I knew it would happen sooner or later but I found myself longing for a serger. What could a serger do that a sewing machine couldn't do? Now much, actually, but it does everything so much easier and faster! It can sew an overlock seam and trim all in one step and oh, oh so fast. With a regular sewing machine an overlock stitch is quite slow as the machine moves back and forward because there is only one needle and one bobbin. In a serger sewing machine there are dual needles and dual lower threads so the action is not just twice as fast but, but, but...four times better?
I waited patiently for a good serger to appear on Craigslist but at a bargain price. I was eyeing an Elna Pro 5DC so I did my homework and it appeared to be a good model, 20 years old, but with mixed reviews so I was taking a chance. The woman I bought it from said it was her mothers, who bought a new self threading model, and she was just not into sewing like her mom and was given permission to go ahead and sell it. She showed me how it worked and it came home with me:
Not too huge, fairly easy to follow with good diagrams, many attachments, and all threaded up with white cone thread. I did have to buy a manual online so I could figure out what the electronic readout was telling me but it was a decent guide. After playing around with it awhile I figured I better put it to use so I cut out a knit dress, pretty simple style but not too much to lose. It was so quick and made sewing on knits fun. Since I had always avoided knits (too hard to sew on) but used them anyway, this is quite the revelation. Here it is in action:
I am actually resewing this seam because it didn't lay flat and the skirt portion was too large anyway. This color forced me to rethread with darker thread since I had only been working in white and that was hard but it was my first attempt and I expected it to be difficult. Cone thread is expensive to initially purchase so I stopped by my local thrift shop where I have seen cone thread and snatched up 2 variety bags to get me started. I was using dark blue, tan and gray on the cranberry red skirt; not the greatest but better than white, I thought.
Here's how the dress looks without hems:
I hope it looks better when it's finished and I'm wearing it but it was a good first try with a new toy. Now I'm looking for new projects what I can make with a serger but I don't think I'll have to twist my brain too hard to continue to have fun with my Elna serger.
24 comments:
Hi! I bought a elna pro 5 dc- I can't get the computer screen on!? What's the secret!??
Mine was also dim but look to see if there is a dial or some kind of control where you can "turn up the volume" on the light. I no longer have this serger or I would look at mine.
Hey. to the right of your needle is the little arm that swings down... what is that called? I broke mine and I can't find the name of it to order another one... HELP :)
Upper knife? The two cutting blades, upper and lower are the ones that cut the fabric as you sew and the upper knife or blade does swing up to get it out of the way if you are not cutting. That is some serious serging to break that baby!
Hi Quinette, did you get any answers to your question? My sister just gave me her macine and I have the very same problem!
What is the purpose of the little spring above the take-up lever? It caught on something when in its traveling bag. I can't tell if it's been pulled out of alignment, or if it's OK. Thanks.
I no longer have this machine to check on the spring you are referring to but if it still works it's probably not crucial. You can send me a photo and I could see the precise part you are asking about.
How do I send you an image?
Through my email account: kmj980@gmail.com
Hi.I have an elna pro 5dc overlocker and I'm not sure on how to use it.is there perhaps a manual that can be emailed to me please.i would appreciate it
Please send me an email with your request as I have a pdf copy I can send you.
Hi :) I am from Poland. I wonder if you still like your serger?
I wonder, if it is difficult to change the stich from rolled hem to another stich? Does it take a lot of time to do it?
I am about to buy this model, but I am afraid, that it is not so "user friendly" as the modern sergers are (may be I am wrong).
Thank you!
I no longer have this serger and after using so many different makes and models I would not recommend this as a first serger. It's too complex and too many features.
Karen, could you recommend a good, sturdy serger? I have been using one that a friend lent to me and it's not really very beefy, I guess you could say. I had a Janome that gave me absolute fits, it is awful, and now I have been borrowing this one.... I just dont like it. (It's a Singer Stylist II). I am in serious need of recommendations for something great at a decent price. Thoughts? Thanks in advance (this is my first time posting to the forum).
I have had several I really liked and would recommend a Bernette as they are similar to Bernina's but at a much better price point. I personally own a Bernina 1100 serger because it is so consistent, easy to use, very few adjustments need to be made, and it's a Bernina. For other opinions, check out Sewing Pattern Review at https://sewing.patternreview.com/ You can join for free and see reviews on patterns, sewing machines, sergers, and so much more.
Good day can you please email me the manual for elna dc pro. My email adress are ncneliacornelius@gmail.com
Sorry for the delay in sending you the manual as per your request but please, in the future, send requests directly to my email address (noted in the comments above, on my "About" section). It has been sent to your email address.
I bought this same machine on CL. It had no power cord or foot pedal. When I replaced them both with generics, the machine is posessed--it just runs on and on without the pedal being pressed! What is happening? Is there a special Elna pedal or power cord that I don't know about? TIA!
It appears you either have the wrong foot control or, I suspect, you have crossed wires. The light should be attached (for constant "on") to an open wire and the motor should be attached to the foot control (for intermittent "on"). When you plug things in and it's running and running, put your foot on the foot control and see if the light blinks on and off. If so, you have crossed wires. I cannot give electric advice due to liability; please take to a reputable repair shop.
Hi, can u sent me the manual too? Many thanks
I am looking for a serger. My MIL lent me her Janome and it would be fine if I were only sewing straight stitching or items that requires a non giving seam. It has not allowed me to sew clothing, which is my primary use. I could purchase a White Superlock 2000 ats or an Elna Pro 5DC would you recommend either? Or something else?
Hi Hilary: sergers are great for certain tasks in sewing clothing but you will need a regular sewing machine, in my opinion, for things like top stitching, zippers, and buttonholes. I like the White sergers for the most part but think the Elna's, in particular the Pro 5 DC, are too complex as a first serger. As noted in the above comments, I like the Bernette sergers and they can still be bought for a reasonable price.
Karen thank you. I do have a Bernina that I've been using for over 20 years. It's been great, there are some things that I would really like to do that I just doesn't have the capability of doing, hence looking into a serger.
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