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Member since 4/2/08
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Posted on: 6/30/11 12:51 PM ET
I have a Bernina 1300MDC, which I LOVE. I can set it up as coverstitch machine and have been using that to finish the hems on my knit tops. They look great when first done, but after a bit of wear, the threads start breaking.

1. Is this normal?
2. Should I be stretching the fabric more as I sew? Won't that cause a wavy hem?
3. Any other suggestions for how to prevent this?

Thanks!
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Amy
  
Member since 11/26/06
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Posted on: 6/30/11 1:42 PM ET
Are you using woolly nylon in the looper?

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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
  
Member since 11/5/02
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Posted on: 6/30/11 1:59 PM ET
I use wooly in the looper and have better results but still some breakage. I have found by using a slightly smaller stitch helps.
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Janome 6500P, Babylock Eclipse SX, Janome Coverpro 1000, Babylock BLCS, Juki 654 (2), Babylock Spirit, Juki TL2010q, Brother PE770
  
Member since 4/2/08
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Posted on: 6/30/11 2:22 PM ET
No, I haven't used wooly nylon. I love solutions that are simple like that! Thank you! I'm going to try this soon!

Also, thanks for the suggestion of using a smaller stitch. Will try that too.
-- Edited on 6/30/11 2:23 PM --
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Amy
  
Member since 1/17/10
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Posted on: 6/30/11 5:27 PM ET
Are the threads actually popping or possibly unravelling from a skipped stitch?
  
Member since 8/25/05
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Posted on: 6/30/11 6:06 PM ET
Debbie Cooks blog has coverstitch help and picks of various hems. coverstitch

I found this helpful
  
Member since 4/2/08
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Posted on: 6/30/11 7:18 PM ET
In reply to Rosews13
They're actually popping. No skipped stitches on the pieces in question.
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Amy
  
Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 7/1/11 3:11 PM ET
In reply to quixoticpixels
What kind of thread did you use? It might be old, or poor quality. If it's Maxi-Lock, then it should be okay unless there's another reason for the popped stitches.
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Member since 4/4/08
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Posted on: 7/1/11 7:41 PM ET
Maybe the tension of your needles and looper are too tight? I am just thinking that with my coverstitch machine, the stitches are no where near as tight as a regular overlocked seam- there is abit of play in the seam but the movement and stitch type allows it to stretch with the fabric without putting strain on the stitches when the fabric moves. Stitch a few samples with lowered tension and see if they still popl
If so maybe its the thread? I don't use serger thread for coverstitching, I use 50 weight construction thread like Gutermann poly and that might be the reason your thread is snapping?
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Keep calm and sew all the pretty fabrics!
  
Member since 4/2/08
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Posted on: 7/1/11 8:40 PM ET
Lots of good ideas here. Thank you. I've been using Maxi-Lock thread. I do loosen the tension for coverstitching, but experimenting with that further might be a good idea.

I bought some wooly nylon today and will try that too.

Thanks again, everyone.
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Amy
  
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