Does anyone know of a good Serger for under $300, I was wondering if anyone got a cheaper Serger and if you like it? I have never used one is it better than using the zigzag on your sewing mch.

I got my first serger about 11 yrs ago at a pawn shop. Was a great learning experience. Enjoyed using a serger, even if it was an old plain jane. I used it for a couple years and then bought myself a new Janome MyLock 634D. Much better and would love one of the newer ones they have now with automatic threader.
I've made some items using mostly a serger. Much nicer seams, etc.
My only regret is I didn't have one when my kids were little.
Try some out at a dealer's. They usually are very good at letting you try them and see what is right for you. Even if you decide to get one from WalMart, you can take it back if you don't like it and get a refund.
You'll wonder what you ever did awithout it!

I use my serger often and would not be without it for the world. There is absolutely no comparison with zigzag from a sewing machine. It is quick, neat and the item looks so good when completed. Bernina USA has some excellent videos on using a serger and tips which are useful for all types of sergers, not just bernina. Go and have a look !! Sure that you will be impressed with it. In case this link does not work, please go to "classes" at Bernina USA and look through there

I got my Singer serger from Walmart a few years ago and it was less than $100. It holds up to 4 spools and the only money I've had to put into it as far as repair work was that the knife blades needed to be replaced. It was wonderful when I was making polar fleece wraps and caps. Best money I ever spent.

I got a baby lock a few years back. Much easier to operate than the old Elna one that I had earlier.. I think it was about $1,000. new ,so I agree to look for a trade in model and save even more. I mostly use mine for finishing seams and also a rolled hem edges. Good luck!! Kay

Honestly, I bought mine from eBay (from the same dealer that I bought my embroidery machine from). It was very reasonable and so far both my Serger & my Embroidery machine have had no issues. I spend a lot more time with my embroidery machine and am almost "afraid" of my Serger, but my mom loves it and uses it often!

Ask your local sewing machine center about an older serger, many peopple trade in their older sergers for something newer. I have a Bernette 934, an older machine that I love! I've had if for many many years. I got it for around $200, and you can still probally get one for around $100 now. However they are hard to find, lol! Everyone seems to really like them and they go fast when one comes in at my local sewing center. I also have a Bernina 700D, its also a good machine. I enjoy both of my machines very much and get a lot of use out of them both. Sergers take a little getting used to, but if your sewing center is anything like mine, when you buy a machine, any machine they will teach you how to use it. I learned all sorts of interesting things to do with it besides seams. Sergers make a strong seam, much better than zigzag! I hope our answers have been helpful to you. Don't get anything to fancy to start with or you will have a love - hate relationship with it. That was my mistake when I got my first one, I ended you trading it in for something else.

Much better than zigzag. Especially on fabrics that are inclined to fray. I really like the cutter for neatening those edges up. Do get the shop to show you some of the tricks. A friend showed us how to turn corners neatly and it made it so much easier to use effectively.

just make sure you get one that you can thread. seems like this issue takes a lot of fun out of using a serger! i have 2 bernina sergers, love them both! my old one has the freearm..the new one is ok but it would be a lot better with a freearm.

I don't know about price. I got my current Bernina 2000DE for $200 from someone that had to downsize her home.
But to answer the last question: A serger is most definitely better than the zig zag from a sewing machine. A lot of sewing machines have over lock stitches too but the serger still wins. It is neater and there are so many options to make your projects professional looking. My biggest complaint is the tension settings that need to change for every fabric. Have a sales person show you the machine while working with different fabrics to see how easy or hard it is to switch settings!

3 comments

by knitty46 12 May 2011

Thank you sew mom. I will diffently have them show me. I can't get one till next week for my birthday and then I will be 53 years old on the 23.

by greysewist 12 May 2011

You'll catch up with me next week -I turned the same age a few months ago. Happy Birthday for next week :)

by sewmom 12 May 2011

It's never too late : )

Thank you so much everyone for your great advice. I have a brother 750D Embroidery machine, I do love my old Singer 403A sewing machine. Just finding a dealer here in Las Cruces NM. And getting classes on that is something else. Before I buy I will look into both of the machines you all recommened on here. All cuties has the best answers. Thank you so much again
knitty

I have a "Juno 3434D" Janome that I caught on sale at Hancock Fabrics for just under $200, which works great!, & is on sale all the time. It is 4 thread, shows you tons of stitches, uses 2 needles, & is easy to thread. It is compact, works great!, & I love it. I hope this helps you. Tammy

I got my brother for less than $150.00 and I love it.****

I agree, a Brother is probably the easiest one to use, I've had mine for a long time....It is Great!!!

I agree, a Brother is probably the easiest one to use, I've had mine for a long time....It is Great!!!

I'd have to agree about buying at a local dealer. You should get some free classes on how to use your machine. I have a Viking 936 and absolutely love it! I started out with a White and upgraded to the one I have now. And, YES, a serger is much better than the zig zag. Good luck on your purchase.

I bought a brother at wal mart under $300 and have used it for 5 years never had a problem with it. Yes it is better than zigzag. I use it in my quiltmaking.

1 comment

by sewinggal22 12 May 2011

I also bought a Brother for under $300.00 and love it!!

I agree with favmtz about the customer service (and I do have an upgraded version of the Janome ... a 5 thread model ... good machines). If you need help, USUALLY your local dealer is more than happy to help. Their sales depend on good will, and "POSITIVE word of mouth" comments.

Far better than using a zigzag! And sergers can do so many other things. I would recommend a Magnolia serger that Janome makes, it retails at slightly more than $300 normally. It would be considered an entry level serger, doesn't have all the bells and whistles. Remember, it's always best to buy sewing machines/sergers from authorized dealers rather than "big box" stores. Higher quality and you'll get the customer service to learn to use your new machine.