PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,280 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,280 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
Member since 11/5/05
Posts: 45
Send Message
Posted on: 2/17/06 0:17 AM ET
Again

My new serger. It is so simple but I'm not getting this.....

Picture a pillow case. I have it turned inside out & serge the left & then the right side. When I turn it right side out the stitch is loose & you can see the loose thread gap on both sides. Can I adjust something to fix this problem or do I need to only serge right side out. Bare with me as I just bought this machine. I didn't know at first if I really even needed it but I've just really wanted one for a while now!

Thanks in advance for your help!
  
Member since 1/12/04
Posts: 6312
Send Message
Posted on: 2/17/06 0:56 AM ET
It's an adjustment. I think you need to tighten the tension on your needle threads.

Also Singer has a book out called "The New Sewing With A Serger". I have the old one and it is great. Lots of information and photos of examples of what is right and what is wrong. The old edition is called "Sewing with an Overlock".

Here's a link

http://tinyurl.com/c3fyw
------
Marilyn

January 2009 to January 2010 81 yards out and 71yards in January 2010 to the present 106.7 yards out and 146.5 yards in. January 2011 to the present: 47 yards out and 69 yards in.
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
Send Message
Posted on: 2/17/06 1:26 AM ET
In reply to darthvadersmum
Without knowing which threads are not serging properly it's hard to say..but first I suggest to recheck your thread path then I would try cutting off a bit more fabric on a scrap using a wide bite or width and after serging see how the threads wrap over the edges and see which threads are giving the trouble. Are the upper threads, lower threads or inside threads loose? This would determine if it is an upper looper tension, lower looper or needle tension that is off. I suggest to try adjusting the tensions one at a time and see if that helps. It seems like some tensions need tightening, but it is hard to say without seeing. Please get back with us and let us know how it goes.
-- Edited on 2/17/06 1:29 AM --
  
Member since 5/25/05
Posts: 264
Send Message
Posted on: 2/17/06 8:45 AM ET
Change the left needle then try cranking down the left needle tension all the way and then back off until you get a 'sewing machine type' stitch with that needle. Make sure your threads are set in the tension disks. You didn't say what kind of serger you're using or the number of threads. That may make a difference or will give someone who has the same machine a chance to respond.
  
Member since 7/15/03
Posts: 994
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 2/17/06 11:29 AM ET
One thing I have to do with my very old Singer serger after changing thread, is to hold the thread below the tension knob (each one, one at a time) and give it a tug above the tension knob to make sure the thread is fully engaged. You've probably already thought of that, but that would make a difference in your stitches.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 1887
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 2/17/06 11:53 AM ET
Make sure the presser foot is up when the machine is threaded...when it is up, the tension is disengaged so that the thread can slip between the discs; when the foot is down the discs are engaged and it's harder for the thread to get where it needs to go.

My sewing machine dealer told me that about 5 years ago; I was clueless all that time before...
------
Lisa -- so much fabric, so little time!
http://sewrandom.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 11/5/05
Posts: 45
Send Message
Posted on: 2/18/06 0:05 AM ET
In reply to Lisa Laree
Thanks so much everyone! I had been using all 4 threads. I switched to the 3 thread overlock & VOILA.....Works like a charm!
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
Send Message
Posted on: 2/18/06 1:03 PM ET
In reply to darthvadersmum
If you are getting good results with the 3 thread and not a 4 thread then possibly your sergers stitch finger or width setting needs to be adjusted for the 4 thread.
  
Member since 8/29/04
Posts: 566
Send Message
Posted on: 2/18/06 4:56 PM ET
In reply to Lisa Laree
"Make sure the presser foot is up when the machine is threaded...when it is up, the tension is disengaged so that the thread can slip between the discs; when the foot is down the discs are engaged"

True on regular SMs but not on all sergers. Many models do not have tensions that release when you raise the presser foot, so on these, you have to be sure that you pull the thread firmly between the disks.

Bill Holman
  
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Metro Textiles
NYC Fabric Store
Specials!
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics