Date: 2/6/10 10:43 PM

I have this semi - new serger and all I do is finish off my seams with it. I enjoy the serger and it makes sewing much easier, but I would really, really like to make ruffles. Can someone tell me how and what settings I need to use on this serger to make the ruffles? Do I need a special foot, or can I just use the standard foot?

Date: 2/7/10 0:25 AM

I'm going to defer to anyone who does this regularly and knows better... I used to do it with my old serger but sold it and with it the post it tips I left in the manual - should have kept those for later machines!

I recall having to tighten the needle tensions.... and adjust the differential feedup (so front feed dogs feeding faster than back). I'm sorry I can't recall if stitch length had to be adjusted. That may be one of the factors which determine how "ruffly" your fabric ends up, along with thickness/nature of the fabric itself.
There is a foot available for some sergers that gather one layer and attach to a flat layer all in one pass. You do have to play around to get the right gathering ratio to know you're starting with the right length of fabric to be gathered so it matches the length of the flat piece to which it's being attached... hope that makes sense.

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Karen

Reply to kcstarr49
Date: 2/7/10 1:42 AM

If you have differential feed, try the longest stitch length and moving your differential feed to the highest gathering range (mine, for example, is +2), with your regular foot.

On lightweight fabrics, that will gather your fabric to almost double.

For more ruffles, you'll want a ruffler foot. HTH!

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I heart Babylock!
And my Feathirteen Flock!

Reply to kcstarr49
Date: 2/7/10 8:25 AM

Do you have the cd rom that come with the serger? If not, the videos are available on youtube.

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Liz

thefittinglife.blogspot.com

Reply to kcstarr49
Date: 2/7/10 11:46 AM

You can get a ruffle foot here.

If you need a manual, you can get a free download here.

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"Trying to save the world before bedtime"---PowerPuff Girls

Reply to kcstarr49
Date: 2/9/10 12:02 PM

I have a new Brother 1034D and tried out the gathering foot that came w/it. You just place the fabric below the foot entrance ( gather feed ) and the section of fabric to be adjoined to in the upper groove and whalla! ruffled and joined in one easy step. For tighter larger ruffles I suspect you may need to ajust the differential but the gathering foot made a ruffle that would be perfect on that childs dress botton ruffle.

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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.

Date: 2/13/10 9:58 PM

A gathering foot did not come with my serger. I did end up purchasing such a foot as suggested by Patti AnnSG

Reply to PattiAnnJ
Date: 2/20/10 9:29 PM

Quote: PattiAnnSG

You can get a ruffle foot here. If you need a manual, you can get a free download here.

Wow that foot is expensive. Glad mine came w/the machine.

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It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. ~ Franklin D Roosevelt 1843
Janome 19606 ,Janome My Excel 4023, Brother 1034D, White 1750C, Kenmore 158.1803, White 764, Brother 780D.