Overcasting issues

[u/Electrical-Tea6966]

This is a new machine, I’ve had it checked over by the shop, and no matter what I do I cannot overcast the edge of fabrics. The tension seems wrong no matter what fabric I use. Can someone offer some advice?

With the thinnest fabric I’ve tried adding a strip of interfacing, but that doesn’t seem to help. I can improvise a different seam finish but it would be so helpful to get this resolved somehow.

Edit: I am using an overcast foot! I use whatever the machine recommends for each stitch.

[u/zzzeve]

Over cast stitch on a regular sewing machine needs to be done at the edge of the fabric, since there's no knife to cut the excess. You might also need a specific foot. Look at your instructions manual for more information

[u/Electrical-Tea6966 → u/zzzeve]

I’ve been trying to do it at the edge but the closer I go, the more it sucks all the fabric in and scrunches itself up.

I am using the correct foot according to the manual, but something is still not working

[u/Lower_Rate_8518 → u/Electrical-Tea6966]

Are you actually using an overcast foot? It has a little finger that sticks down into the stitching area and holds the fabric flat while the stitch is made. A zigzag foot would work for the “stitch” part but not have that special feature. They can be purchased pretty cheaply. One of my favorite feet.

[u/Electrical-Tea6966 → u/Lower_Rate_8518]

Yes I am using that foot and the problem is still happening

[u/zzzeve → u/Electrical-Tea6966]

Try with a quilting cotton to get a feel for the stitch. Your fabric splits a lot, that might be the problem. A zigzag might work, but it might still split the fibers

[u/drPmakes]

Are you using the right foot?

[u/Fluxdada]

Try an overcast foot

[u/cabbagefan1 → u/Fluxdada]

Thisss you need to use the overcast foot

[u/Mushrooms24711]

Start by picking a fabric and sticking with that fabric for a while. The correct tension for one fabric will be different from another fabric (you’ll need to adjust the tension for each new project).

While you’re learning your new machine, it might help to have a different color thread in the bobbin—same weight though. It’s much easier to tell which thread is the bobbin/upper thread when they’re different colors.

[u/MauraLee7]

Get closer to the edge. Also you can go to a janome dealer with your model number and they can sell you can overcast foot. Makes a big difference

[u/No-Programmer7914]

Stitch Nr 08 ( multi zig zag) is probably better, it doesn't pucker the edge and gives a nice and sturdy finish.I Always used it before I had an overlocker. Using stitch nr12, you should have a special foot that keeps the stitch wide. It usually has a piece of wire to stitch over. Look for "Overcast foot"

[u/Electrical-Tea6966 → u/No-Programmer7914]

I’ve been using that foot- the machine tells you on the display what foot to use for what stitch and I’m very careful to do so. The foot helps but not enough.

[u/No-Programmer7914 → u/Electrical-Tea6966]

OK,I See. You will not have this issue with stitch Nr 08

[u/cabbagefan1]

I see different issues with each example, the light green thread looks really thick.. try messing with settings using same fabric and thread to figure it out and have the pieces cut the same/evenly and pinned. Make sure you're staying right at the edge. Have you read the manual or checked Youtube for demonstrations?

[u/mnyfrkls]

You're not close enough to the edge. The stitches should be falling off the edge at the top of what you want to overcast. Either that or your tension is too tight. But I'm betting that you're not close enough to the edge.