Date: 11/9/09 7:16 PM

I am driving myself crazy. I decided I wanted two sergers instead of one with the cover stitch. All that fiddling around, changing plate, threading needles, changing tension. The reviews on the cover stitch machines are a mixed bag. Some love the Janome 900 & 1000, some hate it, some like the Brother 2430, others hate it - then there is the Babylock cover stitch. Just found out it is $999. So I got to thinking, why not buy a great cover stitch 5 thread machine - i.e. the Juki 735 and keep it set up for cs and if needed I could always use it as a second serger. I've got my 4 thread down to the Juki 734 or Bernina 1150 - great reviews on these. Also the Imagine Wave - my dealer says I'll miss the jet air threading if I don't go with this one - I'm not so sure.
Any ideas here?
Judi

Next page>>

Reply to JudithB
Date: 11/9/09 8:22 PM

When the subject of stand alone vs dual function comes up, there has been at least one person suggest that a coverstitch machine makes nicer stitching than a combo. Probably something hard to detect, but if you are a perfectionist and have the choice, you might want to think about it. Certainly do some test swatches on stand alones and combos and see what you think before you buy.

------
"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin

"Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown

Next page>>

Reply to JudithB
Date: 11/10/09 3:32 AM

The feed dogs on a combo machine are in a different place (due to the cutting blade) than on a CS only machine. On a combo machine their placement is kind of a compromise and it makes the fabric feed differently.

------
Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/

Next page>>

Date: 11/10/09 4:28 AM

I think there is even a difference in combo machines, like a combo that has a high knife over one that has a recessed knife that drops.
Combos also are different in the needle postions between a 5 or more thread thread combo serger/cover hem over a 4 thread combo. My 4 thread has 5 needle postions, the 2 in back are for overlock stitches and the 3 in front that go straight across are for the 3 different coverhems and chain stitch. On some models the needles do not run straight across. My combo has a large D area and a knife that drops rather than those with a smaller D area and a knife that pushes to the side.
I like my combo because there is no need to change the type of needle or the needle plate for cover hem and tensions adjust automatically but can be changed if needed and the needle bar flips up to change needle postions. Just dial the stitch on the graph that you wish to sew with never a problem in different fabrics no matter the stitch. There are many differences in the combo models.
There are differences in features even in the same brand of machine on ease of use and also in sturdiness and how well each model takes different threads and how heavy duty they are.
I think it is always best to test models to see which is the best for the type of sewing one does. I actually prefer 2 sergers. I like my heavy duty combo for all things but I also prefer my basic 4 thread for sewing baby items and doll clothes for the dgk's because it has a free arm and a high knife that allows for sewing tight curves and very tight areas. It does not have auto tension like my combo but the tensions do not take much adjusting.
-- Edited on 11/10/09 4:38 AM --

Next page>>

Date: 11/10/09 12:22 PM

Another thing to consider - the attachments you might want for a stand-alone coverstitch machine may not fit or even be available for the combo.

Also, for the reasons you *don't* want a combo for your first serger - you'll find that you don't want to switch over a second serger either. So, you will effectively be "wasting" the combo features because you'll probably never use them.

------
--
"I base my fashion sense on what doesn't itch." — Gilda Radner
http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com

Next page>>

Date: 11/10/09 12:35 PM

I have a Juki MO655 and it is a workhorse of a 5 thread serger - nothing electronic here, but it is a breeze to thread and it sews anything I throw at it.

I also have a CP1000 and love the flexibiility of having the coverstitch always set up and ready to go. I think you could buy the comparable Juki 5 thread serger and the CP for about $1000.

------
2009: bought 140 yards, used 184 yards, net increase in volunteer fabric 44 yards ... total stash 385

Next page>>

Reply to Debbie Cook
Date: 11/11/09 9:47 PM

The two machines I'm thinking about are the Bernina 1150MDA (Juki 734), and the Juki 735 would have the extra feet that fit both.
OR, the Brother cover stitch. I think about this as a preview of what I might need. It's not nearly as expensive and I can see if I will use it. I ran the 3034 (new) Brother and it wasn't bad. Not as nice as the more expensive, but not bad. I am mulling and mulling!!!!! HELP lol
Judi

Next page>>

Reply to Sew4Fun
Date: 11/11/09 9:50 PM

Did not think of that and it is a good point. A straight stitch machine sews prettier stitches than the zz machine.
Thanks
Judi
Maybe I'll get the Brother and buy feet for my Bernina!!!!!

Next page>>

Reply to JudithB
Date: 11/11/09 11:24 PM

I got the Juki MO735 this summer with the eight extra feet for around 1000. I also own a Brother 1034D which is still an adequate basic serger.

After several hours of classes I have found that the the 735 makes a wider stitch than the other Jukis in the same class. The rolled hems and other "fingerless" stitches look the same as the other Jukis. The poor people who brought the jet-threaded Babylocks were frustrated in trying to get decorative threads through their machines. The Juki MO735 is incredibly adjustable for everything between thin embroidery thread to fat decorative twists.

As far as the coverstitch goes. It is not hard to thread after practice, and does a nice job. HOWEVER, the distance you have for clearance to the right of the needles is pitiful compared to the Janome CP...you have to tuck away the knife and that gives you only enough space to make a hem...forget about the decorative coverstitches going down the center of garments unless it's really thin material. This was a disappointment.

But! the chainstitch makes dealing with the low clearance worth it. I have had a great deal of fun chaining and "pulling the cord" when making muslins that require fitting and re-fitting.

Needle changing can be a bit of a pain. Another post mentions that not all feet will engage the feed dogs on multipurpose machines and this can make a mess until you have more practice.

Consider the two serger solution...but beware of the 735s limits with the coverstitch.

Next page>>

Reply to EleanorSews
Date: 11/17/09 9:31 AM

Quote: EleanorSews

When the subject of stand alone vs dual function comes up, there has been at least one person suggest that a coverstitch machine makes nicer stitching than a combo. Probably something hard to detect, but if you are a perfectionist and have the choice, you might want to think about it. Certainly do some test swatches on stand alones and combos and see what you think before you buy.

Great idea if there where cs machines around. I did sew on the Elna 434, but I don't like the dealer. My Babylock dealer would give me a great price, but she is not a large seller and she pays more. I would go for this if she could. As is, I may spring for the 2340 Brother and move up if I use it enough and something better comes along. No one had the Brother, Bernina, Janome, or Babylock cs to try. My Babylock dealer has sold one in a year. I can't have her order it and if I don't like it, stick her with it and that's what I'd have to do to see it.
Soooo many answers spinning around this mind!!!
Judi

Next page>>