Chain Stitching with the Juki MCS-1500

This past week, I completed my first project using the Juki MCS-1500 cover stitch machine.  The project was curtains.  Since the project was just simple hemming, I thought it would be a good first project with the machine.  Here's some pictures of the how I did the hems:

This is one of the side hems pinned back and ready to stitch. I taped a needle package to the base of the machine so I would get even stitching.  Remember you will be stitching from the front.  Here's how I did the top and bottom hems:

Yep, I had to baste a line to follow for stitching.  This was challenging because:

a.  I don't like hand basting that much.
b.  There isn't a lot of room in the harp for this kind of project.
c.  The foot didn't have a good spot to match the basting to for stitching.

Here's a picture of the side hem completed:

Overall, I happy with the chain stitch.  It worked well for this application.

As far as the machine setup, I used the setting from the manual except for the needle thread which I tightened just a little bit.  I think it was about 4 1/2.  The reason I did this is I was using a serger thread in the looper and a Gutterman general sewing thread in the needle.  The Gutterman is a heavier thread.

I may invest in a chain stitching foot in the future.  I need to decide if it is worth the investment and that will depend on how much the chain stitching is used.  If the foot is a bit narrower and has better markings on it, it would be a good investment.  The up close pictures indicate that there is an additional marking to the left of the needle marking on the machine which would make it good for top stitching.  I'm looking forward to trying the chain stitch with some YLI Jeans Stitch thread.

How do you like the chain stitch?  What kind of projects are you using it for?

Happy Stitching!

Just the Beginning With the Juki MCS-1500...

This week I've watched all of the youtube videos for the Juki MCS-1500.  It was as interesting to see the various videos.  Then, I did something novel.  I actually read the instruction book.  Okay, I do realize that is the very first thing I should have done.  I'll admit that generally  I flip through and that's it.  I did find an interesting bit on page 20.  It was the explanation of how to get the needle threads to release.  This is something that I hear a lot of people discussing how to do.  Do all manuals have this information in them?

I'll re-watch the Practical Sewing Chainstitch video on youtube.  I have an upcoming project that will work well with the chainstitch.  So, this project will give me a good practice of using the chainstitch.  I'll share my experiences along with the project.   I'm hoping that there will not be any issues with the machine.

Do you have this machine?  Have you had good luck with it?  I would love to hear your experiences.

Happy Stitching!

Getting to Know the Juki MCS-1500...

I have started on my journey of getting to the Juki MCS-1500.  The manual for the machine can be found at the bottom of the product page here.

Next with the help of a internet friend, I found this grouping of youtube videos for the Juki MCS-1500 - youtube.  There are also a couple of groups on Facebook that are helpful - Coverstitch Sewing Discussion Group and Juki Serger, Coverstitch, & Sewing Group.

So far, I have threaded my machine so many times that I feel like a pro with the threading.  I'm hoping that I soon feel like a pro with using the machine.

Do you know of any other resources for using a coverstitch machine?

Happy Stitching!
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Juki MCS-1500...

There has been a lot of excitement here this week because I have wanted a cover and chain stitch machine for years and finally got one. When I purchased the Juki MO-1000, it was with the intention of getting a cover stitch machine sometime in the future.  Here's the blog pose when I got the serger (link).  Here's my box with the cover stitch machine:

I waited three long weeks for the Juki MCS-1500 to arrive as it was on back-order.  It felt like forever.  I felt like a little kid at Christmas. Here's my new baby out of the box:

Isn't it a pretty little machine?  You know the first thing I did was find fabric and pull threads through to get the how the 3-thread cover stitch worked.  It looked pretty but I'm not certain that it is perfect.  Here's one of my first tries:

To my eye there is a tension issue with the right needle.  Sigh!  I knew it might not be easy but I was hoping it would look beautiful right out of the box.

Here's pictures of front and back.  The one with the gray is all Maxi-Lock thread being used.  The one with the red is Maxi-Lock and another brand of the thread.   I changed to the all Maxi-Lock thread just in case there was a difference in the weight of thread.  It didn't seem to be the case.

Join me on my new adventure as I figure out how to use this machine and possibly attachments.

Happy Stitching!
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