Serger recommendations
 

This would be my first serger! I don't sew a lot of clothing but I do sew pillowcases, bags and such that I think could be done so much faster on a serger. I am going to a serger info day soon- of course, they will be demo-ing their brands but I am open to any brand recommendations from you all. Thanks.

I'm interested in responses to this inquiry too! I've heard great things about Juki servers, but, then again, I am a Juki owner so I am biased….

I, too, am interested in the responses. I don't have a serger and I don't make clothes, but I think I could use one for sewing on trims, etc.

I am not sure about cost but I would definitely look at some of the self threading/automatic threading option on some of the new one.

Not knowing how much I would use one, I bought a used one from CL for very cheap. It might be a brother, does not have 'air' threading or anything else fancy. Had it serviced and ended up taking a very useful class with lots of documentation included. I've used it a couple of times since and am quite pleased with the $$ spent/value for my purposes. For machine, service, class and travel to/from (it was @ 45 min away) I was under $150. Make sure you get one with differential feed to give you more options as you progress. Mine is a 4 thread. In my research, again, the great number of threads it will handle gives you more options.

i bought an old Singer at a swap meet for $8. 4 thread, diferential feed, I love it!! Sometimes the Old stuff is just as good as the new.

I just purchased a Janome serger. My old Huskylock finally died after a lot of use. I would really like a Baby Lock self threading, but they are quite pricey. I use it for serging around my quilts before binding, making and attaching piping, lots of things. There are 2 main types- the serger only and a serger/ coverstitch combination, then there is a cover stitch only. I decided that the less pricey but reliable Janome serger was the one for me. It will do everything I need right now, was not difficult to thread and didn't cost an arm and a leg. As well, attachments are available for piping, ruffling, beading and more. My dealer recommended the Janome as a reliable machine. Oh- do take the classes that are available to you- they will open your eyes to the possibilities.

Depends on how much $$ you want to spend. I have a Bernina and they are expensive. A friend has I think a Baby Lock and hers has a self threading feature. Sergers are difficult to thread so look for one that has the self threading feature. Bernina does not have that.

Definitely get differential feed.

If you can afford it, go with a self-threading machine (air threading).

The coverstitch can be really useful (especially for knit clothing), so be sure you understand what it is. Then you can decide whether you want a separate machine for it.

I have a 15-year-old Bernina 4-thread serger with differential feed. If I were in a position to be making children's clothing, I would ***definitely*** have opted for air threading (makes life a lot easier) and either a 5-thread serger (so settings can be changed to coverstitch) or a separate coverstitch machine.

A lot depends on how much you will use it. I would have used mine more if it had been easier to thread and had the coverstitch. Still use it once in awhile (most recently when making replacement leaders for my midarm quilt frame), but not enough nowadays to justify the additional costs involved with air-threading and coverstitch.

I have the 936 Huskylock and I love it. Not at all hard to thread, I just watch the video every time. I don't use the coverstitch feature but it's a great machine with differential feed. Once you get it threaded you can just tie the threads of the new color and not have to totally rethread each time. That works on all of them. I had a Brother but it was awful. Broken threads and needles all the time.

The Baby Lock dealer in our area said that April is "Serger Month". Discounts plus a $300 rebate. I have a Baby Lock Imagine and love it. I also have a BL Cover Stitch, but have not used it. I will be selling that one.

If you are not doing anything fancy I would not spend the money on the self threading ones, I sat down for a demo on threading a brother PRW and it didn't look all to terrible. I am also still in your boat, and have seen the brother, the juki, and the babylock. I would love a self threading but the cheapest is 1200 and if you are not using it for clothes and not using it alot it would be a waste of money. I have not made my decision as of yet but the juki 655 did very much impress me and they seem to be quite well rated. The brother ones also seem to get good rating for a beginning serger for me it is between the juki 655 and brother PRW5234, although you could probably get away with the brother 1034D since you don't need the serger but for basic stuff. The only thing that makes me hesitate on the juki is less feet are included, and since the machines cost about the same in the 500 range i would have to shell out more money on feet down the line.

I love my Babylock Imagine serger. I was lucky enough to win it at an embroidery conference several years ago. I especially like the self-threading

Stick with larger brand names (not a no brand). Get from a shop this way you have classes etc. with that said I have 2 a smaller Janome 1100dx a real work horse and BL evolution - what fun! Once you learn to thread (some are easier than others) it then becomes more in performance and what you'll use it for. Like a sewing machine try them out. I like the bernina which will be my next and a stand alone coverstitch (lazy I am). Juki makes the bernina and now that BL lost the air thread patent juki has it and bernina is soon to be released. Threading is much easier than my original 3 thread jc penny one! Which is still in use hahaha.

I have had 2 sergers, all Singers & my last one was an absolute nightmare to thread (their top Quantum machine). I use sergers a lot even though I don't really sew much in clothes anymore. Finally got rid of the Singer & bought one of Babylocks self threading sergers & have NEVER regretted it, even though in Canada they are a small fortune ($1800.00). No dials to adjust for different fabrics & most impressive NO manual threading (unless you want to). We, as women, really undervalue our worth & think "oh, I can't afford that" but most of the time our DH's spend $ on their hobbies & it's okay. Well ladies, we are WORTH it too. If you can afford it or somehow make it work without going into major debt then buy what you really want, you will be so much happier. I LOVE my Babylock & have never regretted the purchase.

About 5 years ago I thought I HAD to have a serger. I bought a very nice used one off Craigslist. It looked like it just came out of the box. In fact, it was packed in the original box. It is a Singer and I think it was $300- 400 new. I also got about 30 cones of thread with it and payed $80. Yes, the threading was a bear but I just took it one thread at a time, following the manual step by step. I will tie new cones to the old ones so I don't have to re thread it when the time comes. That being said, I have yet to use a full cone of thread. I broke a needle a couple of years ago making pajama bottoms for Christmas. The serger is in the cabinet STILL with the broken needle! I am glad I didn't invest a lot of money into it because I really don't use it very much. The reason the guy was selling it???? He didn't use it as much as HE thought he would!!!

As for your pillowcases, I do a French seam on mine and they results look very professional!!!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=U0HGkuuGw6w

I have a Babylock Imagine and love it! It is my 2nd serger and is definitely the joy of serging for me. I have had it for about 18 years and have never regretted buying this. So many uses for a serger. Try to take classes and you will learn so much and will enjoy it.

I have had a Babylock Evolve Wave since they came out. I love it! Would not trade it. I have had other sergers in the past, and would not go back to manual threading. I like not having to fool with the dials either...these are smart machines. I heard last year that the auto threading was going to be available on other brands....do know if that is the case yet.

My first serger was a Toyota and threading it manually was time consuming, but I sewed on it for 20 years, then I got a Babylock Imagine and what a difference. I love it and the ease of the air jet threading.

I bought mine at a fabric store chain House of Fabrics that I used my employee discount. I rarely use it. It is so difficult to thread. Never thought of serging around the outside of a quilt. That is a very cleaver idea. I think it is a Babylock. It is taking up space in my closet. It is also very heavy !!

The self-threading machines will cost quite a bit more, I think. I took a class just yesterday that was free at my local machine shop. It was just the basics of serger machines. Everyone brought their own machine, and she went over (and over) threading. It really took the mystery out of threading. I learned a lot and it was well worth every penny. LOL

My serger is a New Home that I have had for well over 15 years. I have used it for dressmaking, and edge finishing on many swaddle blankets of flannel. She has gotten quite a workout! The adjusting knob is frozen! It is a 4 thread and I can now only do the 4thread edge stitch - but that is a all that I have used it for. -- I cut the thread of each spool one at a time, replace the spool and tie the new thread to the old one with a single overhand knot and then, one by one, I pull the new thread through (Have to help it go through the needle eye on 2 threads) but in short order I have my serger rethreaded! May not be "orthodox" but it has worked for me for many years! I COULD rethread it but why? She is a basic serger and has served me well.

I LOVE this Board and you members are ALL AWESOME. Mostly I cannot add to comments others make in threads so I just nod and agree and LEARN -- and maybe I am "lurking" but my love goes out to each of you! And my thanks too!

I have a Husky and love it...

I recommend BABYLOCK for a serger--it is a great machine and has "air threading"

I have a baby lock evolve which I use more than my machines. It is well worth te extra money. Have had no trouble with it for 10 years and it does a lot of mileage.

I have an old Pfaff, love the stitch and would get one of the self threading ones if I could afford it. It takes me as longer to thread than it does to sew an item.

I have a brother 1034D and I am quite pleased with it.

If you can afford it, by all means get the Babylock. I've had the Evolve for about 10 years and absolutely love the jet-threading and the self-adjusting tension. My first serger was another brand that drove me crazy with tension probs and breaking threads. The Babylock is a dream and worth every penny.

I too bought a Babylock with the "puff of air" threading. I love it and have used and used it. It is sturdy and makes stitches with appropriate tension. It is a workhorse! I have used and used it. I would not want to be without a good serger.

I just bought a Huskylock 21. I couldn't pass it up. Its almost the top of the line, one down, I think. It was orginally 1200 and on sale for 300. It had been a floor model and when my store changed locations they found all of these machines, emb, sewing and sergers that had gotten set aside. Now that they are in the new store they want to sell what they don't need. This week the also had no taxes, the store picked that up and also 24 months free financing. What a deal. In may I've signed up for a serger, I guess you can call it a class. We will learn all kinds of things along with quilting on sergers. Its thru our sew n vac so I don't even have to bring my machine, we ALL will have one to sew one. They are also getting ready to start a serger club so it'll be a great way to learn. I haven't used one in over 20 yrs and that was minimum use so I'm learning from scratch. I wanted a self threader buy saving about 800 was worth learning to thread it. One trick I saw on utube. Use a needle to thread it thru the bottom half and up to the needle. So excited.

I have a Babylock Evolution with air threading and automatic tension. Taking class occasionally but need to use it more. I am sending you a personal message.

Tidewater Sew n Vac is having a Serger class in May, the 15th, 16th or 17th. Everything is supplied, the use of Brother machines, the kits and lots of instructions. I'm so excited about it. I'm going on Thursday and from what all was said this weekend I should learn alot. I love going to classes, retreats, etc where all I have to bring is myself. No lugging machines or supplies, I don't even have to bring lunch. What a deal.

I own a Huskylock 1003 made by Husq., and a Babylock Evolution. I have to tell you gals that, although I respect the comments from those of you who love your various machines, I can't stay quiet about the Babylock Air Threading (self threading). I have to tell you I was employed by a Husqvarna Viking Dealer for many years and that being said I naturally bought a Huskylock 1003 top of the line at the time, with my empl. discount, which I never use. I also was Professionally trained to teach "New Owners Classes" on all the Viking models and several other brands that they carried. FIRST thing I was told when I was hired, was that I was NOT PERMITTED TO mention (in the classes I taught) that I also owned a Babylock Eclipse, self threading machine, at home (which I later traded up to the BL Evolution). I watched my students "Struggle" trying to learn to thread the other brands and the frustration they experienced with their new machines. All I can say is that it can be very challenging to thread them and the students eventually did learn to thread those machines but even after you learn how, it's still a little time consuming....whereas the Babylock with the Jet Air Threading system, you only have to slip the thread into a little hole and push a button and the thread goes "Sswooosshhh" in the twinkling of an eye and "IT"S DONE" (about 2 seconds) Oh I would not trade my Babylock for anything on the market!!!!! From my teaching experience I absolutely recommend the Babylock. Even the lower end models have the self threading so prices are pretty comparable to other sergers if you shop around. I would even take a chance on a used BL, they are made so well.

Incidentally........this is Sandrea again. I am not employed or associated in any way with the Babylock Company. LOL. Just wanted to offer some good advise from my teaching experience, because my students used to tell me they felt intimidated by the process of threading the Loopers. Babylock does it all for you.

I've had a White Superlock for many years and only used the 3 or 4 thread overlock, not because of the threading, but because of the manual tension stitch adjustments. I, then bought a used Viking 936. Again it was bear to get a nice rolled hem, for example. One day a friend brought her Bernina and her TOL Viking. We spent hours trying to get a perfect rolled hem on each machine to no avail. The next day I bought a Babylock. You choose whatever stitch you want, thread it, and every stitch is perfect. To me, having perfect stitches so easily was the deciding factor, not the threading. The only time I do a sample is try different thread combinations.

I agree, yes, I would have loved the auto threading but the Huskylock 21 has built in stitches so it sets the tension and having Vikings I knew it was a good machine. I had a Singer over 20yrs ago, still do somewhere and I learned how to thread it so I figured since I was saving over 700 on a great machine, I could figure out the threading thing on my own. The little perks like self threading are great and maybe one day if I use my serger like I'm saying I want to I might invest in one and use this one as a trade in but self threading does nothing if it doesn't sew the stitches right or is hard to figure out. Simplicity is nice but it needs to continue after the machine is threaded, I have enough stress in my life and I don't need a piece of equipment to add to that. I have enough humans doing a great job at that part

I totally agree with Emmy and Romanojg. Really the most important feature is the end result, quality of the stitching, and of all the Sergers I have ever used, Babylock gives the best results, perfect stitches, but to top it off, the BL threads the loopers with the push of a button in the blink of an eye. Then you also end up with the most Professional stitching. Like Emmy said about the Babylock Serger....."You choose whatever stitch you want, thread it, and every stitch is perfect. To me, having perfect stitches so easily was the deciding factor, not the threading". EMMY said the only time she ever does a sample is to try different thread combinations and I agree. Professional results every time.

I just purchased the Baby lock enlighten serger. I do a lot of scarfs, as well as I need it for sewing (or serging) the sides of my Embroidery tote bags. It is EZ with the air threading. At first wasn't sure of it, so went back to the dealer. It was me, I had it threaded right, but my problem was I didn't have the pressor foot down. After another 10 min tour, I was up and going ok. I love all of my baby lock machines, very dependable.

They gave me a thread in plus for that one Baby lock will give you another gift card. I don't need a fancy serger, will take some lessons to see if I can do something else with it.

....money is always an issue.... I got myself a simple brother serger few years ago and I am very happy with it.....it does have some more features and it wasn,t all that expensive...... As for the difficulty in threading....actually I find only the four,s spool thread to be a bit more difficult...but just a bit (once you learn it, its not a big deal ) ....twizzers are a great tool for making the threading easier...... So actually the threading is not that big of a problem...unless may be when you are using very old sergers on which the paths of the threads were not marked on.....
Good luck !!!! And don,t be intimidated....i reasure you that you can do it....it may take a bit more of a time.....

I attended the local serger event and came away with no concrete decision. I will go back to one of their stores and work with the store manager there. The event was more of a trunk show and making samples of stitches that could be put into a binder- after buying one of the two sergers. I did learn a lot and met some nice folks. Thanks for all of your feedback including sharing your own stories. The quest continues....