Singer Serger 14 U 34 A Overview and Threading

Get that old serger up and going again. It's a good machine from Japan with all the basics you need. I found this one on a dumpster and compared to finding a trash sewing machine this was a pleasure to restore. Don't be a scared and I'll manspane the machine to you. I hope this helps. Download the users manual, free, from Singer.com. It's great to have it on the phone for easy reference. Not a lot about changing the cutting blades in the manual but it's very simple and we touch on it here. Thanks for watching.

[@Marlahanna]

Six years later and I’m still enjoying the videos. Thanks

[@MAJA98610]

Thank you, I have had mine for 15+ years and now need to serge again. Best machine and the best guide to help remember everything..~~~

[@TLCdynamics]

Fantastic!! I did just what you said, get that old serger up and going again. I have had it for years and have always been so intimidated by the threading, different plates, etc. I would plug it in and if it worked great, if not, try again another day. :) Thank you so much John.

[@ameliaemmerich3296]

Thank you thank you thank you! You went through this close up enough that I could see this and understand it. I couldn't afford an expensive serger, but was able to get this one for a very reasonable price. I was having trouble following the manual's directions for threading. I truly appreciate it.

[@brendapowers7024]

I really appreciate your video and instruction. I was given this sewing machine by a retired seamstress... I have no idea how to use it and learned a great deal from you. I look forward to more of your teaching videos...Thanks!

[@Loiis2]

Thank you so much for this video John! My grandma gifted me her machine two months ago. The manual looked too complicated and daunting so I was scared to start but your video has made everything super clear. Making a pair of pants tonight!

[@capedoryus]

Pants! That was the first thing I made that was not a tote bag. More like pajamas. I did wear em out though but I'm 69 and not making any fashion statements.

[@valeriehaggerty4860]

Thank you so much for the video! My mom gave me hers and the printed manual she has isn’t very good at all. I really appreciate your video. Also I saw you make your own hats & I would like to do that. :) I never thought of making one myself.

[@knittingknut]

Thank you John. I bought one of these second hand, used it successfully for a while and then couldn’t get it to work properly so I’m ready to try again.

[@capedoryus]

High knitting nut. Thanks for your comment. Let me know if you want to do a live stream. I don't have FaceTime as I'm on Android but have used zoom, Google Duo and snap chat live. I only discovered these via the lockdown. I don't have the serger with me but I would be more than willing to walk you through the process. Good luck.

[@knittingknut]

You’re video was SOOO helpful. I got it threaded properly and now it’s working like a charm. Can’t thank you enough. I saw a few things I had wrong. I had not fed the threads front to back at the top just under the telescoping thread holder and my bottom looper was not threaded from the back along the looper arm groove before threading it through the little hole. This video was a game changer. I’m thrilled. This is such a sturdy little machine. It’s a joy to have it working again.

[@unlisted9831]

I love you video Thank you!!!

[@murtri]

Thank you! This is excellent info. I have a 14U234 but it is so similar I can use what you've told us. I did have a devil of a time changing the needles. Very awkward to get the green needle into place, but I seem to have a working serger again.

[@nettapogue711]

Loved that server, list the tension and not a repair person in area. Used the heck out of thd drop plate feature which made stitching small areas feasible. I haven't fount a server that has that drop down plate.

[@telmabermudez8235]

Thank you so much for taking the time it took to make such a detailed video. I learned a lot from your video. For some reason I cannot get the left needle thread to combine with the other three threads. I do get a chain, but that left thread comes out totally separated from the chain. I have checked and rechecked and rechecked each thread path and each one is exactly as the guide from the serger's manual suggest.

[@capedoryus]

Hi Telma, Thanks for your kind word. I had a problem with the right thread kept breaking and it turned out the needle plate had a nick in it. Most of the information I share is newly discovered information from experimenting. I like to share while the frustrations are still new to me. This is a long way of saying I dont have a solid answer to your question. I would try a new needle, make sure the thread has really gone into the tensioner by holding the tread above and below the tensioner make sure its seated. Another thing to check is to make sure all the threads are grouped together when you make the chain. It sounds like you have done all the above and I am at a loss as to why this is going on. There are times when the timing gets off but I think that is really unusual and I only mention it because I found a youtube video where somebody retimed their serger. WOW. Way past my level. She went in and started taking thing apart. Hope you get it figured out.

[@deanhenthorn1890]

Telma Bermudez My machine is doing the exact same thing. Did you figure it out? Please reply, thanks!

[@ameliaemmerich3296]

Same here. The left thread is not connecting with the others. If you figure out what it is, please email me at [e-mail] Thanks in advance. I'll return the favor.

[@ameliaemmerich3296]

Hi again! when I tried sewing with that loose thread, I got a straight stitch line below the edge. I looked at the manual very carefully (it's hard to see) and I watched this video and saw that when you sew you get a straight line from that left needle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2bXlKZobr-VqKc It seems to be normal. I then tried sewing without the left needle (make sure you remove the left needle) and it's beautiful!

[@ameliaemmerich3296]

@@deanhenthorn1890 when I tried sewing with that loose thread, I got a straight stitch line below the edge. I looked at the manual very carefully (it's hard to see) and I watched this video and saw that when you sew you get a straight line from that left needle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2bXlKZobr-VqKc It seems to be normal. I then tried sewing without the left needle (make sure you remove the left needle) and it's beautiful!

[@annie.463]

Merci from France🙏🏼👍

[@WalkawayyyRenee]

Thank you , thank you for this video! I learned much. I didn't know how to raise the top cutting knife. I thought mine was permanent! Turns out it was just stuck (probably from sitting for so long...not sure if I can oil it safely) Also, that threading trick with the heavier thread will most likely be invaluable to me. Again, thanks for providing this information and taking the trouble to make a great video!

[@capedoryus]

Renee Crites you are most welcome. You were in mind as I postponed filming as I reminded myself I promised to do a in depth video. Glad it helped. I know there has to be millions of this serger out there collecting dust.

[@WalkawayyyRenee]

There probably are. It can be intimidating to learn something so different when you are used to a regular sewing machine. But I'm looking forward to using mine! Thanks again.

[@dazirapa]

Thank you! This was a great help. I would love it if you did another video on how to clean/maintain the machine as well. Took it to my local servicer and it looks like they just poured oil in without cleaning the lint or doing anything else. 🙄

[@capedoryus]

Thanks for your comment. Do your own maintenance on this machine. Scarry at first but once you do it it's like driving. Open any doors and watch as you turn the handwheel. Walk away, get a coffee and do it again, just watch the movement. You are looking for the joints. Like a body there are parts connected and intersecting. That's what your looking for. They are your oil spots. One or two drops. Close the doors and flip it up and take off the bottom. I think it's only four screws. Again your looking for the joints to oil. When you take the bottom off be sure to have it on news paper as tons of lint ends up there. Be careful if you see any belts. You never want oil on the belts. This will become so second nature that you will end up putting in a drop or two each time you use the machine. Not the bottom of course as that's maybe once every few years. Go to the dollar store and get a few brushes for cleaning out the lint. Best part is that you save the cost and time of taking it in. You can do this the first time in under a hour. Good luck.

[@valeriehaggerty4860]

So does that mean I can clean my sewing machine and serger without taking it to someone? I’m on ssi and can’t afford to take either of mine in but other videos say you have to especially if like in my situation where I got mine from my mom & she hasn’t used it in years? Ideally I would like to at home cause the quotes are $79-130 just for basic maintenance and cleaning. But all people keep saying to take in to a professional but I’m wondering what they do that I can’t do?

[@cedarparkwayfarm]

I picked one up resale. Motor just went out. I ordered a compatible motor on singer. I hope it works.

[@sewcentral3871]

great video thanks!!

[@capedoryus]

My pleasure. I would not have any of the machines I have running it were not for the net. Had a Necchi BU in the 90s that I never did figure out. Now with you tube I set the timing on a 1970s Husqvarna.

[@EverCassandra]

John thank you so much for this. I just bought one of these and have been working on it. I had to make some timing adjustments which I was able to figure out by watching a bunch of videos. :) I finally got it sewing! Have you figured out where all to oil it yet? I downloaded the manual which doesn't say. Everyone says to check with a repair person, but there isn't one within an hour of where I live. I hate to drive an hour to do maintenance I should be able to do myself.

[@capedoryus]

Glad it helped. I purchased an oil tube for sewing. It's a plastic bottle that has a long brass tube coming out of the top. I used Triflow but any good SM oil will work great. The front needs oil where the upper looper goes through a piece right in the center. Needle bar is oiled from the top by taking off the little dome/wizzard hat. Now for the real fun. Do this on a piece of newspaper as you will find a Eagles nest of lint. Take off the bottom by removing the screws that are not attached to the rubber feet. Once you get the bottom off you will need a brush to clean it all out. I studied the innards by moving the handwheel. Any place where two pieces of metal meet gets a drop or two. Look for any support pieces where a shaft goes through and a drop of oil there. You can do this in ten min once cleaning is finished. Maybe once a year is great if not overkill. Once you oil run it for a few min to move the oil. Make sure you don't get any oil on the belt. I don't recall if the belt is visible from the bottom. This is one of those things that once you do it it becomes a What's the Big Deal situation. I understand the drive situation. I'm in key West and Walmart becomes a full day event of driving. Makes me appreciate Amazon Prime. No Joann's, Target or Wallyword.

[@Yosofool]

Hi Mr. Conway, my machine suddenly just stopped working and idle. Wonder what is the problem. Do you have an idea? Thanks

[@cathleenswanepoel-xr6zx]

Goeie naad.Ek nuut op die groep en nog n beginner.Ek het n Ultralocer 14U85 Singer.Ek sukkel met sy spanning.Kan julle my dalk daar meen help asseblief

[@user-ig8ec9uf2o]

I can't get the needle to go thru the hole - the hole seems too small

[@amparogonzalez1448]

Para seguir superando el conocimiento de aprender mucho mad

[@Kevenortiz45]

Excuse me, what number of needle does that machine have , i have one just like it and it does not have the needles that i have eaten, the hole where it enters is very smal and it does not fit, could you tell me what number of needle does your oberlock have by making?

[@sweetiekjj]

I am having trouble with the final part of threading the lower looper through wherever it is supposed to go in order to end up behind the foot. I can't see where you pulled it through.

[@kalaarthur9042]

Where l can be bought the needle ? Thanks

[@jocelynzahn1896]

The info is great but the laser is very annoying.

[@Bbeeche57]

I bought this machine when it first came out; thirty plus years ago. I loved it and used it all the time. Got away from sewing for a long time and now back into it. Cannot get the tensions to be correct anymore and I’ve had to change the dials drastically from what they originally were. Has anyone had this problem? Not sure how to fix it.

[@capedoryus]

Hay Brenda, I did take apart the tension unit and it's pretty simple device. Not much to go wrong from what I could see. It's like two plates with the bottoms touching and the thread goes between them. There could be lint or pieces of thread stuck between the discs. I seen where people will use dental floss or run a piece of paper between the discs. Hope this helps.

[@normacmckay-morris3268]

Hi mr Conway , l have this same singer machine for about 25 yrs .And right now I am having problem with my tension with the upper looper the thread is not getting tight it is very loose . Can l replace the tension spring .

[@capedoryus]

Thanks for watching Norma. I am ,,500 miles away from the serger, thanks Covid. I wish I had an answer. I am trying to remember the spring set up. Can't recall well enough to advise as to replacement. I do remember it was pretty simple compared to a sewing machine. The tension does not go on and off when you raise the pressure foot as it does in a sewing machine. I would make sure nothing is caught in the disc space that provides the tension. Try flossing it with heavy thread. It could be the adjuster is not putting enough pressure on the discs. If your handy it's not to tough to remove it to examine it. If a repair shop tells you it can't be fixed I would definitely take it apart. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[@Yosofool]

Hi mr. Conway, my machine doesn’t move even I step on the pedal. It works if I pull the wheel as well as stepping on the pedal last couple use. But now it just stay idle and the control pedal can’t move it. What is the problem with my machine?

[@kaovisirembangura8819]

Hi ,I want to know the size of the needles please

[@sweetiekjj]

My GOD JEHOVAH helped me to read the chart but I am stuck at the lower looper thread. I threaded it through as the chart says but it is just hanging down at the side.

[@cassitomlinson4447]

Can you just use one thing of thread or does it have to be more than one?

[@capedoryus]

My guess is that three is minimum. Good luck.

[@normavillarreal7992]

I need a manual for my Singer Serger Model Ultralock 14u 34b

[@capedoryus]

If your in the states Singer.com has em. You can download it your phone. Good luck. Thanks for watching

[@alliedub4200]

Adjusting differential feed... and where is it located...

[@katherinemach1097]

Where .can I purchase a new blade? I lost my manual 😳 and wasn’t sure where to oil since I haven’t used my serger for years. Thanks to your video, I’m up and running however I think I need a new blade, any suggestions??

[@capedoryus]

Hay Katherine, I think I got my blade from Singerpartsonline . Good luck and enjoy. As far as oil is concerned I turn the hand wheel and watch. Any place where two pieces of metal work together I oil. Be sure to use sewing machine oil. Cheap at Walmart. You can oil the interior by taking off the bottom. Be sure you have it on paper as a ton of lint comes out. It's a work horse and will last forever.

[@gaabrieLa91]

Hi! I just got one of this second hand and can't get it to work, it keeps breaking my needle

[@capedoryus]

Hay Gaby, Sweet kid in your profile photo. You are blessed. I'm going to start out with a few obvious suggestions and will be back as I think of more. One big tip. Never remove the two screws that hold the needles. Loosen but do not remove. They are really tough to get back in straight. I screwed mine up and I have worked on a lot of stuff with screws. 1) make sure needle plate has no burrs. This is the plate the fabric runs across. I has a burr on mine that was breaking needles. Keep in mind that the prior owner could of forced something. It happens to all of us where we use too much force to remove a tangle. I am not an expert by any means. I fixed my sister's Brother by watching the loopers and one was bent. It did not come from the factory that way. New needles? Gotta have em. Make sure they are in straight. If one is cockeyed it could be the screw that holds it is not in proper. Turn it by hand and watch. Repete one million times or each time you put the baby down for a nap. You might be able to see the area of the needle hitting. If you want we can do a zoom call of Google Duo call. I don't have face time as I'm on Android. I might see something. Not a repair person but sometimes a second set of eyes helps.

[@chloechung2887]

Hi. Thank you for your video. May I ask a question for you? My mum have the same machine and now the needle is broken. Do you know can I change the needle? Thank you for your help.

[@capedoryus]

Thanks for watching. There is a tiny weeny screw for each needle. Not like the screw on a sewing machine but tiny. Follow the needle up from the point and you will see where it goes into the silver part. You will see two tiny black dots on the front of the silver piece. One for each needle. You will need at least a tiny screw driver( Dollar tree or Harbor freight) and a pair of tweezers for handling the needle. Unscrew the screw by turning to the left. Turn maybe half a turn and see if that releases the needle. DO NOT unscrew the screw all the way out. It's almost impossible to get back in straight. I messed mine up that way once. Note where the flat side of the needle sits. You will see it as the needle is removed. You need that info for when you install the new needle. Hope this helps. You can find the manual online at Singers Website Let me know if I can help you 😊

[@sophiecarignan485]

What needles are you using for it. I am having trouble finding the right needles in stock in stores

[@capedoryus]

Hi Sophie, I purchased through sharp sewing on ebay. If you to Singer site you can find the manual which will have the size. I am 600 miles away from my serger due to a trip I took last year just before lockdown. There is a site called singer parts online.com and I'm sure they will know. As you may of discovered it is a special needle but not at all hard to find. Good luck.

[@capedoryus]

www.amazon.com/Singer-OVERLOCK-SERGER-Needles-SLX75/dp/B077CKM9KS?th=1 here they are on Amazon.

[@unfollowedcreator6626]

Hey John! I was gifted this serger for my 21st birthday and about a month ago the lower looper needle broke and I ordered a replacement. Now I am trying to put it back together and the lower looper is getting caught on the upper looper needle, is there a reason for this?

[@capedoryus]

Hi unfollowed, wish I had an answer for you I am not even remotely a serger expert. Here is what I would check. Make sure it is the right needle. Make sure the needle is not bent. Check and see why the other needle broke. If the other needle broke because of pulling fabric, yes it happens especially when we get frustrated with the serger. Most of the arms and the other components of the surger are very strong. They should not bend. I just repaired my sister serger because the lower looper was bent because of a fabric jam. Another thing to note, is when you remove the needles do not take the screws out all the way. Just leave a little bit of the screw in the hole and this will ensure that the screw goes back into the hole straight. Ask me how I know haha. Good luck and I know you will figure it out. The serger seems very mysterious but has the advantage of doing everything where you can see it. Thanks for watching the KZbin video

[@pennyrosehandmade5276]

Is there anything important in the cut out bit? I have threaded my machine according to your directions but I’m not getting a chain.... 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@capedoryus]

Hi Penny, Hope you got a chain by the time you read this. I'm not even close to a serger expert. I found this one sitting on the salvation army dumpster and kept at it until I got it working so I really don't know the common mistakes people make with sergers. Make sure the threads are in a close group in back of the presser foot before you try the chain. I did see a video where somebody had one thread up and above the other threads and that was causing problems. I wish I had more insight into sergers. Good luck and you got this. Might take a few walk aways but it will work.

[@pennyrosehandmade5276]

John Conway thanks so much for commenting back. I tried for about 20min longer and the needle broke, I didn’t have a replacement. So it got put aside for now and I went back to my sewing machine to finish the edge 🤦🏼‍♀️ not what I wanted to happen, but I couldn’t wait. I am going to push on with learning the overlocker when I get some more needles 👌🏼😁

[@capedoryus]

Hay Penny, Glad you stayed with it. Not sure why it broke as it should not hit anything. I order mine through Sharp Sewing on eBay. They have free shipping and ship needles first class. The video states what ones you need. Walmart also has em. I purchased a $1000 serger at a yard sale for $50 and ended up giving to a friend as the simple Singer spoiled me. Good luck . Check the needle plate under the foot and see if it damaged by needles. If it is the parts are available. I found Singerpartsonline.com to be great for Singer specific parts. It's a robust machine for sure.

[@marthaisiordia4104]

Is it still working? I am thinking of getting one that is for sale.

[@capedoryus]

Yes Martha it's going strong. I left my apt in Feb to help a friend move from FL to Trenton and stopped in Philly to see family and stay for my birthday. My b day is 3-19. Lockdown and all that. I'm still in Philly waiting to see what happens. Good news is that I had two machines with me. So still sewing. Missed my serger so much I got one on eBay for about $100. It's a Bernina 004 D and it seem to go for less than a lot of other ones. I would recommend the Singer or this Bernina as they are reasonable priced. I looked local and the prices were crazy high. Most of the sergers are made by a handful of companies. Only one I read low reviews on were the Simplicity. This was from pattern review. Com. Good luck. You will love having a serger. This machine is a workhorse. Keep in mind that to do rolled hems you need another foot. I purchased the foot and never made a real rolled hem. Any questions feel free to ask.

[@Juranja]

Where would you oil the serger?

[@capedoryus]

Hi Jurana. Here's what I did. Take off the bottom and be ready with paper under the machine as there's going to be lots of lint. Brush it out. Look for anyplace where two pieces of metal move together. Use the handwheel to see this action. Just a few drops of oil at each junction. Now go to the upper part of the machine and do the same. Wish I could do a photo with the oil points but I'm 700 miles away from my machine. Be sure to use sewing machine oil (Walmart cheap) or TriFlow (designer new age oil) . If you need me to walk you through it we can do a Google Duo call. I don't have FaceTime as I'm on Android.

[@ahmonbryant4363]

Hey john can this machine function on just one needle also what needles does this machine take?

[@capedoryus]

drive.google.com/file/d/1mtFFaLUaGteaoaVAP-7Ut7s-zlK6RMDw/view?usp=drivesdk

[@capedoryus]

Sorry for the short reply above. When I did the paste it cut the story above it. Needle is 2054 Singer cat number. Sharp sewing is where I get mine. Free fast shipping in US. They carry Organ brand from Japan. Single needle I can't help you with. I would try it. Might not be a secure stitch. Catalog/instruction manual can downloaded direct from Singer site

[@ahmonbryant4363]

It does work well it’s a thinner finish but it works thanks man

[@claudiasalto943]

Tendría que poner también en español para poder entender lo que explica... que pena...no todos sabemos inglés

[@scott33a]

hi great video. do you have a link for sharp sewing? I did a search and only come up with sharp sewing supply and am not sure that is who your talking about. thanks

[@capedoryus]

Hey Scott, I'm pretty sure that sharp sewing only sells through eBay.they are in California and I believe they might be in LA. If I find the link I'll be happy to post. I really like their service is fast and they're shipping is free. They are on eBay . I tried to get the link to their store but could not. They are in LA and the name is Sharp Sewing Supplies. You will recognize their products as all their photos have Sharp Sewing in large letters across the lower third. Hope this helps.

[@scott33a]

@@capedoryus yes that is who I found as well.Thank you for your help.

[@normadunkley7885]

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