DonnaC

If you're willing to spend a little time learning the threading, and you don't want to spend a lot of $$, the Brother is a good one. I just bought this serger to replace an older model that fell of a table (don't ask!).

http://www.amazon.com/Brother-1034D-...brother+1034+d

It's a great entry-level machine for someone who isn't convinced they really need a serger. I'm an experienced serger and garment sewer, so I can make mine do some tricks too. LOL

Sew Freak

I would never want to sew w/o my serger....clothes anyway. But I don't use it for quilts...made a long cabin once and IMHO I think it was overkill on the seams...I personally don't think it's needed. But if all you want is to resew a small seam area. check your machine feet... I usually don't sew outside the box...don't experiment much. One day however I did just out of curiosity. Low and behold there is a foot made to overcast the seem edges!!! Who knew?!!! Personally I wouldn't use it to do a whole garment but if it's just a mend I think it would suit your needs just fine...especially if you don't garment sew much...sergers can get pricey.

celwood

I have a Babylock Imagine. It is self-threading. I was lucky to have won it at an embroidery conference. Like some people said threading a serger can be a pain in the neck and that is why you should look into the self-threading ones.

notmorecraft

I make a lot of garments, had a baby lock that died (poor thing was 20 years old and used to death) I got the air threading Juki which is great, apart from it doesn't have a free arm, which makes cuffs more challenging, but it does sew beautifully.

tlpa

I have had a Viking 905 for probably about 10 years, which I love. I bought it used locally for $200. The original owner used it heavily to make sports outfits for her family, which was why I received such a good price for it at the time. I have never had a problem with it and used it to help make baptism gowns for my church along the way. Otherwise it has seen light use with me, but I always bring it out when I need to make pillow coverings or curtains and still love to use it. It is fast and has a nice stitch. I've had the more complicated 910 and 936 thinking I may want to upgrade, but sold those off in favor of the 905. You do have to make sure you thread it in the correct order on this machine, which has never been a problem for me with the threading picture inside the machine. I had 2 older model (not Viking) sergers before this one, and they were a nightmare to thread and always jammed up. I think threading has come a long way since then, but you may want to stop at a dealer to try out different sergers to get a feel for them.

dms

I just got a Baby lock Imagine. Worth every penny. Threads so easy and no dials to monkey with. Great investment.

katesnanna

I've had my Singer serger (overlocker here on Oz) for over 30 years. It doesn't get used as much as when I first got it but I was making DH's Mess Jacket (Military Formal Jacket) and also had 3 daughters whom I sewed for as well as myself. I do still use it but only sew for myself these days. Must admit though I'm glad of it when it's needed. I'd love an up to date one but can't justify the cost.

youngduncan

My serger is so old that I can no longer find parts for it -- even from the Bernina dealer whose opinion is trust implicitly. I have had to repair my own using hot glue and a large button to get the "spider" which holds the threads reattached after the machine suffered a drop onto some grass. At least it didn't fall onto the concrete sidewalk. Sigh!

That being said, I love the serger. I can do clothes or rolled hems for napkins and tablecloths so easily in one step. The biggest drawback is that ripping out a seam is indeed a chore. Plus, the seam produced by a serger is so narrow that there is absolutely no room for making adjustments. I've learned to clean finish the edges of the seams and put them together with a regular sewing machine. This is particularly important when doing costumes for high school productions.

callen

I completely agree with Babylock with jet air threading..........it makes all the difference in the world. A bit more money but the stress of threading it yourself is gone !! It's a joy to use.

deedum

I wouldn't buy a serger for that reason alone. I love having a serger, but I use it to mend and make alot of things. I use mine every week for something. I just made receiving blankets and baby wash cloths this week. A serger is a machine that is not for everyone. So give it a lot of thought before you make that investment.