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12 
Member since 12/11/06
Posts: 55
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Posted on: 11/24/08 1:27 PM ET
Help!! I'm trying to make table linens for my dd's first Thanksgiving and my serger is giving me headaches. I have a 4 yr old Viking 910 that's never been serviced so maybe that's the problem.
I using a 3 thread rolled edge with wooly thread in the loopers and serger thread in the needle. I'll be serging along and it looks like the edge is alright until I am done and inspect the entire length. There will be some spots that the edge isn't covered at all. Then I have to serge the side again. I've rethreaded, checked tensions, etc.
Any thoughts or does it just need a tune-up? By the way how often do you service your regular sewing machines? Do you send them in for regular "check-ups" or wait until something seems wrong?
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Debbie
  
Member since 12/7/05
Posts: 2856
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Posted on: 11/24/08 1:30 PM ET
In reply to azdeb
new needle, perhaps? Has the machine been cleaned, i.e., get a small vacuum attachment and vacuum out any accululated lint?
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Viking Lily 545
Viking Ruby
Bernina Activa 210
Brother 1034d
  
Member since 10/27/05
Posts: 5976
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Posted on: 11/24/08 1:58 PM ET
In reply to azdeb
The first thing I'd do is check the needle, too. Are you using a "sharp" needle as opposed to a universal point? If not, try a "sharp." Also, are you cutting off enough fabric..........I think you need to cut off at least 1/4". Haven't done any rolled hems lately, but remember having problems when I tried running the just the edge of fabric through. Try cutting off at least 1/4" on a long length of scrap fabric. That, and a "sharp" needle should give a better result.

  
Member since 7/27/05
Posts: 3783
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Posted on: 11/24/08 2:38 PM ET
I have this problem when the fabric moves to the left of the needle. Basically, the serger keeps going with the stitch but it's not catching the fabric. For me, this happens sometimes after I cross a seam. I'm not changing the amount I cut off but by going over the seam, the fabric shifts a little. Perhaps cutting off more (thereby giving more leeway for the shift) would work. Hmmm.. going to have to try that myself! I'd identified my problem but not my fix until I started typing for you!
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"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
  
Member since 7/27/05
Posts: 3783
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Posted on: 11/24/08 4:00 PM ET
Hmm.. actually not too sure what I typed makes sense. After all, once fabric is cut off the edge is the same and in the same place whether you cut of a thread or 1/4 inch or more. Hmm... maybe holding it in the back and front a bit to try and prevent the shift would work?
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"The trouble with quotes on the Internet is that you can never know if they are genuine." --Abraham Lincoln
  
Member since 3/9/07
Posts: 1481
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Posted on: 11/24/08 4:29 PM ET
In reply to azdeb
azdeb,
I have the Viking 910 and find that when I use wooly nylon in the looper, I have to significantly lower the tension of the looper(s) containing the wooly nylon, or else I get funny stitches and sometimes, yes, some skips.

To be honest, when I'm doing a rolled hem, I just use regular serger thread, as I find the wooly nylon so unpredictable - and the rolled hem is so narrow, you can barely even tell the wooly nylon is there.

If you're sticking with the wooly nylon, do change your needle(s), open the front of the 910 to clean out any collected fuzz, lower the tensions on the loopers, and move more slowly through the hemming, and be meticulous about the placement of your fabric through the hemming needle.

Oh, by the way, when was the last time you oiled the moving parts of your 910? That might be a factor, too. --Lily
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Lily
  
Member since 7/11/07
Posts: 115
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Posted on: 11/24/08 5:04 PM ET
If the fabric is a bit heavy, sometimes it helps to leave the stitch finger in. I've had great success doing this when doing rolled hems on lycra.
  
Member since 5/11/03
Posts: 4837
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Posted on: 11/24/08 5:13 PM ET
In reply to azdeb
I don't have the same kind of serger as you, but I have had this problem with my serger and have found I've had to change the differential feed setting to solve the problem.
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Kim
  
Member since 1/6/08
Posts: 802
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Posted on: 11/24/08 6:33 PM ET
In reply to azdeb
You have to treat wooly nylon like you would stretch fabric,and take some pressure off it .inother words,lower the tension so it can flow without over stretching .other than that it's the same advise as the others,clean,change needle,check that the rolled hem lever is fully engaged and check your stitch length.good luck
  
Member since 12/11/06
Posts: 55
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Posted on: 11/25/08 8:23 PM ET
In reply to glenj
Thanks for all your replies and suggestions! My husband blew it out with his air compressor, I changed the needle, oiled, removed the wooly and it worked. Not sure which thing made the difference or if it was a combination of all, but at any rate I won't have to buy 18 napkins and tablecloths.
I think the wooly thread may have been the biggest problem, but I thought you had to use it to have good coverage. Not true!
I love PR! Where else do you get so much support and help?

Thanks again and Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Debbie

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Debbie
  
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