Threading a serger

Does anyone happen to have any pointers for a newbie on successfully threading a Janome 634D serger? I just bought a used one and seem to be having some trouble getting it properly threaded (surprise, I've never used an overlock machine before). Right after I thread it, using the manual and diagram on the machine for guidance, it will stitch, but the chain is very hard to pull after I'm done stitching and raise the presser foot. The next time I try to stitch, nothing takes; when I open it up the lower looper has come unthreaded, and the thread end is lying in the bottom of the case. :( I'm following the threading order mentioned in the manual; lower looper, then upper looper, then needles.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks! Sandra codemeister

Reply to
codemeister
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G'day Sandra

Sorry I can't help as I don't have a 634D but have a Compulock.....have you gone to the Janome site and then click on your model serger. There is also a troubleshooting section that might help, and if all else fails send an email to Janome.

Check that you have the thread> Does anyone happen to have any pointers for a newbie on successfully

Reply to
HC

You are "pulling" on the threads...???

My experience on sergers has been to allow about 2" or more of thread to "chain-off" and then cut the threads. Unlike a regular sewing machine, the "tension" is not really released on serger threads when the presser foot is raised, especially the looper threads.

HTH,

Reply to
BEI Design

Arg! I never thought of that--can you tell I'm totally used to a conventional sewing machine? That probably is the problem--I'm probably screwing things up myself by thinking I need to have four separate strands hanging loose behind the presser foot. I've read that with an overlock you don't really do that--just chain off--but I didn't really get what that meant until you pointed it out. I'm going right now to sit down and try it properly. Thanks so much for your help! I'm very impressed with the speed and quality of stitch when I get it working, I can just taste how much fun I'll have with this machine once I "get" how it works.

Reply to
codemeister

I'm delighted to have been of help. Sergers are wonderful little machines, but they do things a little differently. You might take a look at your sewing machine/fabric center for book on the subject. My favorite is one by Palmer and/or Plesch(sp?), but I can't lay my hands on it at the moment. You might try looking at this one:

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Reply to
BEI Design

I have to say that the tension *is* fully released on my HV 910... But the extended thread path of a serger will make it feel like there is still tension on the threads when you pull them. I have two different sergers: the 910 and a Toyota: they are quite different in some respects, but have in common with all domestic sergers that they are okkard to thread until you get used to them, and the magic unthreading pixie is always available to 'help'! ;) First off, practice rethreading a dozen or more times: if you get a nice chain each time, you ARE doing it right! Then try serging a practice seam a few times without raising the presser foot. It soon gets easier! :)

Remember: you do NOT have to raise the presser foot to get the work out. What you should do at the end of the seam is keep sewing off the fabric ('chaining off')for about 10"-12", and then cut the threads, leaving a goodly CHAINED tail hanging out the back. Just lift the toe of the foot by hand to slip the new seam in if you need to: most sergers will grab it nicely without even doing this! I only raise the foot to place especially thick stuff (like Polartec 200/300 etc) or for special processes (like positioning the needles for a seam that starts somewhere other than the end of the fabric).

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Reply to
wendron9

Opps on the last message. I'm new to this group' I have a Janome 644D and this is the trick I learned to ger my machine threaded correctly: When threading the lower looper it self pull the thread so it goes to the left of the upper looper, not over. The instruction book doesn't show it and I had to watch the video a few times to figure it out. Now when I need to change just the lower looper thread I don't have to start from scratch. Hope this works for you

Reply to
wendron9

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