Toyota 6600 sewing machine.

Artytarty

Hi there, I know it's a long shot but does anyone use this model of machine.? I have had. One for years but not used it for anything other than curtains etc. now I fancy trying my hand at clothes :eek:
The thing is I don't understand if my model overlocks or over casts. It shows it in the manual and the stitch selector but I have a very Very distant memory that mine is the basic model of three and does not do it.
It's in the green section of stitches shown on the machine front.

http://www.ace-apparelcraftequipment.co.uk/Pre-Owned%20Lightweight/images/Lot1731Toyota6600.jpg

I have tried the settings and only get the hemming stitch but in case I am doing something wrong I thought I would ask on here! sorry for the waffle! I would love to be able to stitch and overcast at the same time and not have to zigzag every seam.
Thanks for any input.

sew_what

I suspect that the last of the green stitches (on the right) is the "overcast stitch" but it won't be like an overlocker (which seams, cuts and overcasts at the same time) That kind of stitch is usually pretty slow and you might find it faster to zigzag and then seam with a straight stitch.
What kind of fabric do you intend using - that might make a difference to the best choices of stitch and I'd recommend testing the stitches on a scrap of your fabric before you start!

Artytarty

Thanks SEw What.yes, I think you are right. I want to be able to sew knitted fabrics, stretch jersey etc as well as cotton type things. I buy a fair amount of charity shop clothes and I love an alteration!but recently I find myself wanting to buy a dress or skirt pattern and start from scratch.
It's interesting that you say zigzag first and then straight seam, I would have straight seamed, zigzagged then trimmed .is it better the other way round. Anyhow, I'm having terrible loops on the bottom probs at the moment and I've changed the thread Nd the needle, checked the bobbin, needle race etc is clear, tension sitting about 4 on the wheel and it's still not playing ball. I may have to take it to the repair man later today. Grrr!

sew_what

Loops underneath usually means something wrong with the top thread - check the needle is the right way round etc, and make sure the presser foot is down when you're sewing (Sorry if that sounds obvious, but I've been sewing for donkey's years and still forget sometimes!)
Zigzagging first is easier if you want to press the seams open -you're working on flat pieces of cloth rather than a 3D garment, but if you want to press just to one side then you could do them afterwards.
If you're sewing with knits, you don't really need to neaten the seams - they don't fray like woven cloths, but they do sometimes roll up annoyingly.

-taff

zigzagging will just stop it fraying [ as well as neatening ] so it depends onwhat you want to do to the seams.
You can get an attachment foot that will cut and sort of overlock, but to be honest, I can't see much point.
If you really want to overlock them, old ones are relatively cheap on ebay. I'd recommend singer 14u's.

woodman13

where can I get a copy of the toyota 6600 sewing machine ? any help would be appreciated
I bought the machine from a hospice charity but no instructions

wealdroam

woodman13 wrote: »

where can I get a copy of the toyota 6600 sewing machine ? any help would be appreciated
I bought the machine from a hospice charity but no instructions

Buy one here:
mysewingmachinemanual.com/ViewManual.php?b=Toyota&m=6600-6602-7660.pdf