My
BERNINA
21
B E R N I N A O V E R L O C K E R W O R K B O O K
Differential feed is a feature found on most overlockers today, but it takes some understanding to fully comprehend the
benefits for your sewing. Did you realize that your overlocker has two sets of feed dogs that move the fabric through the
machine? This gives you a mechanical advantage for controlling the fabric and when you adjust differential feed, you are in
fact adjusting the rate at which the front feed dog moves.
Look at the diagram and the Differential Feed Dial and settings together. When the differential feed is set at 2, the front feed
dog is moving at twice the rate of the back feed dog. This can compensate for fabrics that want to stretch out or "wave"
while stitching, or create a gathering effect on other fabrics.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENTIAL FEED
Setting
Effect
2
Gathering or Stretching Compensation
1.5
Light Gathering
1
Neutral, no effect (Standard)
0.7
Stretching
Back Feed
Dog
Front Feed
Dog
