Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 12, 2007 06:59pm | #1

   Is this on all fabrics?  Lighter fabrics may need support of stabilizer or interfacing.  Spraystarch was mentioned on an earlier thread for working with washable silkies, I wonder if this would help?

1. 
   user-167104 | Apr 12, 2007 07:01pm | #2

   it does seem to be on all fabrics. If it was just lightweight I would just figure that it was the fabric. I will try starching. But I don't think it would make sense that I would have to stablize just to do a zig zag seam finish. thanks for your input. The starch may help.

    

1. 
   Evita | Apr 12, 2007 07:15pm | #3

   My machine does that because of the automatic tension feature. The only cure for it was to get a $10 overedge foot (with a little finger on the right that keeps the thread in position).

   Hope this help!

   Evita

    

2. 
   Ralphetta | Apr 12, 2007 08:20pm | #4

   I used to have the same problem and never found a perfect solution.  I think I may have used adding machine tape under it and then removed it, have you tried that? That's one of my favorite things about a serger...no more zig-zag problems.

1. 
   PrincessKatja | Apr 13, 2007 12:46am | #5

   It really should be fixable by adjusting the tension.  But if it isn't, a strip of tearaway stabilizer (adding machine tape was mentioned - same function) should help.  Actually, it's a good idea to stitch over a strip of stabilizer whenever stitching any decorative stitch.

   Someone mentioned using a different foot - also a good idea.  Some feet allow the fabric to pull up in the middle.  Make sure the needle strike area is wide enough but the toe opening isn't wide open. 

2. 
   Catherine2 | Apr 13, 2007 04:57pm | #12

   Hi all,

   I had the same problem with my Bernina every time it was serviced and the mechanic set the tension the way he liked it. I tried starch, too much of a pain to get out of the finished garment. Interfacing is not an option on a light weight fabric and the “sewer’s” paper tape is too expensive; for what it is. The solution was in the bathroom …. Toilet paper!

   <!----><!----> <!---->

   The really cheap nasty, slightly crisp type. It will stiffen the seam just enough that the zig-zag will lay flat and after stitching, a little steam from the iron and it dissolves so you can get it out of the garment easily. Another advantage …. by design it comes in a nice, easy to use roll.

   <!----> <!---->

   Not the most conventional of solutions, but it works.

   <!----> <!---->

   Cathy.

    

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 13, 2007 06:23pm | #13

   Oh the extent that our creativity takes us!  That is a funny one!  I think sewists use more unconventional "notions" than anyone else out there!!! Mary

3. 
   Teaf5 | Apr 13, 2007 12:51am | #6

   If your tunnel is arching up (like a regular tunnel), then your bobbin tension is too tight--loosen the screw on the bobbin casing or adjust the bobbin tension as described in your manual.If your tunnel is upside down (like a ditch), then your thread tension is too tight.In either case, zig zags lie flattest when you use a minimal tension on both bobbin and thread, and you use the smallest needle for your particular fabric (as you are usually zigzagging a single layer).Try it on a sample and don't give up!

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 13, 2007 02:20am | #7

   Great explanation of the tension adjustment needed!  Thanks.  Mary

2. 
   user-167104 | Apr 13, 2007 11:22pm | #14

   It is so awesome to have such great help and people that are so willing to help.  I appreciate all input, but I have a slight suspicion that its the bobbin tention, since I can see the top threads underneath. I think a slight adjustment there will work. I have never adjusted the bobbin tention, but I will. If that doesn't work I'll try the bathroom tissue. I like that one.  I am so glad that I don't have to use the zig zag any longer either.  Recently, well, not recently, before Christmas got a serger. Have used very very little, but I needed this for a sample to teach sewing, but if I can't get it right, I need to at least be able to give them a solution to this problem. I do love the serger for those seam finishes though.

   Thanks for all your help. I'll let you know what worked for me.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Apr 14, 2007 03:03am | #15

   If you put your bobbincase in a baggie (zip lock type bag) when you adjust the tension you are less likely to lose that itsy bitsy teenie tiny screw....these usually require very mini adjustments.  Mary

4. 
   surya | Apr 13, 2007 06:27am | #8

   I've found that thick and stiff fabrics do fine and the lighter weight ones don't always do so well and like you said, even the overedge foot did not help. I think the suggestions about adding interfacing, stabilizer or the machine tape are all good. Another thing I found helped the other day when I was teaching one of my young students was that I noticed she had sort of picked up a habit of holding a little tension on the fabric in front of and in back of the foot. I noticed it helped eliminate most of the tunneling. It may not work in every situation or with every fabric though, so I would keep the other suggestions too. But yeah, I love my serger for that stuff. I'd like to ask the others if the adding machine tape was easy to pick out or did it just come out over time in the wash?

1. 
   Ralphetta | Apr 13, 2007 06:38am | #9

   It's been a while, but I don't remember having too much trouble removing the paper tape from a med-large zig zag.  It might be harder with the stitches closer together.

5. 
   Betakin | Apr 13, 2007 11:36am | #10

   Have you tried adjusting your "foot pressure"  to see if that helps the tunneling problem? You might also want to try a satin stitch foot. 

6. 
   SewingWriter | Apr 13, 2007 03:37pm | #11

   In addition to the great advice already given, see if your machine does a 3-step zigzag. It's less likely to tunnel.