Sergers made by Euro Pro are strong sewing machines that produce even stitches. The basic operation of the machine begins with needle placement, setting up the threads and chaining off. The Euro Pro serger model 101-548 is a 2-3-4 thread machine and can function with two threads, three threads or four threads. Here is how to set up and operate the serger.
Serger Needle Placement
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The needle is the first thing to check and set up when operating this serger. The serger uses standard sewing machine needles with the flat heads. This way, the needles can only be inserted one way, preventing mistakes and jamming with the rounded part facing front and the flat part facing rear. There are two holes for the needles. The right slot is for the right overedge needle, and the left slot is for the left overedge needle. Once they are inserted, the right overedge needle will be slightly lower than the left one when facing the machine.
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Setting Up the Thread
The serger has a four-thread guide hold for the serger cone thread spools. Pull up the thread guide to extend it all the way until it clicks into place. If using regular sewing machine thread instead of serger cone thread use the spool cap to hold it into place when serging.
Threading the Serger
This serger is very easy to thread. By looking at the colors on the machine and the inside front cover, following the order is easy. The upper looper is orange, the lower looper is yellow, the right needle is green and the left needle is blue. Use tweezers and use the serger's manual if needed, and follow the color coded path to pull all the threads that will be used through the machine. Thread the serger in this order: loopers then thread. The upper looper goes first followed by the lower looper. If using both needles, thread the right needle first and the left needle last.
Adjusting the Stitch Length and Width
The stitch dial for the length is located all the way on the right side of the machine and is factory set at the setting "3," which is a 3mm or 1/8 inch length. Turn the dial up or down to adjust the length. For example, the setting "4" is 4mm (5/32 inch) and "2" is 2mm (5/64 inch). The width of the serged seam is dependent on the needle or by adjusting the knob for the width. With the left needle only sewing, the width is set to 7/32 inch, and with the right needle only sewing, it is set to 9/64 inches. Additionally, by pushing in the width adjustment knob behind the front cover, the stitching can be adjusted manually from 1/8 inch to 17/64 inch wide.
Beginning the Chain Stitch
Once the thread has been guided through the machine and through the needles, pull them all together over the needle plate and out under the presser foot to the left. Begin to manually turn the hand wheel towards you evenly and the chain will begin to develop. Place a piece of scrap fabric under the presser foot and push the foot pedal to begin to slowly chain stitch the sample. If there are any adjustments that need to be made, make them now before serging the garment.