Overlock (Serger) won't make a Thread Chain

Can anyone see why this overlock machine won't make a thread chain? Is it because I have threaded it wrong, or because there is something wrong with the machine?

I have the manual and read it from cover to cover. I threaded it according to the instructions (many times to be sure). It is threaded exactly as it looks in the illustration. I have even watched YouTube instructional videos on how to thread sergers and read many forums but I can't find anything that could be wrong with it. I have spent hours trying to figure it out. It looks like is should be working, but the threads just pass each other by.

I tried both the 4 thread and 3 thread sewing instructions but neither will make a thread chain. The parts all seem to move smoothly, it seems like the machine is in good shape.

When I first threaded it, it made a thread chain, sewed for a second, started to sew in one place and then got stuck. Since then I have re-threaded many times but I just can't see what I've done wrong.

I am new to sewing and I don't know anyone who sews that I can ask. I inherited the machine and would love to learn how to use it!

It's an Elna Elnita Lock T34, made in 1990.

Thank you so much for your help!

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• overlock
• serger
• thread chain
• problem
• sewing
• Elna
• Elnita
• Elinita Lock T34

[chowmikki]

A friend gave me her Brother overlock, it's in good mechanical condition. It worked great when my friend showed me but when I got the machine home, I wasn't able to do anything accept sew ordinary sewing machine stitches.

I spent all day at the serger and found out the problem. The differential feed was set too low and the thread broke. After adjusting it to a higher setting, the serger did the loops. Tension is too low, still have to work out that problem. Good luck all.

[sewsassy1]

Without seeing more I would suggest that you start from the beginning. Unthread everything and start fresh. If you have the manual take time to do a little maintenance as it suggests. Hey it happens to me sometimes and I've been serging for years. Good luck.

[annigirl22]

ok, so not to be rude, but the video isn't the clearest view of the little fork things on the bottom. I think the problem you are having has to do with the thread from the needle being caught by the fork on the bottom, but as I stated, can't really see it well enough to be sure.

[Shazzasaloon91]

Mine is doing the same... it got un-threaded in transit so I had to re-thread it, I studied the instructions carefully and it looks right, but the threads don't catch each other. I have never used an overlocker before so I don't know what I have done wrong.

[MillyVanillification]

order of loop threads correct?

[gusanitogordinflon]

I have the same problem and getting insane about it...don't know what to do:

[Sewnknit]

What brand serger do you have? I'm still studying the video. Doubt that brand makes a difference though.

[sarahcg85]

I'm having the same problem! I've rethreaded about 10 times. I'll let you know if I find anything!