Reliable Dreamstitcher Portabl 787 User manual

The 787
Dreamstitcher™
Portable Serger
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. KNOWING YOUR MACHINE
Identification chart…………………………………………………………………………… 2
Accessories…………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Setting up your machine…………………………………………………………………… 4
Preparation for threading…………………………………………………………………… 5-6
Lint tray, Cutting width gauge……………………………………………………………… 7
Thread cutter, Changing presser feet…………………………………………………… 7
Changing needle, thread and fabric chart………………………………………………… 8
2. STARTING TO SEW
Threading your machine…………………………………………………………………… 9-12
Helpful hints………………………………………………………………………………… 12
Testing stitch overlock stitches…………………………………………………………… 13
Setting chart………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Three-thread overlock with one needle…………………………………………………… 15
Converting to two-thread use……………………………………………………………… 15
Narrow and rolled hem, picot stitch……………………………………………………… 16
Adjusting thread tensions…………………………………………………………………. 17
Adjusting stitch length, Adjusting overedge cutting width, Stitch finger(B)…………… 18
Differential feed……………………………………………………………………………… 19
Foot pressure regulator…………………………………………………………………… 20
Sewing with extra heavyweight fabric or multiple layers of fabric……………………… 20
Basic techniques
Turning outside corners without cutting threads…………………………………… 21
Turning curved edges, Removing stitches from sewn fabric……………………… 21
Corded overlock………………………………………………………………………. 22
Decorative effects……………………………………………………………………… 23
Differential feed applications………………………………………………………….. 24
3. CARING FOR YOUR MACHINE
Replacing moving cutter, Disengaging moving cutter……………………………………… 25
Removing face cover………………………………………………………………………… 25
Cleaning and oiling…………………………………………………………………………... 26
4. CHECKING PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS……………………………………………… 27
SPECIFICATION OF MACHINE
MODEL
300
320
Number of threads
3 or 4 threads
2, 3 or 4 threads
Overedge stitch width
6mm(left needle) and 3.8mm(right needle)
Needle
HA1-SP, HA ×1(130/705H)
Stitch length
1-5mm
Stitching speed
Up to 1300 stitches per minute
Dimensions
320 mm(W) ×280mm(P)×280mm(H)
Weight
8Kgs (17.6 1bs)

2
1. KNOWING YOUR MACHINE
IDENTIFICATION CHART
1. Foot pressure regulator
2. Sewing light
3. Presser foot lever
4. Thread cutter (Model 320 only)
5. Needle plate
6. Presser foot
7. Overedge cutting width dial
8. Working table
9. Thread guide pole
10. Left needle thread tension control
11. Right needle thread tension control
12. Lower Looper thread tension control
13. Upper looper thread tension control
14. Needle thread guides
15. Thread cutter lever (Model 320 only)
16. Two thread convertor instruction (Model 320 only)
17. Threading chart
18. Lint tray
19. Foot control
20. Release lever
21. Foot release lever
22. Spool disc
23. Differential feed control dial
24. Stitch length dial
25. Hand wheel
26. Plug connector socket
27. Light and power switch
28. Front cover
29. Moving cutter
30. Upper looper
31. Lower looper

3
ACCESSORIES
All parts listed may be obtained from your nearest dealer.
1. Two-thread convertor
(Model 320 only)
2. Stitch finger (B)
(Model 320 only)
3. Needle set(option)
4. Brush(option)
5. Screwdriver (small)
6. Tape measure (option)
7. Machine cover
8. Screwdriver (large)
9. Oiler
10. Moving cutter
11. Spanner
12. Thread net
13. Tweezers
14. Spool disc
15. Spool holder
16. Cord guide
17. Accessory bag
* Only Model 320 has storage of accessories at the back of front cover.

4
SETTING UP YOUR MACHINE
1. Wipe off excess oil in the needle
plate and bed areas.
2. FOOT CONTROL
Push foot control plug into
connector socket, and connect
the power line plug into power
supply outlet.
3. POWER/LIGHT SWITCH
Your machine will not operate
unless the power/light switch is
turned on. This same switch
controls both machine power
and sewing light.
When leaving the machine
unattended, or servicing the
machine, remove the power line
plug from supply outlet..
4. OPENING FRONT COVER
To open front cover, pull it to the
right and down towards you.
5. OPENING WORKING TABLE
To open working table, pull the
release lever towards you with
your right hand, and lift the front
of presser foot up with your left
hand.

5
PREPARATION FOR THREADING
THREAD GUIDE POLE
Pull up thread guide pole to the
highest point until you hear it click.
Place thread spools on pins and
draw thread through thread
guides on the pole from rear to
front.
Thread guide of pole can hold
thread spools on the spool stand
by pulling down the pole as
illustrated.

6
SPOOL CAPS FOR DOMESTIC TYPE
SPOOLS
SPOOL DISC AND SPOOL
HOLDERS FOR CONE SPOOLS
For large cone spools use the rubber spool
holders with the wide end at the top, and for
small ones, use the same rubber spool
holders but with the narrow end at the top.
SPOOL NETS
Polyester or bulky nylon threads become
loose while unwinding. To keep consistent
feeding of such threads, utilize spool net
sleeving over the spool.

7
LINT TRAY
With the lint tray located in this position,
it will collect all your waste material.
After completion of work if you then turn
tray upwards in direction shown, finger
Ref C will locate in slot D and left hand
pin will slide into lower hole B.
CUTTING WIDTH GAUGE
When using cutting width gauge, the
fabric is cut down and sewn at same
distance from the edge of fabric.
Within the distance of the width
adjusted.
THREAD CUTTER (Model 320 only)
Thread cutter is built in needle plate.
Make sure that power switch is off, then
trim thread near the end of fabric by
pushing down lever as illustrated.
CHANGING PRESSER FEET
Be sure needle is in the up position.
Raise presser foot lever.
1. Push foot release lever to remove
the foot.
2. Place the desired foot on the needle
plate aligning needle holes.
3. Lower the presser foot lever and
push foot release lever so that the
foot holder snaps on the foot.

8
CHANGING NEEDLE
NEEDLE, THREAD AND FABRIC CHART
Use HA ×1 SP, HA ×1 (130/705H) Needles.
FABRIC
THREAD
NEEDLE
Light weight:
Organdy, Lawn, Gingham
Cotton No.100
COTTON
LINEN
Heavy weight:
Oxford, Denim, Cotton Gabardine
Polyester
No.60-50
Cotton No.60
Light weight:
Tropical, Wool, Poplin
Polyester
No.80
Cotton No.60
Serge, Gabardine, Flannel
Polyester
No.80-60
Cotton No.60
WOOL
Heavy weight:
Velours, Camelhair, Astrakhan
Polyester
No.60-50
Cotton No.60
Light weight:
Georgette Crape, Voile, Satin
Polyester
No.100-80
Cotton No.120-80
SYNTHETIC
FIBRE
Heavy weight:
Taffeta, Twills, Denim
Polyester
No.60
Cotton No.60
Tricot
Polyester
No.80-60
CottonNo.80-60
Jersey
Polyester
No.60-50
Cotton No.60
KNIT
Wool
Polyester
No.60-50
Bulk Nylon
90(14)
for general sewing
75(11)
for light weight fabrics
Raise needle bar to its highest point by turning
hand wheel towards you, but leave presser foot
down. Loosen needle clamp screw to remove the
needle, and place new needle with Flat Side
Away From you, into the needle bar as far as it
will go, and tighten screw.
*Synthetic threads are recommended for ordinary overlocking. Polyester thread, for example, is very
useful for different types of fabric.
NOTE: Keep in mind that the lower and upper loopers will use about twice the amount of thread as the
needles. When purchasing thread for sewing, therefore, especially if it is an unusual colour, you
should buy sufficient for your requirements.

9
2. STARTING TO SEW
THREADING YOUR MACHINE
Wrong threading may cause shipped stitches,
breaking threads, or other problems.
Try to master the correct threading before
moving on to test sewing.
Threading must be carried out in the sequence
of Lower Looper – Upper Looper – Needle.
Open the front cover and the working table.
Raise needle to its highest point by turning hand
wheel towards you, and raise the presser foot.
Before re-threading lower looper, remove thread
from needle eye first, then re-thread the lower
looper. This will prevent tangling.
NOTE: Thread tension is released when the
presser foot is lifted up.
THREADING LOWER LOOPER
1. Feed the thread through the thread
guide as illustrated.
2. Pull the lower thread through tension
slot. Holding the thread with your left
hand, pull down with right hand firmly.
3. Draw the thread through thread guide
as illustrated.
4. Pass the thread through lower looper
eye, and hook it around part A as
indicated by the arrow. Leave about
4” (10cm) extra thread.

10
THREADING UPPER LOOPER
1. Feed the thread through the thread guide as illustrated.
2. Pull the upper thread through the slot, holding the thread with your left hand.
3. Draw the thread through the thread guide as illustrated.
4. Pass the thread through wire thread guide and looper eye, leaving an excess length of
about 4”(10 cm)

11
THREADING NEEDLES
1. Feed the thread through the thread guide as illustrated.
2. Draw the needle threads through left-hand tension slot. Holding the thread with your left hand, pull
down with right hand firmly.
3. Draw the thread through the thread guide as illustrated.
4. Thread the needles from front to back through needle eye and pull the threads towards the back
passing along the right side of presser foot, leaving an extra length of about 4”(10cm)

12
HELPFUL HINTS
REPLACING THREAD SPOOLS
When replacing thread spools, the
following steps may be helpful for quick
changeover.
1. Cut off existing threads near the
spools. Tie the cut ends thread from
new spools as illustrated (seamen’s
knot).
2. Raise presser foot.
3. Lower needle bar to its lowest
position by turning hand wheel
away from you. Carefully pull the
existing threads until the connecting
knots pass through needle eye and
looper eyes.
CUTTING NEEDLE THREAD
Frayed thread may make needle
threading difficult.
Draw the thread near the thread cutter
on the needle plate and push the thread
cutter lever (model 320 only) or draw
the thread passing under the moving
cutter and turn hand wheel towards you
to obtain clear cut end as illustrated.

13
TESTING STITCH OVERLOCK STITCHES
After threading is completed, use a
scrap of fabric that you plan to sew and
test to sew in the following order.
1. Gently pulling all the threads to the
left, lower the presser foot. Rotate
the hand wheel towards you a few
times to see if the lock stitches are
properly formed.
2. Start the machine at low speed and
feed in test fabric under the presser
foot by slightly pushing it forward.
(This can be done with the presser
foot down on most fabrics except
bulky materials.)
Guide the fabric gently as machine
automatically feeds the material.
3. Check thread tensions by test
sewing on spare fabric.
(See page 17.)
4. At fabric end, carry on running
machine at low speed, gently
pulling the fabric towards the back,
until about 5 to 6 cm of extra lock
stitches are produced without
fabric.
5. Cut thread by pushing thread cutter
lever down, or with scissors.

14

15
THREE-THREAD OVERLOCK WITH ONE NEEDLE
By threading the LEFT needle only a width of 6 mm will be produced and by threading the RIGHT
needle only a width of 3.8 mm will be produced.
Please keep the unused needle on the needle pad as illustrated.
CONVERTING TO TWO-THREAD USE (Model 320 only)
To convert to two thread use, first open the front cover and working table and raise needle to its
highest point by turning hand wheel towards you. Remove the right needle and use the left needle.
Please keep the unused needle on the needle pad.
Pull out the convertor as shown in Fig.1.
Attach the two-thread convertor onto the upper looper as shown in Fig. 2, Fig.3.
When not using convertor, insert it deep and keep as illustrated in Fig.4.

16
NARROW AND ROLLED HEM, PICOT STITCH
Narrow and rolled edge is ideal for use on thin materials such as georgette crepe, crepe de chine,
silk etc.
Also, picot stitch can be produced particularly when sewing on fine ‘scarflike’ materials.
In view of the nature of these hems, they are unsuitable for use on ‘hard’ or ‘heavy’ materials.
1. Raise the presser foot.
2. Open the front cover and working table.
3. Remove the stitch finger from the needle plate by screw driver and keep it in the front cover as
illustrated (Model 320 only) or in the accessory bag.
4. Set the machine according to page 14.
NOTE:1.Please use following recommended thread for making ideal seams.
2.After finishing , reset the stitch finger in its place. Please ensure inserting it deep as
illustrated in Fig 1.
RECOMMENDED THREAD
Narrow overlock edge
Rolled edge
With Three Threads
With Three Threads
With Two Threads
Thread for needle
Polyester, Nylon, Silk No.50-100
Nylon No.100
Upper looper
-----------
Lower looper
Polyester, Nylon, Silk No.50-100
Bulk nylon (less stretchable)
Bulk nylon (less strechable)

17
ADJUSTING THREAD TENSIONS
Turning tension dial to a higher number gives a tighter thread
tension. Turning tension dial to a lower number gives a looser
thread tension. The higher the number, the tighter the tension.
Test each thread tension on a scrap of the fabric you plan to
use.
TWO-THREAD USE
Just right
Lower looper thread pulled to under side
Needle thread Pulled to top side
Decrease needle tension Increase needle thread tension
FOUR-THREAD USE
Just right
Upper looper thread pulled to top side Lower looper thread pulled to top side
Increase Upper looper thread tension
and/or decrease lower looper tension
Increase lower looper thread tension
and/or decrease upper looper tension
Increase left needle thread tension and/or
decrease either or both looper threads.
Left needle thread loose and visible on
under side of fabric.
Right needle thread loose and visible on
under side of fabric.
Increase right needle thread tension.

18
ADJUSTING STITCH LENGTH
Turn the stitch length dial until the
required length is indicated.
The higher the number, the longer
the stitch. This dial can adjust the
stitch length from 1 to 5 mm.
ADJUSTING OVEREDGE CUTTING WIDTH
Overedge cutting width can be adjusted from 4 to 7
mm by simply turning overedge cutting width dial
according to the kind of fabric.
It is set at standard width of 6 mm when delivered
from the factory.
Turn it towards “5” if fabric edge curls while
sewing.( Fig.1)
Turn it toward “7” if loops hang off the edge. (Fig.2)
Stitch finger (B) (Model 320 only)
Loops may hang off the edge, when you sew with lightweight fabric using 3 threads (right
needle only), and setting cutting width dial at 4-5(Fig.3). In such a case change the stitch
finger(A) to (B) to get neat stitching(Fig.4)