How to Troubleshoot Sergers
Overlock sewing machines, also known as sergers, are generally sturdy workhorses in the sewing world. Because they can have two, three, four or more threads, however, they can succumb to some vexing problems. If you are experiencing problems with your serger, you'll likely find it quite frustrating to try and figure out what's causing the issue. Thankfully, you can try several techniques common to all brands and types of sergers to resolve the issue and get back to serging efficiently.
Instructions
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Increase your stitch length or adjust pressure foot pressure if your fabric is feeding poorly. If you have your stitch length set too short, the serger won't feed the fabric at an appropriate rate. Increase foot pressure for heavy fabrics; decrease it for lighter fabrics.
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Replace the needle with a new one if it has bent even slightly; even the slightest bend in the needle can affect the machine's performance. If you break or bend needles repeatedly, remember to allow the fabric to feed through naturally without pulling it, and tighten the screw securing the needle using a screwdriver to ensure it remains secure.
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Rethread your serger if your thread is breaking or pulling. Adjust the thread tension properly, and check to ensure the thread has not become tangled or caught up anywhere. Use only high-quality thread; low-quality thread tends to fuzz and fray, causing problems for the machine.
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Adjust thread tension, and check for tangled or caught thread if your serger is skipping stitches or stitching irregularly. If the fabric is puckering, loosen the tension or shorten the stitch length.
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Check knife alignment or replace knives if the machine is cutting fabric unevenly or jaggedly. Trim your fabric's seam allowance to about 3/8 inch to ensure even trimming by the serger.
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Tips & Warnings
Consult your serger's manual; many manufacturers provide model-specific troubleshooting guides in their accompanying manuals.
To prevent electrocution or injury from the needles or knives, unplug your serger to perform maintenance and troubleshooting.
References
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