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Member since 10/23/04
Posts: 5
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Posted on: 10/22/11 3:09 PM ET
brand new serger-janome 3434d and the stitches show on the outside and the seams on the fabric pull apart. help
  
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Member since 3/1/06
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Posted on: 10/22/11 3:44 PM ET
When this happened to me when I was new to serging, I discovered it was because my thread was not all the way into the dials. I would place the thread in but didn't make sure it went all the way to the bottom. You can usually feel a "click" when the thread is secured into the dials. HTH
  
Member since 2/5/09
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Posted on: 10/22/11 8:28 PM ET
I agree, it sounds like the tension problem
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Custom clothier and pattern designer. www.iconicpatterns.com
  
Member since 2/9/04
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Posted on: 10/22/11 8:47 PM ET
In reply to Judy Banks
When you thread through the tension discs, is the presserfoot raised?
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iPad's auto-correct is my enema.
  
Member since 4/22/04
Posts: 7282
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Posted on: 10/22/11 9:07 PM ET
In reply to Judy Banks
Judy, It seems your serger is set up to do flatlocking where you want the stitches to show between the fabric so I suggest to avoid this by tightening your needle tensions a bit and see if that helps this problem.
Also, as you serge be sure that your thread is not looping far over the edge of the fabric too much because it needs to hug the fabric edge as you serge. If you try cutting off a bit more of the fabric with the knife it should help this problem where the thread loops over.
When threading your loopers, I suggest to set your tensions at 0 then set the tension after you thread the disc so that it will grasp the thread and you can double check that the thread is well seated after threading by giving a slight tug of the thread above and below the discs.
Don't worry, you are going to love your serger after a bit of practice.
You might wish to check your library for some good books on serging or maybe even purchase a couple. A good book that might help is called Serger Secrets.
  
Member since 12/30/06
Posts: 360
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Posted on: 10/22/11 9:11 PM ET
Also, are you using 3 thread or 4 thread? 3 thread will not work for a seam. 4 thread works great for a seam on knits, but wovens usually do better with a extra safety stitching. As far as tension, after making sure the thread is thru the tension disks completely, you may need to try increasing the tension on the needles or at least the left one.
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Svetlana
  
Member since 2/5/09
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Posted on: 10/23/11 0:39 AM ET
In reply to svetlana
Светлана, здравствуйте!
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Custom clothier and pattern designer. www.iconicpatterns.com
  
Member since 12/30/06
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Posted on: 10/23/11 3:35 PM ET
In reply to Lena Merrin
Thank goodness for the translate feature. Hello to you, too.

I actually do not speak Russian. I am plain old American. My screen name comes from 9 years ago when I was at band camp with my daughter as the nurse. Since we had more than one nurse, I got to have some free time to hang out with the sewing moms who were making the costumes for the color guard and the drum majors. The music was all Russian and we were making Kosak outfits. To get in the mood, we gave ourselves Russian names. I caught the sewing bug again after being away from it for years. I have been sewing costumes and lots of other things ever since, even have a part time business with my friend (she is more full time). So, the name Svetlana signifies my rebirth as a sewist.
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Svetlana
  
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