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Member since 1/28/06
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 2/2/06 10:25 PM ET
I am trying to find any review on this machine and i have a lot of troubles. Particularly i am wondering if flatlock stitch can be sewn in the garment, not only on its edge... I went to
singer's website and it looks like you can, but i just can't imagine how it's done.. And I can't find a dealer in NYC who
actually can demnstrate that machine.

thank you all!
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/3/06 5:59 PM ET
In reply to np
I'm uncertain if you are questioning how to do a flatlock stitch on this particular model or just how to do a flatlock on a garment. I have not used this model and my serger has auto tensions so this is rather generic..To flatlock on the garment mark the garment where you wish your stitch lines to be on the right side of the fabric then fold fabric with wrong sides together on the marked line. Adjust the serger for either a 2 thread ( if this model does 2 thread?) or 3 thread flatlock and place fabric slightly to the left of the knives. Serge without trimming the fold and position stitches so they are half off and half on the fabric (however when flatlocking seams you would trim the fabric). Open the fabric then pull the stitches flat. For a 2 thread flatlock start with a balanced 3 thread stitch tension..then you might have to loosen the needle tension and lower looper tension. For a 3 thread flatlock start with a balanced 3 thread tension then loosen needle tension, tighten lower looper tension and loosen upper looper tension. I hope this helps.
  
Member since 1/28/06
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 2/3/06 6:38 PM ET
In reply to Betakin
Thank you very much for your reply i certainly appreciate it.
I really could not understand they way it's done even though i used a serger before.

Right now i am deciding between 2 machines. Consew 14TU854 serger (2-3-4 thread) and Singer 14CG754. I am from NYC and there is a consew dealer there and i actually looked at that machine. It looks good and seems to serge well. However people there were not able to explain me any other stitches (ex. flatlock) except simple serging.

As for singer model 14CG754, it's a commercial grade model it also comes with 25 year warranty on parts and 5 year warranty on electrical. But i have difficulty finding a dealer who has this machine in stock ,so that i can test drive it. It is so unbelievable but it is hard to shop for sewing machines or sergers in NYC as there are simply very few dealers. I had the same problem when i was looking for sewing machine.

Anyway, singer model also has a built-in rolled hem feature.

what do you think?
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/4/06 1:22 AM ET
In reply to np
I really can't speak for the models in question but maybe I can help a bit. As for the built in feature for rolled hems..it is nice and saves time but it doesn't really make it a better serger. Some sergers that need to have the plate changed in order to do a rolled hem..sometimes actually do make a better rolled hem. It's a shame you can't test drive the models to see which is best for you. Sometimes even the best serger in the world might not fit the users comfort level. I hope you find one that you love and feel comfortable using. I would test as many models that I could to get the feel of some of the different brands and models and the different features. Some have recessed knives that you can drop to avoid cutting and some have a higher upper knive that you just push aside. Do you want a serger with many stitch programs or just a very basic one or an industrial? You might not have been able to find many reviews on the Singer Commeercial Grade 754 possibly because I believe it is a newer model. Good luck in your search. I hope you find the best one for you.
  
Member since 6/26/05
Posts: 1148
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Posted on: 2/4/06 10:18 AM ET
A flatlock stitch is basically just a 2-thread overedge stitch with the thread tensioned differently. Last summer I made a kids wetsuit from Polartec Aquashell and just set up the serger for 2-thread with wooly nylon in the looper and left it there. I used it as an overedge for finishing the bottom edge of the garment and serging the lycra binding to the elastic for the waistband, then just changed the tensions and flatlocked the seams. A very useful stitch, but on my Pfaff I have to put a special clip on the upper looper to do it (the lower looper carries the thread). Other sergers may do it differently.
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 2/4/06 5:07 PM ET
In reply to rhoda bicycle
I usually do the 2 thread rather than the 3 thread flatlock also but I posted about the 3 thread because some sergers do not come with the converter to do a 2 thread and I was unsure if the models posted about had the coverter for the capability. My Elna also has the clips but I have not had to use them as yet. For Pfaff coverhem sergers I highly recommend the Pfaff overlock kit of 3 metal mutlitpurpose feet. These 3 feet can also be used with Elna Coverlocks and when doing flatlock the adjustable blindhem foot D is wonderful.
  
Member since 1/28/06
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 2/4/06 6:10 PM ET
Thank you all very much for your kind responses. I also was wondering about rolled hem. is it like baby hem but just done on a serger with a very tension and small stitch lenght? Or is it a special feature that a serger may or may not have?

thanks again,

natasha
  
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