Bernina Serger User manual

©2010 BERNINA of America, Inc. Permission granted to copy and distribute in original form only.
Content may not be altered or used in any other form or under any other branding.
Basic Serger Use
For all current BERNINA sergers
except the 009DCC

2
Introduction................................................................................................................... 3
4-Thread Balanced Stitch ............................................................................................. 6
Adjusting Tension Settings ........................................................................................... 7
Micro Thread Control.................................................................................................... 8
Stitch Length................................................................................................................. 9
Cutting Width ............................................................................................................... 10
Differential Feed .......................................................................................................... 11
Securing Serged Seams.............................................................................................. 14
Presser Foot Tape Guide............................................................................................. 15
3-Thread Balanced Stitch: Wide and Narrow .............................................................. 16
Inside Corners ............................................................................................................. 17
Outside Corners .......................................................................................................... 18
3-Thead Rolled Hem ................................................................................................... 19
3-Thread Flatlock Stitch............................................................................................... 20
2-Thread Rolled Hem .................................................................................................. 21
2-Thread Flatlock......................................................................................................... 22
Color-Coded Threading Charts ................................................................................... 23
Table of Contents
The information in this workbook applies to the current line
of BERNINA Sergers. Note: Some exercises apply only to
certain models equipped with the feature being highlighted.
Basic
Serger Use
1150MDA
800DL
700D
1300MDC

3
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new BERNINA serger. The information in this workbook will help
you learn the basics of using your new piece of sewing equipment. Even though it is very different from your
sewing machine, once you learn to incorporate serging techniques into your sewing, you’ll wonder how you
ever got along without it.
Sometimes called the microwave of sewing, your serger will speed your sewing in several ways, letting
you produce more in less time. The speed of the serger is faster than a sewing machine and because it
performs several operations (trimming, seaming, and overcasting) at the same time, you sew faster, and
in the process, produce neater and more professional-looking results.
Because the serger is a specialized piece of equipment, it only “sews” a limited
number of techniques and even though the workings are more complex than a
sewing machine, it doesn’t take long to learn the basics. The stitching exercises
in this workbook use four, three, and two thread stitch formations.
Once you have completed the exercises designated for your BERNINA overlock
machine, attach the sewn samples to the indicated pages and insert the pages
into plastic page protectors and store them in a 3-ring binder. They can then be
used as a reference tool in the future as you use your serger and explore the
creative possibilities it affords you.
BERNINA of America, Inc. strives to provide its customers
with quality sewing and overlock machines, and also with
informative publications and classes. Along with providing
My BERNINA Classes, your local BERNINA dealer stocks
BERNINA books and magazines, such as Feet-ures,
Serger Technique Reference Guide, Through the Needle
Online magazine and the BERNINA of America website:
www.berninausa.com.
Model Number Special Features
4-thread Balanced
3-thread Balanced
2-thread Balanced
Each BERNINA serger is identified by
a model number followed by a series
of letters. These letters indicate special
features for that particular model.
Current BERNINA models:
1300MDC
1150MDA
800DL
700D
009DCC
Overlock Model Name
Example: 1300 MDC
A= Automatic Needle Threader
C= Coverstitch / Chainstitch
D= Differential
L= Looper Threading Device
M= Micro Thread Control

4
Needle and Thread
Serger Needles
BERNINA sergers use the same type of needle
as most sewing machines: 130/705H. Note: An
exception to this is the JLx2 needles that can
help perfect the cover stitch on models 1300
MDC and 009DCC.
Use size 80/12 or 90/14 needle in your serger;
larger needles can interfere with looper move-
ment and cause damage; smaller needles may
not form the stitches correctly.
Always make sure needles are fully inserted as
high as possible, with the flat side to the back.
When using both the right needle and the left
needle, the needles will not be even when they
are fully inserted. The left needle will be slightly
higher than the right one.
Serger Thread
Serger threads are usually polyester and are finer (lighter weight) than many sewing machine threads to
avoid thread build-up and excessive bulk in seams. It is important that serger thread is smooth without
variations in diameter as it needs to feed smoothly through many thread guides for good stitch formation.
You also want a good-quality thread – such as Mettler Metrocor – that is not “fuzzy” and does not leave
excessive lint in the lower part of your overlock machine. Serger threads are sold on cones for economy
and convenience; regular spools of thread may be used but will not last very long when forming serger
stitches. Along with serger thread, there are applications that call for specialty and decorative threads.
Listed below are some of these threads commonly used in the serger:
Texturized Nylon Thread – such as YLI Woolly Nylon and Mettler Metroflock – a very elastic
thread with excellent coverage; perfect for rolled edges and knit seams. Available in solid
and variegated colors, and metallics.
Polyester Topstitching Thread – such as YLI Jeans Stitch & Mettler Cordonnet – this heavy
thread is used for decorative stitching (flatlocked seams and overcast edges). Also
nice for cover and chain stitching. Available in solid and variegated colors.
Rayon Decorative Threads – such as YLI Pearl Crown Rayon & YLI Designer 6 – shiny
threads for decorative applications. Pearl Crown Rayon is twisted, while Designer 6 is
untwisted. Available in solid and variegated colors.
Metallic Decorative Threads – such as YLI Candlelight – adds a bit of glitz to seams and edgings.
Decorative Sewing Threads – sewing machine threads can also be used in the serger, and are
particularly effective when several are used together as one thread.

5
1300MDC Screen Information

6
4-Thread Balanced Stitch
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Thread the serger for a 4 thread overlock stitch using thread colors to
match the color-coded threading path on the serger. Adjust all thread
tension settings as indicated below.
Fold the fabric in half to 3” x 6”.
To begin stitching, lift the front of the presser foot with your right thumb
and slide the fabric under the presser foot. Release the tip of the
presser foot and begin serging, trimming the fold away.
Serge to the end of the fabric. Continue stitching off the fabric until you
have a 3”- 4” thread chain. Cut thread chain.
Examine the serger stitch formation:
Blue: Loops should extend to the edge of the fabric,
interlocking with the red loops of the lower looper.
Red: Loops should extend to the edge of the fabric,
interlocking with the blue loops of the upper looper.
Yellow: Needle stitches should appear along the inside
edge of the stitch as straight stitches or tiny “dots”
of thread.
Green: Needle stitches should appear as a line of
straight stitching running through the middle of
the serger stitching
See the following page for tension adjustment information. Make any
necessary tension adjustments and serge another row of stitching.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-5
Right Needle······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N

7
Adjusting Tension Settings
Examine your 4-thread sample. The illustrations below show examples of unbalanced stitches and how
to correct the settings to balance the stitch. When making corrections in the tension settings, increase or
decrease the settings as needed, moving the dial ½ to 1 number at a time. Stitch a seam using the new
settings and then evaluate the new stitch. Continue in this manner until the stitch is balanced.
Upper and Lower Loopers - Tight Tension
Unbalanced: The looper threads “bite” into the edge of the fabric and/or the seam
allowance is folded or “scrunched” in the stitch.
Correction: Decrease (lower number) one or both looper tensions until the seam
allowance is flat and loopers meet at the edge. Note: This problem might also
result from an incorrect cutting width setting; see page 9 for more information.
Upper Looper - Loose Tension
Unbalanced: The looper threads are not at the edge of the fabric. Upper looper
thread is visible on the back of the fabric and the looper threads are very loose.
Correction: Make sure the thread is seated in the tension guides. If it is, tighten
the upper looper thread (higher number).
Lower Looper - Loose Tension
Unbalanced: The looper thread does not lock on the edge of the fabric and is
visible on the face of the fabric and the looper threads are very loose.
Correction: Make sure the thread is seated in the tension guides. If it is, tighten
the lower looper thread (higher number).
Left Needle - Loose Tension
Unbalanced: The yellow needle thread forms loops on the underside of the fabric.
The seam is not secure and the yellow thread may show in the seam line.
Correction: Make sure the yellow thread is seated in the tension guide. If it is,
tighten the left needle thread (higher number).
Right Needle - Loose Tension
Unbalanced: The green needle thread forms loops on the underside of the fabric.
Correction: Make sure the green thread is seated in the tension guide. If it is, tighten
the right needle thread (higher number).
Right and Left Needles - Tight Tension
Unbalanced: The green and yellow needle threads are pulled snugly, causing puck-
ers in the fabric at the seam line.
Correction: Make sure the threads are seated in the tension guides or have not
double wrapped around a threading guide. If they are, unwrap or loosen appropriate
needle tension (lower number).

8
Micro Thread Control
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Divide the fabric into 4 equal sections along one side,
finger-press the folds to form creases.
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger.
Adjust all thread tension settings as indicated below.
Set the mtc lever to the maximum setting, serge on the first fold.
Move the mtc lever to the normal setting, serge on the second fold.
Move the mtc lever to the minimum setting, serge on the third fold.
Mark the sample:
mtc - maximum
mtc - normal
mtc - minimum
.
before mtc adjustment after mtc adjustment
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper ·····························3-5
Lower Looper ·····························3-5
Left Needle ·································3-5
Right Needle·······························3-5
Stitch Length ······························2.5
Cutting Width······························2-3
Differential Feed·························N
maximum normal minimum
Note: the mtc function is a fast and easy way to make
the stitch formation look perfect without having to adjust
multiple thread tensions until you get it right. Different
fabrics and threads will affect the formation of the stitch
so the mtc setting may vary from fabric to fabric.

9
Stitch Length
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Fold fabric in half to 3” x 6”.
Using a fabric marker, divide the fabric into four equal sections
along the folded edge.
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger.
Adjust all thread tension settings as indicated below.
Set the cutting width and the differential at their normal settings.
Adjust the stitch length to 4mm. Serge to the first mark along the
folded edge, trimming the fold slightly.
Adjust the stitch length to 3mm and serge to the second mark.
Adjust the stitch length to 2mm and serge to the third mark.
Adjust the stitch length to 1mm and serge to the end.
Mark the stitch length settings on the fabric sample.
Return stitch length to its normal setting, 2.5mm.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-5
Right Needle ······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ varies
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N
4mm
3mm
2mm
1mm

10
Cutting Width
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Fold the fabric in half to 3” x 6”.
Divide and mark the fabric into three equal sections along the
folded edge.
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger.
Adjust all thread tension settings as indicated below.
Rotate the upper knife up. Adjust cutting width to the widest
setting. Rotate the upper knife down into cutting position.
Serge to the first mark on the fabric, stopping when the knife
edge is on the mark.
Adjust cutting width to a mid-range setting and serge to the
second mark.
Adjust the cutting width to lowest setting and serge to the end of
the fabric.
Mark the cutting width settings on the sample.
Rotate the upper knife up. Return the cutting width to its normal
setting. Rotate the upper knife down into cutting position.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-5
Right Needle······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· varies
Differential Feed ························ N
1mm
3mm

11
Differential Feed: Stretchy Fabrics
Fabric: Knit ribbing, three pieces, 3” x 6” each
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using
thread colors to match the color-coded threading path
on the serger. Adjust all thread tension settings as
indicated below.
Set the cutting width as needed and set the stitch length
to 2.5mm.
With differential set at N, serge two of the ribbing pieces
together along one 6” edge. If the fabric is stretchy enough
you will have a wavy edge.
Adjust the differential to 2.0. Stitch along the 6” side,
serging the remaining ribbing to the other side of the piece,
trimming slightly. With differential at a higher setting, the
wavy edge should be eliminated.
Mark the differential settings on the fabric sample.
Return the differential feed setting to N (normal).
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-5
Right Needle ······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ varies
2mm N

12
Differential Feed: Soft Fabrics
Fabric: Lightweight, soft fabric, 4” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger.
Adjust all thread tension settings as indicated below.
With differential set at N, serge on one 6” edge. If fabric is
lightweight enough you will have a puckered edge.
Adjust the differential to 0.7. Serge along the other 6” edge,
trimming slightly. With a low differential setting, the puckered
edge should be eliminated.
Mark the differential settings on the fabric sample.
Return the differential feed setting to N (normal).
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-5
Right Needle······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ varies
0.7mm
N

13
Differential Feed: Gathering
Fabric: Lightweight fabric, 6” x 12”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Using a fabric marker, divide the fabric into 3 equal sections
along the 12” side.
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger.
Adjust all thread tension settings as indicated below.
Turn the differential feed dial to 2. Serge to the first mark.
Adjust stitch length to 4mm and serge to the second mark.
Move the thread tension levers up to 8 to increase both needle
thread tensions. Serge to the end of the fabric.
Return the differential feed to “N” (normal) and the stitch length to
2.5 (normal).
Move the thread tension levers to return tensions to normal (3-5).
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-8
Right Needle ······························ 3-8
Stitch Length······························ varies
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ varies

14
Securing Serged Seams
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger.
Adjust all thread tension settings as indicated below.
Fold fabric in half to 3” x “6” and place under the presser foot.
Take 2-3 stitches on the fabric. Lower the needles into the fabric.
Raise the presser foot and with your left hand gently pull the thread
chain around the needles to the knife.
Lower the presser foot and continue serging (cutting off the excess
thread chain) until you are one stitch off the end of the fabric.
Locate the Stitch Selection lever on the right side of the cloth plate;
pull it towards you, releasing the thread chain from the stitch
tongue.
Raise the presser foot and carefully flip the fabric over so that
the lower looper side of the previously serged seam will be
overstitched.
Place the fabric under the presser foot so that the first stitch will
enter the fabric when you begin stitching.
Slide the Stitch Selection lever towards the body of the serger.
Serge for about 1”, overstitching the previous stitching. Guide the
fabric so as not to cut the previous stitching. Optional: Rotate upper
knife up.
Raise the toe of the presser foot and rotate the fabric 90° clockwise.
Serge off the edge of the fabric.
If the upper knife is up, rotate it down into the cutting position.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ································ 3-5
Right Needle······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N

15
Presser Foot Tape Guide
Fabric: Two pieces cotton interlock fabric, 3” x 6” each and
Twill tape, 8”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 4-thread overlock
Thread the serger for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread colors
to match the color-coded threading path on the serger. Adjust all
thread tension settings as indicated below.
Locate the tape guide on the presser foot.
Using the small screwdriver from the accessory pouch, loosen the
fixing screw and slide the tape guide all the way to the left. Snug
the screw.
Slip the twill tape or ribbon into the slot on the presser foot.
Lower the presser foot and sink the needles into the tape or ribbon;
start stitching on the tape only.
Loosen the fixing screw and adjust the tape guide to the width of the
tape or ribbon; pull to the back of the foot. Retighten the screw.
Place the fabric pieces right sides together. Slip the fabric under the
foot and seam along the 6” side, catching the tape or ribbon in the
serged edge.
Remove the fabric from under the presser foot and examine the
seam. It will not stretch; the tape or ribbon has stabilized the seam.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle································· 3-5
Right Needle ······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N

16
3-Thread Balanced Stitch
Fabric: Firm fabric, 8” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of serger thread (red, blue,green, for narrow
and red, blue, yellow for wide)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 3-thread overlock
Wide Balanced Stitch
Using the small screwdriver and brush/needle insertion tool,
remove the right needle. Snug the needle set screw after removing
the needle.
Thread the serger for a wide 3-thread overlock stitch using the
LEFT needle and thread colors to match the color-coded
threading path on the serger. Adjust all thread tension settings
for a balanced stitch as indicated below.
Fold fabric in half to be 4”x 6”. Serge along the folded edge of the
fabric, trimming slightly to remove the fold.
Narrow Balanced Stitch
Using the small screwdriver and brush/needle insertion tool,
loosen the right needle screw and insert the right needle. Hint:
Place the point of the needle directly above the right needle
space of the presser foot, then lift the needle up to place the
shank in the correct hole. Tighten the right needle screw.
Remove the left needle. Tighten the needle set screw after
removing the left needle.
Thread the serger for a 3-thread narrow stitch using the RIGHT
needle and thread colors to match the color-coded threading path
on the serger. Adjust all thread tension settings for a balanced
stitch as indicated below.
Serge along the raw edges opposite the wide balanced stitch. Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle (for wide stitch) ······ 3-5
Right Needle (for narrow stitch)· 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N

17
Inside Corner
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 3 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 3-thread overlock
Using the small screwdriver and brush/needle insertion tool, remove
the left needle. Snug the needle set screw after removing the needle.
Thread the serger for a narrow 3-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger. Adjust
all thread tension settings for a balanced stitch as indicated below.
Inside Corner
This technique works well for continuous plackets on sleeves and
back neck openings.
•Cut an inside corner into the fabric.
•Snip into the corner ¼” (the width of the stitching).
•Serge until the knife reaches the end of the cut.
•Use the handwheel to lower the needle into the fabric.
•Lift the presser foot and straighten the corner towards you.
•Lower the presser foot; continue serging.
.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 3-5
Left Needle ······························· N/A
Right Needle ····························· 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 2.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N

18
Outside Corner
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 3 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 3-thread overlock
Using the small screwdriver and brush/needle insertion tool, remove
the left needle. Snug the needle set screw after removing the needle.
Thread the serger for a narrow 3-thread overlock stitch using thread
colors to match the color-coded threading path on the serger. Adjust
all thread tension settings for a balanced stitch as indicated below.
Outside Corner
OPTION I
•Serge one edge of the fabric, stitching off the end of the
fabric. Trim the thread tail.
•Continue serging around the square, crossing over previous
stitching.
•Use a seam sealant on the untrimmed thread tails (or use a
tapestry needle to weave the thread tail back through the stitching).
When the seam sealant is dry, trim the thread tails.
OPTION II
•Beginning at one corner, serge (trimming very slightly as you sew)
to the end of the fabric. Take one stitch off the end of the fabric.
•Locate the Stitch Selection lever on the stitch plate and pull it
toward you. This will free the thread from the stitch finger.
•Lift the presser foot and carefully pivot the fabric 90° FRXQWHUclockwise.
•Return the Stitch Selection
lever to normal (away
from you).
•Place the needle one
stitch into the fabric and
lower the presser foot.
•Continue serging until
you are one stitch off the
next corner.
•Repeat the corner turning
procedure and continue
serging.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper ·····························3-5
Lower Looper ·····························3-5
Left Needle ································N/A
Right Needle ·····························3-5
Stitch Length ······························2.5
Cutting Width······························2-3
Differential Feed·························N
trimmed
corner
untrimmed
corner

19
3-Thread Rolled Hem
Fabric: Medium weight fabric, 4” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 3 cones of serger thread (blue, red, green)
Optional: Woolly Nylon thread for upper looper
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 3-thread Rolled Hem
Using the small screwdriver and brush/needle insertion tool,
remove the left needle. Snug the needle set screw after
removing the needle.
Thread the serger for a narrow 3-thread overlock stitch using
thread colors to match the color-coded threading path on the
serger. Adjust all thread tension settings for a rolled edge as
indicated below.
Pull the Stitch Selection Lever toward you.
Place the fabric under the presser foot and serge along one 6”
edge.
Return stitch length and thread tension levers to normal.
Return the Stitch Selection lever to normal sewing position.
Optional: Thread the serger for a 3-thread rolled edge (right
needle) with Woolly Nylon in the upper looper. Because of the
stretch of the Woolly Nylon thread, the tension of the looper may
need to be loosened. Serge the edge opposite of the previously
stitched rolled edge.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 7-9
Left Needle ································ N/A
Right Needle ······························ 3-5
Stitch Length······························ 1-1.5
Cutting Width ····························· 2-3
Differential Feed ························ N

20
3-Thread Flatlock Stitch
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 3 cones of serger thread (blue, red, yellow)
Presser Foot: Standard
Stitch: 3-thread Flatlock
Using the small screwdriver and brush/needle insertion tool,
remove the right needle. Snug the needle set screw after
removing the needle.
Thread serger for a wide 3-thread flatlock stitch. Adjust all thread
tension settings as indicated below. Note: Sample was stitched
with regular thread but a heavy thread such as YLI Jeans Stitch
or Designer 6 can be used in the upper looper for a more
decorative look. When working with heavy decorative threads,
loosen the upper looper tension and lengthen the stitch length
as needed for the desired look.
Fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together, to 3” x 6”.
Optional: Attach the Right Seam Guide to the serger (700D and
800DL will require the Attachment Base). Move the Right Seam
Guide halfway between the needle and the stitch finger.
Place the fold under the presser foot. Guide the fabric halfway
between the left needle and the right edge of the stitch finger
(or against the Right Seam Guide).
Slowly serge the fabric. The looper threads will extend beyond the
fabric on the right side of fold. Decorative Thread Tip: To avoid
uneven stitches, tangled threads, hiccups, and other imperfec-
tions, always serge slowly when working with decorative threads.
Gently pull the fabric flat.
Return stitch length
and thread tension
levers to their normal
settings.
Optional: For a narrow
flatlock stitch, reset the
serger using the right
Needle.
Suggested Settings
Upper Looper····························· 3-5
Lower Looper····························· 7-9
Left Needle ································ 1-2
Right Needle······························ N/A
Stitch Length······························ 2-3
Cutting Width ····························· 3
Differential Feed ························ N
3-thread Flatlock stitch with Designer 6
thread in the upper looper
The needle side
of the stitch is
called a ladder
stitch and can
be used as the
decorative side
if desired.