mkc

Janome, Juki, and I think Bernina have air threading sergers now. Note it's just the loopers that air thread, not all of the thread paths, but those loopers are the challenging parts of serger threading.

Iceblossom

If I still did any sort of garment or costume construction I would definitely get and use a serger. There are people who use them in quilting too, especially jelly roll race sorts of things but other things too.

The ease of threading is a very real thing. The cost of all those cones can be a very real thing too!

Stitchnripper

I have the Brother 1034D also and like it. I found a video tutorial on threading and it is no problem. I got it to do a nice rolled hem too. I am happy with it

hray

I was going through this process recently, after I took a class on using one of the new Pfaff/Babylock sergers. It was great, just push a button and the loopers are threaded, plus there was an assist for threading the needle(s). But almost $2000 was a bit out of my price range for something I’d use occasionally...

So I researched further and decided that if I do get a serger, I want the Brother 1034. I already have two Brother machines (high-end sewing, low end embroidery) and am pleased with them. And the online reviews and videos of the Brother 1034 impressed me a lot.

RedGarnet222

I don't have any problem re-threading my brother 1034. There is a short cut way that makes it a snap.

You cut the thread at the cone and remove it , replace the thread cone with your color choice and tie a overhand knot to each cone of the new thread, separate the looped thread at the needle, then carefully pull each thread through by itself until it reaches the end where the sewing occurs. The thread knot (or threads, depending on your serge configuration being sewn) that reaches the needle must be then cut off to rethread your needle. Easy as pie.

I know some people use a French seam or a lapped seam, but that is another step that I usually don't like to have to do. Although for jeans or canvas it really is a better finish for durability/washing sake.

Like someone mentioned, taking a serger class is really beneficial. There are also books that help you learn on your own. Also make sure you buy extra needles when you buy the machine. Finding them is not always easy.

Mazo

If you have amazon prime, there’s a used like new brother 1034 for $130 and I think it might qualify for 20% off. I’ve had very good luck with their used items.

hray

Whoops—that was a class on Pfaff/Viking sergers (not Babylock). Folks here are right, several brands have air threading but on videos I’ve seen, the Brother 1034D looks reasonably easy to thread.

donna13350

An alternative if you aren't going to get enough use out of a serger would be to buy a serger foot..it cuts just like a serger. Do a search for "whatever shank"you have ..low shank side cutter, high shank side cutter...they are cheap compared to a serger. I got one with one of my machines, and it works just fine. I have no idea how long a blade would last.

junegerbracht

I bought a serger - self threading so it was expensive. Thought I would use it particularly for making pillowcases - mostly for charity. Then decided I much preferred French seams. As a result I rarely use it since I spend most of my sewing time quilting.

Still Sew N

My first serger was a New Home (now called Janome). She is close to 30 years old and I have used the heck out of it and still going strong. It is so nice to have seams finished, the fraying issues are gone and the item looks finished. Great machine and I still use it a lot. I recently purchased a Janome Air Thread and that is a dream machine as well. A push of a button and the loopers are threaded. Years ago, I took a class and was introduced to all kinds of tricks these amazing machines can do. You can make the nicest rolled hems and napkins and tablecloths are a dream to make and go together quickly. I make a lot of my daughter's scrub tops and all seams are finished and these tops literally wear like iron. I make pajamas for all my family members. From cut out to wearing, using a serger, I can make a pair in 18 minutes. I'm sure I'm not using my machines in a 100% capacity but I sure love the results I get and can't imagine living without them! I would encourage you to go to a sewing machine store and get some hands on. Maybe even take a class using one of their machines. They are fast, wonderful machines and you will be excited with the results you get.