Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • sergers?? how to know which one is good? >
  • sergers?? how to know which one is good?

  • sergers?? how to know which one is good?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 02-04-2013, 03:20 PM
      #1  
    Super Member
    Thread Starter
     
    KSue's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Henderson, NV
    Posts: 1,624
    Default sergers?? how to know which one is good?

    Hello,
    With all the sergers on the market how do you know which one to choose? The easier to use the better it would be for me but I can't afford the $$$$ ones. I am looking in the market of about $300. Would I just be wasting my money for one at that price or should I bite the bullet and get a better quality? I have been sewing more dresses for granddaughters lately and would like something that finishes my seams. Any suggestions?? Thanks for your time.
    Ksue
    KSue is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 03:26 PM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: Tennessee, UC area
    Posts: 1,582
    Default

    There's a Babylock for around $200 and maybe less on line--it has gotten some good reviews and supposed to be very easy to thread. Why don't you search for diff brands and read the reviews as well as the features.
    mermaid is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 03:35 PM
      #3  
    Power Poster
     
    MamaBear61's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Dec 2009
    Location: Milverton, ON, Canada
    Posts: 13,209
    Default

    I have a Janome that I have had for several years now. I think I spent closer to $500 but they still sell for about the same price today. You will not regret owning a serger if you are doing garment sewing. I have been making clothing for my grandkids too and having the serger certainly is a time saver.
    MamaBear61 is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 03:37 PM
      #4  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2008
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 873
    Default

    Go to Pattern Review and go through all the reviews. The reviews not only tell you the pros & cons, but what they paid. Their site is wonderful because the comments are from sewers and quilters.
    emmy is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 03:44 PM
      #5  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2012
    Posts: 421
    Default

    I really like the Brother 1034D serger. It is easy to use and they give a CD to show you how to use the machine. I bought mine for under $300.00. Check it out, you might lilke it.
    quilter2090 is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 03:47 PM
      #6  
    Banned
     
    Join Date: Mar 2010
    Location: Sturbridge, Ma
    Posts: 3,992
    Default

    Decide what you want to do with the serger and then look for the new features - such as self threading etc. I traded to get the "overlock" I believe that is the term. It is the stitch that is not edge. I especially wanted to hem knit pants. Check out the features first and then decide.
    Holice is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 04:59 PM
      #7  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2009
    Location: Richmond, KY
    Posts: 742
    Default

    Overlock, or overlocker, is a more British term for a Serger. The normal stitch is an overlock stitch. The stitch used for hems is a coverstitch-if you are talking about the one with 2 straight rows on top and a loopy stitch on the bottom. You can never go wrong with a Babylock serger. I am on my third serger and it's a Juki. It does pretty much everything but talk and I'm still learning it. But for finished seams and rolled edges, a serger is a must! The rolled edge is great for ruffles.
    Ginaky is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 05:03 PM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: Fox Valley Wisconsin
    Posts: 1,920
    Default

    You may be able to find a good used one for a decent price. My niece is buying mine which has not seen much use at all. Later, if she has more money, and wants one with more features, she should be able to sell it for the same price I am having her pay me, and she can get one with more options.
    patchsamkim is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 05:40 PM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    Dolphyngyrl's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2009
    Location: Southern California
    Posts: 6,254
    Default

    Since we are on the topic. I want to start doing clothes, and have been looking at this serger
    http://www.allbrands.com/products/26...spool-1hand-2n
    Anyone have it, and how do they like it. I didn't see this model on pattern review so I was wondering about it since we are talking sergers.
    Dolphyngyrl is offline  
    Old 02-04-2013, 07:25 PM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Mitch's mom's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: TN
    Posts: 1,443
    Default

    Originally Posted by Dolphyngyrl
    Since we are on the topic. I want to start doing clothes, and have been looking at this serger
    http://www.allbrands.com/products/26...spool-1hand-2n
    Anyone have it, and how do they like it. I didn't see this model on pattern review so I was wondering about it since we are talking sergers.
    It is the same under the hood as the 1034D. The difference is the extension table, which to me, makes it as big as a sewing machine. I have never had a problem with space to the left of the needle and only rarely to the right of the needle. To me it looks like they are fixing a problem that does not exist.

    I have torn a 1034 down to the skeleton. It is all metal with a good motor. It isn't a fancy machine but it is a work horse. The only weakness I saw was a possible problem with cracking of a knob/gear combination in about 20 years. Save yourself 200.00 and buy the 1034D.

    Another good serger to check out is the Janome Juno from Hancock Fabric's. It usually is on sale for 189.00. It has the tension knobs on the front instead of lay in tensions like the Brother 1034D. I am a big fan of this machine. I have the same machine as a badged Kenmore. I have used the dog water out of it and it keeps on sewing anything I throw at it within the realm of what I would sew with a serger. I love it for finishing the edges on fleece blankets. I think the tensions are a lot less fussy than the lay in type and definitely easier to release - just turn the knob to '0'. I have had my serger since 2006 and it sews as good today as the day I took it out of the box.
    Mitch's mom is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    Rhonda K
    Main
    58
    03-15-2018 12:41 PM
    Karenowc
    Main
    20
    04-29-2013 01:45 PM
    nycbgirl
    Main
    12
    08-06-2011 05:09 PM
    okiepastor
    Main
    0
    01-14-2011 03:50 PM
    azdesertrat
    Main
    9
    08-13-2008 09:42 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter