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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: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 09-22-2006, 08:35 AM (1 of 10)
I got this machine for my birthday. It arrived yesterday and I spent literally almost all night trying to set it up. It makes a beautiful cover stitch and chainstitch but I cannot for the life of me get it to do a regular overlock stitch. I was going for what they call the 5 thread safety stitch. It makes the chainstitch on left but does not overstitch the right like regular serger stitch. My thoughts right now are this machine is more trouble than it's worth. It will take a lot of time to set up for each stitch and because you don't always you all 5 threads I can't always tie off to rethread but will have to manually thread. Right now I'm ready to see if I can send it back. And glad I haven't sold the old serger yet. I'm usually pretty good with this stuff. I have a Brother UTL2001 that I learned on my own how to use. And make full use of all it's features. But this one has me wanting to cry.
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004
Total posts: 80
From: esrun3
Date: 09-22-2006, 10:21 AM (2 of 10)
Hi Babs, sorry I can't help-know nothing about that machine but wanted to lend some support. I'm hoping you get it figured out soon and hopefully someone comes along with some answers for you! New items can be frustrating when you can't figure them out! Hang in there.
Lyn
User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004
Total posts: 2345
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 09-22-2006, 02:05 PM (3 of 10)
Talked to Singer. They say I got a defective machine. The upper looper doesn't move. I'm just going to ask for my $ back.
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004
Total posts: 80
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 09-24-2006, 02:54 AM (4 of 10)
Hi Babes, First of all Happy Birthday a little late. Sorry about the problems you are having with your machine. I have this machine and love it. Did you test drive the machine before buying? If you didn't maybe your local dealer can help you with some of the technical problems you are having. It took me several days to find out that there is two places the needles go. When I got my machine it was rigged up for the cover stitch and when I fixed it (what I thought was the over edge position of the needles) for the overlock stich it wouldn't sew. I kept doing it over and over again until I realized that the needle for the overlock stich was in the back of the needles for the coverlock. The needles go behind the cover lock needles and I didn't know that so the overlock wasn't sewing right. The needle thread wasn't catching on the loopers. The looper in the front which is the looper thread guides on the far right of the machine The maroon guilds is suppose to not move unless you engage it for the coverlock stitch. I hope I cleared something up for you. I was ready to throw this one out too until I discovered this little detail. :cry: Now I love the machine.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005
Total posts: 1118
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 09-24-2006, 04:51 PM (5 of 10)
I bought the machine via internet from Hancocks. Last Sunday they had a one day special of 10% off so I jumped on it. They offer zero support for the machine. For future reference when I called Singer I was told that was typical of Hancocks - no support. The lady at Singer was very helpful and is the one that determined my machine is defective. I still wonder if there isn't some something set in packing or such. I just can't believe Singer would have let a machine thru quality control that the upper looper does not move. But I have it back in box ready to take "somewhere" for return tomorrow. I live 50 miles from anywhere so I'm not sure where I can take it for UPS pickup. I'll figure that out tomorrow. I think the local hardware store will handle it for me. My existing Singer serger works great I just wanted one with the cover stitch. But after seeing how much work it would be to go from regular serge to cover I decided I didn't really want it anyway.

Thats for your all's support and responses.
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004
Total posts: 80
From: Kylnne2
Date: 09-27-2006, 02:32 AM (6 of 10)
I have not used this model serger but as for the upper looper not moving..I have a different brand serger..when doing chain stitch or Cover hem stitches the upper looper can be disengaged where it will not move. On some stitches a converter is used to put the upper looper out of use also which is not the same as when setting the serger to disengage the upper looper. Did you check your manual to see if you have this setting?
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004
Total posts: 629
From: BabsSewingRoom
Date: 09-27-2006, 08:36 AM (7 of 10)
I'm betting you are right - that it was just disengaged somehow. But the book doesn't mention it and I called Singer and specifically asked that question. Something kept nagging at me to call Singer back to see if I'd get a different technician. I should have done that. But I've already sent it back now. And learned a lesson - Hancocks does NOT support what they sell. Their only response was "call Singer". Singer said that was typical of Hancocks.
User: BabsSewingRoom
Member since: 04-10-2004
Total posts: 80
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 09-27-2006, 01:35 PM (8 of 10)
You know Babes I should have thought of this first but I have a card in my purse I think of a Singer rep that I met at two conferences. Her emial address is on the card I bet she would have helped you out. She's a very nice person. I'll have to go dig it out of my cards.
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005
Total posts: 1118
From: GoGoAndrea
Date: 09-28-2006, 03:00 PM (9 of 10)
I have this machine. I actually really like it (I wish the foot would lift higher, but oh well). I doubt it matters anymore but did you read/print out the supplimental workbook found on the Singer site??? It takes you literally every step by step to set up each and every stitch. So far I've only used the narrow coverstitch and the 3 thread overlock, but everything has worked fine (as long as I follow the directions). The workbook that comes with the machine is not a lot of help and sometimes misses steps...but the file online is great.

It stinks that you had such problems with the machine...it certainly seems like the best deal for a coverstitch machine out right now.
User: GoGoAndrea
Member since: 07-07-2006
Total posts: 43
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 09-29-2006, 04:25 PM (10 of 10)
Andrea you are right the book is not very informative but the website print out is wonderful. I printed the whole thing out and put it in protective covers so I can refer to it when I need it. I hate she took hers back I like mine so much I wouldn't part with it and I bet I'll love it even more when i stop long enough to play around with it and make things. :bluewink:
I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005
Total posts: 1118
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