In this country, we call them overlockers, but in the USA they are sergers. I got my Toyota SL1t in 1996 [I think] so 25 years on, I am pleased it is still going. These machines have 4 spools of thread, and two needles above, and 'loopers' below. And most importantly, built in blades.They will cut and finish the edge of the fabric all in one go [and if there are two or three layers, you can seam, cut and finish] I love my machine.Quick, and easy, and so useful - especially for people like me, who are frequently making play costumes, covers for garden furniture or PA gear, or general purpose household repairs.
I got this book in 1998, and it is full of useful tips, and importantly, troubleshooting help. With all those spools the threading up process and stitch construction is quite complicated. I have sometimes spent 45 minutes getting the machine to produce a simple row of stitches, when the job in hand will only take 10 minutes. I mislaid my official instruction book a long time ago. But in November, I came across a newer guide to using the overlocker. Bob bought it for me for Christmas.This one is really useful, with careful explanations, and clear diagrams. It explained properly how to make a frilled edge, do gathers, stitch a rolled hem... and how to get far more out of the machine than just simple cut-and-finished edges. Bob suggested I might treat myself to some of the accessories needed. I checked out the prices online - around £10 eachI got the machine out on Saturday afternoon to have a bit of a play around. And discovered to my shame, that I had both a rolled hem foot, and a gathering foot in the box of bits that came with the machine 25 years ago. And I had never used either of them, or done anything more than simple sewing.It took an hour to master the art of the rolled hem -and then I made a lightweight dustcover for Bob's record deck using a scrap length of voile.
But when I came to replace the original foot and plate, I could not get the machine to stitch 'properly' again. There was something wrong with the tension settings. I got progressively more stressed "I'm not putting it away till it works right" But it was almost time to eat. In the end I listened to reason, and Bob got the food ready while I just packed up all the sewing stuff on the dining table.
The tension can be sorted out this week, when I feel less stressed! It will be good to master some new skills if it makes the overlocker more useful. I definitely needed to look again at this machine and its possibilities. I will give this new book a ***** rating.
Have you used an overlocker?
Did you have tension troubles?
I have never used an overlocker/serger, but, I seem to have plenty of tension troubles, anyway! And most of them have nothing to do with a sewing machine! :D
ReplyDeleteMay there be much less tension for all of us in the coming year
DeleteMy overlocker was a total bargain - free! A friend bought it but couldn't get on with it so she passed it on. To my shame the only thing I use it for is neatening seams and making t shirts but I hem them with the twin needle on my main machine. Maybe you have inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI don't think we are the only people who have never learned to use our machines to their full extent. I like using my main machine with the twin needle for hemming stretch fabrics.
DeleteI HAVE used an overlocker and found it very useful when making my Mum a skirt for Christmas about 18 years ago. Norma supervised me and I was super impressed with this piece of machinery but I didn't have to do the threading!!
ReplyDeleteThey are very clever gadgets - having a friend to advise and encourage is a real help
DeleteUtter respect as you try something new. Good luck with the tension.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyssa
DeleteSorry I'm no help I have never used an overlocker, in fact my last sewing machine was a hand operated Singer. But it sounds like a fantastic thing for all the sewing that you do, I hope you can sort out the tension ... and relieve your own!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a long time since I used a hand operated machine!
DeleteI used an overlocker at school but that was the only time that I can remember. The teacher threaded it and got it working properly so it wasn't really a test of my skills! I'd like one now that I'm getting back into sewing though.
ReplyDeleteI noticed that they used them on the Great British Sewing Bee - but never ever seemed to have stitch/tension issues.
DeleteI've never owned one but they must be really useful. Good luck on sorting out the current issues and learning new skills.
ReplyDeleteI only use a nearly 60 year-old Bernina sewing machine. 50 years ago, before it was shipped out to Canada, I used a treadle machine in our rental apartment and made baby nighties and blankets, and a cover for a large easy chair.
Berninas are the Rolls Royce of the machine world. I'm sure yours works as well now as it did when new!
DeleteI had terrible tension problems with my ancient Ella lotus, an 'ordinary' sewing machine. The problem turned out to be a very large bit of fluff caught in the tension wheel for the top thread. I don't know if there is somewhere a bit of fluff could hide in your overlocker?
ReplyDeleteI suspect there is fluff which needs dealing with, thank you for the reminder
DeleteA tip - I always make a note of my tension dial settings before I play around with my overlocker. I set the dials to 0 to change thread colours - tie on and pull through and as I have the tensions noted down - easy to set up again.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great tip- thank you so much! Once I get the machine going again, I shall keep meticulous notes
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