Define Bernina Sergers.
A Serger is a type of sewing machine with fixed cutters and a high-end looping system. The former is used to cut excess threads while the latter provides neatly reduced hems, edges and seams. Unlike certain ordinary sewing machines, sergers don’t make use of a bobbin. They utilize thread cones, between one and five, with reference on the stitch aspired.
Thread cones supply loopers which ring the filament of thread that go through the machine needle covering the edge of the fabric. A serger is a “jaguar” machine overly qualified for garment production, reconstruction and hemline making.
A serger is that kind of machine that could give your fabrics a little “choreography” more so that it could deal with stretchable ones. It is more popularly known as an overlock sewing machine.
The Stitches
So what stitches does it do? And what stitches doesn’t it do?
A serger, makes an overlock stitch. That’s why it’s more known as an overlock sewing machine. Its characteristics and advantages were discussed above.
A chain stitch and a lock stitch are not your serger’s forte. The former uses a single needle and thread which is very much like your hand stitch. It is more “skillful” in straight lines, making its ability so limited. Thus, it was substituted with a lock stitch.
A lock stitch is the most common stitch that you find at home or in your livelihood classes. It makes use of a bobbin, which could be located under the stitch plate. It is so called lock stitch because with each cycle, the machine needle stabs the cloth then pulls the thread (from the top) under the stitch plate and locks it with the bobbin thread.
Little Trivia..
It has been mentioned earlier that a serger is like a jaguar. Why so? It could formulate 1,600 stitches or more in a minute. It is also applicable in affixing your minute and fancy ornaments such as beads, sequins and trims.
Working with Bernina Sergers
You may find the process of serging complicated especially if you are used to operating traditional sewing machines. Let the Bernina Sergers help you as you start and get a feel of what’s it like to sew with a serger.
The Top Hits of Bernina Sergers
Here are two recommended Bernina Serger machines to start with.
- Bernina 1300 MDC
It is a flexible form of Bernina serger as you can let it face different challenges in sewing without the hassle of a complicated system.
Its thread over edge is easily set with one knob twist. You could thread or string the machine swiftly because of its direct lay-in system. The Automatic Lower Looper System also facilitates the threading on the lower looper, making it a cheap shot for you.
Bernina serger 1300 MDC wants to impress you. It has the ability to compose a combination of 4 cover stitches and 1 chain stitch or more. With its strong stitches, it is then safe to use this on making your jeans.
It also faces your stretchable fabrics with four threads (or maybe just 3) of cover stitch. Elastic cloths are often difficult to deal with. But with this model of Bernina Serger, everything is easy.
- Bernina 1150 MDA
For some serger apprentices out there, maybe you have experienced some “door way” sergers where you had to adjust the plates and knives to progress to a rolled hem. Bernina 1150 MDA would not allow you to experience that complexity. It has this hemming lever that you just have to shift and there you go! Moving forward with your rolled hems without plates to fiddle with!
However, if you are not that hooked to the serging process, then this class of Bernina Serger might not fit you. It has a steep price as compared to your ordinary sergers in the market. But, if you really see it as an investment, go ahead! Bernina 1150 MDA is worth it!
Only Bernina Sergers have it: Micro Thread Control (MTC)
Take a look at these Bernina Sergers as they were enhanced with MTCs or Micro Thread Control, allowing you to modify and polish up your seams with striking and durable stitches.
- 009 DCC
This piece of art is crafted to give you the devices in making your RTWs. It pleases you with its skill of making a chain and a cover stitch. The highlight of 009 DCC is the luxury of making regular serging stitches and cover or chain stitches without stressing you out on the conversion modes.
- 800 DL
Hide that amateur shadow and buff up those rough edges with 800 DL like an expert. Its features are eligible for “entry level” serger machines but they are trouble-free and undemanding. It has a modifiable tension and an “in-house rolled hem mode”. Threading is effortless because of its laid-in threader operator and most of all, it “serges” with 1 or two machine needles and three or four over lock stitches.
- The M series of Bernina Sergers which are 1150 MDA and 1300 MDC are also equipped with the MTC. “Serge” with that precise handiness and create numerous and wonderful garments with these enhanced Bernina Sergers. They just wanted it simple and fast for you.
Recognize An Important Icon in History: Bernina Sergers
Elna Sewing Machines
There’s a missing piece in the history of needles and threads. This has made an impact in the industry and it would be unfair to leave it to the past without giving a little recognition and attention to it.
Who is Elna?
As new as it may sound, Elna sewing machines sprouted with Elnapress Ironing Presses in 1934 at Geneva, Switzerland under the genius and creative neurons of Tavaro.
Making a move to promote his designs on sewing machines, one of the refugees of the Spanish Civil War named Dr. Ramon Casas got in touch with Tavaro and constructed the first novel, transportable electric sewing machine with an extension arm.
Elna #1’s launching knocked the biggest doors which made Tavaro concentrate on the busy business of sewing. It made its own name at the pinnacle of success. It was known in the industry of sewing and was elegant with its advanced structure and style.
Early 1940’s, United States got a taste of Elna. Some distributors even sold it independently in 1986. Tavaro has seen the need of the United States plus its fast expanding sewing machine industry and thought of building an auxiliary company. In April 21, 1986, Elna Inc. was established and made a break through in the competitive business hall of United States.
With the thought of giving Elna a brighter future, its distribution entitlement in the US was handed over to Tacony Corporation in the year 1996. Elna USA became visible and tangible in the 19th of August 1996 which was then of course under the umbrella of Tacony Company.
With its dedication to its dealers, Elna USA promised to provide quality sewing machines and uninterrupted market provision to shoot the bullet of development and success in the mammoth world market of sewing machines.
The Models of Elna Sewing Machines
Meet the lovely models of Elna and be enticed to try them.
- Elna1, The Grasshopper
It was through this machine that Elna successfully entered the gateway. Its motor and color were vital to its presentation. Although there were manufactured imitations, its bright olive green color was prevailing and fresh. That is how it got its nickname “The Grasshopper”.
A fascinating attribute was its “hauling” case. It was similar to a case of ammunition only that it was outspread to outline a smooth and flat table. One of the fine points included was a protection of paint on its free arm. The hue on the flat-bed table corresponds to the machine’s color and consistency but the remaining area is characterized with tough crinkle touch.
With its main element of steel, the case is nearly heavy as its occupant.
- Supermatic
It was the first automatic ornamental-stitch machine which was released in August 1952. It was also green like Elna 1 but it was tinted down a bit and its skeleton was spherical and stocky. It survived in the industry for 12 years.
- Elna Star Series
The Elna Star Series was indeed a brilliant model of Elna Sewing Machines when it was introduced in 1964. It existed for 14 years which featured button hole making. It also had a laid in system of 6 stitches.
- Lotus
It was offered from 1968 to 1980 and was small in dimension and mass. It has a laid in system of 6 stitches and a few more number of mechanized stitches. Its types were Lotus zigzag, Lotus economic, Lotus top special and Lotus Range.
- Elnita
It was in the market from 1976 to 1980. It came in distinctive models which were Elnita Special, Elnita Zigzag, Elnita Economic and Elnita Zigzag “Air Electronic”. Elnita ZZ “Air Electronic” had a foot control without the touch of electric elements and moves with the air instead (pneumatic). It also has a motor that is electro-magnetic and a “fold away” handle made of aluminum.
Keeping Elna Sewing Machines Good as New
Each time you encounter a dilemma with your Elna Sewing Machines, always assess it first. The common predicaments met along the way are your dust and thread ends (or lint). And what would be your primary solution? Clean it.
To avoid dust and lint from accumulating in your Elna Sewing Machines, brush it each period you utilize it. Usually there are supple brushes made of nylon that come together with your machines. You may also use a fine and thin paint brush to clean the fine threads and hairs in the case of the bobbin, in the area of the feed dog and beneath the needle plate.
Once your lint and dust are left untreated, it can be saturated with oil which could obliterate your Elna Sewing Machine’s performance. When this sticky filth is eliminated, your machine will work more efficiently and effectively.
- Lubricating your Elna Sewing Machines: The Importance of Oil
Always check the model of your Elna Sewing Machines to ascertain the type of oil to be applied. Some machines don’t even need to be oiled because they are made in such a way that their bearing castings are oil impregnated.
Do not attempt to lubricate your belts, hand wheel release, tension discs and rubber rings.
Put oil only in the specified holes of the Elna Sewing Machines and on the components that cause friction. Allow the oil to circulate by running it by hand. After the whole process, be sure to remove the excess oil by wiping it thoroughly. It is a good habit to oil the Bernina Sergers machine most especially after 8 to 10 hours of using it.