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Looking for a great used serger Which Bernina serger ? 800DL or 1100 D ? or Viking 905?
Snoo Advanced MS USA Member since 2008 Posts: 62	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/11 11:51 AM Hi ! I'm looking to replace my serger with an older heavy, quality-built serger. Almost all of my serging has been to finish edges, but I also want one that can do a nice rolled hem on sheers without having to use any liquid stabililzer on the fabric first. I also would like one that would go from corduroy to a thin cotton without having to adjust the tension each time. And since I also serge tiny things occasionally, a true free-arm would be great. I've looked at the used 800DL and also the 1100D, but there is only one review of the 1100 and I cannot tell from photos if the free arm is narrower than on flat bed serger. Then, to further complicate matters, I need to also throw into the mix the Viking 905. Do you think there is just the right serger out there for me ? -- Edited on 11/2/11 11:55 AM --
sew2006 Advanced ON CANADA Member since 2006 Posts: 1300	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/11 1:31 PM Very few sergers have a free arm, and it's much wide/bulkier than a sewing machine because of the knife/looper mechanism. In a factory when sewing small sizes they sew the shoulders, set in sleeves in the flat, serge the bottom of sleeves, then do side seams. ------ Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc,
annenet   Advanced VA USA Member since 2003 Posts: 823	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/11 1:39 PM I've had a 1100D for 12 years and I love it. It's easy to thread and I don't have to fuss with the tensions at all. It doesn't have a free arm though. I don't know of too many that do. I never find it a problem though. ------ So many projects, not enough time Bernina 1010, Activa 220, Artista 165E, Artista 630E Singer 201-2, 221, 503 Bernina Serger 1100D, 1300MDC Consew 75T http://sewingtechie.blogspot.com/
Snoo Advanced MS USA Member since 2008 Posts: 62	Login to reply to this post In reply to annenet Like this post Date: 11/2/11 1:55 PM Thanks Annenet. Do you know what the difference is between the 1100 and the 1100DA?
annenet   Advanced VA USA Member since 2003 Posts: 823	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/11 2:19 PM The DA has a slightly better light and an auto needle threader. I find a manual one works just fine. Also I think the light is adequate on the D. ------ So many projects, not enough time Bernina 1010, Activa 220, Artista 165E, Artista 630E Singer 201-2, 221, 503 Bernina Serger 1100D, 1300MDC Consew 75T http://sewingtechie.blogspot.com/
diane s   Intermediate OR USA Member since 2002 Posts: 3345	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/2/11 10:25 PM I think the Viking has a free arm. It's a very heavy basic serger. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
Snoo Advanced MS USA Member since 2008 Posts: 62	Login to reply to this post In reply to diane s Like this post Date: 11/3/11 8:04 AM I've been looking at the Viking 905 and 910 models. I'm wondering about those rolled hems. I do costuming and would love to have a machine that does a great rolled hem without having to first put liquid stabilizer on sheers. Does the 1100D or the two Viking models fit that category ? (Thanks for your replies.)
annenet   Advanced VA USA Member since 2003 Posts: 823	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/3/11 8:07 AM I've done rolled hems on my 1100D without stabilizer but I've done it on cottons and wools, not anything costumy. It does a beautiful rolled hem with just a few changes in the tension and moving the rool hem lever forward. So easy. ------ So many projects, not enough time Bernina 1010, Activa 220, Artista 165E, Artista 630E Singer 201-2, 221, 503 Bernina Serger 1100D, 1300MDC Consew 75T http://sewingtechie.blogspot.com/
Lalaland   Intermediate VA USA Member since 2010 Posts: 74	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 11/3/11 8:39 AM I have owned several Bernina sergers and have found them all great machines. I currently have the 2000DE, it has a freearm, does a beautiful cover stitch and can go throught most fabrics with the right adjustments. I was recommended that serger by a friend who owns an art wearable buisness, where she uses the 2000DE everyday. My other serger is the Funlock 007D there is no freearm, but it gets the job done and has been very dependable. And then there are the Babylock people who swear by their machines. I've never used one, but the air threading system is very enticing. ------ Lalaland
diane s   Intermediate OR USA Member since 2002 Posts: 3345	Login to reply to this post In reply to Snoo Like this post Date: 11/3/11 3:51 PM I don't remember remember precisely about the rolled hem. I found an Elna 644 on Craig's list for $100.00 and bought, and liked it a little better, because the needle bar swings up for easier threading, so I sold the Viking. I do know for a fact I've never in my 25 years of serging have used a stabilizer on a rolled hem. I also do costuming, if the fabric is sheer polyester woven I cut it with a hot knife and no hem needed. If it's a knit I leave it raw, or light zigzag, or serger overcast. If the fabric is a really sheer silk I use a 2 thread rolled hem. If you like the Bernina, you should look at the Jukis, some of the Berninas are made by Juki and there are corresponding models. -- Edited on 11/3/11 3:54 PM -- ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.

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