Over locker stitch

[lavendersun]

I 'upgraded' my over locker today for a Bernina 1150. Traded in my trusty Knitlock.

First impressions my old one was much simpler to thread and I think it was built better than the new one (who would have thought it)!

After threading it for the third time I have succeeded - stitch on the top is lovely but the stitch on the bottom looks very loopy imo.

Does anyone think it looks a bit off on the underneath - second photo. Or is it me because it is different from what I am used to.

Thanks very much.

[dedicatedfollowerofyellow]

I don't know as I am no expert, BUT, having reently bought one of these I found set of you tube videos...they go though everything the machine does and so far they have solved every stitch problem that I have had (admittedly not many yet). If you have owned an over-locker before they may be a bit basic, but they may help?

[lavendersun]

Thanks dedicated .

[Berthatydfil]

I've got a bernina overlocker and if you search you tube there are videos.
It could be the tension - is this the model with the extra micro tension knob ?

[lavendersun]

Yes it is Bertha. I will play with it when I get chance, do you think the underneath looks like the loops need to be closer to the edge? My old 1/3 of the price overlocker stitch was uniform on both sides, everything is set to where the manual recommends it to be.

[Berthatydfil]

I would have a play with the settings includung all the thread tensions and the stitch width and differential feed and cutting width as well as it won't be the same as your old one plus it might need tweaking off the standard settings to get the stitch you prefer.

[lavendersun]

I have altered a few things, not sure I could see an improvement! So I think it is back where it was. Having liked at the book again I think it might be producing what it is supposed to. Top line is the manual diagram.

[Berthatydfil]

Actually it looks like quite a nice stitch- perhaps it's just different to your old one

[lavendersun]

I think it is ok now Bertha - perhaps I just don't like change! Anyway it has been whizzing along for the last hour and I have just changed the thread again, all is well.

I think it is a bit more refined than my last one but I am surprised that the F&R was a more solid build. This does seem more reliable in that the thread has not broken once which could be a problem on my old one and the Bernina is definitely much quieter.

The noise of the other one was one of the reasons I bought a new one - it was like a diesel engine.

[fortifiedwithtea]

I'd try that stitch with a different fabric as from your pictures it looks quite an open weave. The needles have made holes on the reverse. For this fabric you could try easing off the needle tensions a little.

Its not the differential feed. Increase the differential feed for stretch fabrics - lycra knitted jersey.

Really surprised you are not loving your new Bernina. Your the first person I've heard not rave about them. I use Juki for both my sewing machine and over locker. Bernina sewing machines are what I look at wistfully. Tiny bit jealous of you OP.

[lavendersun]

Thanks for the needle tension tip fortified, the fabric is actually quite tightly woven linen, just the massive amount of magnification.

I know it isn't diff feed. I am surprised I don't love it too! I have a Bernina machine which I love. I am also v surprised I miss my old one after years of hating the noise. I traded it in but almost wished I hadn't - I just couldn't see the point of having two.

This one is a pain to thread, my old one completely opened up at the front. You need tweezers and a of of patience for the slot before the needle on the lower looper and it has a rather flimsy looking needle threader which I hate - would simply rather just thread them normally.

I am happy with the stitch now though.