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  Message Board > Sergers, Coverstitch and Blindhemmers > Eventually wanting to get a serger ( Moderated by CarolynGM)

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Eventually wanting to get a serger
new to serging, no clue!
tnrnchick74

tnrnchick74
Beginner
FL USA
Member since 8/24/09
Posts: 128
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Date: 11/2/09 11:39 AM

I've never used a serger, but for the outfits I am doing I'm pretty sure it would be faster & make things look neater.

I need a serger that will be easy to use & learn on by myself.

I'm not sure of the budget yet - probably $400 or less...but would be willing to save more $$ and spend more if REALLY necessary!

I make rompers & dresses for toddlers and babies as well as custom burb cloths. Once I get my upgrade sewing machine and embroidery machine, I'm going to do some selling on etsy.

Thanks!

------
Single Mom to a toddler & sewing in the evenings!

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sewsally
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sewsally  Friend of PR
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 8/18/02
Posts: 977
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Date: 11/2/09 12:34 PM

If you can save around $1000, go for a Babylock with airjet threading.

Pluses: Very easy to thread, don't have to thread in any particular order. Auto tension adjust on some models.

Minuses: small open area to the right of the needle, will serge without the presser foot down (oops).

Its only my second serger and I am so glad I bought it. It makes me smile instead of curse.

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PattiAnnJ
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PattiAnnJ  Friend of PR
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OH USA
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 2809
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Reply to tnrnchick74
Date: 11/2/09 12:59 PM

Visit dealers, ask for demos and test drives.

You may run into a great sale.

I agree that the BL with air-jet threading is super - you have to try threading the lower looper a few times to really appreciate this feature.

Most dealers have classes and lessons.

------
"Trying to save the world before bedtime"---PowerPuff Girls

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Lynnelle
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Lynnelle  Friend of PR
Advanced Beginner
MI USA
Member since 4/8/07
Posts: 2120
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Date: 11/2/09 1:32 PM

If you are just looking for a basic, yet reliable serger, I recommend the Janome MyLock 204D. I've had this serger for four years and love it. The gathering feature is not the best, but if you need to do a 2, 3, or 4-thread overlock or rolled hem, this little machine is perfect. You can find one for about $300.

The dealer may tempt you to buy the next higher model because threading it will be easier. I can thread my serger quickly and, usually, correctly on the first try.

Visit your local dealer with lots of scraps in hand and test as many as you can.

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Sewinglady1947
Sewinglady1947

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Posts: 857
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Reply to tnrnchick74
Date: 11/2/09 7:35 PM

i've been using a Kenmore 4 thread serger for several years with no problems. It would be in your price range and are good machines.

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moushka

moushka  Friend of PR
Advanced Beginner
ON CANADA
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 612
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Reply to tnrnchick74
Date: 11/2/09 8:37 PM

Sergers are wonderful machines but make sure you're honest with yourself about mechanically minded you really are. I thought I could 'get used' to fiddling with tensions and threading - wrong! I struggled with a basic serger for years, hating it to the point where I avoided using it. I finally realized that the serger was literally ruining the fun of sewing for me. I bit the bullet and bought a Babylock Imagine. Wonderful! Sewing is fun again. As sewsally says, super easy, jet-air threading, thread in any order, automatic tensions. Bliss! Everyone is different and if you're patient and don't mind fiddling with your machine, you might not need the Babylock. I needed it. All I can say is, 'buy the best and you only cry once'!

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Cowtown Karen
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Cowtown Karen  Friend of PR
Intermediate
TX USA
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 39
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Date: 11/2/09 8:40 PM

I agree with Lynnelle. I just purchased a Janome 204D from www.sewvacdirect.com (NAYY) for $249 and am very, very happy with it.

------
www.fancifulsewing.wordpress.com

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M.S.
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M.S.
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OH USA
Member since 3/6/09
Posts: 941
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Reply to Sewinglady1947
Date: 11/2/09 10:57 PM

Quote: Sewinglady1947
i've been using a Kenmore 4 thread serger for several years with no problems. It would be in your price range and are good machines.

So have I. Also, don't be afraid of the threading. It's intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, you never forget how.

------
Pfaff 138-6
Brother PQ1500S
Necchi 4795
US Blindstitch 718-9
Kenmore 16644
Janome CoverPro 1000

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B

B
Intermediate
MN USA
Member since 12/5/03
Posts: 533
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Reply to tnrnchick74
Date: 11/2/09 11:42 PM

I bought the Janome 634D from SewVacDirect as I felt it would be easier to thread and no one I knew had a serger. I am very pleased with it. It is now $369 with free shipping.

------
Janome serger 634D, Brother PC6000, Singer 500A & 328K, Bernina 600, White Rotary treadle, New Homestead A VS treadle

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KitnRose
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KitnRose
Intermediate
WI USA
Member since 6/18/03
Posts: 1971
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Date: 11/3/09 1:59 AM

I highly recommend buying local as I didn't and have had the HARDEST time with my serger. I taught myself how to sew and so thought the serger would be easy. Nope. Not a bit. It could be my serger (a White ATS2000) but I did my research and it had great reviews so I thought ... anyway, next serger I buy will come with lessons at the very least. Personally I could live without air threading ... just assuming I get one that can serge a full seam without a thread breaking. Sigh.

But obviously others have bought online and taught themselves and love their sergers so take this as the 2c it is. :)
-- Edited on 11/3/09 2:00 AM --

------
Kit
"Never underestimate the power of the right dress!" - drsue
"Hyu gots to know how to sveet tok de costumers, dollink" - Girl Genius, 11-24-08

Sewing and sewing videos - http://aliciajeanae.blogspot.com

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