FoxyLady

I agree with others who have advised you to actually deal-- hands on-- with a serger before purchasing. I was given a very expensive 5-thread serger years ago and it was such a beast to thread that I finally traded it for a Babylock air threader. Never been sorry for that trade. Also suggest that you get some training in using your serger. Makes a big difference on how and when you use it. If you have a local dealer, check with them on your options as to machines, as well as classes, etc.

themadpatter

I have a Bernette 43D that I bought at the local, high end sewing machine store, used. It was a trade in, and they had already serviced it, so I knew it would work.

Most servers use the same threading pattern: upper looper, lower looper, right needle, left needle. It's easy to remember if you're Catholic, or you've ever seen someone getting blessed in a movie or on TV, like me. Just like Watching!! someone making the sign of the cross, top, bottom, right, left. (Because it's really left right when you do it yourself.)

And be warned: it does make a difference! It has to have the top looper thread on top or the bottom thread, which is usually harder to thread, of course, will break. Every. Single. Time. Trust me, lol, I've done the research. Laziness while threading a server is totally counterproductive, lol.

quilt9226

I have a Janome. I have used it once. I will dig it out Monday to make a flannel night gown for my sister. And in my spare time which I do not have, I will use) which will be given to to make hats (polar fleece) which will be given to the local homeless shelter. I have a really easy pattern which has three sizes so once they are cut out I can probably make a hat in 5 minutes. I bought the serger for garment making and to serge the edges of quilts before they were put on the longarm (charity quilts which the makers did not always backstitch seams so we had seam pops). It was a good deal at the time with the store paying the sales tax which is 10.5% in our county, but I may sell it next year. It is not worth the time it takes to drag it our and set if up unless there are numerous things that have to be serged.

Schill93

A big thank you to all my quilting friends. Your input was very helpful. Thank you Donna for your suggestion for the side cutter serger foot. I looked at some videos on a couple of them (how did we function before YouTube), but I they don't give the kind of finished look that I was wanting.

Mazo: Where did you look on Amazon for the used Brother. Only place I know to look is by the listing for a new one. You can click on "Other sellers" . When I did that just now the cheapest one used was $164. I can buy a new one today for $179, so that would be a better deal (for today anyway)

I am leaning to the Juki MO 654DE which is $316.49 on Amazon right now. I like the smaller footprint and handle for carrying. Also, as I have been reading non stop on these machines, it appears it will handle heavier fabric better than the Brother from what I have read. If I do get into doing purses, this could be helpful. I hate laying this money out only to have it sit in the closet for lack of use. If I made clothing, I would not hesitate. Oh my, oh my. What is a girl to do.

tuckyquilter

I have that same serger and mine has been a good thing. I serge all my fabric before I wash it. Easy to thread, easy to operate

tuckyquilter

I have a Brother 1034D and it's perfect. I don't sew clothes anymore but it's great when I do. It was a gift from my son & family a couple of years back. to thread, easy to operate. There are some videos on youtube that were really helpful.. And I have a couple of Craftsy classes I bought to move me along.

Mazo

This one is 164 and they are giving 20% off of that right now off all warehouse deals. You’ll see the discount in your cart.

https://www.amazon.com/Brother-1034D...e-deals&sr=8-1

Carol Jean

I love my sergers! I have done so many things with them from napkins, placemates, curtains, clothing and scarves for my dressers. Could not be without one. Actually you can even put quilts together with them. The deal at Amazon sounds like a good price. Good luck!

Sandygirl

I wish that I had purchased this one. Good reviews and much cheaper that my Janome Serger...which I rarely use. Probably the only purchase with remorse. is the reason I rarely use it.....love my sewing machines.

As far as threading one.....just keep the manual close by. Yes, is is a pain to thread them but doable.

juliasb

I love my serger. I have had it for more than 20 yrs. It is a New Home by Janome. Until recently I have not had a problem with it at all. Last August while doing a marathon of sewing that required the serger the pin to the presser foot gave way. A friend rigged a new pin and it so far is holding firm. I may not use it that often but it sure is great for those finished seams. I would not buy a used one however because that is not a risk I would take. I would spend the money and not have to be concerned that there is a problem with it that is unfixable.