Janome is a great serger and easy to thread and has easy conversion to rolled hem. They have a 5 thread serger that does cover stitch also. Easy to set up because it had a dial that set things up for you with a handy guide. They had a free arm so you may be able to find one of those used. I am luck and have one of those and love it.

being able to thread it. i have one. can not thread it. hate it because of that. do not use it. you try to thread it BEFORE you buy it.

I went to a workshop to see what sergers were all about and I think I would really like one - I just haven't done anything about it.

I have 2, the Babylock Imagine that self-threads the loopers (whoosh!) which is the one I use. I love it and if wore out I would get another. I also have a Pfaff Creative 10 thread serger --what was I thinking when I bought it? I never use the Pfaff, it's way too complicated -- would love to sell it if anyone is interested. Unless you are doing a lot of decorative serging, a 4 or 5 thread machine is adequate.

I had a babylock serger that is really good. They are a bit pricey but they are really nice.

I have a White Superlock 2000 ATS that I bought through mail-order several years ago. I use it all the time both for clothing construction and have also made quilts with it. I particularly like the rolled hem feature. All in all, I think the true key to sergers is to leave them set up and ready so that you will use them; become familiar with them so that threading becomes second nature; and buy a specialty book to learn techniques instead of just overcast seams.

I bought a brother for under 200 it has 4 thread, differential, roll hemmed, extra foot and free arm. the lower loop is easy to thread, plus pictures on the case, use mine all the time- got at walmart on line, made baby receive blankets pj, and baby quilt ,love it

Although it costs more, I bought a Juki in 1999. It can be sewn with either 3 or 4 threads, came with several feet, a good manual, and has never been worked on. It is a workhorse & does not vibrate. IMO, most sergers are difficult to thread but with patience & practice, it gets easier. Another important consideration is the dealer and take classes if possible (try the local VoTech adult ed. classes).

I agree, although changing plates is not that difficult. I'm still using the Singer serger I bought nearly 30 years ago, and it's seen a LOT of use. I don't use it for piecing quilts because all that thread makes the seams to thick to lay nicely or quilt through.

I have a Babylock Lauren. The best ones thread themselves but they cost a lot. They are hard to thread & use lots of thread. Make sure you buy where they will show you how to use it. They can be trickey. Good luck.