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From: MissTaraTara
Date: 07-18-2006, 09:02 PM (1 of 5)
| to use ball point needles when overlocking knit fabrics? I have an older Singer (14u595). Only one type of needle is available for it and the point type is not specified. I can use the Singer 2022 or I can use Schmetz EL-705. I do have another Singer overlock that I purchased before the 14u595 and I have the option of using either regular or ball point needles for that machine. |
User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: esrun3
Date: 07-18-2006, 09:53 PM (2 of 5)
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I know it is on a regular sewing machine but we practiced on knits when I got my serger and nothing was said about having to have ballpoints. I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully someone with more experience with the sergers will come along soon and answer your question (and mine).
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: MartySews
Date: 07-18-2006, 10:25 PM (3 of 5)
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Regular needles won't work on my serger. It requires the ELX-705 Schmetz needles. Your manual should tell you which needle to use. I use both the size 12 and 14 on all serger projects. I change my needles after completing a big project or if I've used it over 8 hours of serging. With fleece, I change more frequently. A needle is easier to replace than a service call. Hope this helps. Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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From: Tom Land
Date: 07-18-2006, 11:49 PM (4 of 5)
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Some brands tell us to never use ballpoints while others tell us to. The idea of the ballpoint is to seperate the threads rather than cutting them since cutting them can cause a run in some knits. I personally would use a ballpoint if sewing on a delicate knit regardless of what the manufacturer recommends. However, I have never yet damaged a knit using regular needles on the serger (I don't sew many delicate knits). If your serger calls for an El705 or 2053 that is what should be used but a 130/705H can ussually be used unless you are doing a coverhem.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: esrun3
Date: 07-19-2006, 04:36 PM (5 of 5)
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Thanks Tom. Must be why they never told me in class to change out my needle when we were doing knits! I have sewn some knits and not had a problem with a regular needle so never really gave it much thought until this subject came up.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
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