I'm so glad I found this video. I acquired this very same machine at an estate sale a couple years ago. I love it! Your guidance will help me love it more. I just paid $49 on a repair. One of the tension knobs was very loose and wobbly.
This is a very helpful video. I do have a problem with my Serger that maybe you can provide some insight. I have thread the serger according to the thread chart, I use Maxi Lock cones for the thread and I start a chain, but lose either the thread from the bottom feeder or the top feeder. I was thinking maybe it's the threading on my part, which is frustrating considering I've watched numerous videos for my specific machine. I have tried another thread, some thing, and to be honest I would get upset and I haven't tried in several years. I wanted to buy another one, but wanted to try again with my current one because I really want to start making skirts for the summer . Any thoughts?
Hi Joella, a couple of thoughts that spring to mind: if you have not changed the needles in a while, do that first. If a needle has the slightest “burr”, it can cause thread breakage. Second, thread can dry out and become weak. I know serger thread is expensive, but if you have had it for years sitting out in the open, it may not be usable. For that, you could try unwinding off a layer or two from the cone, and throw those layers out, then re-thread and start over. Third, be sure that when you put the thread through the tension guides, that it is not just laying in there. It has to be seated in the guide. Fourth, have you cleared out any dust or thread dust inside close to the workings? I use canned air. We should never blow at dust with our mouths because our breath is moist and not good for machinery. Next following your user manual, put a drop of oil in joints where directed. Finally, if all else fails, have you had your serger serviced? I have mine serviced every couple of years, but I sew a lot. Best of luck and happy sewing and serging! Diane
My stitches look perfect for about 7 inches and then the lower looper loses its position at the top edge for about an inch or two and then straightens out again. It’s fine at first so the cards don’t help. What am I doing wrong?
The only thing I can suggest for this is to be sure that there is no lint or thread dust collecting in the lower area of the serger, possibly randomly obstructing the thread through the lower looper. Do you have your serger serviced at all? If cleaning it and oiling where indicated and re-threading ALL threads in the proper order does not help this, you may need it serviced.
@ Thanks so much for replying. I used your system when I purchased my Juki 5 years ago and it was so helpful that I came back for help. I take my Bernina 930 record apart, clean and oil everywhere so I guess I have to do that to this serger. I do routine maintenance and everything seems ok on the surface so I guess it’s timing. I’ve watched some videos about where the loopers have to interact and how to make sure they are in position and the bolts aren’t loose.
Whenever I have some thread issue I cannot identify, and tension adjustments do nothing, I unthread the whole thing and re-thread it carefully in the correct threading order. Be sure that you pull the threads down into the tension guides securely.
@@dianeallen67 yes I have done that. I was thinking that there may be some small obstruction on the tension disc. I have called 'Ken's Sewing Centers tech and they mentioned timing. Tomorrow I am taking it to a sewing store for their tech to look at it. It is a Juki 654DEN which I like very much. Purchased from indiv. in very good condition like new. Started sewing correctly but something changed during my use. I do know how to thread it. I saw someone on UA-cam with exact problem, they did not get an answer.
Rethreaded again and is correct doing a 4-thread overlock made adjustment on the lower looper raising the tension from 4 to abt. 4.5. Seems to help some but the wave is still a little there; better I think.
It tries my patience to thread mine, but patience is the key. It must be done carefully and deliberately. Sergers are so “finicky”… the slightest mistake in threading or tension can make a huge difference. Hopefully, you have a user manual. If you do not, maybe you can find it at the manufacturer’s website for free. Be sure to thread it in the correct spool order and just take your time.
I would definitely take it back to the service person. Any service should include sample stitching to show that it is working properly. I do not do servicing myself, but would insist on at least this much. Please be careful, because you could damage something if the tension is that tight. It may not even be tension. It could be a damaged thread guide or the like.
Check to be sure that the flat side of your needle is to the back, and that the screw is securely tightened. Does it make any stitches at all, or does it break the first time it goes down? I use “universal” needles in my sergers, but you can buy serger needles (Schmetz brand is available on Amazon). Check your owner’s manual for needle suggestions.
I'm so glad I found this video. I acquired this very same machine at an estate sale a couple years ago. I love it! Your guidance will help me love it more. I just paid $49 on a repair. One of the tension knobs was very loose and wobbly.
Glad it was helpful!
I love your image of the hammer 🔨 that's exactly how I feel got a second-hand and have not been successful so far😅
Very inspiring and well explained !!!!! Gracias Teacher !!!!!
Glad you liked it!
Very clever and really useful, thank you.
Great tips! I’ll certainly do that. Thank you!
That’s a handy trick thank you!
This is a very helpful video. I do have a problem with my Serger that maybe you can provide some insight. I have thread the serger according to the thread chart, I use Maxi Lock cones for the thread and I start a chain, but lose either the thread from the bottom feeder or the top feeder. I was thinking maybe it's the threading on my part, which is frustrating considering I've watched numerous videos for my specific machine. I have tried another thread, some thing, and to be honest I would get upset and I haven't tried in several years. I wanted to buy another one, but wanted to try again with my current one because I really want to start making skirts for the summer . Any thoughts?
Hi Joella, a couple of thoughts that spring to mind: if you have not changed the needles in a while, do that first. If a needle has the slightest “burr”, it can cause thread breakage. Second, thread can dry out and become weak. I know serger thread is expensive, but if you have had it for years sitting out in the open, it may not be usable. For that, you could try unwinding off a layer or two from the cone, and throw those layers out, then re-thread and start over. Third, be sure that when you put the thread through the tension guides, that it is not just laying in there. It has to be seated in the guide. Fourth, have you cleared out any dust or thread dust inside close to the workings? I use canned air. We should never blow at dust with our mouths because our breath is moist and not good for machinery. Next following your user manual, put a drop of oil in joints where directed. Finally, if all else fails, have you had your serger serviced? I have mine serviced every couple of years, but I sew a lot. Best of luck and happy sewing and serging! Diane
My stitches look perfect for about 7 inches and then the lower looper loses its position at the top edge for about an inch or two and then straightens out again. It’s fine at first so the cards don’t help. What am I doing wrong?
The only thing I can suggest for this is to be sure that there is no lint or thread dust collecting in the lower area of the serger, possibly randomly obstructing the thread through the lower looper. Do you have your serger serviced at all? If cleaning it and oiling where indicated and re-threading ALL threads in the proper order does not help this, you may need it serviced.
@ Thanks so much for replying. I used your system when I purchased my Juki 5 years ago and it was so helpful that I came back for help. I take my Bernina 930 record apart, clean and oil everywhere so I guess I have to do that to this serger. I do routine maintenance and everything seems ok on the surface so I guess it’s timing. I’ve watched some videos about where the loopers have to interact and how to make sure they are in position and the bolts aren’t loose.
Thank you. That is such a good idea ❤
What if the looper thread (lower looper) is wavy. It goes up and down like a roller coaster. No tension setting will set it correctly.
Whenever I have some thread issue I cannot identify, and tension adjustments do nothing, I unthread the whole thing and re-thread it carefully in the correct threading order. Be sure that you pull the threads down into the tension guides securely.
@@dianeallen67 yes I have done that. I was thinking that there may be some small obstruction on the tension disc. I have called 'Ken's Sewing Centers tech and they mentioned timing. Tomorrow I am taking it to a sewing store for their tech to look at it. It is a Juki 654DEN which I like very much. Purchased from indiv. in very good condition like new. Started sewing correctly but something changed during my use. I do know how to thread it. I saw someone on UA-cam with exact problem, they did not get an answer.
Rethreaded again and is correct doing a 4-thread overlock made adjustment on the lower looper raising the tension from 4 to abt. 4.5. Seems to help some but the wave is still a little there; better I think.
That's how I feel at fime I still cannot thread this bloody overlocker
It tries my patience to thread mine, but patience is the key. It must be done carefully and deliberately. Sergers are so “finicky”… the slightest mistake in threading or tension can make a huge difference. Hopefully, you have a user manual. If you do not, maybe you can find it at the manufacturer’s website for free. Be sure to thread it in the correct spool order and just take your time.
Thank you!
What if the problem is the actual tension wheel being too tight.
Are you not able to loosen that tension control?
@@seamseasy8236 I'm all the way on loose and it's still tight. Took it in and all he did was clean and not fix the problem
I would definitely take it back to the service person. Any service should include sample stitching to show that it is working properly. I do not do servicing myself, but would insist on at least this much. Please be careful, because you could damage something if the tension is that tight. It may not even be tension. It could be a damaged thread guide or the like.
There was a sample and it looked good the problem is the constant breaking thread
Why is my needle keep braking
Check to be sure that the flat side of your needle is to the back, and that the screw is securely tightened. Does it make any stitches at all, or does it break the first time it goes down? I use “universal” needles in my sergers, but you can buy serger needles (Schmetz brand is available on Amazon). Check your owner’s manual for needle suggestions.