jbrother

Have Babylock Evolve and it is a dream to thread. Hurt my knee and could use foot pedal, so I set foot pedal on sewing table and used it as a hand pedal -- just a thought if you can find a company with a machine that operates using buttons instead of a foot pedal.

oldtnquiltinglady

I have an Elnita Lock that I have had since about 1985--just because I had to have it (and a salesperson who explained it to me); have not regretted one moment of owning and using it; and it just keeps on keeping on.....I have a White (I think) that my son bought for me at a yard sale that I might sell if anyone wants it. I suggest you get some lessons on one though if you have never used one.....

vickig626

I have the Babylock Imagine and also saw the show you described. Mine is the step down from the Evolution and I'm totally in love with this serger. Babylock really did their homework when making these sergers. Don't believe the Evolution has a start/stop (mine doesn't) and probably because of the speed they go. But, mine has a very light touch foot (wish my sewing machine did too).

The cutter can be "dis-engaged" and there are markings on the foot at 1/4" so sewing 1/4" seam is easy. I haven't done any quilting with mine yet but it's on my project list.

Sewing clothes are a serger is a perfect use for this machine since it will seal the seam as you stitch.

My serger has several feet with a variety of uses. Mine can also do some decorative stitches (called the Wave Stitch) which is gorgeous.

Would suggest you see a demo and see what you like before making a purchase.

cflykins

I have the Babylock Evolution that you probably saw on television. It uses a foot pedal and does not have a stop/start button. It can use up to 8 threads and there's something like 87 stitch combinations you can do with it. I'll never use that many! You can lower the cutting blade so you can sew without cutting. It is very easy to thread. It is the top of the line Babylock serger so if you're not planning to use it a lot, you can go with Babylock's Imagine (a 4 thread serger for about 1/3 the price) and it has easy threading, also. I bought the Imagine for my daughter and she loves it.

FroggyinTexas

I love my Baby Lock now that I've learned to thread the lower looper. It isn't all that hard once you quilt being scared of it. I like to make pillow cases with it and have the attachment so that it automatically gathers one piece of fabric to another. The cutting blade is easily disengaged. I want to learn more about my serger and am thinking of getting Zieman's book. froggyintexas

Quilterfay

I have an older Singer serger. I would never be with out one. I don't use it daily but it is there when I want to use it. I do lots of rolled hems on curtain and such.

The best thing I did was take 2 classes on how to serge. My instructor had us make a binder where we reported all the setting for each technique. That binder is like my bible.

I am sure you will love it once you get one. It is fantastic for making clothes and having finished seams.

quilt1950

I haven't read all the replies, so I apologize if this has already been said. I recommend getting a flatlock only machine. It's quite an ordeal to switch from serger mode to flatlock mode.

SewOK

I agree with all the responses regarding having a serger to use. I don't garment sew very often these days, but I use my serger a lot for receiving blankets for gifts. The new mothers love these blankets and a lot of the girls in my church ask me for them when it comes time for a shower gift. I also make my own table linens, as in napkins, table cloths, coasters. etc. Can't imagine all my years of garment and pageant costume sewing without my serger. I'm on my second serger as I wore a Singer 5 thread out sewing Christmas pageant costumes. I now have a Juki which was fairly expensive and it is a real workhorse.

My only advise would be to decide how much you will actually use a serger before you invest a substantial amount of money in one.

Also, as to the foot pedal, if you have a table or a cabinet, desk, where the serger would be used, maybe you could mount the pedal on the right side where you could use it with your knee, similar to some of the older model machines there were in cabinets and had a lever on the right side you used with your knee.

Marysewfun

I have an older White - 4 spool - made like a Sherman tank and weighs like it!! I love it - - Only 2 gripes - - it takes 4 cones of thread to run it - and it doesn't thread with a little "air" - - it had the long wire to thread that long looper thread - and you do need that wire!! But - workable? It is a workhorse! When I bring fabric home from the store, I serge the cut ends before I wash it - to prevent fraying damage and to tell me when I get ready to use it that I have already washed it!! I always sew with a sewing machine but have backed up a seam with serging - - - and I consider it bullet-proof - - - if I had to take the seam apart for any reason after sewing and serging? - - - I would rather start over. :-) Fabulous for their purpose - and I admit, I have never tried decorative stuff with it.

Marysewfun

Dawn227

Hi,
I am on my second serger, now about 15 years old. I couldn't do a rolled edge on my first one. I am reading this thread with interest.
THREADING HINT:
for those who don't have automatic threaders, start with the far right thread notice your tension write it down if need, cut off a good length of thread DO NOT unthread! Add new cone, tie a small tight knot with previous thread. Trim excess thread, loosen tension (now you get it why I say remember or write down tension) sew through until new color sews through. put that tension back. Now do next one to it same process.
When you get to the needle(s) KEEP WORKING FROM RIGHT TO LEFT do same with thread UNTIL you get to your needle pull length of new out Cut knot then hand thread needle. Repete for threading the next needle, recheck all your tensions! Then all your threads will be loose sew a short seam of thread. take a scrap of your fabric and serge it through so you can check your seam. Make any necessary adustments
I hope this helps.
dawn227