Panthira
Member since 2/14/06
Posts: 2 |
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Date: 5/27/06 1:37 AM I have a Kenmore Serger and I took private lessons on it. My instructor had trouble getting it to do things, like disabling the knife, and she didn't quite say so, but I think she hated my machine.
Tonight I tried to serge the edges of a large piece of fabric before I throw it into the wash, and I had problem after problem with it. When it ran correctly, it was fun and I loved serging, but when the needle broke twice, the tweezers literally came apart, and it unthreaded at the needle a couple of times, I got extremely frustrated.
I thought I did my homework before buying this machine, and it could be user error on my part. Honestly though, I need a machine I can make money with and will be easy-going with me as I'm hot tempered.
I've been trying to find a place on this site for top sergers choices or something along those lines, but I can't find anything. What would be some mid price range sergers, good enough to make money with from home? |
Robbie24
Intermediate
WA USA
Member since 11/29/03
Posts: 234 |
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Date: 5/27/06 3:21 AM What do you plan to make with a serger? Will you want it to have a coverstitch? Chainstitch?
I love my Juki but there are many options out there . |
ginaT
Intermediate
Member since 4/3/06
Posts: 186 |
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Date: 5/27/06 7:35 AM I have had a Janome Mylock 634D from new (about 10 years)
and its been a real workhorse serging everything i'v thrown at it.
Just completed my set of many feet for this machine courtesy of ebay (again :winkgrin:) which makes this machine very versatile.
Not sure if its still produced but worth looking out for.
As Robbie says though it depends what your looking for but hth a little and good luck  ------
ginaT
Have three beautiful grandaughters and a baby grandson |
Vera
Advanced Beginner
MD USA
Member since 1/11/05
Posts: 211 |
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Date: 5/27/06 8:01 AM I would look at the dealers in my area. Most known brands are good - but if you buy from a local dealer who offers classes to new owners, you have immediate help when things go wrong. I have a Viking 905. Viking dealers are obligated to offer classes. I would also want a dealer who fixes machines on the premesis - rather than send your machine to who-knows-where. (I also put my address label on every part of my machine so I'm getting back every part of my machine.) Good luck. ------
You know . . . sometimes it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. Buy the fabric! |
Member since 12/31/69 |
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Date: 5/27/06 9:07 AM Which Kenmore model do you have? The Kenmores are made by Janome and are remarkably similar.
I have the 16622 and it's very easy to swing the knife out of the way to disengage. -push the rear knob on the left of the plate in and toward you - bingo - knife down and out of the way.
I will say this- I HAVE to use only the needle type specified by the manufacturer. I tried a supposedly compatible needle made by Klasse- my machine had FITS! I went back to the Organ HAx1 "SP" needle and the machine was happy.
Also, if it is not threaded properly, you will break needles, etc...
This Kenmore 16622 is my first serger. I watched the video twice and went through the manual, and started serging. |
casken
Intermediate
AB CANADA
Member since 12/6/04
Posts: 700 |
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Date: 5/27/06 10:07 AM Pfaff makes great sergers. The coverstyle is a mechanical serger that has the coverstitch. I have an older model (797) and I love it. The Bernina sergers look good too. I haven't tried them though. A dealer told me that the Viking sergers lose their tensions easily. But I have read some good review s about the Viking sergers. I would try the Berninas, Pfaff and Viking sergers. Choosing any machine is a personal thing and it is best to test drive them all and ask tons of questions. Take different types of fabric with you and try all the stitches.
Good luck! ------
My Blog: www.iocchelli.com/just-sew-it/ |
rusewcrazy
Intermediate
IN USA
Member since 12/3/03
Posts: 80 |
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Date: 5/28/06 9:27 AM I will throw in my $.02 for the baby lock sergers. They have awesome sergers. I love my Evolve. They have the jet air threading for the loopers and automatic tensions. I've only had it a few weeks but so far it's worth every penny.
I had a similar experience to yours with a serger and was so frustrated I never used it.
Anyway - check out baby lock as well!
Aimee |
Doris W. in TN
 
Intermediate
TN USA
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 6803 |
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In reply to Panthira
Date: 5/28/06 11:06 AM How old is your serger, and have you had it serviced since you bought it? Also, is it still under warranty? |
Panthira
Member since 2/14/06
Posts: 2 |
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Date: 5/28/06 6:43 PM I have the Kenmore 16655, the newest model, purchased about 3 months ago. It is made by Janome, and I only use needles recommended for this machine and purchased through sears.
I want to make baby stuff and I was working with some terry cloth when I was having these issues. I was only serging the edges before putting the cloth in the washing machine to be washed. I'm going to a dealer today to take a look around, but all I have near me is a Vac and Sew.
Thank you for your suggestions. Keep them coming. :)
(ETA: Like I said before, though I had lessons, it was probably mostly user error, but I still hate that machine for pissing me off!  ) |
elizajo
Intermediate
LA USA
Member since 4/15/05
Posts: 1181 |
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Date: 5/28/06 7:05 PM Whatever brand you decide to buy, inform the salesperson that you sew alot of terry cloth baby products, and ask for their recommendations.
I serged a bunch of hemp fleece, microfiber terry, and flannel stacked into multiple layers recently. I would think over time the knives would take a beating and need to be replaced more often than sewing with fashion fabric. Fleecy fabric makes a huge mess, which requires frequent cleaning. Also, this was the only project I have used the differential feed and released the pressure on the presser foot a little.
If I was sewing on this stuff frequently, I would choose heavy duty over fancy features. ------
Elizabeth |
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