Serger advice
 

I have decided that I would like to add a serger to my sewing room because I want to start making clothes. This is not something I intend to get into in any big way, but I think a serger would be a nice addition. I don't have the budget for one of the fancy newer ones, so I am looking at lower end models and at second-hand. I noticed that reviews for the Brother 1034D on Amazon are quite good. It was also listed somewhere as one of the best sergers of 2015. I have also considered a used Babylock (BL402) on Craig's List for about the same price but wrestle with the idea of new (with a warranty) versus used, even though the BL will do 2, 3, or 4 threads. Is this necessary? Is there anything else I should be aware of?

I have a Brother 1034 and a BabyLock Evolve. I use both. Love both. The BL is easier to thread so I do more things like rolled hems and it is also a cover stitch machine. The 1034 stays set up for a basic 4 thread overlock and occasionally a 3 thread and gets used for mostly garment sewing and to serge cut edges of fabric before it goes into the washer. I would buy the 1034 for the warranty, it can be returned if you find you don't like it and the fact that you won't inherit any user error issues

I have never used one, but I have noticed some of the shops in my area offering lessons.

I have the Brother 1043d and it serves my purposes well. I use it for clothes on the unusual occasion that I make them. I don't change threads often but when I do I tie the threads to the old ones and pull through. There are videos on you tube to help with threading. I bought it reconditioned from Allbrands in the store. You will get lots of recommendations about the air threading ones. Very nice but very spendy.

I also have the Brother 1034D and use it a lot for making all my own clothes---it came already threaded and I also tie on the new thread and pull it thru--have never had it come unthreaded except for the time I ran out of thread and it wasn't hard to rethread. I would certainly recommend it.

I bought a Brother 920D in 1995. It came with a VHS tape of hints and tips on how to use a serger. It's had light use and it comes in very handy when finishing seams, especially helpful when working on linen or anything else that frays. Picture of the model here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brother-920D...p2047675.l2557

I am a big fan of Brother machines. I have the Brother serger 1034D and it works just fine, I make a lot of pillowcases for charity. Amazon has it on sale for $181. right now with free shipping. Sergers don't require a lot of maintenance or oiling. Just brush out the lint. We RV a lot and I take this machine with us and sew away. I have the Babylock Ovation at home that I use for the chainstitch, cover hem, beading, elastic, etc. It was a very expensive purchase, weighs a ton and not something I want to haul around in the RV.

I have a Singer that I bought about 15 years ago. Only used it maybe twice & that was for a little practice. I don't know much about a serger. I know it finishes raw edges & that's about the extent of my knowledge. I'm sure if I would just take the time to practice with it, research the different things about sergers that I would probably like it a lot . I did buy a 2 books but I need to sit down & study.