Does anyone use a Bernina Funlock 004?
 

I just got out my mother's serger. It started out stitching great but I can't figure out how to release the threads after completion. Anyone have pointers?

This is not the same model but it may help. I have an older Bernette and didn't realize I could do cover stitch with it, so will have to try that trick. The best part is about half way thru.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OyTeZvpGtE

Welcome to Quilting Board.

Unlike regular sewing machines that you should not sew without fabric under the presser foot, the serger is made to keep sewing after the end of the fabric is behind the presser foot. It is sometimes called :"chaining off." This leaves a "tail" of thread off the edge of fabric. If one was to cut the thread tail right next to the fabric ends, there is a good probability of the stitches to come undone. A manual for this machine can be found at https://www.manualslib.com/manual/81...?page=1#manual According to the bottom of https://www.manualslib.com/manual/81...page=16#manual it says
My sergers don't have a thread cutter, so I would just chain off a few inches and cut the thread with snips or scissors.

If you are new to sergers, it may be a little hard to understand, but here are some ways to finish a serged seam at https://reallyhandmade.com/five-ways...-thread-chain/ It really depends on what you are working on. Sometimes the serged seams will cross so the tail can be cut off when the other seam is stitched. I have also left about a 2" tail.and then pull the tail between my fingers so that the threads smooth out and there will be a couple threads that pull a little longer. Then will trim it at about 1". When I used to thread it back into the seam, I would work the needle into the seam and then thread the eye to pull the threaded needle through the seam stitches.

I hope this explains how to release the threads after completion.

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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Thanks for the link!
 

This looks so great, I wished I had learned serging earlier!

Thank you,
Bev

I really appreciate your detailed answer!

Thank you,
Bev