Brother XL2230 Elastic Overlock function not working properly

Hi, I ran into this problem on a Brother Serger and if your machine is set-up for four thread overlock, this may help. Set all the tension control knobs to"3". The overlock may seem loose but see if the skipped stitches gets better or worse. Remember that the loopers are just that, they work best when the thread is not pulled tight. I found that if I took the looper tensions back up gradually, I got a pretty nice overlock at about "5" without skipped stiches.

First thing I would try is installing brand new needles. Also, has it been cleaned and oiled recently?

Serger Stitches 101 Cheat Sheet Never Ever Without It Your New Must Have...

Serger is Skipping Stitches Threads Magazine Gatherings Forum Sewing...

https://community.babycenter.com/post/a44997916/help_serger_skipping_stitches

SKIPPED SERGER STITCHES

Overlock Serger Troubleshooter

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A serger (overlocker) is not a sewing machine. If you look at the inside seams of a purchased t-shirt, you will usually find a serge stitch that was created using a serger (overlocker). A serger/overlocker usually uses 3 or 4 threads to create that stitch. It also trims the fabric at the same time it finishes the fabric edge. The serge stitch is a chain stitch that, if you pull a particular thread, the entire stitch will come undone.

Your sewing machine is not able to create that same stitch. Your sewing machine may have what is called an "overlock" stitch, but it will use only 2 threads (the top and bobbin) to create that stitch. You would have to consult your owner's manual to see if it can make an overlock stitch.


Different Serger Stitches and How to Use Them

The BERNINA Serger Overlocker line BERNINA

Page 10 of this manual shows several overlock-type stitches:
www.hammerwall.com/Download_Manual/70204/pj58
Enter the letters/numbers in the box and click "submit query" to download the manual.

I would suggest that you buy a new manual for this as your overlocker has 5 threads that need to be threaded up correctly to form a stitch and there are several different stitches that can be made with this model such as a rolled hem, chain stitch, three thread overlock, four thread overlock and safety stitch with three thread overlock, lots to learn.

You can buy a manual here for $USD14.99: http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-manual-elna-pro5dc.aspx
or this website has a copy for $USD10.
http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Manuals/Elna_Manuals/Pro_4DC_DE_Instruction_Manual.htm

Always well worth buying the manual and saving a lot of frustration trying to guess how things work and it adds value if you are going to sell the item.

You can get some general overlocker threading tips from http://sewing.about.com/od/sergersoverlock/ss/serger.htm which may help you too.

Hi. You should never try to sew without fabric unless you are "chaining off" on a chain stitch machine or an overlock (serger).

Here is the stitch selection page from your manual


I would suggest that you use the stitch called "elastic overlock" using a stretch needle, you need a ball point tip on the needle to press between the elastane fibres in lycra. A stretch needle is blue, coated with a substance that makes it easier to stitch these types of man made stretch fibres, often size 75. If you can't get one of those, then use a ball point needle, size 70 or 80.

You need a stitch with forwards and backwards movement so that the stitching doesn't break under stress. Your machine also has a stretch straight stitch and this would be a forwards and backwards straight stitch so this will work too but can look a bit 'heavy' sometimes. But even triple zig zag narrowed down will work often.

If you are sewing leg edges with lycra, shop made garments will have clear swimsuit elastic sewn into the seam using a coverstitch overlocker, you'll never get as good a result with a regular sewing machine but you can get a reasonable finish with practice. This elastic is available to buy, you might want to use the overlock stitch to attach it to the fabric edge, stretching as you go, then turn it to the inside and use a stretch twin needle and straight stitch to top stitch from the outside, stretching the fabric as you sew.

Trust this helps you a little, 4 thumbs up if so. :-)

for all Sewing machines to stitch the cloth, Top needles and bottom hemming needles timing should be configured. Please let us know the whether it is double needle / single needle overlock machine. and model number of the Machine.So that i can guide much better.

There is an overedge stitch (page 38) that uses the regular presser foot.

If you do not have a manual, you can download (free) from the Brother site.

http://www.brother-usa.com/manuals/default.aspx?PGID=3&R3ModelID=XL5340

It sounds like the feed mechanism needs oil.