Hello-
I am looking to purchase a serger and am looking for one that does more than the basics, but not one that will cost me an arm and a leg. If you could give me some advise on which one you purchased and why............I think your reply's could narrow my search for one!
Thank you all in advance-

I have had the TOL Viking, White and Bernina. I spent so much time changing from rolled hem, to 4 thread, and so forth, I gave up. I saved ( a long time) and purchased the Babylock. It is a joy to use and wished I purchased it from the beginning. Not only is it easy to switch between the various stitches, but it sews the stitch perfectly. I never have to make any adjustments for stitch quality. Bring some scraps and go to dealers and try various brands.

I bought a really nice Bernina on ebay. Still pricey, but much cheaper than retail. I've never had any problems with it, but don't use it as much as I should either. :(

Babylock. Look for a used Imagine if you want an awesome one for not too much $$.

Super easy to thread, mine works perfectly every time. I can change out one thread without rethreading all.

I have two of them and only use them when I make clothes. Never on a quilt.

I had a Necchi - first time lots of attachments came with it. I melted in a house fire.

Second serger - Bernina (used from a Bernnina dealer) Got it for 350.00 a good price for a used one.

I do not use it that often.

I have a Compulock (Janome) and love it. Though, if I were to buy a new one, I think I'd go with the auto air threading of the Babylock.

I have a Kenmore, made by Janome. I don't use it a whole lot but have not had any problems with it and have had it for several years.

If I was buying one today, I would look at a Janome! I have an older Singer Serger and a Viking Serger. I think you pay for what you get with sergers!

Babylock. I own one and my grandmother owns one... prob...10 yrs apart in age and they are both amazing

Singer/best pricing, but a little tough to handle on the last threading; but once you get the hang off it, you're good to go.

It would also help to have model number if possible ~~~~

I own a Pfaff 788 which is a total mechanical serger. I wouldn't trade it for anything because it is a workhorse (purchased in 1992). But, if I wanted to serge much more than 2/3/4 thread anything I would need a new one. The threading isn't horrible but there are now models that are much easier to work with and mine does not do a chain stitch.

My advice is to take sample fabric on anything you think you might want to ever sew, use a different color thread in every looper and needle (much easier to see exactly how well the machine actually stitches), and test drive everything you can get your hands on in your price range (new and used). Compare, check the warranties, dealer support, etc.

I have one but still don't know how to use it. can't thread it lol

I have owned and used several and I swear by my Babylock. :thumbup: Also, I personally think it does the best rolled hem out there.

I have a Baby Lock Evolve. It is self - threading, can be threaded in any order, don't have to adjust tension discs, does cover stitch and chain stitch and rolled hems with minimal adjustments and makes a very nice stitch.

I had A Brother Serger and could not thread it. And to change the stitches was so hard to figure out.When they sell it to you there are no class to take to learn how to do the threading and changing the thread settings.
So I went to my Baby Lock Dealer and got a Imagine it was the best thing I ever did. Has the Auto Air Threading system so easy to use. And comes with all the settings just turn the knob. Best thing I ever did. I would get a Baby Lock you would be very happy that you did just like me.

I may not use it often but I do use it to sew all of DH shirts so it is not for sale. It makes sewing T-shirts easy.

same here
I have had a baby lock for years and never changed the thread (don't know how)

I have the Babylock Evolve and love it. Still pining for a Babylock Imagine. I would get the Imagine if the price is right.

I have an older Singer serger, the top looper breaks all of the time! Took in for service and still breaks, don't know what to do? Waiting for a snow storm when I don't have anything to do and try to do fiquire it out...or throw it out!!!!!!I have tried all various tensions on it and still it breaks. Does anyone have any suggestions?????? Thank you!

Got my brother serger
onn line at walmart.com...love it...haven't mastered it yet but love it.

I got one about 20 years ago by Simplicity. Ironic name...it's been anything but simple! EVERY time I have to change threads, or if the thread breaks, I have difficulty getting it to work again. Threading is color coded and in a specific order, but still I always have problems. It was great for making curtains when I could get it running.I don't take it out to use often...it frustrates me that much. I've pretty much given up on it and am considering asking my sewing machine repair guy if he wants to trade me something for it. It wasn't cheap, it was about $500 20 years ago. I've gotten more use of my featherwieght in less than a year than I did on the serger in 20 years. If I was ever tempted to get another, I'd want a self threading one.

By far Babylock is the best serger on the market. The air threading for the loopers is fantastic!!!!!!!

You owe it to yourself to go to a dealer, and try one out. It's definitely worth the price. I have an Evolve and I love it.

You may be able to find a used one after you decide which one you like best.

Simplicity is very!!! hard to thread

I was given a used Huskylock. Spent $120 to get it serviced. I can't thread it. I was so excited about getting it! Now I don't see that I will use it that much and wish I'd never seen it! LOL I don't know what to do with it now

I have an "antique" serger, a Babylok, that I bought in the early 80's, so can't really tell you anything about the "modern" ones . It's been a real work horse, NEVER any problems, but since I started quilting has been rarely used, but wouldn't think of ever selling it.

I have the same and love it.

Cookie

I have had a Singer, but spent more time adjusting the tension than serging. Then purchased the Babylock, Not the most expensive but the one below it (Enlighten). It has the "Puff" Threader for the Upper and Lower Looper. I only need to change dials (numbers on each one) and always have the same look no matter when I get back to serging. If you go to the most expensive one It has a place for serging with 8 cones. (Which allows you to do the hemming on knit fabric (the double roll of stitching) I just sit down to the serger and start stitching and am very pleased with it.

I have my mother's Huskylock...and I love that machine! It's not an easy threader, but it's not that difficult. Works great!!

If I was going to buy a serger, unless I sewed tons of clothing (and I don't) I'd go for a used one...less expensive and just as good in most cases.

Why can't you thread it?

I have a jet air Babylock which was the best and easiest to use of several sergers I sold in my store. Before I closed my store I bought one for my daughter. Short story, she brought it back, did not want to learn to sew. Still have it in the unopened box, never used. Also bought her a Brother 8500 which she did not use either. Told her to sell it if she would not learn to use it which she did. Back to sergers, jet-air is the way to go.

I've got the Janome 204D. Love it!

Babylock. You can't go wrong with this baby!!

I have 3 baby Lock sergers and a Bernette. Baby Lock is the only way to go. If you can't afford a new one, look for a good used one with air jet threading. The Evolve is an 8 thread serger and cover stitch, but you have to change needles and set up. My favor is the Imagine wave. I have made several wall hanging quilts on the serger and it goes really fast. If you are hand quilting, you will want to piece on the sewing machine.

I have had & have a Bernina. Use it for sewing. Let's put it this way I AM LOST WHEN IT IS IN THE SHOP FOR A CLEANING, so needless to say it doesn't go until I have no choice. Wouldn't be without it. Would love to have a second one like it so I would have to be changing from black to white all the time. Yes they can be $$$.

I have a Pfaff 4862 that I purchased 5 years ago. It is next to top of the line. Due to ill health, I am selling most of my equipment. If interested,google it on Pfaff site, and email me at [email protected] for more details.

I like my Babylock; have used it for 20+ years and no problems, not difficult to thread. Do take some fabric with you and try one at the dealers. Good Luck.

I'm sure you have tried it before, but try re threading it with the top looper thread as the first thread, then the bottom looper and then the needle(s). Or if that fails check the thread to see if the thread breaks easily when you pull on it with your hands. If it breaks easily that may be your problem. If it is not either one of these you may need to take it in and have it serviced.

I have a Babylock Evolve ( doesn't do wave stitch though ) and a Viking Huskylock 936. If this is your first serger I'd definitely go with the jet air threading Babylock!