Serger my new serger will not sew I can't turn the handwheel all the way it gets stuck when the needle is down .

Force the handwheel in its normal direction of travel. You can't break it. Then remove the needle and run it full speed for 10 seconds. This tip told me by my dry cleaning, dressmaking lady.

Get inside it and look for rust. If lots of rust, full strip down and remove rust or replace machine. Small amount, polish with 000 wire wool and oil. Oil all parts, turn handwheel with as much force as you need. You can't break a sewing machine, but you can ruin by inactive use and bad storage.

Have you tried turning the handwheel and using the foot control at the same time just to get it moving if its humming when you put your foot down its trying to go sometimes a little help to get it going helps it might need some oil or its got a dry spot from being stored give it a go and let me know how you got on. Ron

A thorough clean and oil would probably do wonders for the machine. These old mechanical machines are dependable but they do need some regular TLC because the old oil dries out and glues things together. I recommend not trying to run the machine until the problem gets addressed because it could damage the motor trying to run parts that are stuck together.

Below is what I've done for old sewing machines that have been neglected. Also, about once a year I perform a thorough clean/oil on my mechanical serger (as well as all my sewing machines). On my serger, I can remove the bottom (because that's how mine opens) and get to the moving joints inside.

Wheel on right side that controls the needle up and down is very tight...

The bobbin might have a bunch of thread off it inside the compartment here the bobbin is. Also, make sure it's thread correctly, that can goof things up to.

Don't force it. It sounds as if something is binding inside the machine. Take it in for professional service.

Once the thread breaks, the serger usually has to be re-threaded - all four components of the serger.

Raise the antenna to it's highest position.

Open the tensions to zero.

Turn the handwheel so the the loopers are at their highest position. Some sergers have a mark on the handwheel that aligns with a mark on the side of the serger for this step.

Thread according the the sequence indicated on the threading guide - this is either on the inside of the door or on the serger.

Four needles or four thread (two needles and two loopers)?


Raise the antenna to it's highest position.

Raise the presser foot.

Set the tensions at zero.

Turn the handwheel so the loopers are at their highest position. There may be a mark on the handwheel to match with a mark on the side of the serger for this step.

Thread in the sequence shown on the inside of the serger door.

The 774 is a very nice serger. Take the needles out and turn the handwheel and listen for the noise. Put two NEW needles in and listen for the sound. If it isn't right, take it to a repair person before the problems escalate.

your needle bar has been pushed up and is out of adjustment. You need to take off the side cover, there should be a screw on the back of your machine holding it on. Remove this screw, and remove the cover.You may have to remove the light assembly to reach the screw on the needle bar. Once you can see the needle bar, rotate the handwheel until you can see the screw on the needle bar. Loosen this screw SLIGHTLY until you can turn the needle bar. Hold and rotate the needle bar back and forth as you push down slightly. This will lower the bar.Lower it about 1/4 inch. Adjust the needles by turning the bar so that they are straight across. Tighten the needle bar screw so that the bar doesn't move. Turn the handwheel to see if the threads will be picked up. If not, adjust until they are. Tighten the needle bar screw tightly,reinstall the side cover ,and tighten the screw. Change your needles.Rethead and sew.
sewman7