What is the best thing about a serger and maybe the worst? I only want to spend $500 or under for the first time. I have no knowledge at all about sergers and to be honest the way the dealer was shoving it down my throat I didn't hear a word he said after awhile hahaha, I just wanted to run from the shop. That would've been rude so I just kept nodding. If I do buy one I will most likely be needing much assistance with it just a heads up hahaha
6491
I have a Janome My Lock 644D and I just love it. I use it for everything from sewing any stretch items, T-shirts, undies, swimsuits to finishing the seams on woven fabric clothing that I make to just serging the ends of fabric before I wash it. This prevents the ends from fraying and making a huge mess.
Any reputable dealer will offer free lessons on using your new "baby". Before you buy, ask them to let you have a "test drive" and ask if they offer free owners lessons. Cheers, Frannie
1 comment
by psssst
07 Jun 2010
TY Frannie I will be going to the Brother shop and a Janome I wash my hands of the Pfaff dealer once and for all even if he is the closest one to where I live!
1196I am like simplyrosie , I have the Babylock, It is jet air threaded. Well worth the extra price . I had another brand and I could never get it threaded right . Hope you find the right one for you. Nancy
1 comment
by nama2
07 Jun 2010
I also have the jet air threaded baby lock.I love it, I don't use it very often, maybe once a day though. I have an old one that's about 25 years old, never could get the dumb thing threaded, that is why I like the baby lock, my embroiderer is baby lock too.
16513I have a serger . If I am sewing , I am using it ! I love it and it has been very valuable to me . One with a safety stitch is advisable . I cant say what brand is best . But you will be happy if you get one.Just my opinion
2 comments
7056Recently I was given the Brother 3034D and have been happy with it. I think it was at the top of your price range but easy to thread and adjust. I have a Singer I've never been able to get to work properly. Trying to do some sewing/embroidery to help earn some money and this gift was a kind help in my doing so.
1 comment
by psssst
06 Jun 2010
ty TO
I do love Brother machines and have heard the Singers are more difficult
I will test Brother and Janome and see which I prefer.
2294I have the Janome MyLock 744D and absolutely love it. I don't know how I ever did without a serger as it is used all the time now. I have had little problem threading it. The dealer went through everything with me and made it so much easier. I bet you will be amazed too by how much you use a serger and ask yourself "how did I ever do without one before?"
Charlotte
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by psssst
06 Jun 2010
ty charlotte I had another person recommend a Janome also and there is a dealer a few towns away
8181I inherited a Babylock from my mom when she passed away in 1989. I have not been without soemthing like it, ever since! I upgraded to different sergers along the way. I currently own a 5 thread Singer serger. the 5 thread lets you do a cover stitch which I absolutely LOVE. It really helps to make the garment look professional.
I just can't see my life a serger in it...definitely a must-have for me!
1 comment
by psssst
06 Jun 2010
ty QQ I can't wait until I go shopping next month and find the one that fits me!
3157I have a Janome My Lock 634D - it is really easy to use. Wouldn't be without one now that I've had one. Actually, this is my second one. My first one I got at a pawn shop - it wasn't that great of a one but it sure worked ok. It was very plain. After having it for a while I wondered how I ever got along without one and wished I'd had one when my kids were young as I made all their clothes - only way we could afford it (even the material was cheap as I used to be given boxes of clothes and I'd cut out seams.
They can be frustrating to start with but once you practice threading, etc you'll be the one to wonder how come you didn't get one sooner or why you were hesitant - good luck in your search.
1 comment
by psssst
05 Jun 2010
ty beb everyone has been so helpful I can't wait to "test drive" a few of them and make a final purchase
38558I have taught serger classes for around 15 years, so I feel a bit qualified to give some advice.
For most sewing, a 4 thread serger with differential is sufficient. You want to look for one that is fairly easy to thread. Have the sales person show you, if they have problems you probably will too.
Air threading is wonderful, but it adds lots of money to the price, and isn't neccessary. Sit down and try to figure out exactly what you want your machine to do..if you PM me I can help further.
I have 8 sergers, and all are pretty basic machines, except for the most pricey one. I bought it because I wanted the cover stitch function, and I have rarely used it.
Sears sells a good serger with the Kenmore name, but it is made by Janome..only draw back is you won't get much help,, but you can always write to me! Good luck
1 comment
by psssst
05 Jun 2010
ty so much for your help sew dr I greatly appreciate it. I hope I find one that is easy to thread my poor old fingers aren't as nimble as they used to be and I want something that I will still be able to manuver in 20 yrs God willing.
40397I bought one that I thought I would use frequently, it is a 4 needle, and I have never been happy with the results when sewing a garment, therefore it sits in a back room and is never used.
4 comments
by sewdoctor
05 Jun 2010
Your tensions may need to be adjusted. I do 90% of my sewing on a serger, knits, and wovens.
by bethelb
06 Jun 2010
It would be worth the effort to find the problem. sad to have such a marvelous piece of equipment and let it sit unused . No offense .
by psssst
06 Jun 2010
From the responses I have had... I have to agree with bethelb, investigate the trouble... fix it... and then tell me what you think
459I have the Elna L4D and bought it in about 1990 and it is still going strong. Think 20 years is very good, don't you. I use mine all the time when I make something. And the roll seam of this machine it just excellent. When you buy make sure you can get classes in it and also shop around before buying. After that, enjoy.
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2516One place that you can see a large variety of sergers is at a large craft show .The dealers are very helpful & you can have a go one. Just make sure you can have lessons & help is available near where you live. In 2 weeks I am off to do this.
1 comment
by psssst
05 Jun 2010
Let me know how it goes! I would have to travel pretty far to get to a large craft show. I will go to the joanns super store and check out what they have and of course the other shops Brother, Pfaff, Janome
25212I have one and it sits on my sewing table, but have never used it. Don't know how.
2 comments
by psssst
05 Jun 2010
That is what I am afraid of doing buying it and not using it :( Hopefully I will use it often to the point where I feel it has paid for itself hahaha
by gferris
07 Jun 2010
Check with the dealer and see if they offer a serger basics class - most times a dealer will offer the class free if you purchased the serger from them. If you bought it somewhere else, the cost isn't that much and worth every penny and more! I know of at least two dealers in my area who offer classes for any serger, and charge about $30. Another option might be to check into adult education classes in your area - if a sewing program is available, most have basic sewing and basic serger classes.
A third option is to ask at your local fabric shops. One store in my area has in-house classes, and others will have information about people who offer to teach others privately. It's a shame to have such a wonderful machine and not use it!
4271I wouldn't live without my serger; it is placed beside
the sewing machine and especially I appreciate it because
I like to sew the soft material (jerseys) doing comfortable
wear for my children and myself
1 comment
54557I use mine all the time. It's a Babylock Imagine and I wouldn't be without it! Granted, the price is around 1K, but the jet air threading was well worth the initial investment. I would HATE to have to rethread machines without this feature. Good luck. :-) teri
1 comment
by psssst
31 May 2010
ty teri I will stick with my plan to buy a les expensive one and if I enjoy it and use it often I will upgrade
33575I have a 3 thread overlock machine which Imust have had for 20 years. It gets used sometimes but not too often,
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115746I have two, one oldy Kenmore and a new I bought it from HSN shopping network, I love both but the old one is my favorite, I use it side by side with my sewing machine, When my son and daughter were very young, I used to make their holloween costumes at oncen I took a piece of fabric, drew a simple dress and I did not used my scissors at all, I cut and sew and the same time, in less than half an hour I had a Holoween costume, I loved it, the not pretty side of all this, is the botton needle when is unthread is a nightmare to thread it again, If I want to change thread color, I cut the one in use to a safety lengh I tied a knot lower the pressure to zero pull the threads all together and in less than a minute my serger is ready with a different trhead color./mary
2 comments
by grossfamilie
30 May 2010
Hi Mary I do it exactly the same way - I mean
tie a knot....it works great
LOL Maria from Germany (grossfamilie)
by psssst
31 May 2010
ty mary, I can not wrap my mind around your description of the knot thing but if I get a serger I will ask the salesperson about what this means.
26714pssst I have one, it's a 4 thread & a brother, Old, old, cost $300.00 way back yonder. I use mine frequently but mostly for finishing seams, hems things I want to do quickly. I have no place to keep it set up all the time so don't use it as much if I did./Lillian
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145791I bought my first serger last yr, was a used model but so glad I did. I had always wanted one and still don't know how to use it to it's full potenetial, mine was very cheap to me only $150 and it does both overlock and cover stitch. I have never done the cover stitch but have used the ovelock so much,it is set up right now for doing hooded towels for my GS's, I was using my sewing machine with a special foot for closing the edges of items before and now I just jump over to my serger zip it through and back to sewing and the toweling is not fraying anymore so much easier. I have also used it to do quick receiving blanket edges rather than binding them WOW is that quick LOL mine is a 4 thread Bernia and I bought it at my dealers annual clearance tent sale.
1 comment
17461I have two one 4 thread Kenmore and a 5 thread Pfaff, since I sew as well as embroider I use them both constantly, especially with square dance skirts that are gored and ruffled frills around the bottom...definitely a must in my books...would love the self threading as they are stinky to get all those threads through if they should break, but otherwise wouldn't care to have to get along without a serger...x0x0x0x
1 comment
by psssst
31 May 2010
ty sq hopefully I will find a self threader in my price range my fingers are getting a little stiff as the years pass.
27071I have one and wish I had another one I use mine every time I sew it is great would like to have the one that threads it self but could not afford it at the time if mine broake and I could not get it fixed I would buy another one in a minute
lenamae
1 comment
32767I've got the Husqvarna Huskylok 910 and like all the other husqvarnas it is a real workhorse. I've used it on all my hubby's equipment covers I've made. and some of the new knits can only be sewn on a serger. I must admit I've increased my vocabulary whenever I have to rethread but I'll get there. It's not that hard just different. Anyway do your research get the best features you can for the money you want to spend. Always check the used ones at your local dealer they have different brands and great prices. Have fun.....
1 comment
by psssst
31 May 2010
ty biker I have determined from the reply's that the best way to go is a self threader hahaha
17161I have had a BabyLock serger for 17 years now, no trouble, cleaned only one time. Easy threading. I use it everytime I make a garmet and sometimes use the serger for quilting to keep the edges nice.
1 comment
by psssst
31 May 2010
ty margie after 17 years I am sure that machine has paid for itself over and over again!
2133I just bought one. Like you I didn't know it I would use it enough to buy an expensive one. I saw one on sale at Sears $100.00 off, on for $280.00. It is made by Janome. It does everything but cover stitch. I thought for a first serger it was worth getting. If I really start using it alot I can always buy a better one. Good luck to you ,I hope you get the one you want. Hugs Lynn
2 comments
by sewdoctor
05 Jun 2010
Strange thing is, you may find that this one will do what you want for a very long time. Most of the fancier machines do things that you will rarely use, although it is nice to have the ability, it isn't really something you need.If you can find a class, take it, these machines are wonderful..Like I said before, I do 90% of my sewing on a serger.
51302You might want to check this out it is a free video on sergers and what you can do with them. Hope this helps you. Sara
www.ehow.com
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10191Hi I had a Bernette 334D for 30 years. I used it more than my regular sewing machine . You can do everything on it including zippers. It finishes your seams professionally, does rolled hems, decorative stitches and is excellent on stretchy material. I put a whole lot of miles on that machine and never had a problem. I just gave it to my sister and it's still going strong. I bought a new BabyLock jet air that threads itself. I am getting used to all the features. Most problems with the serger is operator error. Wrong threading mostly. Some machines have to be threaded in a particular order in order to work properly. Other machines you can thread out of order and it doesn't matter. Babylock is a good bet, they make wonderful machines though I loved me bernina bernette. Look around for another dealer or go in at a different time when that person is not on and get a proper demo. You won't be sorry!!! Suzanne
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111375I own an Elna 845 - it is a 5 thread machine and I also use it all the time from rolled hemms as well as stitching. Decorative stitches like the hems you get on the track suits. I made my daughter a skirt the other day and only used the sewing machine to put in the Zip. The rest was all done with the "we call it overlockerin SA". I am glad I have it, but guess it will depend what you want to do with it if you really need it. Also don't I know about wanting to run away but just keep on nodding. That's why if I find a good agency I tend to stick to it. Good luck with your mission.
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11528I have an 1991 serger or overlocker as they are called here, a Bernette 334DS. It's a sturdy, metal housed machine. This year my bottom cutting blade was replaced by the spare one that came with the machine. I have it serviced once a year and that's when the blade is sharpened - which had shortened it so much it no longer fitted. I hope the machine will last another 19 years!
I use it for every seam of anything I sew. I love it for fleece, knits and towelling. The rolled hems are great for ruffles or decorative hems.
I wouldn't be without one!
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145302I am one my third one. I have a Baby Lock and I love have one. You can do all kinds of things with them. What I would do is a search on the internet and see if you can find a video of different kinds and watch to see which his the easiest for the best price and will do what might complement your sewing needs. I know this does not help, but only you know exactly they type of sewing you do. Look for one that is easy to switch from flat serge to rolled hem serge. Sara
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10191I am about to buy a new one but the one I have now was bought in 1990 it was a Bernette made in Japan ,with differential feed ( stops curling of edges ) & a roll hemmer. The roll hemmer did all the edges on the curtains frills for our 2 storey house very quickly .It is used for all the clothes that I make .I have only had to replace the bottom cutting blade once & its done a lot serging over the years. A essential item if you do lots of sewing.
1 comment
by psssst
30 May 2010
ty killie I do not do a lot of sewing but I would like to start so that is why I am thinking about buying one
25212I see you have some GREAT answers and I am sure you will chose a machine that will benefit you and your needs...FIESTA ;D *2U
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63126I love mine and both my daughters have sergers. It great for finishing seams but can do more. I have done rolled hems on napkins. I sew for my granddaughters and their clothes are so much more professional like with a serged seam. We bought daughter #2 a 4 thread basic serger for under $400. I believe is was a Baby Lock but I have a Janome My Lock.
1 comment
9846I also use mine all the time - the more you use it, the more uses you'll have for it.
$500 will get you a pretty good basic serger. Mine is a top-of-the-line model which does coverstitch (like the double hems on t-shirts), and a beautiful chain stitch with 3-thread overlock - what you see in most commercially made seams. Generally, the more you pay, the more features you have. Find a not-so-pushy dealer who will show you how a serger works - more than likely, once you get to demo one you'll sell yourself on getting a serger, with no help at all from the salesperson! LOL Most intimidating thing about a serger - probably threading, but once you get used to your machine, you'll be able to whip that thread right through!
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582I have a Babylock Evolve (unfortunately out of your price range). I love it because the threading is so easy and there is no messing with tesion. It is all done automatically. I am sure you can pick up a used one now that they have come out with the Evolution serger. Sergers are far more versatile than you realize. It is good for more than seams and hems. Take your time, research, check with friends and make your decision.
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169064I have had 3 or 4 sergers. You do not need a 5 thread. I use it to finish seams and i use the rolled hem. Other than that is is a waste to me. Look at the trade ins or the basic baby lock will be $1000. Do not over pay for a serger. Kay
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85867I have one and use it all the time. It's great for finishing everything. Mine is always threaded and always on,,lol There are so many things you can use it on.
hugs Lee
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63174My mother tried to tell me for years to get one. She used hers all the time. I didn't realize how many things you could use it for. Look up on the internet-there are some really good books about it. Nancy Ziemerman has one. I bought one and use it mainly for jeans and edges, but I think it was worth it.
2 comments
by fontmomma
30 May 2010
I bought a Singer last year and I use it all the time. I has a built-in rolled hem. They get temper mental and balk if you don't thread them right. In fact, I have 3 of them--back up you know. Need to oil them once in a while, too.
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