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Machine Talk => Overlockers & Coverstitchers => Topic started by: annieg on June 25, 2018, 16:37:20 PM

Title: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: annieg on June 25, 2018, 16:37:20 PM
I'm not having much success with this task.  The elna has a table which shows exactly what changes need to be made and I've followed it carefully:  changed needles; lowered blade; disabled one looper; attached the table, etc etc but it still does not work!  I'm doing something wrong with the lower looper and the book is not very clear.
There are 2 lower loopers: 1 facing to the left and 1 facing to the right.  Which one should I thread - does anyone know?
I have tried both but I must be doing something wrong.
Also - it doesn't seem to say whether the upper needle tension needs to be adjusted and the upper threads seem to be running through a little tightly.
I've seen a demonstration on YT for a Bernina overlocker which has an extra thread stand for the c/s thread which is then threaded through a separate side threading panel and into the lower looper - which makes it look so simple....
I'm very tempted .... to buy it .... but I already have a simple New Home (Janome) O/L which is why I wanted to set up
the Elna as a C/S.
Any advice you can offer greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Anniegg
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: b15erk on June 25, 2018, 16:42:49 PM
Annie, can you take some pics?  I have a Pfaff combi, and the conversion is pretty simple.  In fact there are some good videos, they may give you an idea of what is going wrong.  I'll just get you a link: O/locker to Coverstitch (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjOyCoCaL7Y)

It won't be exactly the same but the priciple should be the same.

Hope it helps.

Jessie


Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: annieg on June 25, 2018, 17:11:54 PM
Thanks for the link Jessie and I took a look.
It seems I'm on the right track, but there's a problem because the top thread(s) are not engaging with the lower thread, so therefore its not creating stitches. 
I have to put it to one side now or I'll go maaaadddd!!!!!!!!!
Best regards,
Annie
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: annieg on June 27, 2018, 16:58:44 PM
I tackled the Elna again this afternoon and managed to chain stitch which is some progress.
I tried narrow hem (2 x lines of stitching) but the 2nd needle keeps coming unthreaded.
Also - when I finish a row of chain stitch the upper (needle) thread is very tight when I tried to pull the work away from the machine.
Any ideas what might cause this?
Anniegg :'(
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: misschris on June 28, 2018, 01:06:42 AM
Disclaimer - I don't own a convertible machine but have owned 2 different coverstitch machines.

Are you threading in the correct order? On my Janome, it didn't matter, but my Juki must have the looper threaded first.

When you finish chain or cover stitching, raise the needle/s to the highest point, raise the presser foot, pull the needle thread/s forward and cut, then pull your work away from you and cut the looper thread. This locks the threads so they don't unravel.
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: annieg on June 28, 2018, 08:16:26 AM
Thanks for the tip MissChris - I was pulling away immediately after stitching but I'll try and pull forward first and see if that makes a difference.
Anniegg
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: b15erk on June 29, 2018, 10:12:35 AM
Removing the threads when you've finished, isn't quite as easy as the Overlocker, it just needs a bit of getting used to.  You do have to tug a bit.

Are you getting a stitch yet?

On my machine, it's pretty straightforward and I manage it quickly now, but I havve had it for several years.  I think this is why many people are put off buying a combi machine.

Jessie
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: annieg on June 29, 2018, 10:46:38 AM
I can only chain stitch at the moment but will try a narrow coverhem (2 rows) when I have more mental energy.
I'm thinking of trying to find a class/tutor who can give me a hands-on lesson on using the Elna as a coverstitch machine.
My intention is to have 3 machines set up :  sewing machine/overlocker/coverstitcher so I can use all 3 as and when I need them.
Here's hoping ... 0_0
Anniegg
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: Jpsukman on February 05, 2019, 10:59:57 AM
Did you ever get a solution?  I am trying to cover stitch with my 744 and the one needle also keeps coming unthreaded...
Title: Re: Converting Elna 744 overlocker to coverstitch
Post by: annieeg on February 05, 2019, 11:16:51 AM
@Jpsukman
Hi,
I ended up buying a stand-alone coverstitcher and reverted to using the 744 as an overlocker  :[
Annieeg