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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Warbler
Date: 10-15-2005, 08:00 PM (1 of 9)
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Did I buy a turkey? This thing has the bird flu or I'm just clueless. It worked for a while and I did a placemat, but now that I look at the stitches, they're not quite right. It's basically the left needle - won't not loop unless it's way up to setting #9. The loopers aren't as much of a problem, but the needle threads are very hard to get right without cranking the tension all the way up. Is it possible that the tension dials are not correctly set? The left needle thread also pops out of the tension dial and completely loops loose from time to time. I have rethreaded, adjusted everything one by one, even the presser foot. I'm using threads that are color coordinated to the needle and looper paths. on a white shirting fabric. ACK!!! PiercePress
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User: Warbler
Member since: 10-15-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-16-2005, 04:42 AM (2 of 9)
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Is it a brand new machine? If so I'd take it back and get the store to show you how to use it. If it's used, then after taking some asprin for the headache you have from banging your head against the wall see if you can find 'The Complete Serger Handbook' by Chris James or another really good basic serging book. If you bought it used, has it been serviced lately?? It may need a good servicing and they may also be able to give you some tips. Otherwise I'm sure one of the forum members will have some brain waves. Good luck!!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Warbler
Date: 10-16-2005, 07:36 AM (3 of 9)
It is brand new except for my testing...bought on eBay for $125. Since I posted, I did Zen meditation with the machine  and was able to get it to do a decent 4-thread and 3-thread overlock, and a rolled hem, but not flatlock; it just won't pull apart. I will get the book you mention. I have the ABCs of Serging, which is good reference but I need Complete, I think.
PiercePress
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User: Warbler
Member since: 10-15-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-16-2005, 03:32 PM (4 of 9)
| It worked well for you "Zen" the needle tension went wacko. You said this was a new machine off ebay..was it a FS (factory serviced) machine? |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Warbler
Date: 10-16-2005, 03:39 PM (5 of 9)
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It was brand-new from an eBay dealer, $127 (best offer). Using Zen and frequent breaks and book consults, I have been able to approximate a 3-thread flatlock seam, but at first only with the needle thread completely out of the tension knob...then I sneaked it back on bit by bit when the machine wasn't looking and shortened the stitches, and it looks better...though wavy and it pops in and out of full flatnesss. Is there a way to create a guide on the machine for flatlocking that gives you a better view of where to feed the fabric? - CRP
PiercePress
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User: Warbler
Member since: 10-15-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-16-2005, 04:05 PM (6 of 9)
| There are certain feet that help with flatlocking it depends on your make and model of serger as to what feet and guides are available. As for your tension and thread and needle problems...when first threading your machine..when going through the tension guide..set the tension at "0" then reset it. Do that for each tension when threading. Then give a slight tug on the thread to make sure the thread is well seated between the tension discs. Thread your needles last..make sure all needle threads are out of the race area before you sew right after rethreading. For that troublesome left needle..you might want to check that it has not slipped a bit and make sure it is all the way up and and is facing the right way. To get a good flatlock..stitch so that the stitches actually fall over the right side of the fabric. and not hug agaist the fabric as in normal serging...that way they will lay even when pulled apart. I hope this helps a bit. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Warbler
Date: 10-16-2005, 04:25 PM (7 of 9)
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Thanks - I will try again tonight with all these tips, and look for a flatlook presser foot for my Ultralock. Will report back!
PiercePress
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User: Warbler
Member since: 10-15-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-17-2005, 04:06 AM (8 of 9)
| I am sorry if my post led you to look for a flatlock pressure foot. I meant that there are different feet that help with flatlocking depending on your make and model of serger. The styles of different feet vary among brands. I have a Pfaff foot that fits my Elna and Elna makes the same..it is a metal hem foot that has several uses and does not require any other attachment or guide and it helps to sew accurate straight lines for different procedures like blind, cover and decorative hems, attaching and inserting lace and tape and piping and 2 thread flatlock and 3 thread rolled hems. It really depends on brand and model of serger as to what feet are available. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Warbler
Date: 10-17-2005, 10:53 AM (9 of 9)
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No problem, I think any advantage is good. I managed a rolled hem last night, even if it was a bit choppy! Charlotte
PiercePress
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User: Warbler
Member since: 10-15-2005 Total posts: 5 |
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