quilt1950

I so agree with this. A cheap serger is worse than no serger at all. I have a love-hate relationship with my 'good' serger. It can take a long time to get the tension right. Sometimes I don't have the patience.

Mitch's mom

I use my serger frequently. It wasn't expensive at all - I found it on close out at Sears for 50.00! It was the last one and the box was still sealed. It is a 4 thread with differential feed. It certainly isn't the top of the line but it meets my needs. I had no idea what a serger was used for but when I saw the price, I figured I could learn!

I would like one with all the bells and whistles but until this one buys the farm...

AliKat

I have my older Pfaff serger. It is wonderful. Has 4 thread capability, chain stitch, and cover stitch. Yes, I have to thread it but with those little blue dental thingies it is a breeze to thread [and I have arthritis in my hands!]

It isn't computerized, was on sale [great that], and is a true workhorse.

I thought of upgrading but decided that mine was more than just OK ... it was comparable ... and I could then use that money for something else. The bells and whistles were just more money and not really a NEED ... and soon even downgraded from a WANT.

I got it from a LQS/sew & vac and had free lessons with it.

Several LQS's have used sergers as the owners traded up. So, if you have any budget concerns, you can look at them too.

ali

ewecansew

You can get a 4 -thread serger that converts to a cover stitch. Personally, I would stay away from a 5-thread. I use mine for making pillow cases mostly, as I rarely make clothes anymore. They do not take the place of your sewing machine.

Bonbonary

Thanks for all the advice. Lots to think about.

TanyaL

I just got a new serger. It is a Brother Imagine. It will thread all 4 threads. I had a regular type serger that I had to thread myself and it was so much trouble that I didn't use it. As soon as I got this new one I gave the old one away. The feature of never having to thread the lower loopers or even having to thread the upper needles is wonderful! It came with a set of accessories. All I have used so far is the ruffler, but I have never made ruffles so easy in my life. One step make the ruffle and attach it to the fabric and finish the seam = all in one pass thru the serger. The purchase price includes instruction and a warranty plus the first cleaning and "tune-up" at the end of the year. At any time I am having trouble with it, either understanding how to do something, or if I have jammed it up somehow, all I have to do is take it in and they will fix it. It cost less than my husbands last set of golf clubs, about the same as a week and a half at a nice hotel or a week at a very nice hotel. And it will probably last the rest of my lifetime. I haven't had this much fun sewing ever!!

It'sJustMe

I bought a 3/4 Singer in the late 80's. It's been very, very good to me. Know nothing about their quality now, so can't recommend. My friend got a $$$Juki and has had nothing but heartache.
Get lessons. I work in a fabric store and see too many people buy one and then just let it sit because they're intimidated.
Some sergers are easier to thread than others. Try them out - don't just let them pull the threads through at the store to show you how simple it can be - do the threading yourself and you'll know if you should consider the machine or not.
Before buying, read buyers' reviews online.

Hope you find one to love. I always say my serger changed my life. Really, I do!

deedum

I would buy from your lqs, you get free lesssons. That will make it worth it. Unless your experience at it or know someone that is willing to work with you and your serger. Stop and think about the fact that your working with 4 or 5 threads, it can be challenging if you don't understand it. I think the newer machines are easier to thread.

mltquilt

When you look at sergers make sure they are color coded and relatively easy to thread with all the places that need to threaded (up to four counting the two needles) can be accessed without extreme difficulty.

mltquilt

the casual quilter

I've got a serger and I do use it. But I don't use it nearly as often as I do my sewing machine. If I had to get rid of one or the other, the serger would be the one to go.
I think the most important thing to consider is ease of threading. They can be a real headache to thread. If you do get a serger, be sure to get one where lessons and support are offered.