Differential feed means that the feed teeth can grab more or less fabric by the setting of a dial. The right setting can make a huge difference on sheer and on stretch fabrics, the difference between an wavy seem or one that seems to shrink in a bit. A rolled hem can be done by using 1 needle and 1 or 2 loopers depending on the effect you want. A serger is almost a must for sewing fleece and knits. Once you have one you'll be surprised how you ever managed without it. I have a 4-thread serger (20 years old and still going strong) which I preferred over a 3-thread one. The modern ones have more gimmicks but this one will do for me.

Where you buy should depend on how much you plan on using it. I bought a huskylock and paid a lot and now it sits more often than not. I kinda wish I had bought a cheaper one. If you are only going to use it on those few type of things go for the cheapest, if however you want a workhorse think deeper ;-)

I also have a surger over 20 years old. It is great for rolled hems finishing seams that ravel..napkins and hankeys are wonderful with the rolled hem and I personally love the gathering foot on mine.I also use the rolled hem on smocking baby bonnets but not so much anymore. I introduced my friend to it and she said she didn't know what she would do without it now.

I got a serger off craigslist! I got a good one! Husqvarna 1000. It does not do the 5th thread chainstitch, but you'll love the rolled hem! I was told this is best quality and easy threading! I read the manual fifty times before I tried my threading! lol Have fun! Now I love my serger! Live Laugh Download Stitch!

I have two sergers. I love them! I still have a lot to learn to do with them and I've had them for 10 - 15 years already. I bought both of mine used from my sewing machine center. You can get a nice one that way, as people trade up to a more elaborate one that can do more. Good luck finding what you need at a reasonable price.
:D
Diane

I recently bought a new serger (my old janome died after 20 years). I purchased a babylock BL097 as recommended by my dealer. I was planning on a viking but the dealer suggested this one. The great thing I like is the entire
front opens up and makes threading so much easier.
hugs
Michelle

I appreciate all the response. I have reservations about purchaseing one .#1 I am bursting out of my 9x10 room #2 Don't know how often I would use it so that is why I was looking at these 2 places, price range is $200-279, so IF I don't use much , I am not out a bundle. I just want it to make a pretty finished edge, when the egde is seen from the right side. ANd Mops, what are loopers? I need a class in serger language, ha ha

Before buying, you should go to a shop where you can get a demonstration of different machines. A good shop won't have any problem with this request... a bad shop will look at you like you've lost your mind.

Nearly 4 years ago, I purchased my machine at Walmart... the Singer ProFinish... and I love it! I have had to put some repair money into it, but it wasn't the machine, it was 'operator' error. Live and learn... right?

About all I use mine for is trimming edges which the ProFinish does wonderfully. I haven't tried rolled hems yet, but that's on my to-do list.

Good luck!
Liz

There was a serger being sold on QVC(or maybe HSN)it looked great when they were doing the demo. Price was very reasonable also.Viking and babylock have nice ones but the price is steeper. You might consider getting a less costly medel now (but one that does what you need) then later after you've mastered it buy the fancier one.You can always sell the older one.

Hi Toogie: I have the Janome 3434D, bought @ Hancocks, for just under $200 on sale, it is great. Has a great manual to teach you how to use it. It works great!, & is easy to thread. I haven't used all the variations yet, I still need to play with mine, to learn more about it. Good luck to you in your search. Hugs & *s 4 U, & everyone here! Tammy

I bought a Bernina 1150 a couple of years back (3??). Quite pricy and as yet have not mastered all it can do BUT faily easy to thread, not too difficult to change from overlock to rolled hem - and does a beautiful rolled hem. Cost me nearly $800 so I should go and find out what all it can do. I bought it because I was tired a battling with my Empisal (it sewed fine but rolled hem and changing a neddle was the pitts).
Hope you find what you looking for. Happy Christmas.

I have a Janome mylock 634D and it's easy to thread and you just have to move a lever to change to a rolled hem. I love it. I sew a lot of my seams on it as on items that ravel you don't have to do your seam and then go back and zigzag. I've had it for just over 10 yr. and no problems and probably could use it for even more. I found a book that shows more things to do - just need time to sit and play. It also has differential feed which Mops explained. Good luck!