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I have the opportunity to purchase a Janome Serger 204D machine for $200.00. A friend I've known for over 40 years received it last Christmas from her husband. She told me she just hasn't been able to bond with it and wants to sell it. It is still in the box. She has offered to let me take it home and use it to see if I like it before purchasing.
Now my DH is willing to get if for me for Christmas if I want it. The problem is I don't know enough about quilting to know if I might need this machine. I am working on my first quilt top, I've just had so many family issues that I haven't had time to do any sewing. I have Singer sewing machines now that I am using. And whenever I do get my quilt tops finished I want to machine quilt them myself. So for those of you who have the knowledge, should I seriously consider this machine? If my life slows down enough for me to get serious about quilting like I hope, would I use it? (In case you cant' tell, I'm not even sure what a serger is used for.) Your thoughts and suggestions please. |
I have one For about 3 years now. Only used it a couple times.
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I don't have one. and not sure what they could be used for. But I do know that if you are sewing clothes they are a ton of help and good for that. anything past that is beyond me. sorry cant be of more help. If you have the opportunity and the money you might just want to do it. It could never hert to have one.
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I used mine for clothing, mainly, it gives you a finished seam like commercial clothing has.Now that I quilt more, I hardly ever use it.It is nice to serge costumes , pot holders. Haven't tried to finish a quilt edge yet. It seems like it would make it easier to apply your binding on a quilt, well, on a potholder it does, something I will have to try! Good luck with your decision. Seems like a fair price.
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Serger - I use mine for finishing raw edges before washing fabric
Also - if one makes bags/purses/totes - serged edges really look nicer and wear better than raw edges. |
The only time I used my serger in quilting was when I serged the edges of my flannel chenille quilts.
Other than that I use it almost exclusively for garment sewing. |
I have a serger & they are great for sewing otherwise, but I don't use it for quilting. So, if you are just quilting, you may not want it. But, if you sew things otherwise also, then that's a great deal on a serger!...
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I've actually heard of some quilters piecing with a serger. Sometimes I wish I had one when I get around to making clothes as it leaves a nice finished edge and looks a little more professional. But if you just quilt, I wouldn't get it unless you want to try piecing with a serger.
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I've had my serger for over 20 years and absolutely love it and used it heavily until I began quilting, since then it's rarely used. A serger is mainly for clothing and such, although I have read of quilters using it for their quilting.
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I have a serger and it is the least used of any of my machines. I rarely use it in quilting , and then it is only because I happen to have it handy.. not that it is really needed. There is nothing in the quilting world that I am aware of that you can not do with a regular machine, that would require a serger. It would be the last thing on my list of additions to my quilting gear.
I'm a tools kinda gal ... so if it me I would spent the money on tools that would be more use to you on an everyday basis. |
I have one. I should put it in the closet no more than I use it. Takes up precious space on my sewing area!!!
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When my kids were growing up, I used my sergers all the time.
Now the one I have hasn't been touched in at least 3 years. Not since I started quilting. |
I also haven't used my serger in years. I used to sew a lot of my kids clothes an finish the seams with it. That's what they're used mainly for. Yes, there are some quilts that have been designed for the serger, but not many. Plus serger thread is polyester and I don't use poly in my quilts.
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Eleanor Burns uses a serger in some of her quilts. Dresden plate quilt is one of her tutorials. Great technique, fast and fun. Check it out.
http://quiltinaday.com/theater/misc/misc-dresden.html |
Thank you so much for your input. While I didnt want to pass on a really good deal, I didnt want to waste our money. Anyway how many machines can I use at one time. Looks like DH will have to keep thinking on a gift for me this year.
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I have one and have used it mainly for sewing but I have seen Eleanor Burns sewing together quilts with a serger on her shows. I can see if I had used it on a wall hanging I am working on now, it would be so much better. I used white kona with batik and the seams keep raveling. I think I am going to go over the straight row seams before I quilt it. So, its up to you as to what you will be making. They also use the serger a lot on the martha pullen shows.
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I got my first serger in 1984 and made a rail fence quilt on it. Really nice. Mostly I used it for going over the edges of fabric before I washed it and for sewing clothing It changed my whole attitude about fashion sewing - I love it. For just plain quilting, I don't think it would be worth it. I have a new Janome now that is great but I don't quilt with it.
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to be honest, I have a serger that was given to me, but it's still in the case. I think I've used it once.
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I'm a BL/ Brother girl, but also have a Singer 301. My serger is the BL Imagine. Even though I may not use it alot, I can't see selling it (even though I've thought about it), but ya know, as soon as I do, I'll want it again!
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I think it would depend on the serger. I have a 2/3/4 thread serger that I love. Totally mechanical and no chain stitch. I don't know that I'd ever use it on a quilt but I use it a lot for other sewing applications. I've heard of people using the chain stitch on a serger for piecing a quilt but never really investigated it more since I didn't have that ability.
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Sergers generally are not used in piecing a quilt top.
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Originally Posted by Windwalker
I have the opportunity to purchase a Janome Serger 204D machine for $200.00. A friend I've known for over 40 years received it last Christmas from her husband. She told me she just hasn't been able to bond with it and wants to sell it. It is still in the box. She has offered to let me take it home and use it to see if I like it before purchasing.
Now my DH is willing to get if for me for Christmas if I want it. The problem is I don't know enough about quilting to know if I might need this machine. I am working on my first quilt top, I've just had so many family issues that I haven't had time to do any sewing. I have had a serger almost since they first came out. Am now on my third one. I wouldn't be without it but not for quilts. It puts too much thread into the seams. I only use it on quilts when I'm making a wall quilt or a pillow with fabric that frays badly. I use it all the time for my garment sewing. Best seam finisher in the world. I have Singer sewing machines now that I am using. And whenever I do get my quilt tops finished I want to machine quilt them myself. So for those of you who have the knowledge, should I seriously consider this machine? If my life slows down enough for me to get serious about quilting like I hope, would I use it? (In case you cant' tell, I'm not even sure what a serger is used for.) Your thoughts and suggestions please. |
I have had mine for 15 years and I go around every quilt after it is quilted. It makes it easier for me to put on the bindings.
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I've had a serger for a number of years. Use it mostly for clothing, but recently started making pillow cases and it is great for the finished seams.
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I have had a serger for 20 years and keep it handy,it sits behind my regular machine and I switch places when I need it. I use it for sewing the long seams for backings, it cuts off the selvedge and leaves a thin seam that don't need pressing. I use it sometimes on the outer edges of quilts, it cuts through the backing batting and top and leaves a nice flat edge for binding, if I were more dexterous, I could appley the binding at the same time but that takes some fancy coordination. I use mine for rolled edges onlinen, use a colored thread and do the outer edges of bookmarks, and have made quilt tops with it. I found a book on making quilts with the serger. You can sew squares together, one after the other, don't cut them apart, when you have the number you want, unfold the squares, match them up and they are ready to go the other direction. Find a book on using a serger, it can be used in so many different ways for practical and decorative work. With use you will get experience and read the directions. Mine also has the chain stitch which I have used for basting and seams, just like professional sewing. Patience helps and a determination to master the machine.
Carol J. |
Originally Posted by bearisgray
Serger - I use mine for finishing raw edges before washing fabric
Also - if one makes bags/purses/totes - serged edges really look nicer and wear better than raw edges. I have made two duvet covers as I really prefer to sleep under down than quilts! I used a friend's serger then. Now that I have moved I am thinking about buying one for myself. I asked here on the board which I should buy and most people said Babylock. Yesterday I stopped at a shop to look. They had a Brother on sale that appeals to me, but I don't know anything about them. Also, they had Janome and spoke highly of them. Unfortunately, they don't carry Babylocks. The Brother is self-threading which I really like. Now I am really conflicted as I was READY to buy a Babylock! I make quilts because I like the way they look, but I think I'd make more duvet covers if I had a serger. Serge potholders etc sounds like a great idea. as did the prewash serging! Sounded like a great price. Don't think you can go wrong! |
Does anyone use a serger to sew around the edge before binding?
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Originally Posted by quiltbuddy
Does anyone use a serger to sew around the edge before binding?
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I have used the serger for sewing around a quilt before adding the binding, works great. Take your time and don't pull or push the layers, makes them nice and even and FLAT!
Or use the serger and sew around the outside using the sandwich method, rights sides together with a batting or flannel on top, leave a foot open for turning and sew a curve on the corners intead of square; turn right side out and slip stitch by hand or sew around outer edges with your regular sewing machine. I like this for baby quilts especially. Carol J. |
Originally Posted by Windwalker
I have the opportunity to purchase a Janome Serger 204D machine for $200.00. A friend I've known for over 40 years received it last Christmas from her husband. She told me she just hasn't been able to bond with it and wants to sell it. It is still in the box. She has offered to let me take it home and use it to see if I like it before purchasing.
Now my DH is willing to get if for me for Christmas if I want it. The problem is I don't know enough about quilting to know if I might need this machine. I am working on my first quilt top, I've just had so many family issues that I haven't had time to do any sewing. I have Singer sewing machines now that I am using. And whenever I do get my quilt tops finished I want to machine quilt them myself. So for those of you who have the knowledge, should I seriously consider this machine? If my life slows down enough for me to get serious about quilting like I hope, would I use it? (In case you cant' tell, I'm not even sure what a serger is used for.) Your thoughts and suggestions please. |
I have one, never learnedhow to use it, so it just seats collecting dust.
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There's a book out called Serge and Merge Quilts that shows you how to use a serger to make quilts. Although a serger can't do many of the things a regular sewing machine can, than can do lots of great things--and fast! I just got a used Huskylock and am just learning about all the possibilities! I'm very excited about it. I would encourage you to get it since it's such a good price and in like-new condition.
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I have used my serger to do quilts, mostly when attaching sashing, or I did a "quick and easy" jelly roll quilt, totally with my serger. I have also used it to seal my quilt clear around before attaching the binding, but I can't see doing it with little pieces.
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Originally Posted by Windwalker
I have the opportunity to purchase a Janome Serger 204D machine for $200.00. A friend I've known for over 40 years received it last Christmas from her husband. She told me she just hasn't been able to bond with it and wants to sell it. It is still in the box. She has offered to let me take it home and use it to see if I like it before purchasing.
Now my DH is willing to get if for me for Christmas if I want it. The problem is I don't know enough about quilting to know if I might need this machine. I am working on my first quilt top, I've just had so many family issues that I haven't had time to do any sewing. I have Singer sewing machines now that I am using. And whenever I do get my quilt tops finished I want to machine quilt them myself. So for those of you who have the knowledge, should I seriously consider this machine? If my life slows down enough for me to get serious about quilting like I hope, would I use it? (In case you cant' tell, I'm not even sure what a serger is used for.) Your thoughts and suggestions please. |
Well in the first place, I would never use it for seaming a quilt as it adds bulk to the seams. If you do clothing sewing, it is greast but I have one and made vests and coats for Xmas and they went over great. good for making sweat shirts and decorative sewing. Not for quilting tho!!!!
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I use my serger so seldom I forget I even own one! If Someone was giving me one, I would accept it graciously, but $200.00 is a big chunk of change, in my book (even if the machine was worth a lot more), so I would probably pass.
I would probably suggest that she could make more than $200.00 selling it on-line or in the local want ads (maybe even to a sewing machine repairman). |
I never use my serger forquilting, but if you sew garments or home decor, they are great. I have a Babylock Evolve Wave and love it.
D in TX |
I suggest you go to the library and check out a book on serging. It's really fascinating what one can do with one. Most of the time you won't use it for quilting, but WOW when you do. The seams go so much faster than a regular sewing machine and you can set one up to cut off the edge or not. Do you have children to sew for? Sergers are a must for knits.
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Mine is collecting dust in a box somewhere...my sewing machine is in the living room!
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I would be lost without my serger. I bought it after I quit making clothing. It sits out and gets used a lot for mending and any other thing that comes along. Sometimes it gets used more than the sewing machine. For $200 I would go for it. The prices of a good serger are high. Then go see if there are classes for that machine somewhere. Even a few classes will help.
Recently I tore up some towels for use as grease rags and cleaning cloths. I serged them and do not need to worry about raveling when using them or washing them. |
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