Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread Serger: Notes

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger. Great machine.

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger. Great machine.

I do love sewing, and use both my Singer and Imperial flatbed sewing machines, as well as an industrial Brother flatbed and a ancient Singer patcher. The Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger is a completely different beast.

The serger only does edge overlocking, but it does it so well. It not only overlocks the edge, preventing fraying, but also cuts the edge clean and reinforces the edge with a single stitch through the layers of material. The other Ultralock models also have a 4th thread that can do a second stitch through all layers, but I can do that on my flatbed.

My Ultralock 14U32 is circa 1988, as printed on the manual, but it works extremely well. The standard setting for overlocking is: 3.5 needle thread green, 3 left looper top, and 2 right looper bottom. I’ve used these settings for flatlock stitching: 0.5, 4, 6.

The enclosed manual is sparse at best, with only the basics. I had to learn most of he skills on my own. To move the knife out of the way, move the cover to the right, then while pushing the to the right, the knife can be rotated backward, parallel to the arm. This is the non-operating position. There are no instructions for doing a flatlock stitch, which is unfortunate, but it can easily be done. I would have learned this stitch much earlier if I had read it in the manual.

The flatlock stitch is very interesting. You will need to play with the tension adjustments, which can vary with the thickness of your material. The flatlock allows the overlock to no longer be an edging, but to join to pieces of material, fold out both sides of the material so they can lay flat. The seam is not perfectly flat but pretty close.

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger, flatlock stitched towel. Great machine. There's a bump but not too much. it does sit flat. Photo 2 by Don Tai

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger, flatlock stitched towel. Great machine. There’s a bump but not too much. it does sit flat. Photo 2 by Don Tai

Overlocking is really good for edge protection. Overlocking patches allows the patch to have a lower profile. Overlocking also protects edges that have frayed but you do not want to double it over and straight stitch, as this would thicken the edge. No other sewing machine can do this type of overlocking. You can see overlocking on commercial clothing you have bought.

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger. Great machine.

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger. Great machine.

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger. Great machine. Photo by Don Tai

Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread serger. Great machine. Photo by Don Tai

Overlocking is a great tool to have, and I use it often. I’m glad I bought the Ultralock machine and would do it again.

Singer Ultralock Instructional Video (1987) Sewing Machine

Singer Pro Finish Serger Flatlock Stitch Video Part 4

How To Create A Flatlock Stitch (Serger / Overlock Machine)

Singer 14SH754 Overlocker. Different seams – Setup and Tension settings: 4 thread machine, slightly different

5 thoughts on “Singer Ultralock 14U32 3 thread Serger: Notes

  1. Michelle Frick

    Hi Don. Have you ever had to replace a knife? I’ve had this same model since the late 80’s and use it a few times/ year and have never had to replace a knife.

  2. Rose Roberts

    Does this machine have a built in light

    [Don: No, this serger has no built-in light.]

  3. Sandy Schulte

    I broke the needle so not sure what to buy. I bought my machine at a garage sale and don’t have a manual.

    [Don: Hey Sandy,
    “Use Singer needle Cat No. 2054 available in sizes (#10), #14.”

    That’s what my manual says, pp 14. The most common size is #14.]

  4. Esther Donatus

    Hello…
    Please how can I get this ultralock 14u32 needle?
    I’m in Nigeria and will appreciate a helpful response

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