I have a Baby Lock Model BL5280E Serger that I bought way back when, before they came out with the differential feed sergers. I have made clothes with all kinds of fabrics, curtains, quilts, pillows, done all kinds of mending (including sweaters) and don't know what I would have done without it! I still don't know what all this one can do, can't always figure out the tension right and would love one that does that automatically! Oh, and for flannel, you can't go wrong. I always prepare my edges by serging before putting a flannel quilt together and I know it helps keep those seams together a lot longer even if you use a 1/2 inch seam, those flannel quilts seem to get more use and rougher handling at my home. Re-threading it is no problem by knotting the ends together and pulling as previously described.