I have a Husqvarna Viking 936 and I love it. It was a bit difficult to thread at first but I found a great video on Youtube that makes it very simple. I do not use it for quilting but for any other sewing, it is in regular use. But, you must decide whether you would get the use out of it. We all love a great deal but it is only a great deal if it is something you want and will use.

all great comments - as a part time serger user and former machine sales person - know what you're going to use it for before you get into it. I found that folks who bought one thinking they'd find a use for it usually didn't use it very much. The ones who knew what they needed it for before they bought it were the ones who used them the most.

As snipforfun said, you probably won't get the same accuracy with a serger as you can with a sewing machine, but use of "wooly nylon" thread or similar, can give you nice, soft seam allowances for quilts and garments where you want a different look and feel. I've seen several kids quilts and throws made with sergers with the seam allowances on the outside.

Same here.

I had a husqvarna serger and hated it! It was a major operation to thread it, get the tension right, use it, then change everything to another stitch including the plates. The best thing I did was trade it for a janome. Threading is really easy, you get it right the first time. Works like a dream. Yes, I've made a quilt with my serger too. The fabric was ravely and the serger took care of that.

I have a Baby Lok serger that I bought new and it has thousands of miles on it, but that was when I was making clothes and not quilts. I have yet to use it in any way on quilts, and for $400, that would buy a lot of quilting supplies and/or fabric. I would pass on it, personally.

I make clothing for my niece and household items. It is VERY handy for this type of use. I have had one for some thirty years and this is my second one. I can't imagine going back to finishing hems without one.

Thank you all so much for your comments and advice. This has really helped me make up my mind. I do not need something that may be a hassle with threading etc every time I want to use it. And I really do not think I would be using it enough to warrant paying out that kind of money. I have done just fine all these years without one, so I think I will continue as I have been and enjoy my quilting/sewing at every opportunity I get!! You are a great group, I am so happy I joined. Thank you all !!

I have a simple Brother serger. I've never used it on a quilt. I use it for clothing and home decor. I got it as a christmas gift one year. I like having it, but it can be a pain to get the threading/tension right and at times I've had to walk away before getting very frustrated with it!

When I worked for House of Fabrics, one of the employees talked me into buying a Baby Lock serger. I have never used it for quilting and we don't seem to have a good friendship. I HATE trying to thread the damn thing and the knife stopped working. Put a new one in and it is STILL not cutting. Too much of a hassle for me. Your lucky your DH wants you to spend money on a sewing machine!! THAT IS RARE !!!

Exactly what happened to me! A friend gave me her serger, and I'm going to give it to a lady in our quilt group. This way, if ever I need to use a serger, I know where to find one!