ARE OVER-LOCK NEEDLES DIFFERENT FROM SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES
Are over-lock needles different from sewing machine needles. Over locker needle tip #9: Use needle sizes between 70/10-90/14, smaller needles break easily and larger needles have too little clearance between hooks. You will notice that there are sewing machine needles that are only sold as cabinet-compatible needles. It is true that some needles work only on over lockers and not on sewing machines, but there are also universal needles (130/705 or 130/705) that fit both home sewing machines and cabinets.
The needle(s) in the cabinet must be in good condition, with no bent or broken tips. Over locker needles wear faster than sewing machine needles because they can reach higher speeds and should be changed frequently. For best results, use needles made specifically for use with the over locker.
TOP TIPS AND ADVICE FOR SUCCESSFUL LOCKING- ARE OVER LOCK NEEDLES DIFFERENT FROM SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES
Are over lock needles different from sewing machine needles .The top cabinet makes sewing many of your projects quick and easy. It can sew a seam, finish a seam and trim excess seam allowance all at once. Your projects will get that ready-to-wear look that only a closet can provide!
However, to get the best sewing results, it is important to have your machine set up correctly. Below are some top troubleshooting tips to help you sew successfully with your closet.
The thread should be fed freely into the thread path of the machine
Make sure each thread runs freely through its entire thread path without obstruction. Uneven threading on an over locker often results in uneven stitch formation with possible thread breakage and even needle breakage.
Cross-wound spools, such as over locker taper threads, are recommended for over locking because the thread is fed from the spools more evenly and consistently than when using regular sewing thread spools.
Spools of regular sewing thread are not wound crosswise, so they may not always unwind as consistently. They may also have small bumps on the edges that can “catch” the threads while sewing, in which case a spool cap might help.
Raise the presser foot lifter before threading into the machine
Before threading, raise the presser foot lifter to make sure the threads are properly seated in the tension discs. Before threading, raise the presser foot lifter to open the tension mechanisms to accept the threads.
When the presser foot lifter is down, the tension mechanisms are unable to accept the thread and the result will be distorted stitches. It will also be helpful to “thread” the thread back and forth over the tension disc to ensure it snaps into place. Threading machine in correct order
There is a correct “order” for threading on your over lock machine to ensure proper stitch formation. The loopers are threaded first and then the needles are threaded. Start by threading the top looper first.
Then thread the lower looper after the upper looper is fully threaded and make sure the lower looper thread sits on the upper looper or the stitches will not form correctly. Use differential feed to correct seam distortion
If the fabrics are twisting or wrinkling as you sew, you may need to turn on the machine’s differential feed to adjust the way the feed teeth feed the fabric through the machine. The over locker has two sets of feed teeth – one at the front and one at the back – located under the presser foot. A differential feed lever on the right side of the machine controls the movement of the front feed tines relative to the rear feed tines. For most sewing, you can leave the lever at the “normal” setting of 1.0.
Machine needles
An over lock machine has two separate needle clamp screws that hold each individual needle. Make sure each needle is properly inserted into the needle clamp. You may have noticed that the needles in the over lock machine are not aligned. The left needle sits slightly higher than the right needle. They are not “parallel” like when sewing with a twin needle on a regular sewing machine.
When removing the needle, loosen the screw slightly to pull it out of the needle clamp. When inserting the needle, make sure it is all the way up in the needle clamp; otherwise the stitches will not form correctly. Use only Singer over lock needles of the style and size recommended in your machine’s instruction manual.
NEEDLES FOR OVER LOCKERS- ARE OVER LOCK NEEDLES DIFFERENT FROM SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES
Are over lock needles different from sewing machine needles A second thread groove is commonly found on lock needles and the needle shaft is reinforced to withstand the higher speed of sewing machines. The tip is also slightly rounded.
Over lock needles are specially coated, sometimes with chrome, to ensure they last as long as possible while running smoothly. You should find information about which needles are recommended for your machine model in your machine’s owner’s manual – always start looking there when it’s time to change needles. When it comes to the ideal mounting stud for your cabinet, choose between the ELx705 CF and the ELx705 SUK CF.
A universal, ballpoint pen size 130/705 H or 130/705 H-SUK, or HAx1 SP super stretch needles can be used over the cabinets. With that being said, use the Schmetz ELx705 for optimal results, as these needles are designed specifically for cabinet work, not regular sewing machines.
It is a common misconception that the machine will be damaged by using EL marked needles, which is incorrect. EL does not stand for “extra-long” as some people believe; it stands for Elna, which is the brand name over lock sewing machine that this type of needle was originally designed for.
The dimensions of this needle are identical to the dimensions of the universal 130/705, making them ideal for over locks. They are designed with a reinforced blade and a V-groove on the front and back to facilitate the creation of strong chain stitches. The abbreviation “CF” stands for “Chromed finish”, so you know the needle will slide nicely. When you switch to these sharp reinforced chrome needles, the quality of your stitches from your over locker will noticeably improve.
DRIVING THE NEEDLE THROUGH THE LOCK- ARE OVER LOCK NEEDLES DIFFERENT FROM SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES
Are over lock needles different from sewing machine needles .Most sewers despise having to thread a needle from a cabinet. Add to that the fact that you now have to manage two needles and four threads, and you can see how this task quickly becomes more complicated than threading a sewing machine. Although over lockers have two needles, not every stitch requires both. Additionally, many over lockers require threading in a specific order that can only be learned with enough experience and a night or two spent reading the manual before bed.
One helpful tip is to mark the top of the changing box with the numbers 1-4 next to the thread entry and exit holes for each needle and looper. Tweezers are another handy tool that will become your new best friend when it comes to picking up threads from places your fingers can’t reach. Today’s machines are much easier to thread and operate than their predecessors. Currently, the mechanism itself is labeled and shown in different colors to make it easier to understand.
If you take your time, read the instructions carefully and use the schematics, you won’t have too many problems. Eventually, with a little practice, you can do it in less than a minute. The lower looper thread must be placed on top of the looper thread at the end of the process for the machine to create a chain.
SINGER BRAND NEEDLES FOR OVER LOCK- ARE OVER LOCK NEEDLES DIFFERENT FROM SEWING MACHINE NEEDLES
Are over lock needles different from sewing machine needles .A common urban legend is that only Singer brand needles that are 1mm longer can be used in Singer sewing machines and over lockers. Of course it is common for brands to say that only their needles should be used, after all needles are a way for them to make repeat sales,
But this is not the case because now there is a standard size for the length of needles used in sewing machines. For example, if you look at a package of Singer Universal and Pen Needles (code 2020 and 2045) you will see the 130/705H designation, and as we discussed, the 130/705H fits into any cabinet. Singer over locker needles (model number 2022) also have the code ELx705 printed on the box. Again, this size is suitable for a serger.
After 8-10 sewn garments (or 8-10 hours of use), you should think about changing the needle. Changing needles can be less frequent when using a serger because the thread does not rethread itself as it passes through the eye. Whenever your locker starts to skip, the needle should be replaced.
CONCLUSION
Are over lock needles different from sewing machine needles. .Only variants of the 130/705 H needle system are usually used in standard home sewing machines; they are suitable for all machine models. This is not the case with special sewing machines such as the over lock and sewing machine needle. Although the universal needle can be used with some special machines, many require a special needle system. These special needles are adapted to the requirements of a specific machine model and are not interchangeable with other household or over lock needles. The figures show the basic characteristics of single and double groove needles. The following list shows the differences between the various types of over lock needles and the Universal Needle 130/705 H.
