I had an older Singer serger and it was a little bit of a pain to thread. Actually just looking at the manual made my head hurt so either my son or husband did it. I eventually learned how and it wasn't too bad. It worked wonderfully. Then I lost it in Superstorm Sandy. We resettled and I got a "bargain" Brother. It worked well enough but made an awful racket. Then my husband, who accompanies me to trips to Joann, went wandering and when he came back, he had his own basket with a Singer Pro-Finish which was on sale. It is quieter, but I'm ashamed to say I haven't learned to thread it myself yet. Nor has he ... so I have to wait for my son to be around. No matter what you end up getting, it's going to be a frustrating learning curve, so be sure you save some money for a couple of good stiff drinks!