I have one of the self threading sergers & I absolutely LOVE it. It's a Babylock & pretty pricey here in Canada but if you can afford it, I say "go for it". I cannot imagine myself without a serger & have had one for many years (of different makes, mostly Singers) but I love my Babylock self threader.

I have an 11 year old Baby lock evolve. Best machine that I have used after 3 other overlockers. As it is easy to thread, it is my most used machine and I get a professional result with it. It can do rolled hems, coverstitch and has a differential feed. Try one out as it is essentially two machines in one - hence the 8 reels of thread that it can accommodate.

Hands down, Babylock. I have several sergers....two are Babylocks self threading....love them. Go to a dealer and try them out. See if they have an Evolve or Evolve Wave....gently used, the price should be great since they have come out with at least three newer models over the years.

I'm glad to see this post - today a friend at work was talking about possibly getting one, but wasn't sure where to start when checking them out, I can give her this info and any more that gets posted to this thread. Thanks!

Thanks again for all of your responses! I keep reading and re-reading all of them.

I've done a little bit of research and visited my local sewing store. Their machines were all out of my price range. I wish I could afford an air threader!

But, I'm looking at the Janome 8002D. Anyone have experience with that machine? It seems like it would be a good place for me to start. It only has 4 threads but I think it will do what I need.

Oh, and wanted to add... I made a new version of the giant skirt. I took it down 3 sizes and then took it in over an inch at the center back seam. I should have left a little more ease in the waist, but other than that, the fit is pretty good, and I'll be wearing it to work. Very excited about it! Next up is a cute vest to go with it. I'm loving the quick nature of garment construction vs spending eons per quilt-- though I have some quilts in mind and will probably start working on them in between clothing projects. I need two of me just for my sewing!

Thanks again for all of your responses.

Best,
Ally

If I could afford it, I'd get a Babylock version.
I'd stay away from the Viking (Husqvarna) sergers, I've heard lots of people at the swedish sewing board having big troubles with them.

I've had my Singer coverlock (serger coverstitch combo) for 9 years now. I love it! I've sewn tons of baby/childrens clothes on it and even some for myself. It is really robust and changeover between overlock and coverstitch takes about 4 minutes (I've timed it).

Anyway, that is my recommendation.

I bought a Viking, 2nd from their best; Huskylock 21. The store had decided to quit selling them so instead of paying over 1,000 for it, I paid 350 for it. Awesome price. Its not self threading but it has the guides on the front and a DVD so its really not that hard. The key to threading is that you cut the thread above the thread guides, then tie on the next thread you will be using and pull it thru. Makes it even easier. Its a great machine and couldn't believe it was so cheap.
While I was waiting for the CD to come in I went to a Babylock serger event thinking I'd learn lots about sergers, which I did. I also learned the one we were learning on which was their latest did things that others don't. I had the credit so I bought it, knowing that I could sell the Viking for what I paid for it and not lose any money. I didn't even register it so the warranty hasn't started yet either. I've just been so busy to list it anywhere. I think both Brother and Viking make great machines. The brothers with the air threading are on the expensive side so one thing you'll have to decide on is how much you want to spend. Plus some have dual setups, overlock and chainstitch, both of the two I have do but my old Singer doesn't. When I bought my Singer over 20yrs ago, I was able to manage the threading so I figured I could do it with the Viking, and it is easier now than it used to be. So if anyone who doesn't live to far away or is willing to pay shipping, I have a Viking serger for sale for the 350 I paid plus shipping if it needs to be shipped

The thing is, you should test them if you can. It isn't hard to find users who have had issues on every machine out there. Some is the machine itself and some of them can be user error. I don't shy away from things until I've really researched them and hopefully tried them out. I have several Viking machines and no problems with any of them, I've used Brother machines at events and they are great and I own an old singer and a Kenmore made by Janome, these all have been great machines. Do your research and try them out if possible. Make sure you have a warranty or if you buy on line see if there is a dealer in your area that can help you learn. I take classes and I've made two jackets, a purse, a throw quilt, a table runner with decorative stitches and a few other things completely on my serger. They are great machines and I think are under used.

Judy, that is true. You absolutely should try the machine out!

I helped a lady out with her Viking serger and I thought it worked perfectly after some adjustments. But at the swedish sewing board I am at, there are a lot of threads of strange errors connected to the Huskylocks. It might be user errors, but it could also be that there are lots of lemons.

And I should be partial, as it was originally a Swedish brand. :eek:

thank you, the thing is if you try them out and also have a shop in your area to help if needed, you will know if you are doing something wrong or if its the machine. My Huskylock has made me think I had a problem several times because I'm spoiled. My Viking emb machine automatically puts the pressure foot down and starts when I push start or the peddle. There has been many times when I thought my serger was messing up, just to find out I'd forgotten to put the pressure foot down because its not automatic on my serger. Thank goodness I have a great teacher and as soon as she sees my sewing she knows the problem. Having a dealer (rather you buy from them or not) that will help you is a big help. I have my Viking dealer and our Sew n Vac store handles Brother so I'm covered.