Why is tension bad on my new singer overlocker

Singer has many of their manuals available as a PDF on their support site: https://www.singer.com/support . Entering the model 14, I found the link to the 14U344/14U344B/14U354/14U354B Serger/Overlocker manual. It was the seventh link (on page 1) of 33 search results. The direct link is currently https://www.singer.com/sites/default/files/product_manual/SINGER%2014U344_14U344B_14U354%20and%2014U354B%20Serger_Overlock.pdf .

I hope this helps. The images and directions for setting the tension for different stitches starts on page 20 (page 22 of the PDF). If you can, I'd suggest printing at least the tension information pages. If you'd like to get a printed copy, some online sewing machine part stores have the manual. One source is https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-14u344b-serger-parts.aspx?sort.ss_cat_sort=desc&index=67 . The link to purchase the manual is https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/singer-14u344b-instruction-manual.aspx . Alternatively, you could get the manual printed at any print shop (like Kinkos).

Cindy Wells

Manipulating the tensions on a serger creates the different stitches. Therefore, it depends what stitch you want to make that determines how you set the tensions. For a basic 4-thread overlock, usually setting the tensions at the midway point is standard, however, some tweaking of each may be required to get them balanced. What helps is to thread with four different colors making it easier to see which thread's tension needs adjustment.

The Anatomy of The Best Serger Tension My Tips Bonus Unpick it Serger...

How to Adjust Thread Tension on an Overlocker Singer Australia

You can download the Bernina serger workbooks that may help you set up your machine for specific overlocker stitches:

Bernina Mastery Workbooks

Unfortunately, because a serger uses different thread tensions to form the various stitches, there is no "set it and leave it" setting for everything. However, on most machines, the midpoint of each tension dial is the beginning point to create a regular overlock stitch. That is most often the factory setting, however, that may change over time and use requiring some tension tweaking by the user.

If you have trouble distinguishing one thread among them all, then try threading with four separate colors of thread. Then you can easily tell which thread/tension is out of wack. The ultimate tension is when the threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

One important tip: ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the machine and give each thread an extra little tug when threading the tension disk (this insures the thread is seated completely in the tension).

Second important tip: It helps to go through each stitch variation and write down in your owner's manual or a reference sheet what each thread tension setting works best for that stitch. Then you have a reference chart for the next time you need to adjust tensions and don't have to go through a laborious effort to recreate the stitch. The tension settings will change if your change thread weights, but at least you will a general beginning point to fine-tune your setting.

How to Adjust Thread Tension on an Overlocker Singer Australia

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This workbook may be helpful in creating each of the stitches on your overlocker:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0ahUKEwjNgNqgmcPWAhXHgFQKHbIPAf8QFggxMAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seworiginal.org%2Fserger_1.PDF&usg=AFQjCNES0GfhyTGFsmFtL2zqoyDDIbLrNA

Hello Elizabeth Neilson

'not sure which Singer overlocker needs needle change. However a free downloadable manual is available here: http://www.singerco.com/support/instruction-manuals

Please let me know how this works out for you.

Happy overlocking!
Sewingirl/

The best way is to thread with 4 separate colors of thread and then studying the stitch result. With the 4 colors, you can easily tell which thread tension is "off" and whether it should be tightened or loosened. However, a serger is not like a sewing machine where you can set the tension and use that setting for most projects. With a serger, a change in one or a couple of thread tensions will create a totally different stitch.

For most machines, there is a mark at the midway point on each tension control that is the "optimal" tension for a 4-thread overlock. HOWEVER, every machine differs, so these settings may need to be tweaked.

Make It Handmade Perfecting Serger Overlocker Tension

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How to Adjust Thread Tension on an Overlocker Singer Australia

Different Serger Stitches and How to Use Them

You may want to download the serger workbooks at this site (Bernina), and work through each of the stitches. Make notes in the workbook as to how you have set up your machine to get the best of each stitch. This will be a great reference manual for many years.

Bernina Mastery Workbooks

Call Singer at 1-800-4singer and they can advise you. They have a website at www.singerco.com and you can download your manual manual for free, kind of nice to have a back up on your computer, plus have the luxury of enlarging the diagrams.Another tip, go to www.sewingpartsonline.com and you can see what your part should cost approximately, plus identify what your part is called. Good luck

When servicing these machines I have found that the cover over the tensioners needs to be removed so you can see if there is more adjusting possible. If its a newer serger you would hold the knob somewhere in the middle (4-5) and adjust the knurled part that goes through it. Many times I have had to rebuild these tensioners as they get dirty and need cleaning and adjusting. It may take many tries until you have it adjusting correctly. But it needs to be done.

Wow !! a 1919 overlocker, I would be happy to take a look at the photos of the machine.......take several with the needle in the top, middle (both) and bottom positions so the full cycle can be seen and I will see what we can do for you...what a treat !

The relationships of needle to looper and looper to looper are the most critical.....in the meantime....if you can figure out how to thread it up, use 3 different colours of thread, do a test piece and adjust the tensions as required to create a firm and balanced stitch that meets at the edge neatly......if there is any corrosion on the tension plates, it will need to be polished smooth to effect consistent tension and therefore stitching.......same applies to loopers and thread guides.

drop a line through the "Contact Us" page at www.bargainbox.com.au
Don't forget to mention the problem and your Fixya name !

The easy way to reset an overlocker (serger) is to ensure the tension units are all clean and lint free, then use a different colour for each looper and needle/s.

Sew a sample, check front and back, make a small adjustment as required, another test, and so on until an even result is achieved.

If the tension dials pop off easily you can then put them back on so they are all on the same setting (Janome uses 3 as their base setting).

If the knob or dial is fixed, just write down the new settings and keep with machine........the lint is important, as it can jam in the tension dials and hold them open, thus reducing tension, so make sure they are CLEAN !!

See-saw a length of clean fabric moistened with methylated (denatured or surgical) spirit between the discs to be certain.

You can order a new manual on the Singer website:

http://www.singerco.com/accessories/manuals.html