Pfaff Сreative Сoverlock 4874 Instruction Manual

creative™

4874

coverlock

Instruction manual

1-3

This houshold sewing machine is designed to comply with IEC/EN 60335-2-28 and UL1594

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read all instructions before using this household sewing machine.

DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock:

• A sewing machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this sewing machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

• Always unplug before relamping. Replace bulb with same type rated 12 V, 5 Watt.

WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, ﬁ re,

electric shock, or injury to persons:

• This sewing machine is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the sewing machine by a person responsible for their safety.

• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the sewing machine.

• Use this sewing machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

• Never operate this sewing machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the sewing machine to the nearest authorised dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

• Never operate the sewing machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the Sewing machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

• Keep ﬁ ngers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the Sewing machine needle.

• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.

• Do not use bent needles.

• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deﬂ ect the needle causing it to break.

• Wear safety glasses.

• Switch the sewing machine off (“0”) when making any adjustment in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, etc.

• Always unplug the sewing machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

• Do not use outdoors.

• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administrated.

• To disconnect, turn all controls to the off (“0”) position, then remove plug from outlet.

• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

• Hold plug when rewinding into cord reel. Do not allow plug to whip when rewinding.

•

Keep ﬁ ngers away from moving parts, especially the area near the blades.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

For the USA and Canada

This sewing machine has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to ﬁ t in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not ﬁ t fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not ﬁ t, contact a qualiﬁ ed electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

1-4

Technical part

Safety Instructions 1-3 How to use this instruction manual 1-6 Parts of creative 4874 1-10 Summary of stitch programs for the creative 4874 1-13

Technical section, general

Machine cover 2-2 Electrical connection 2-2 Connect the foot control 2-2 Power switch 2-2 Swivel table 2-3 Trim catcher 2-3 Front cover 2-3 Detachable thread stand 2-4 Thread stand 2-4 Thread guide slide 2-4 Foam pads/Cone holders 2-5 Thread run-off disc 2-5 Spool net 2-5 Detachable thread guide 2-5 Hand wheel 2-6 Presser foot lift 2-6 Presser foot 2-7 Changing the presser foot 2-7 Needle position 2-8 Changing a needle 2-9 Threading (stitch programs 01-20) 2-10 - 2-17 Thread guides 2-10 Threading the needle(s) 2-18 - 2-19 Important note on threading 2-20 Changing spools with the machine threaded 2-20 Needle threader 2-21 Summary of threading paths and

threading sequences 2-22 Speed control 2-25 Presser foot pressure 2-25 Thread cutter 2-26 Check spring for edging the thread chain 2-26 Disengage the upper knife 2-27 Engage the upper knife 2-27 Stitch ﬁ nger 2-28 Attach converter 2-29

Disengage the upper looper 2-30 Remove knife guard 2-31 Set seam width 2-32 Setting the stitch length 2-33 Differential feed 2-34

Electronic functions

Set language 3-2 LCD Display 3-2 Button functions 3-4 Save 3-5 Recalling the memory 3-5 Selecting a memory 3-5 Notes on the saving to memory 3-6 Deleting all memories 3-6 Changing settings for tension, stitch length and

differential feed directly without saving 3-7 Error 3-7

Cover stitch

Switching the machine to cover stitch (progs. 01, 02, 03) 4-2

Threading the cover-stitch looper 4-4 Threading the needle(s) 4-6 Summary of threading paths and their threading

sequences 4-7 Important notes on sewing with the cover stitch 4-7 Sewing table 4-7 Starting to sew 4-8 Preparing the project 4-8 Stopping sewing 4-8 Ruler 4-9 Stitch formation 4-10

Top Cover Stitch

Sewing program sticker 5-2 Detachable thread guide for top/deco cover 5-2 Detachable thread stand 5-2 Stitch program selection 5-3 Top/deco switch lever 5-3 Accessories 5-5 Top cover hook 5-5 Top cover round thread guide 5-6 Top cover triangle thread guide 5-6 Threading the cover-stitch looper 5-7

Table of contents

1-5

Technnical Part

Threading the needle(s) 5-9 Top cover thread tension, blue 5-10 Threading the top cover thread 5-10 Summary of threading paths and their threading

sequences 5-11 Starting to sew 5-12 Important notes on sewing with the

top cover stitch 5-12 Sewing table 5-12 Preparing your project 5-12 Stopping sewing 5-13 Stitch formation 5-14

Deco Cover

Sewing for stitch 6-2 Detachable thread stand 6-2 Detachable thread guide for top/deco cover 6-2 Top/deco switch lever 6-3 Stitch program selection 6-3 Accessories 6-6 Decorative thread guide 6-6 Threading the cover-stitch looper 6-7 Threading the needle(s) 6-9 Deco-cover thread tension dials, blue and yellow 6-10 Threading the deco cover threads 6-10 Summary of threading paths and their threading

sequences 6-11 Important notes on sewing with the

Deco Cover Stitch 6-13 Sewing table 6-13 Preparing your project 6-13 Starting to sew 6-14 Stopping sewing 6-14 Stitch formation 6-16

Thread Tension

Correct thread tension 7-2 Correcting stitch formation 7-3 - 7-22 Thread table for 2-, 3-, and 4-thread overlock seams 7-23

Accessories

Standard accessories 8-2 Special accessories 8-5

Care of the machine

Removing the needle plate 9-2 Placing the needle plate 9-2 Oiling the machine 9-2 Cleaning of the machine 9-2 Cleaning rubber feet 9-3 Replacing the upper knife 9-3 Secure the upper knife for heavier fabric 9-3 Changing the light bulb 9-4 What happens if...? 9-5

1-6

Congratulations! You have bought a high-quality product that provides unique advantages. Your new creative™ 4874 can take any fabric in its stride and will sew through thick and thin for you.

Your PFAFF® coverlock™ features the very latest in design and technology, and it is just as easy to use as this instruction manual is to follow.

If you now take a bit of time to study the instruction manual, nothing can go wrong. It is certainly time well spent, since it is the only way to ﬁ nd out just what your machine can do, and make full use of all its features.

If you have any further questions, just ask your PFAFF dealer. He is happy to be of service with any help or advice.

So now let’s get started! We wish you many enjoyable hours creating your very own fashion ideas!

How to use this instruction manual

To make it as easy as possible to use your creative 4874, we have given this instruction manual a clear structure. The various chapters cover the following topics:

1. Technical part – This chapter contains pages that describe the individual parts of the machine, as well as the table of contents and a program summary.

2. Technical section, general – This chapter contains information on all the basic mechanical functions of your creative 4874. You will also ﬁ nd additional information in chapters 5 and 7.

3. Electronic functions – This chapter contains information about all the electronic functions of the machine.

4. Cover stitch – In this chapter, we explain the basic functioning of your creative 4874, using the coverstitch as an example.

5. Top cover stitch – In this chapter, we describe the basic functioning of your creative 4874 with reference to top cover stitching.

6. Deco cover – In this chapter, we are going to describe the basic functioning of your creative 4874 using the example of the deco cover stitch.

7. Thread tension – This chapter includes information on correct thread tensions for all the stitches you can create with your creative 4874. We also provide you with a number of hints on selecting the correct thread.

8. Accessories – This chapter includes a list of all standard and special presser feet available for use with your creative 4874.

9. Care of the machine – This chapter includes all the information you need for care and maintenance of your creative 4874 and suggestions for solving certain problems.

Simple, up-to-date sewing

1-7

Technnical Part

Technical Part

This chapter contains pages that describe the individual parts of the machine and a program summary.

Note: Some fabrics have a lot of excess dye which can cause discoloration on other fabric but also on your sewing machine. This discoloring may be very difﬁ cult or impossible to remove.

Fleece and denim fabric in especially red and blue often contain a lot of excess dye.

If you suspect that your fabric/ready-to-wear garment contains a lot of excess dye, always pre-wash it before sewing/embroidering to avoid the discoloring.

1-8

Parts of creative 4874

1 Needle thread tension

2 Needle thread tension

3 Carrying handle

4 Thread tension / upper

looper

5 Thread tension / lower

looper

6 Thread tension/ double

chain-stitch and coverstitch looper

7 Tension buttons + / –

8 Speed control

9 LCD Display

10 Tension release button

11 Stitch program selection

buttons + / –

12 Memory button M

13 Memory selection

button P

14 Stitch length adjustment

buttons + / –

15 Differential feed

adjustment buttons + / –

16 Front cover

17 Knife guard

18 Upper looper

disconnection lever

19 Needle plate

20 Standard presser foot

21 Swivel table

22 Seam width adjustment

knob

23 Viewer for seam width

24 Needle holder

25 Top/deco sewing

program sticker

26 Adjustment knob for

presser foot pressure

27 Detachable thread stand

28 Thread guide slide -

Top / deco cover

29 Color coded thread

guides -Top / deco cover

7 8

11 12 13 14 15

1-9

Technnical Part

30 Upper looper

31 Lower looper

32 Stitch ﬁ nger

33 Double chainstitch and

cover-stitch looper

34 Threading aid for

double chainstitch and cover-stitch looper

35 Movable upper knife

36 Fixed lower knife

37 Check spring for edging

the thread chain

38 Needle plate

disconnection lever

39 Knob for lowering the

upper knife

40 Tweezers

41 Converter

42 Allen key

1-10

43 Color coded telescoping

thread guides

44 Telescoping thread

guide slide

45 Thread tensions top/

deco cover

46 Rear thread guides top/

deco cover

47 Thread cutter

48 Slots for detachable

thread stand

49 Thread stand

50 Spool pin

51 Cone thread holder

52 Foam pads

53 Power cable socket

54 Foot control socket

55 Power switch

56 Hand wheel

57 Presser foot lifter

58 Rear thread guides

1-11

Technnical Part

Summary of stitch programs for the creative 4874

Program 01

Program 10Program 09

Program 08Program 07

Program 06

Program 05

Program 04

Program 03

Program 02

Program No. Description Use

01 2-needle cover hem, narrow For hemming stretch fabrics and piping, for decorative

effects.

02 2-needle cover hem, wide For hemming stretch fabrics and for decorative effects.

03 3-needle cover hem For hemming highly stretch fabric and for decorative

effects.

04 Chainstitch For sewing together extremely durable fabrics such as

upholstery covers and denim, both without overedge. May also be used for decorative effects.

05 2-thread ﬂ atlock, narrow As ﬂ atlock seam for sewing stretchy fabrics together

with decorative effect, or for overedging light fabrics.

06 2-thread ﬂ atlock, wide As ﬂ atlock seam for sewing stretchy fabrics together

with decorative effect, or for overedging medium fabrics.

07 2-thread serging, narrow For overedging light fabrics.

08 2-thread ﬂ at hem For overedging very ﬁ ne fabrics and as decorative edge

ﬁ nish.

09 2-thread fold. rolled hem For overedging very ﬁ ne fabrics and as decorative edge

ﬁ nish.

10 3-thread overedge seam, narrow For edging light, easily fraying fabrics.

1-12

Program 11

Program 20

Program 19Program 18

Program 17

Program 16

Program 15

Program 14

Program 13

Program 12

Program No. Description Use

11 3-thread overedge seam, wide For overedging medium to heavy, easily fraying fabrics.

12 3-thread serging, wide For overedging heavy fabrics not prone to fraying

13 3-thread ﬂ atlock, narrow As ﬂ atlock seam for sewing stretchy fabrics together with

decorative effect and as decorative edge ﬁ nish. Also for overedging medium weight fabrics.

14 3-thread ﬂ atlock, wide As ﬂ atlock seam for sewing stretchy fabrics together with

decorative effect and as decorative edge ﬁ nish. Also for overedging medium weight fabrics.

15 2-needle, 3-thread overedge

seam

For sewing together and overedging light, highly stretchy fabrics.

16 3-thread ﬂ at hem For overedging light to medium fabrics and as decorative

edge ﬁ nish.

17 3-thread fold. rolled hem For overedging light to medium fabrics and as decorative

edge ﬁ nish.

18 4-thread overedge seam For sewing together all fabrics with overedge,

particularly stretch fabrics.

19 4-thread safety stitch, wide For sewing together heavy fabrics with overedge.

20 5-thread safety stitch, wide For sewing together heavy fabrics with overedge.

1-13

Technnical Part

Program 21

Program 25

Program 30

Program 29

Program 28

Program 27

Program 26

Program 24Program 23

Program 22

Program No. Description Use

21 2-needle Top-cover, narrow For hemming stretch fabric and for decorative effects.

22 2-needle Top-cover, wide For hemming stretch fabric and for decorative effects.

23 3-needle Top-cover For hemming highly stretch fabric and for decorative

effects.

24 5-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

25 6-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

26 6-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

27 6-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

28 6-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

29 8-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

30 10-thread Deco-cover For decorative effects and for sewing stretch fabric.

1-14

2-1

Technical section, general

This chapter contains information on all the basic mechanical functions of your creative

4874. You will also ﬁ nd additional information in chapters 5 and 7.

2-2

Machine cover

The machine cover protects your machine from dust and dirt. When you have ﬁ nished sewing, push the thread guides (28 and 44) down. The thread stand (49) must be pushed as far as it will go towards close to the machine; you can take the thread cones off ﬁ rst, but this is not essential. Now you can pull the 4874 cover over the machine. The operator’s manual and accessories can be placed in the pockets.

Electrical connection

Plug the power cable into socket (53) on the machine, and the power supply.

Connect the foot control

Insert the foot control plug in the socket (54) on the machine.

The foot control YC-485 has to be used for this sewing machine.

Power switch

When the power switch (55) is turned on, the sewing light and the LCD display will light up (9).

The machine is now ready for use.

120 V

220 V

2-3

Technical section, general

Swivel table

Push the swivel table (21) to the left. The converter, the tweezers and the allen key are located behind the swivel table.

Front cover

Push the front cover (16) to the right as far as it will go and swing it down. The top/deco cover sewing program sticker is behind the front cover. The 5 most important stitch types and their threading paths are illustrated in color on the inside of the front cover.

Trim catcher

Insert the upper catches of the trim catcher in the upper slots in the front cover (16).

Press the bottom part of the catcher until the lower catches engage in the lower slots of the front cover.

Note: As soon as either the swivel table (21) or the front cover (16) is opened, the power supply to the machine is cut off for safety reasons, so that you cannot continue sewing.

Note: As soon as either the front cover (16) or the swivel table (21) is opened, the power supply to the machine is cut off for safety reasons, so that you cannot continue sewing.

Perform these steps in reverse order to remove the trim catcher.

2-4

Detachable thread stand

Insert the top catches of the detachable thread stand (27) into the top slots on the rear cover and press the bottom portion of the stand against the cover.

Thread stand

Before placing the spools, you must slide the thread stand (49) back as far as it will go.

Place one foam pads (52) and one thread cone holder (51) on each of the spool pins (50).

Note: The detachable thread stand is required for stitch programs 21 – 30.

Thread guide slide

Pull the thread guide (28 and 44) up as far as it will go.

To assure optimum thread feed, the two top slide sections must be rotated slowly until you hear their locking pommels click into place.

Push the detachable thread stand to the right as far as it will go.

Place one foam pad (52) and one cone holder (51) on each of the spool pins (50).

To remove, push the thread stand to the left and pull up.

2-5

Technical section, general

Foam pads/Cone holders

If you are using large cones (5,000 – 10,000 mm), the foam pads (52) and the cone holders (51) will be helpful to you.

With synthetic threads, the foam pads catch threads that have slipped down and help to advance the thread ﬂ awlessly.

Cone holders serve to ensure that large cones are well positioned.

Thread run-off disc

The thread run-off disc in the accessory box is used for smaller spools. Use the foam pads (52) and place the spool on the pin (50). Attach the thread run-off disc as shown in the illustration.

Spool net

The spool net in the accessory box should be pulled over the reel from below. Use for synthetic threads or decorative threads that can easily unwind from the spool. After you have done this, you can place the spool on the foam pad.

Detachable thread guide

For sewing with decorative thread, use the detachable thread guide in the accessory box. Place it on the thread guide (44) and thread as shown in the illustration. Use the spool net and the foam pad.

2-6

Presser foot lift

Use the presser foot lifter (57) to raise or lower the presser foot. If you push the lifter one step up, you will be able to raise the presser foot to its maximum height of

6.5 mm for particularly thick fabrics.

Note: Once a thread chain has been formed, the presser foot no longer needs to be raised as long as you are working with the same thread and the same presser foot. You can simply lift the front of the presser foot gently with your thumb. Slide the fabric under the raised part of the presser foot. When the foot control is activated, the fabric will then be gripped and advanced by the feed dog automatically.

Hand wheel

When turning the hand wheel (56) by hand, e.g. to raise the needle(s) to their highest position, always turn toward you.

2-7

Technical section, general

Presser foot

The standard presser foot has two different positions:

Position “A” - for sewing cover stitch (progs. 1, 2, 3), double chainstitch (prog.

4), the 4-thread safety seam (prog. 19) and the 5-thread safety seam (prog. 20).

Position “B” - for sewing programs 05 – 18.

To choose these positions, simply move the selection lever.

For cover stitch (progs. 1, 2, 3) and double chainstitch (prog. 4), clearview foot F from the accessory box can also be used.

For top cover (progs. 21, 22, 23) and deco cover (progs. 24 – 30), use clearview foot R from the accessories box.

Note: The position of the presser foot, “A” or “B”, appears in the LCD display (9) (see page 3-2).

Note: The foot you need to use will be shown in the LCD display (9) (see page 3-2).

Changing the presser foot

Turn off the power switch

To remove: Raise the needle(s) to its/their

highest position. Lift up the presser foot and press lever A on the back of the presser foot holder. The presser foot is released automatically and you can pull it out to the left.

Check: Lift the presser foot to conﬁ rm that it is correctly attached.

To insert: Place the presser foot below the presser foot holder so that when the presser foot lifter is lowered, the pin on the foot is directly beneath the presser foot holder. Lower the presser foot and if necessary press lever A, the presser foot will now click back into place.

2-8

Needle position

The 4874 offers a choice of 5 needle positions. You can sew with as many as 3 needles simultaneously. The needle positions are L0, L1, L2, R1 and R2. A retaining screw is provided above each needle.

In this operator’s manual and in the LCD display (9) (see page 3-2), the different needle positions are shown in a schematic diagram. See the examples at top and bottom. Insert the needle(s) as shown in the LCD display (9) (see page 3-2).

Note: If the needles are inserted at R2 and R1, the left needle is slightly higher than the right.

If the needles are inserted at L1 and L2, the left needle is slightly lower than the right.

If the needles are inserted at L0 and L2, the left needle is also lower than the right.

If the needles are inserted at L0, L1 and L2, the left needle is at the lowest point.

2-9

Technical section, general

Changing a needle

Turn off at the power switch

To remove: Lower the presser foot and

raise the needle(s) to its/their highest position. Take the needle changing tool out of the accessory box and push it up over the needle as far as it will go. Loosen (but do not remove) the needle’s retaining screw with the allen key and pull the needle out from below.

To insert: Insert the needle in hole A of the needle changing tool so that the ﬂ at side K of the needle is opposite face B of the tool. Insert the needle as far as it will go into the needle holder (you may have to push a little harder by hand) and tighten the retaining screw. Remove the needle changing tool.

The 4874 uses system EL X 705 overlock needles, Cat. No. 2002.

2-10

Threading (stitch programs 01-20)

Thread guides

Slide the thread stand (49) backwards and pull the thread guide (44) up as far as it will go.

Place the spools on the spool pins (50). For notes on the spool net, the thread run-off disc, the foam pads and the cone holders, please see page 2-5. Thread the threads from the back to the front through the thread guides (43) as indicated by the color codes.

Lift the carrying handle (3). Thread the threads underneath the carrying handle into the rear thread guides (58). To do this, pull the thread down with both hands until it slips under the thread guide. Pass the thread between the tension discs and pull it down so that it is between the tension discs. Fold the carrying handle forwards.

Thread single threads in order from 1 to 5. The open thread guides make threading easy. To ease the task further, use the tweezers located behind the swivel table.

Remove the trim catcher and open the front cover.

Note: The thread tensions for threading are shown in the LCD display (9) (see page 3-5). The sticker behind the front cover is also provided to make threading easier.

5 1

2-11

Technical section, general

Threading

Upper looper (red)

Turn the hand wheel towards you until the upper looper (30) reaches its highest position.

Thread the threads in order from 1 to 9. Some of the thread guides are marked with a red dot.

Thread the thread in thread guides 1 to

7. Pass the thread over the top of guide 8 from above and pull it down and to the left until it slips into the guide.

From the front, pass the thread through the eye 9 of the upper looper. Pull about 10 cm (5”) of thread through the hook and place it facing to the left under the presser foot.

2-12

Threading

Lower Looper (yellow)

Turn the hand wheel towards you until the lower looper (31) is as far to the right as possible.

Thread the thread in order from 1 to 10. Some of the thread guides are marked with a yellow dot.

Thread the thread in thread guides 1 to 6. Pass the thread under the latch 7 and into thread guide 8.

Press lever A down and hook the thread into guide B from left to right. The illustration right shows how to do this.

Note: The lever will return to its original position as soon as you start to sew.

2-13

Technical section, general

Pass the thread forwards through eye C (= Threading point 10) of the lower looper.

Pull about 10 cm (5”) of thread through the hook and place it to the left under the presser foot.

2-14

Threading

Double chainstitch and cover stitch looper for progs. 04, 19 and 20 (purple)

Turn the hand wheel towards you until the double chainstitch and cover stitch looper (33) is as far to the right as possible.

Thread the thread in order from 1 to 12. Some of the thread guides are marked with a purple square.

Thread the thread in the guides from 1 to

8. Pull the thread under latch 9 and into

thread guide 10.

Note: In the case of thread guides 6 and 7, the thread is simply placed on top of them, not threaded through.

Press lever A up and hook the thread into slot B. The illustration right shows how to do this.

Note: The lever will return to its original position as soon as you start to sew.

2-15

Technical section, general

From the front, pass the thread through eye C (- threading point 12) of the double chain stitch and cover stitch looper.

Pull about 10 cm (5”) of thread through the looper and place it to the left under the presser foot.

2-16

Exception:

Threading double chain stitch and coverstitch looper for coverstitch (progs. 01, 02, 03) top/deco stitches (progs. 21-30) (purple)

Turn the hand wheel towards you until the double chainstitch or coverstitch looper (33) is as far to the right as possible.

Thread the threads in order from 1 to 10. Thread guide 8 is marked with a purple square

Thread the threads in the guides from 1 to 8. (Caution: The thread does not pass under the latch.)

Note: In the case of thread guides 6 and 7, the thread is simply placed on top of them, not threaded through.

Press lever A up and hook the thread into slot B. The illustration right shows how to do this.

Note: The lever will return to its original position as soon as you start to sew.

+ 114 hidden pages

Pfaff Сreative Сoverlock 4874 Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual