Hello, I could use some help with serger

[sjofn_snotra]

HI from Oregon! I wanted to have finished seams, coverstitch and perhaps rolled hem for some clothes i make for my baby and so was gung-ho about sergers and bought a Janome 204D MyLock last week. It appears that this model does not do coverstitch. I am disappointed. I am just an advanced beginner in sewing - am just teaching myself to sew as i find baby clothes to be more expensive than my clothes. I tried coverstitch with twin needle on my Brother sewing machine. The parallel hemline stitches are pretty close together - about 1-2 mm - the distance between the left and right needles of the twin needle. However, while the twin needle sewed fine on cotton/flannel, it messed up the jersey knit/t-shirt fabric i was hemming. What am i doing wrong? Does anybody have similar experience?

[jsleach]

Hi there to you, too! I'm in Oregon, also!
It souynds like to me, you needle change. Most knits need a ball point needle size 10.
Hope this will help.

[sjofn_snotra]

for such a quick response. i am new to forums. i will try ballpoint needle - twin needles should be available in ballpoint size 10, i think.

[westbrook]

the twin needle is a stretch needle and you want a 4.0 or if your machine can handle it a 6.0.

place the hem side down against the feed dogs and let them to the easing in for you. this is a bit tricky because you won't be able to see the hems raw edge.

make sure you measure exact all the way around and press. this will help assure you are right on the edge.

[sjofn_snotra]

i tried a simple top, raglan sleeve - not even set-in sleeve - and tried to serge the side seams all the way to the raglan sleeve; around the armhole area, the serger cut deeper and i ended up with a hole! whjat am i doing wrong? how do i maneuver the curves in a serger? thanks!

[westbrook]

sew in raglin sleeve first then serge the side seam from under the arm down to the hem of the shirt.

One of the first things you need to do is to fold up the hem and press it in the t-shirt and do the same in the sleeves before starting to assemble. this will make the construction go much faster.

Once the top is done, the hem is now pressed in and ready to be sewn.