle it without lessons. Be sure you thread it under the handle. Set the tension on N and all the other settings according to the guide you set with the wheel on top. Then make adjustments from there if you have to. Any questions send me a private message. If I can't figure out the answer (I'm new too, you know) I'll call the shop and ask them. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-04-2005, 09:38 PM (5 of 34)
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Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the support, albeit from around the other side of the World. Internet is the best thing, isn't it??? Sewinggrandma - I do have some books on order from Amazon. I looked all over Sydney and couldn't find much. I've ordered 3 different ones that appeared to be very good so I can't wait to get my hands on them. It's pretty expensive postage but I'm sure it will be worth it. I really need time to practice more than anything. Unfortunately work pays for the sewing machines and sergers!!! DorothyL - I'll check in with you occasionally thanks. Maree 
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User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-05-2005, 07:13 AM (6 of 34)
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Maree -- I may have questions for you too, you know. I'm just figuring the thing out myself. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-05-2005, 08:36 AM (7 of 34)
| I have an Elna 744 which is much the same as the Pfaff 4862. I was told they are both made in the same factory in Japan and I know they take interchangeable parts and feet. I would be glad to help anyone needing assistance being the machines are so much alike. I think there are several differences one being the 744 has 5 needle positions and does 3 coverhems..doesn't the 4862 have only 3 needles? I also think the coverhem set up is different because of this but I think the rest of the basic design is much the same between the two models. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-06-2005, 01:10 AM (8 of 34)
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I bought the Pfaff because it was so similar to the Elna. As I said above and have mentioned before I wanted the Elna but they have no backup in Australia or training. The Pfaff is a four thread with just one 5mm coverstitch and a chainstitch (not 3 coverstitches like the Elna). It is almost identical to convert to coverstitch as the Elna - I went through them both on the same day. I wish the needles leaned out on the Pfaff as they do on the Elna. It is quite easy to thread but my main problem is knowing just what a serger can do. I am limited by my knowledge. As suggested I am buying some books and looking forward to them arriving but they won't be here for a few weeks. I plan to spend some time playing. One question - exactly where do you place the fabric in relation to the blade and/or needles. I know what to do with a sewing machine but not an overlocker. Also it doesn't seem to like fleece that much though they did say this should be a problem. When you push hard on the presser foot lever it picks the presser foot up further which is helpful. Cheers Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-07-2005, 01:30 AM (9 of 34)
Maree, as to where to place the material..it depends on how much material you are wanting the serger to trim off. If you want none to be trimmed you can drop the knife. Your Pfaff should be able to sew fleece like a breeze. Start serging and get a tail of threads behind the needles then continue to press on the pedal at the same speed and feed the fleece into the serger and let it gobble it up. Let your serger do all the work no need to force or pull fabric as you can damage the loopers if you do. I have done tons of layered fleece without problems on my 744 and lesser sergers. If the 4862 is like the 744 in regards to coverstich..use your needle tension release button to release the fabric and threads from the machine after completing the stitching. It is much easier than having to turn the handwheel and turning the fabric to release the stitches. Just remember not to force or pull threads. I hope you enjoy your new serger. It might benefit to have some lessons or acquire a video in regards to serging. Books really help too. Isn't it nice that with your new serger having auto tensions that you do not have to mess with tension adjustments? That is one of the nicest things that I like about my 744. Using the serger takes some practice. You will soon be thrilled and wonder what you ever did without it..have fun. 
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-07-2005, 07:27 AM (10 of 34)
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Maree- What speed are you sewing? Maybe if you change the speed setting on the foot pedal it will help. With another -- less expensive brand -- of serger I was using I found changing the speed I was going -- or heaven forbid -- stopping to adjust the fabric really messed up my stitches. I haven't had that problem at all with the Pfaff, which I keep set at slow (my speed). I don't know about fleece -- it's too hot here for that. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-08-2005, 03:11 AM (11 of 34)
| I sewed a lot of doubled fleece on my Pfaff 4842 before getting my Elna 744. My Pfaff didn't even give a whimper sewing the fleece it is a very strong machine. I did have the foot pedal always set on the faster speed however and don't know if that made any difference. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-17-2005, 04:44 AM (12 of 34)
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Hi Dorothy Just to let you know I got my Pfaff sorted. The cover over the feeddogs wasn't sitting flush and this was stopping me feeding fabric properly. I've also been for a lesson. I felt quite comfortable as I had been studying the manual like crazy. It was funny because I actually taught the lady in the store something which made me feel good. She was very nice, despite my concerns and had been studying up onthe Pfaff as well as she mainly knew the Husqvarna. She actually showed me something not in the book, the rolled hem but using two needles - gives a lovely finish which I will use. One good thing about the Pfaff which NO 0NE mentions but it is in the manual is that you can sew off on coverstitch. A lot of coverstitch machines won't let you do that it seems. Dorothy - I took your advice by the way and have only been using the serger on half speed - it's fast enough for me. Also Kylnne2 had mentioned a tensions release - I found that - it's when you push the presser foot release further up than normal. Very simple but hidden in the manual. All in all - I'm having a great time. I'm really enjoying the Pfaff and it is doing lovely stitches. I made a fleece pullover to wear to the snow skiing in a few weeks time. No-one ever believes we get snow in Australia but it dumped about 90cm in our mountain area 2 weeks ago and has been snowing most nights since. I couldn't believe how quick it was to make on the seger. I'm hooked. I have to make a Christmas decoration for our Bernina Sewing Club so I'm on the lookout for ideas. I've been on the internet this afternnon but have come up empty. So I'll just have to make it up. Thanks for all the help. Much appreciated. Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-17-2005, 06:28 PM (13 of 34)
| Maree, yes, there is a pressure foot pressure control that can increase or decrease pressure on your foot and I believe your machine also has the needle tension release button on the top of the machine. The needle tension release is great when rethreading and when releasing coverhem stitches. Many coverhem only machines don't even have this feature and they cannot sew off material etc. With the needle tension release it helps to remove needles, threads and material in an instant when doing coverhem. Also there is a golden rule when threading sergers..always thread the needles last..well, with the needle tension release button..if you do not need to remove the needle threads from the needle eyes when rethreading.. just press the needle tension release button and remove the needle threads up and out of the way ..thread the loopers and put all threads in position to start reserging. I love this feature. I had it in my Pfaff that I gave to my DDIL and I have the same feature in the Elna. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-19-2005, 03:02 AM (14 of 34)
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I've been wondering why you actually had to unthread the needles. Now I understand you simply reset the tension with the lever and then away you go. Just make sure the needle threads are on top. Woohoo! Thanks so much. Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-19-2005, 07:24 AM (15 of 34)
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Wow -- I hadn't even noticed that thing. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-20-2005, 05:53 PM (16 of 34)
| The needle tension release helps to get the needle threads out of the race area to clear the way. On most sergers if the loopers are not threaded first the stitches will not form correctly and threads can break and even damage your machine. So be sure to not leave the needle threads down in the machine when having to rethread loopers. Isn't that needle tension release button nice? It comes in so handy when removing coverhems also. It seems people with coverhem only machines that do not have this feature of the thread release have to go through many steps to release their coverhems. I'm not sure if Pfaff and Elna are the only brands that have a needle thread tension release or not. I have lately read where some owners of Elna's on the Yahoo site have had problems with coverhem. I don't know why. I don't even know what to suggest to them being I have not had any problems but I owned a Pfaff before giving it to my DDIL and was familiar with my Elna when I bought it being the machines are made almost identical in the same factory in Japan. My Pfaff 4842 was a non coverhem without the auto tensions but it had the needle thread tension release also..it is a great help when needing to rethread. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-20-2005, 06:20 PM (17 of 34)
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I can't find the needle threader release. Not on the machine or in the book. But I found the presser foot pressure adjuster -- that I probably should have used on the jacket I'm making. I don't really mind unthreading the needle though when I rethread the loopers, though so it's no big deal. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-22-2005, 04:06 AM (18 of 34)
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I can't find the needle threader release. Not on the machine or in the book. But I found the presser foot pressure adjuster -- that I probably should have used on the jacket I'm making. I don't really mind unthreading the needle though when I rethread the loopers, though so it's no big deal. Dorothy Dorothy - on the rh side of the overlocker you have the lever which raises and lowers the presser foot. When it is in the upper position (with the presser foot up) you can push it another notch upwards. That's the needle tension release. It's very hidden in the manual, like everything else. I think it's one of the worst written manuals I've ever come across. The other thing in the shop that was interesting - my cones of thread often after wobbly - they had actually turned the plastic pieces that fit on the thread poles (? wrong word) so the open end was facing upward. She said they did it that way for large cones. It works well. Hope that all helps. Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-22-2005, 07:38 AM (19 of 34)
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Maree -- The manual isn't nearly as bad as the one for my Pfaff sewing machine. I think it is more a matter of poor translation than anything else. And I'm the kind of person that only reads directions as a last resort. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-22-2005, 04:46 PM (20 of 34)
| My needle tension release on my Elna is on top of the machine. It is between the thread path above the needles and the left needle thread tension dial. On my Pfaff 4842 that I have since given to my daughter in law..I believe it was on the right back of the machine behind the handwheel. Maree, my 744 has some foam cushions under the thread cones that came with the machine. I have never used them on my other sergers in the past but have used them on this serger being they came with it. I guess it is a good idea. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-25-2005, 10:20 PM (21 of 34)
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I actually tried out something different on the weekend and roll hemmed a scarf made out of very fine chiffon. The woman at the shop said it would frey but it didn't - there are no sticky outy bits at all (good terminology huh). Because I only bought one reel of thread to match (at $7.00 it was too expensive to buy more), I tried doing it with a bobbin on the needle and the thread on the looper. I pulled my hair for a long time and thought I must have threaded it wrong as all I would get would be big loops hanging out the side. I re-threaded it using normal serger thread and in the end it worked fine. So DH who was watching me get more frustrated said 'do you have to do something with the tensions?' and I thought okay let's give it a go even though it's meant to be auto tensions. So I adjusted the lower looper tension to higher and it was perfect. I know I've seen your comments to say you've never had to worry with your Elna and I do envy you that. But given that this worked out okay, I now know what to do when I get those loops. I suppose it's different thread, two different types of thread holders etc. The scarf was perfect though. I'm happy and learned something new. Regards Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-26-2005, 06:51 AM (22 of 34)
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Maree -- I have found that if the lower looper isn't in the proper place when I thread it and the thread crosses over the thread from the upper looper in the wrong way I get loops that look like something the book says is poor tension on one of the needles. It was a real problem for me and I would rethread it over and over. Then, sooner or later, I would accidentally get it right and it would be fine. Now that I figured out what was wrong I get it right most of the time and only occasionally accidentally get it wrong. That seems to work better for me. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Peej
Date: 07-26-2005, 11:11 AM (23 of 34)
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I have an old Singer Serger I bought about 15 or more years ago. I only know how to trim an edge. I would like to do more with it. What else can you do beside rolled hems?
Peej
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User: Peej
Member since: 07-26-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-26-2005, 10:31 PM (24 of 34)
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Dorothy, yes loopers have to be in order. Thread the upper looper first then the lower and needles last. Peej..I have a daughter I call PJ from the initials of her first and middle name. There is much you can do with a rolled hem. You might want to check out some sewing magazines or books from the library on serging. Usually the books tell what threads to use and show different projects to make. Maree, even though we have machines with automatic tensions we can still adjust them if needed. I'm glad you found the proper tension and your scarf came out nice without any whiskars or pokies.
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-27-2005, 11:00 PM (25 of 34)
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Maree -- I have found that if the lower looper isn't in the proper place when I thread it and the thread crosses over the thread from the upper looper in the wrong way I get loops that look like something the book says is poor tension on one of the needles. It was a real problem for me and I would rethread it over and over. Then, sooner or later, I would accidentally get it right and it would be fine. Now that I figured out what was wrong I get it right most of the time and only occasionally accidentally get it wrong. That seems to work better for me. Dorothy Hi Dorothy - what position wouold you say the lower looper is in when "it is right"? That may help me. All the best Maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: Aussie sewer
Date: 07-27-2005, 11:02 PM (26 of 34)
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Dorothy, yes loopers have to be in order. Thread the upper looper first then the lower and needles last. Peej..I have a daughter I call PJ from the initials of her first and middle name. There is much you can do with a rolled hem. You might want to check out some sewing magazines or books from the library on serging. Usually the books tell what threads to use and show different projects to make. Maree, even though we have machines with automatic tensions we can still adjust them if needed. I'm glad you found the proper tension and your scarf came out nice without any whiskars or pokies. Kylnne2 - whiskars is a much better work than "pokie outie things". Thanks. maree |
User: Aussie sewer
Member since: 06-02-2005 Total posts: 29 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-28-2005, 08:06 AM (27 of 34)
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Maree Make sure the lower looper is as far to the right as it will go before you click the little lever and go through that last guide and the looper. Then turn the wheel until the lever thingy clicks back in place. It seems much less hit or miss when I take the time to do it this way. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-28-2005, 10:06 AM (28 of 34)
| The lower looper thread has to go over the top of the upper looper arm before putting the threads to the back of the foot...then the needle threads follow. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: bellybcn
Date: 07-30-2005, 06:12 PM (29 of 34)
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The lower looper thread has to go over the top of the upper looper arm before putting the threads to the back of the foot...then the needle threads follow. Well hello to all! I'm new here... well *blush* I've been lurking for a while, but haven't actually posted yet. I connected just now "exasperated" (is that the right word? just picture me ripping my hair out crouched over my new day-old machine for the last 2 hours, and you'll get what i mean). I AM COMPLETLEY UNABLE TO THREAD IT PROPERLY!!! I don't know what i'm doing wrong, but then the instructions booklet is useless. It does seem though that Klynne2 could have the solution to my huge headache!!! ... Could you explain a little more the thing about where the thread should go after coming through the lower looper? I've tried i think just about every possibilty and its just a no-go. I either get that the upper-looper thread breaks when i turn the hand-wheel, or the lower-looper thread breaks, or that the 2 needle threads and the upper-looper thread "chain" correctly but the lower-looper thread just stays on its own, without joining the "chain". Did I explain that ok? and WHY didn't i take detailed photos of how it was threaded when i took it out the box?! Any help/ suggestions/golden-rule would be MUCH appreciated, as i've been saving-up for the last 6-months to buy the machine, and, basically, its just really dissapointing once the day finally arrived :( I've used an industrial over-locker alot before... aren't these domestic jobbies supposed to be easier?? thanks all, and hopefully tomorrow things'll go better 
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User: bellybcn
Member since: 07-30-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-31-2005, 03:36 PM (30 of 34)
| Bellybcn, after you have threaded the upper looper then the lower looper the thread from the lower looper goes over the arm of the upper looper. (The little arm that is behind the eye of the upper looper). Thread needles last. If changing threads or if you break a looper thread and have to rethread at anytime be sure that your needle threads are free and to the back and left side of the needles with your looper threads before stitching. Never rethread the loopers with needle threads still locked into the machine. I hope this helps. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: bellybcn
Date: 07-31-2005, 05:59 PM (31 of 34)
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manymanymanymany thanks Kylnne2!! (sorry, a now realise i spelt your user-name wrong before). It worked! Who'd have thought that something so simple could have caused me sooo much problems. I think it all went pear-shaped because i hadn't respected the threading order. I'd left the needle threaded, so i guess the LL was getting tangled round them or something. NEVER AGAIN am i gonna try and take the short-cut/ignore the instructions, learnt that one the hard way! Thanks again, Kylnne2, you're my hero
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User: bellybcn
Member since: 07-30-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 07-31-2005, 11:51 PM (32 of 34)
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Your very welcome Glad to have helped in anyway. If you have a needle tension button you can push it to release the needle threads from the serger which makes things a bit easier.
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: bellybcn
Date: 08-01-2005, 11:24 AM (33 of 34)
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yeh, i saw about that earlier in this post (or was it in another one?) and i think my machine could have this. There's a button top right side of the machine but the instruction manual doesn't mention it at all (!). I tried pushing it but its really stiff, and so i didn't want to force it just in case.... It is marked with symbols somthing like these: ][ =off ] [ =on I figure that these symbols mean the tension dials, right? Should I get brave and give it a good stong push to see what happens?? Should we vote on it? hahahaaha. Thanks again for your advice. It really is INVALUABLE, Bonnie |
User: bellybcn
Member since: 07-30-2005 Total posts: 3 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 08-01-2005, 06:57 PM (34 of 34)
bellybcn, I don't know what that setting is, your manual should tell you. Somebody that has your machine might be able to help. My needle tension release on my Elna 744 is a button on top that I push. The foot pressure adjustment is also on top. On my Pfaff 4842 I believe the needle tension release was on the back right side of the machine. My DDIL now has that machine and lives out of town so I cannot check. 
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User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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