Special Serger Features: Video Part 3

Hi Everyone!  So many questions have been coming in about the Singer Pro Finish Serger that I recently started to do a New Video Series about.  Sorry for the little break.  I know you all want more, especially with this being National Serger Month!!  Who makes up all the sewing holiday's anyway?  A few days ago Singer launched a New Sewing Machine and Serger Duo on HSN for an Amazing price.  Well, if you got that combo, that serger is the same as the Singer Pro Finish here in my video series.  This machine has many levers, knobs and movable parts and some of you may have asked yourself, hummm?  In this video, you will learn what they do and also learn about the wonderful features that make this serger easy and reliable to use.

Removable Extension Table:

This machine has and extension table that is removable to sew as a free arm.  This feature makes it easy to sew small necklines, hems and armholes to attach knit collars and cuffs. This is even a feature that one of my much more expensive sergers lacks.  As a bonus feature, the extension table has storage inside to keep your accessories.

Notice in the picture below, there's is a nice sized storage cavity to keep machine accessories handy.

Removing the extension table can be a little tricky.  On the under side of the plastic table, there's an plastic button that needs to be depressed from the underside to remove the table.  Here's a picture of the button from the underside of the table. 

In the picture below, the rectangular hole on the left side of the machine is where the button on the extension table attaches to the machine.  Be gentle when removing the extension table or reattaching it back into position.

Differential Feed:

This may be a feature you've heard of or read about, but didn't really know what it was. Simply put, this machine has a dual feeding system which is adjusted by a lever on the right side of the machine.  Differential feed is a system which "stretches" or "gather" the fabric, when the amount of feed in the front feed dog is changed in relation to the rear feed dog. When the lever is set to "1.0", the feed is 1:1 or has an even feed for creating smooth seams or edges.  When the lever is set at a higher number range or the lever in the lower area of the dial, the fabric will gather.  If the lever is set at lower number range or in the upper area of the dial, the fabric will stretch.  This feature allows you to create ruffles and rolled hem lettuce edging and works in conjunction with your stitch length to create different effects.

Stitch Width and Length Adjustment:

Stitch length adjustment is made easily with the upper dial on the right side of the machine. This will enable the stitches to be closer together for a clean rolled hem.  The stitches can be adjusted to a moderate length for use with the Ultra Mock 4 thread Safety Stitch for seaming fabrics.  The stitch length can also be adjusted in it's longest length for gathering fabrics easily.  The stitch width is adjusted by switching the needle positions. Using the left needle enables the machine to stitch a wider stitch or 5.7 mm and using the right needle enables the machine to stitch a narrower stitch or 3.5 mm.  The stitch width has another adjustment also.  The stitch finger will modify either more or less in the width.  Pushing the finger forward will engage the stitch finger allowing the looper thread to pass over it to create a slightly wider stitch.  With the stitch finger backward or disengaged, the stitch width will be narrower for creating perfect rolled hems. 

Movable Seam Width Finger:

This is a feature that I truly think is ingenious!  This enables the machine to switch from sewing a regular serger stitch width to a clean finished narrow rolled hem stitch by pushing the seam width finger forward or backward.  One of my other sergers does a beautiful rolled hem stitch, however it involves changing the throat plate and presser foot.  This machine does it all without changing a foot or throat plate.  Super time saver!! The two pictures below show the 2 positions of the stitch width finger.  The first shows the stitch width finger engaged or pushed towards the needle of the machine.  The second shows the stitch width finger disengaged or pulled away from the needle.  Notice also on the machine the "R" and the "S" designations.  The "S" stands for "TO SEW STANDARD OVEREDGE" and the "R" "TO SEW ROLLED HEM.

Installing the Spreader:

The Spreader is a small plastic accessory that converts and bypasses the upper looper enabling the machine to sew with 2 threads.  This is a feature that will allow the machine to stitch 2 different rolled hem stitches at 2 different widths depending on which needle position is selected.  To install the spreader, insert the post on the spreader into the large hole on the upper looper.  Then insert the "L" shaped wire into the small hole in the looper by gently pushing it back until it's inserted.

Disengaging Movable Cutter:

The onboard cutter has the capability of being moved out of the sewing area easily. Simply push the cutter lever to the right while twisting upward towards you to move it out of the sewing area. This enables the machine to sew without cutting to clean finish edges for construction later.

Presser Foot Pressure:

The presser foot pressure of this machine is set to accommodate medium weight fabrications.  If you'd like to change the presser foot pressure to sew lightweight or heavier weight fabrication, this is accomplished by inserting the small screwdriver that came with the machine into the hole at the upper top left of the machine.  For lightweight materials ~ decrease pressure or turn the screw counterclockwise.  For heavierweight materials ~ increase pressure or turn the screw clockwise.

Carry Handle

The last feature that I'd like to show and I find important is the sturdy carry handle.  It may seem like something not worth mentioning, however I move my machines from place to place very often and it just makes it so much easier maneuver.  Sewing machines and sergers sometimes can feel off balance when being picked up and moved around, so this feature is important to me and one I thought was worth sharing.  It lifts up easily, and then folds back down out of the way of the machine threads.

I hope you find all of this information and the Video:  Special Serger Features ~ Part 3 helpful as you explore your Singer Pro Finish Serger.

Have a Happy Creative Day!!

Roxanne