Most of the low end Sergers I saw had a free arm. The Brother 1034 does but the Janome 7933 (only sold by Hancocks) does not. It is a free arm ...the same principle as a lock stitch sewing machine....allows you to sew in small spaces....like the cuff of a sweatshirt for example. I plan on making small purses and bags for my grand daughter and also shortening sleeves on many of my shirts because I have incredibly short arms. It is extremely important to me on my regular sewing machine but I just don't know how important it is on a serger? And does anyone own a Janome that takes those different needles? I googled and did not see very many places to order these.