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Pfaff 788 serger Hobbylock New to serging
muximaus Advanced Beginner FL USA Member since 5/14/10 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/11/10 8:22 PM I just purchased a used Pfaff 788 Hobbylock serger on ebay for $65. I really don't even know what a serger does (other than professionally finish edges). Can someone tell me if they think a beginner can handle this machine and what it actually does?
rag doll   Intermediate AUSTRALIA Member since 1/31/06 Posts: 515	Login to reply to this post In reply to muximaus Like this post Date: 7/11/10 9:17 PM A serger is a machine which finishes off raw edges so they don't ravel. It's like a glorified zig zag. The Pfaff 788 will sew either a narrow 3 thread or a wider 4 thread stitch. When seaming knits or wovens with lots of ease you can use the 4 thread stitch only, no sewing machine necessary for the actual seaming. When seaming fitted woven garments or edge finishing hems you can use the 3 thread stitch just like you would a zig zag to stop seams from ravelling. The main thing with any overlocker is to thread it correctly. Thread it in the correct order - that is absolutely vital, if you don't get an instruction manual you can order one. Overlockers are not forgiving as far as they must be threaded very precisely so a manual will be a very helpful tool. The other very important thing is to make sure you don't run over pins. The overlocker has 2 blades, one on top and one on the bottom which act just like scissors. If you run over a pin you damage them and they are expensive to replace. I would check out your local sewing machine dealer and get the overlocker serviced so that you know that it's in good shape to begin with. Also when you are there check out where you can get a good class covering the basics, threading, care etc. Once you have gotten the hang of the basics you won't look back! Good Luck and enjoy! ------ Brother QC1000, Brother PQ1500, Bernina Virtuosa 160, Pfaff (old), Babylock BLCS, Bernette 1100D, Bernette 334DS
muximaus Advanced Beginner FL USA Member since 5/14/10 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/12/10 2:31 PM Thanks so much! I hear horror stories about threading these machines and think I might need to take a tranquilizer before I start. It is coming with 2 videos and instructions which is the only way I would buy it!
Karen31   Advanced USA Member since 1/25/09 Posts: 932	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/12/10 8:30 PM WOW What an incredible deal! That is a fantastic machine, it was my serger for years. It is easy to thread and figure out. Pfaff is good about having "sliders" or levers to help access the normally difficult to get to lower looper. I got mine in ... maybe 96 or 97, but before even shopping I read a couple of books cover to cover that helped immensely. They remain my two all time favorite serger reference books. Sewing With a Serger from the Singer Sewing Reference Library and (my favorite) The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James. You're lucky you found that. If I'd have seen it I'd have snatched it up, would still set mine up and use it sometimes or easy to put in the car to go to classes, sew ins, DD's! ------ Karen

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