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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: missnatalie
Date: 03-03-2006, 10:19 AM (1 of 6)
I have a Kenmore Serger and here lately my right needle has been breaking frequently while serging. It's not a huge deal, I mean it's just a needle but does anyone have an idea why it might be breaking so much? Thanks!
User: missnatalie
Member since: 03-03-2006
Total posts: 4
From: dmoses
Date: 03-03-2006, 10:57 AM (2 of 6)
Does this happen when you are using both needles? If so, the tension may be too tight. Also, is the needle inserted correctly? Make sure that it is pushed all the way up into the needle holder.

Also, if it is a heavy fabric, slow down.

Hope you find a solution soon. :smile:
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: paroper
Date: 03-03-2006, 01:32 PM (3 of 6)
I don't recall ever having a serger needle break for any reason but given the way the serger uses its threads the first thing I would think of too is that it is a tension problem (or a needle not inserted correctly)..I agree with dmoses. Are your needles all from the same pack? Maybe they are the wrong length or size or it is just a bad bunch of needles. I've always been told to use a 90 in the left needle but I don't recall any rules for the right. Maybe it is hitting something like (don't I sound 16?) maybe there is something a little out of time. Most of the time when I have problems with a serger, the thread breaks first, tension included.
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: Kylnne2
Date: 03-03-2006, 05:53 PM (4 of 6)
Sometimes a needle breaks if you pull on the fabric while serging.
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: wghmch
Date: 03-04-2006, 12:36 AM (5 of 6)
On two needle sergers, the two needles are mounted in a single needle bar, so neither is dead center. As a result, if the needle bar is turned even the slightest bit, one needle is closer than the other to the looper.

Unthread the machine, put two new needles in, place a piece of paper under the presser foot, and turn the handwheel until the two points make tiny punctures in the paper. Then bring the needles back up, and without removing the paper from the way it is oriented, study the two marks to see if one is behind the other.

Bill Holman
User: wghmch
Member since: 03-04-2003
Total posts: 249
From: missnatalie
Date: 03-04-2006, 08:13 AM (6 of 6)
Aha! Bill I think you've got the right idea...I'm going to try that soon. I had a feeling it was something with my looper, but where it wasn't happening every time I didn't know for sure. And it always seemed to happen when I was running over a pressed seam, so maybe I was going to fast for the sudden thickness change. Thanks ya'll!
User: missnatalie
Member since: 03-03-2006
Total posts: 4
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