Pfaff Hobbylock 788 Serger won't work

Pfaff has the manual for the Hobbylock 796 on their site, http://www.pfaff.com/Support-and-Updates/Support . Use the drop-down menu to find the Hobbylock. The current link to the manual is http://www.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/Support-manuals/Hobbylock_794_796-manual-EN.PDF . See pages 7 - 11 for the threading diagrams for a 4-thread double overedge seam. See page 17 for the changes needed for a 3-thread seam. One of the generic threading videos for sergers may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrqHC2CNjVI . There's also one for the Pfaff Hobbylock 786: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOZ-djsXdhQ .

I hope these help.

Cindy Wells

Free manual:

http://www.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/Support-manuals/Hobbylock-_787_788-manual-EN.PDF


http://www.pfaff.com/SiteMedia/PFAFF/Products/Machines/Support-manuals/Hobbylock-_787_788-manual-EN.PDF

Pfaff has a video on threading the Hobbylock 4842 here: http://www.pfaff.com/mediafiles/threading_guide/index_en.html . You need Adobe Flash Player available on your browser. Enter the tutorial, the link is below the Quick Help paragraph. Then choose the correct machine (from the links across the top). Then use the drop-down menu to choose the stitch that you will be sewing for the appropriate threading video. Then click on the appropriate thread (below the video window) to see how to thread that section of the serger. (For two-thread stitches, you will see two options are greyed out.)

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells

here is a manual:

PFAFF hobbylock 4842 Instruction Manual

Be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the machine. Also, thread each thread in the ORDER specified or your machine will most likely never stitch correctly (usually, the upper looper first, lower looper next, and then the needles).

Difficult to say. Supposedly original new price was ~$700

Pfaff Serger Overlock Hobbylock 4842 Specifications

However, if it is a used machine, so much is subjective based on physical and operating condition, the accessories included, desirability of the model, where it is located, etc.

PFAFF HOBBYLOCK 4842 SERGER 2 3 4 THREAD OVERLOCK FREE SHIPPING NO RESERVE...

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Do you frequently oil your serger? Sergers require more frequent oiling and cleaning than sewing machines to keep them going. Be sure to use the correct oil for your machine.

It could have some threads wrapped somewhere that is keeping the machine from operating.

The other problem could be that it is out of time. If so, take it for service.

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Two different YouTube videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6FIDG9xEv4

PFAFF HOBBYLOCK 788 SERGER

Is one of the front covers open slightly? these will both have safety cutouts on them.

If not that, then could be foot control and cord that has a fault. Are you getting power to the light on it? Can you hear the engine humming? If there is nothing, then start by testing the foot control and cord.

You can probably buy a replacement foot control on one of the sewing part sights such as www.sewusa.com or www.sewingpartsonline.com

The hobbylocks all thread in much the same fashion.  There is a diagram for a four thread hobbylock on this website.  It would be better if you found a Pfaff dealer to show you as it is quite complicated.

 

http://www.pfaffmachines.co.uk/overlock/pfaff-hobbylock-2-overlocker.htm

 

Once you have it threaded, always cut the old threads at the spool and knot new ones on and pull through.  You will have to thread the needles as the knots will not pass through but it does save an awful lot of frustration when needing new colours on the spools.

Mary - I sympathise with you regarding the "vague manual directions". I have a Pfaff 4862 and if I hadn't found the video, I would never have managed to get it working. There are animated videos at the Pfaff website, just not sure if they would still have them up for the older models - but worth a try, surely.