I agree with all of the above. I think that if you have the money, it is nice to have a serger. You never know when you might need it, or just want to play around with it to see what you can do with it. I don't use mine all the time, but it comes in handy when I do need it.

hi deb i have one that i brought from tv shopping show oh many moons ago, it use,s 4 threads cones ,i've nerver used it yet ,1 thread came undone and even with direction book i still can't thread it right to use it, maybe one day when i get the nevre i'll give it another try :-D ,deb if you're looking to buy one don't spent to much on one ,my i paid under $175 for it

I've had my Babylok for more than 10 years and couldn't do without it. Don't do quilting projects on it but lots of sewing - I design and make costumes for theatre productions and it's great. :-D

I guess the bottom line is what type of sewing you do the most of & if you'll use it enough. If you can get an inexpensive one, I'd say BUY it! They're great to have!

I love the surger. Mine is about 20 years old and still purrs away. I use it a lot.... I surge all FQ's before I pre wash then so they do don't fray. I do not cut any off just finish the edge. And make napkins with the rolled edge. I would not every buy an off brand or get at any place they do not have in house service , Like Hancocks, or JoAnns and WalMart.
I wouldn't want to have to send it out to get it checked out or fixed.... I am looking so forward to the 5 thread for my next one. I want to be able to do the cover stitch for crafts and fleece etc. I would give up fabric if I didn't have one and I LOVE fabric.... Tee Hee. I have a White which was owned by Viking at the time I got mine. I will be getting the new Husky Lock next. 5 thread. I think if you get a good one you will use it when you see how and what all you can do with it, and yes I have pieced on mine tooooo. Like camp blankets etc. Again I love a serger.... Awsome to finish aprons. I do a 3 thread serge and then it rolls to make a perfect hem. Do you have a friend you can try before you get one....

I have a Babylock Serger, wonderful for fleece hats, baby blankets, flannel serged together, kids love to drag them around, easy to put together. I can't see quilting on one.

Lisa,
I love the Huskylock's I have 4 Viking sewing machines too.... 3 can do emb. I am trying to figre out how to get the new 5 thread so I have the cover st too. You do not have to go to the top of the line now with the new ones that just came out also has the cover st.... I always wait to get the top of the line as the machines I have some are over 20 years old as my oldie but goodie surger is.... The first surger was A cheeeeep Singer and it was always out of time... I sold it cheeeep to my sis n lawfor all she wanted was to finish edges.... Havent ever had a problem with the White which was sold by Viking 20 years ago and I couldnt aford the Viking at the time cause I wanted the new machine... but it still works just fine and I have used it miles and miles of surging.

on my 3rd serger---this one is a Brother and is easier to thread---made my first Log Cabin quilt with it and not a bit sorry that I did ---don't use it for quilting so much any more but still use it and wouldn't like to be with out it---use it when I shorten jeans

Hi Odessaquilts,

let me know which make and model of serger you have and I will try to help you find a copy of the manual online.

You are right, the stitches shouldn't be loose or fluffy. They should be flat and neat.

I have a Janome Mylock 644 and I like it. It was only like $400 at the time I bought it a few years ago. Worth it to me.

took a class at the extention office and the main thing I got out of it was do not be afraid of adjusting the tensions---that is what makes a serger work---make some samples and write down the settings---besides it's fun to see what it will do---different color in each tension guide makes it easier to figure out what it is doing---have just run off a long length of serger tread combinations ---no fabric---and couched them onto a item---really neat

I do have a serger and love it.
I have only used it one time on a small quilt. I serged around the outside edges before putting it on the quilting frame, and it stayed square all the time, left clean edges. I will try it on my next quilt.

I have one, I've hardly used it in several years. It's been so long that all I can tell you is that it's a Babylock, but not self-threading. I would have to take a class all over again to relearn how to use it to its fullest potential. But after reading everyone's replies (the ones that USE theirs, lol) I'm thinking of dragging it out of its hiding place.

Well after lots of research I found one at Allbrands.com for $249.00 & the same one on Nancy Notions. My LQS will sell me a Babylock same as these but it is a floor model. She dropped the price to $359.00 from $399.00. It will have full warranty as well as free sewing lessons. So now here's what I have to decide, do I pay more & get all the free sewing lessons on it , a free year of sewing club & full warranty. If something goes wrong I return to them instead of having to mail back to Allbrands.com or Nancy Notions. What do you guys think?

The local support is so worth it. If you have a question, you can just pop in.
Also, I try to support my local business.

My thoughts exactly. The lessons are so worth it.

I definitely agree on the local shop--both for your benefit and the benefit of local businesses. You want to be able to get your questions answered in person and to make a connection with those folks. The lessons will help you to take the fullest advantage of your new machine. Have fun!

I have a Bernette (made for Bernina). I bought this serger around 1986 and it is still doing great. I use it almost every week depending on what I am sewing on. The only thing I have against one this old is that as I get older and the rheumatoid arthritis it is hard for me to thread. I just get my hubby to help. I have looked at new sergers and they are wonderful with all the new things that you can do with them!! But at my age my old one will do just find. Good luck in you decision. I know you will enjoy it. Glenda in Texas

Sewing with Nancy has a nice serger quilting book. I have a Singer serger. Not the real fancy one. I need to uncover it and use it again. buy a cheapier one like some have mentioned. They basically do the same thing.
Or purchase a used one. Good luck.

:thumbup: I am a Bernina dealer and I just love mine! You do not need a high priced one just make sure where you purchse it they can service it for you and can give you some guidance.

I have a serger that I bought from HSN. Its sturdy, but only used it once. Having problems threading the loopers, since the manual that came with it really doesn't explain how to thread the upper and lower loopers. Can't find anyone to show me how to thread the darn thing. Would love to use it to make potholders and clothes.

I NEED HELP ALSO :cry:

I've got a Janome Compulock and I've loved it over the years. I haven't done a lot of garment sewing so I've moved it into the closet to give me more space. But, it's a great, computerized (older) machine.