Overlockers

An overlocker is also referred to as a serger. Using this machine is very similar to using an embroidery machine. Both machines can sew a seam although overlockers usually trim the seam to even width. It also casts a chain of threads over the rim to keep the material from reveling. The entire process is normally accomplished after passing the fabric once in an overlocker. The directions for operating them normally vary depending on the form of the machine and the features present on the machine. The following directions on how to operate a four-thread, two needles, and overlock sewing machine will help you become well conversant on how to operate an overlocker.

First, you should insert the needles on the overlockers. You should turn the hand wheel so that the needle holder can be raised to the highest position. Then, you should make sure that the clamp that takes hold of the needles is loose. This can be achieved by using a small alien wrench. You can then push the needles up in slot or holes of the needle holder, but with the needles eyes facing forward. However, ensure that the needles are tight enough.

Secondly, you ought to thread the machine. Overlockers usually have four cones of thread, which are the two lower loopers and two upper loopers. All the loopers are situated above and to the back of the machine. Ensure that you follow the order of threading each looper. Changes in threading order can result in threads not looping correctly hence making the overlocker not casting on stitches.

You should then set the required stitch length. Several overlockers contain numbered dial on the sides of the sewing machine. The smallest number normally produces the shortest stitch. Therefore, you should at least use a short darn on lightweight materials and a long stitch on weighty fabrics.

In addition, you should adjust a differential feed. This feature helps in controlling the functioning of the feed dog on the serger. The stitch length is usually regulated by turning a dial. Overlockers have three settings, the normal is usually for standard weight materials, 0.7 is used on fragile fabrics, and two is usually used for elastic fabrics.

You should make sure that the blades are in good position. Overlockers usually have lower and upper blade. A lower blade is usually stationary and it has a plate that fabrics are placed while sewing.

The upper blade is situated near the needles. These blades normally cuts through the material to trim the seam as the sewing go on. Then, you can place the fabric under a presser foot and the lower foot so that you can hold the fabric. This will enable you sew your fabric accordingly.

Lastly, you should step on the pedal so that you begin stitching. Immediately, you reach the region you would like to over lock, you should maintain your feet on the pedal so that the machine can keep on stitching while guiding the material out from beneath the presser foot. The above are some of the guidelines on how to use overlockers.