I have had both a White (very old) and a newer Bernina (1350?). Are you comfortable with adjusting tensions on something like an old Singer or a long arm quilter? If so, you will just need to bite the bullet and learn how to do it. There is definitely a learning curve for a serger - threading, tensions, inside corners, outside corners, curves - that you will need to spend some time with. In the classes I got with my Bernina serger, we tried lots of different types of threads and stitches, retreading and adjusting tensions with each one. I got good at it by the end of the classes. The key to retreading is just to be orderly about it and follow the sequence. BTW, there are some great accessories for most servers. My "elasticactor" foot to apply elastic is tremendous! I do not like auto-tensions. I am picky, and I want to control tension adjustments myself. Threads and fabrics just vary too much. Then again, I have vintage Singers, a multi-needle embroidery machine, and a quilting machine that all have manual tensions so I am very comfortable with adjusting.

I would not not recommend getting a cover stitch machine like I did. I was convinced I would use that capability, and I haven't done a thing with it except in class. It is a pain to convert, and it would have been better to get a separate inexpensive cover stitch machine and the basic 4 thread serger. It would have been cheaper and easier.

I second the the concern about using a serger for quilting, but they are wonderful for clothing construction and home dec.

Pam

I have the Bernina 1300 MTC which has the cover stitch. If I had it to do over, I would buy a serger without the cover stitch and a separate cover stitch machine if I needed that function.

I've had a Juki MO654DE for over ten years now, it's never given me any issues at all. I have giant white cones on it for clothes and I have a couple of cute easy serger quilts that I like to make as well. I replace the needles as needed and vacuum it out as needed. Highly recommend

I sewed for 35 years without a serger and I didn't miss it. I finally bought a basic Singer that was on sale for $149. It was difficult to thread the bottom loopers but I used it constantly and I even did Heirlooms sewing with it. I upgraded to a Janome with all of the bells and whistles and I can't remember the last time I used it. I think simple is better; at least for me.

Oooooh that is like the machine my friend gave to me to use. So good to hear you have a positive experience with it. we still need to clean it up and have it serviced but I am hopeful. what are serger quilts? Are there patterns for it? I mainly got it so I could make stretchy clothes but an easy quilts always sounds good too.

That is also encouraging to hear. For now the threads are all in correctly and I plan to leave them in and do the tying on of new threads instead of threading it every time. One other person told me the simpler machine is better. Ironically she uses a very old singer also.

I have a Singer that I would love to take a sledge hammer to. It has never worked good for me. I am going with a Babylock Imagine or Enlighten. I like the auto tension feature. The air threading is not bad feature either. Just remember, you get what you pay for.

Just a head's up with the serger you are borrowing. Most likely it will need to be threaded in a very specific order. So if you can get the manual with it, or instructions from the lender it will be a big help. I have an older, basic Viking 905 that I absolutely love. Purchased it (very) used for $200, maybe 10 years ago and haven't had any problems and it has a beautiful stitch. It needs to be threaded in a specific order.

I have owned 3 sergers -all used for sewing clothes and crafts, not quilting. My first one was a Singer when they first came out. It was awful. My second was a Viking 1001 that I used successfully but did not love. My third is a White 2900 that I absolutely love. The one thing that you absolutely must do when buying a serger is thread it a couple of times before buying it. They have some wonderful advantages, but threading is probably the most important feature that will determine how much you really use it.

Annaquilts: Kaye Woods 6hr quilt is a good pattern and from there I kinda started going out on my own. Sorry I'm on my phone and bad at links lol. Kaye has a YouTube video that shows you the technique. I've made several quilts for children and adults with her pattern and they've held up great, nice way to do QAYG. I especially like it for kids cause the 6 inch strips show off whatever fun kiddie print they are into at the moment. They go thru the washer and dryer well, not heirloom but meant to be loved to death :)