Help with Singer Serger 14U44B
 

I bought a Singer serger at a flea market 2 years ago. I just got it set up and am using it and LOVING it!! Can't believe I waited so long to try it out. I have the Operating manual, that shows me how to thread it and clean it, etc. but it does not go into detail. I thought I had another instruction book, but cannot find it. Unfortunataely, we moved during the time period, so it could be almost anywhere. Does anyone have this manual, or know where I can get it? I found it on the Singer site, but it was the same thing I already have. What I am excited to know how to do is make gathers. All the manual says is to change the differential feed on the bottom. I did this and it did not gather. I figure I need to be using a certain needle and maybe less number of thread? I have it set up with 4 spools. It has both needles in. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Thank you.

I have no clue what my model number is, but yours looks vaguely familiar!! I'll check when I get home, but I only have the one manual also, I think. I only use mine to serge fleece blankets, so I have no experience with the gathering feature. But maybe my manual gives more info..who knows? I think I have another book the woman I bought it from sent along. It is one she bought somewhere. It did not come with the machine when she bought it, but is by Singer. Oh well, I'll be home in a couple hours and I'll check for you then!

Mary

THANK YOU I will be watching for your reply. I will be going home in a while so will not reply til tomorrow. I appreciate any help I can get. Even if someone could tell me "generically" how to do the gathering.

When you open the front door of the serger (where the lower loopers are threaded) on the right side of the section there is a lever with a picture that shows stretch or gather...I think gather is down...without the machine in front of me, I don't remember too well. No special threading or special needles...just moving the lever. It doesn't really gather, mostly for easing the fabric ...
You have purchased a real gem...she is a nice heavy duty serger. Wish they made them like that today....

Thank you Tink's mom, do you have this serger? I adjusted that lever all the way down, which it said would gather, but it was straight and flat!! I have 4 threads and 2 needles going, because that is the only thing I know. The instructions I have are quite vague and appear to mearly a quick guide. Thank you for any help. This machine runs like a dream!!! Sometimes I think Older is better. LOL

No, I don't have this serger....in a former life, I taught people how to use this machine. I think it only gathers on 1 layer and only thinner fabric.
I think you may have to adjust the stitch length, just like on a sewing machine...to gather.
Yes, it is a bit vague in the directions...I seem to remember a Singer Book...Learn your Serger...that was a help.

well, that's not my model. Darn. Mine does not gather, there was no reference to it in my instuction manual. I am pretty sure I have the "Learn Your Serger" book..the trick is finding it! I'm in the slow process of moving my sewing room, so maybe it will show up? If it does, I'll let you know! Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

I typed a long post and it disappered. I do not have a manual but threaded this machine and the lower looper keeps breaking. My brother found this at a yard sale for $5 and called and asked if i wanted it. I said yes so I could fix it up for our sister who has never owned a serger but wanted one.
Even with his postage shipping it from out of state it was a good deal. Any help any one can send me is appreciated.

I believe you can download the manual from Singer....Is the lower looper forming a stitch? If so, it may be catching on something so it doesn't feed smoothly....
Check out the manual...it will give you all kinds of troubleshooting.

Yes, I typed in "free singer sewing machine manuals" there was a link for "sergers", I think. I do remember typing in the model number though. It did pop right up. Watch, cause it has a price to purchase it, but just below that it a "download free" button. Use that, it is way cheeper. LOL Would love to chat with some of you that use your sergers. What do you use them for? Why whould you change from using 4 or 3 threads? Purpose of that. Anything helpful! I really like mine, as it sews very fast, when I made my pillowcases I used it for the first seam, then when I turned it and did the second seam, it was even and straight so my french seams looks great.

Get 1 piece of fabric, start serging, adjust the differential feed down, note what number you adjusted to, move DF again, keep trying until you get the look you want. You will have to adjust the DF on most fabrics, I always test before using it on my project. If you are trying to make ruffles you will need 2 pieces of fabric. The bottom fabric will be the one that gathers. You can use both needles, and 4 threads. I made curtains this way. If you are wanting to gather 1 piece of fabric adjust downward. I hope this helps. If you want to make a ruffle on a collar, hem, etc. move the DF upward and stretch the fabric somewhat, 3 thread or 4 is OK.

Thank you Pat, I think i will go home and play!!