skip to main content

Serger does wierd things

18 years ago

I have a singer serger moder 14u32A. When I serge, it is cutting the material, and gathers and sews it at the same time. There is no material that is cut and falls on the floor..I have tried everything I can think of, and I can't get it to sew and cut anymore..I hope this makes sense, but it is the only way I can explain it.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

shadylady2u
18 years ago
Sounds like your lower knife may have become disengaged. Your manual should tell you how to engage it. Or the knife may have become dull or misaligned, which can happen if you've gone over a pin. If it's dull, it needs to be replaced. These are the only things I can think of.
havelock
Original Author
18 years ago
The knife is fairly new, the only thing I did was replace the needle last week, and it hasn't worked the same since..when I do any serging, it looks like a rolled hem, and that's not what I want..would changing the needle have anything to do with it?
Related Discussions
Wierd thing with purple stems in woods
Q
Comments (18)
Well, that last tidbit sure sounds like Aralia racemosa; I am convinced now. Even though it still seems too lanky-maybe too much sun? HereÂs what my oldest one looks like: In its second year, it broke under its own weight on a windy day (or my husband knocked it over and never confessed). I thought it was a goner, but it came back bigger the next year. I discovered this year that the roots are also very brittle. My second one was planted in a VERY dark spot and was surviving but not really growing much. I tried moving to a new area of the yard, digging it up as carefully as I could, and it does not look like it survived. HereÂs the flower on top, working on blooming: Those knobby knees send out flowers, too--looks like your last pic shows one doing that: HereÂs pictures (from someone more professional than me!) of what it will look like in fruit: BTW, I was especially interested in the Corylus and Tilia suggestions, as I have found a couple of baby plants this spring that are either one or the other (or one of each)-I have a Basswood tree and a couple of Hazelnuts (Corylus Americana) that could be the parents. They are what first came to mind when I saw your plant because of the leaves, but I knew the stem wasnÂt right. IÂm still trying to decide for sure what my babies are, and came across this website from White Oak Nursery that shows the species of trees and shrubs that they offer in their small potted state. Left: Tilia Americana (Basswood) and Right: Corylus cornuta (Beaked Hazelnut) &nbsp; I thought the website might be useful as it is often hard to find pictures of immature plants. They also have info on some native trees and shrubs that they donÂt carry (including Spikenard). Hope I haven't gone overboard with the pics and stuff--I'm just getting the hang of doing it and may get carried away! Here is a link that might be useful: White Oak Nursery
...See More
Wierd blackberry plant
Q
Comments (12)
In Kissimee they grow like mad - maybe jsut the shock of moving it - or possibly you missed the blossom time and there was no pollination. I bet it goes nuts next year! Um, there is still a few weeks to hold out hope, too. Some species are later. Good luck! Barbie~
...See More
What do you do with your serger??
Q
Comments (32)
I have a Bernina 2000DE. I had an earlier model & traded it in because this was supposed to adjust the different stitches with a turn of the dial. You still have to fiddle with it due to the type of fabric, thickness, etc. When I'm in a sewing mood, I use it more than I do my sewing machine. I don't sew fancy clothes, so I sew all my seams with the serger, finish edges of hems, facings, etc. To use it to sew seams, serge & try & pull the seam apart. You may have to tighten the needle threads if the seam isn't tight. When you have a free day, practice, practice, practice. Threading is really easy with the color coded machines. Serge all the stitches on different kinds of fabrics & keep the samples & document your settings. Use different types of decorative threads. That's the fun part. Try all your stitches with the differential feed settings. That is one feature I absolutely love. I love to sew with fleece & you need it to keep the seams from stretching out & becoming wavy. Before you sew anything, test your settings by sewing the fabric on the crosswise & lengthwise grain. Make a note of the adjustments. Your library should have books & videos on serging. I have several & refer to them all the time when I want to play around & try something new. Some good authors are Naomi Baker, Tammy Young, Gail Brown & Nancy Zeiman. Read the troubleshooting section & learn how to fix any problems you have. If you get frazzled, you won't use it. A serger can be your best friend. If you haven't bought one yet, do as someone suggested & take the class. I learned how to sew elastic on, insert ribbon & all kinds of neat things. They're too expensive to leave in a box. Those of you who said you aren't using your serger, let us know if you give it a try & have success.
...See More
My serger makes me physically sick!!
Q
Comments (17)
I operated an overlock machine in a factory setting for several years. In addition to several other "multi-needles" (the generic term for the many machines that employ loopers in place of bobbins). I can rethread my machine (5 thread overlock, Willcox&Gibbs) in under a minute when I use it regularly and just under 3 when I'm out of practice. What's up with the threading ORDER? in all the years I've operated overlocks I've NEVER read anything so foolish! If the machine is properly timed and the tensions properly adjusted it shouldn't matter in what order you THREAD THE THING; once the machine begins the stitch cycle the only thing that matters is that it's been threaded properly and the tensions are in correct adjustment. Once you learn how to "time" a machine you become irritated by wivestales like that; they do little save breed fear, insecurity, and indigestion in owners. Trust me. I THINK there is most likely a tension issue. When I suspect this I immediately back ALL THE TENSIONS off and then begin the rather tedious task of patiently bringing them all into proper adjustment. You may have a burred needle. A burred needle will be "retarded" in its scheduled stitch cycle and it may actually fray the thread of the looper that passes by it in the stitch cycle. The fraying may occur over many repeated cycles, so changing out a needle is a good first step. My guess, though, is a tension issue. This was the number one cause of "down time" in the line. Don't be cowed by the manual. You need to sit down and fiddle around with the tensions; until you're willing to GO FOR IT, you will never master your machine and forever be a slave to it. Take an antacid, change the needle, and start screwing around with the tensions. Really.
...See More
shadylady2u
18 years ago
If you had said that first, then I would have said, yes, the needle could have everything to do with it. Threading, needles and tension are the main causes of any problem. I bought some Schmetz needles in bulk, cheap, once, and I don't know if they're slightly defective or if my serger just doesn't like them, but I can't serge anything if I use them. But when I use them from a different package, everything's fine again. Also, when I have to change threads, even tho I know how to thread it, and it all seems OK, I still have to rethread several times till it works right again. I think serger's are just finicky. So, just keep trying a different needle till it works again.
chickadee__3a
18 years ago
I have a Singer 14U234 which might be similar to yours. It's about 15 years old. Over the years from time to time I've had a similar problem after serging something very heavy. I found that the lower knife would be out of place so I would loosen the screw and straighten the knife and retighten the screw. Also did you raise the upper knife to change the needle and forget to lower it again? On my machine I have to use "serger" needles, not just ordinary machine needles. Does yours require special needles? A lot of the newer machines don't require "serger" needles. Just a few ideas.
stitchntime9
18 years ago
You don't have the knife engaged. When you push the knob in and turn down, you will hear a click. Also note, as written in your instruction manual (you did check the manual?) that the needle has to be at its highest point for the knife to be adjusted, engaged and the all-good click. I was doing the same thing as you, checked the manual, and read that small detail I missed when I originally read the manual several times. Serger life has been good ever since.
puzzlefan
18 years ago
A needle in backwards makes for problems too. I've done that more than once!

Related Stories

ORGANIZING Storage Tricks for Those Who Love Their Stuff

By Lara Sargent

Get ideas for clearing the decks without getting rid of all the lovely things you want to keep around

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS A Stitch in Time: Creative Sewing Spaces

By Susan Redman

Sewing rooms have become popular again as people of all ages embrace simple crafts they can do at home

LAUNDRY ROOMS Key Measurements for a Dream Laundry Room

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Get the layout dimensions that will help you wash and fold — and maybe do much more — comfortably and efficiently

ARCHITECTURE Get a Perfectly Built Home the First Time Around

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Yes, you can have a new build you’ll love right off the bat. Consider learning about yourself a bonus

MOST POPULAR Why We Love Midcentury Modern Design

By Mitchell Parker

There's a method to all this 'Mad Men'-ness — just look to psychology, tough times and, believe it or not, Apple

MOVING Making a Home Away From Home

By Laura Gaskill

Feeling like a stranger in a strange land? These tips can help ease the transition after a big move

DECORATING GUIDES How to Choose an Awesome Area Rug No Matter What Your Space

By Apartment 46 for the Home

High use, a low door, kids and pets running amok — whatever your area endures, this insight will help you find the right rug for it

KITCHEN STORAGE Pulling Power: Clever Drawer Tactics for a Kitchen

It’s not how many drawers you have in your kitchen; it’s how they work for you

The Unofficial Houzz Academy Awards for Movie Homes

By Becky Harris

Grab a front-row seat as we hand out honors to superb homes featured in 10 flicks. The envelope, please ...

FUN HOUZZ 12 Signs Your Coastal-Style Home May Have Gone Overboard

By Nina Montenegro

Accessories conjuring the beach often start innocently enough, but if you've framed your flip-flops, it may be time to reconsider

Sponsored

More Discussions

denim, our "mother fabric"

4

huck toweling, anyone?

3