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#1
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Serging and Overlocking
Hi.
I am new to serging and am getting rather frustrated. I have an Elna 744. I am trying to do an overlock 3 stitch. I have threaded and rethreaded my machine dozens of times. I have read and re-read the manual and watched the video. No matter what I do I cannot get the machine to lock the looper threads. I tried doing a two thread overlock and using the thread converter on the upper looper, but that only allowed me to overlock the edge for about an inch. The machine stopped locking after an inch and I couldn't get it to do work again. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you. Vanda |
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#2
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vanda wrote:
Hi. I am new to serging and am getting rather frustrated. I have an Elna 744. I am trying to do an overlock 3 stitch. I have threaded and rethreaded my machine dozens of times. I have read and re-read the manual and watched the video. No matter what I do I cannot get the machine to lock the looper threads. I tried doing a two thread overlock and using the thread converter on the upper looper, but that only allowed me to overlock the edge for about an inch. The machine stopped locking after an inch and I couldn't get it to do work again. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you. Vanda I don't have this model, but what I would suggest is this: 1 Totally de-thread the machine 2 Clean out any fluff or lint that has accumulated: floss the tension disks with a bit of pearl cotton or similar. Raise the presser foot first to disengage the tension. 3 Change the needles: make sure they are fully in and properly screwed into place so they don't slip. 4 Re-thread the machine with 4 different coloured threads: you may find the threading diagram shows 4 different thread colours, so use those. You will then be able to tell more easily which thread is causing the problem. Thread strictly in the order of the manual. Make absolutely sure that the threads are fully engaged in the tension disks: thread with the foot up and the tension disengaged. If this is an older machine where this does not disengage the tension, turn the dials to zero for flossing and threading. 5 Start wilth all settings (tension, stitch length, cutting width, foot pressure, and differential feed) at the 'Normal' setting - check the manual for this. 6 There will be an arrow either on or near the handwheel of the machine (or possibly in the manual): holding the 4 threads out the back with your left hand, turn this wheel in the direction of the arrow several times... The threads should lock, if it's threaded correctly. Now lower thr presser foot, close up the front, and, still holding those threads, sew slowly WITHOUT any fabric. The threads should form a 'chain' of locked stitches. 6 Sew on a firm cotton (calico/muslin is good), and see what happens. The different thread colours will tell you which thread isn't working properly. If you STILL get a problem, try re-threading from scratch, but threading the loopers in the oposite order from the way you threaded them before (my machine needs to be threaded Upper Looper first). Get back to us if there are any more problems, and check the Book List on my web site (URL below) fir short reviews of books on serging. I sell nothing through the site - it's information and 'show & tell' space only. -- Kate XXXXXX Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore! |
#3
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Thank you for such a wonderful answer.
The problem was that my needle was not in far enough. It is a very tight fit. ~vanda "Kate Dicey" wrote in message ... vanda wrote: Hi. I am new to serging and am getting rather frustrated. I have an Elna 744. I am trying to do an overlock 3 stitch. I have threaded and rethreaded my machine dozens of times. I have read and re-read the manual and watched the video. No matter what I do I cannot get the machine to lock the looper threads. I tried doing a two thread overlock and using the thread converter on the upper looper, but that only allowed me to overlock the edge for about an inch. The machine stopped locking after an inch and I couldn't get it to do work again. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thank you. Vanda I don't have this model, but what I would suggest is this: 1 Totally de-thread the machine 2 Clean out any fluff or lint that has accumulated: floss the tension disks with a bit of pearl cotton or similar. Raise the presser foot first to disengage the tension. 3 Change the needles: make sure they are fully in and properly screwed into place so they don't slip. 4 Re-thread the machine with 4 different coloured threads: you may find the threading diagram shows 4 different thread colours, so use those. You will then be able to tell more easily which thread is causing the problem. Thread strictly in the order of the manual. Make absolutely sure that the threads are fully engaged in the tension disks: thread with the foot up and the tension disengaged. If this is an older machine where this does not disengage the tension, turn the dials to zero for flossing and threading. 5 Start wilth all settings (tension, stitch length, cutting width, foot pressure, and differential feed) at the 'Normal' setting - check the manual for this. 6 There will be an arrow either on or near the handwheel of the machine (or possibly in the manual): holding the 4 threads out the back with your left hand, turn this wheel in the direction of the arrow several times... The threads should lock, if it's threaded correctly. Now lower thr presser foot, close up the front, and, still holding those threads, sew slowly WITHOUT any fabric. The threads should form a 'chain' of locked stitches. 6 Sew on a firm cotton (calico/muslin is good), and see what happens. The different thread colours will tell you which thread isn't working properly. If you STILL get a problem, try re-threading from scratch, but threading the loopers in the oposite order from the way you threaded them before (my machine needs to be threaded Upper Looper first). Get back to us if there are any more problems, and check the Book List on my web site (URL below) fir short reviews of books on serging. I sell nothing through the site - it's information and 'show & tell' space only. -- Kate XXXXXX Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore! |
#4
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vanda wrote:
Thank you for such a wonderful answer. The problem was that my needle was not in far enough. It is a very tight fit. ~vanda Glad I could help! -- Kate XXXXXX Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk Click on Kate's Pages and explore! |
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