neeleymartin
Beginner
MA
Member since 7/9/10
Posts: 129 |
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Date: 8/18/10 2:10 PM seems that all the cute projects that i want to make have that darling serged edge that is exposed. is there a machine that you all recommend as a good beginner model that won't cost me an arm and a leg. i think that color coded threading is a must have, and one that comes with a dvd would be great.
there is a Viking Huskylock Model 905 Serger on my local cl for $400. sound good. claims to be never used. been on for almost a month, so if it's still available, i imagine there is some flexibility on pricing.
also read about this model. seems to have adequate features and read a review other than amazons. http://www.amazon.com/Brother-1034D-Lay-Thread-Serger/dp/B0000CBK1L this model doesn't have coverstitch (don't know what that is, or if i need it, clarification needed)
under $200 sounds awesome, and really the price i would like to pay. but could spend a little more. any advice greatly appreciated as i am new to the world of serging.
-- Edited on 8/18/10 2:20 PM -- |
guillorypr
 
Advanced
AUSTRALIA
Member since 3/11/03
Posts: 394 |
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Date: 8/18/10 2:39 PM I have a Viking s15 that I paid around 300 for I think. It is a std 4 thread. I love it. It works great and does the seam finishes and all the cute rolled hems and handkerchief edges. I highly recommend it. I posted a more detailed review of it up on the site. HTH! :) |
BrianSews
Advanced
MA USA
Member since 2/16/08
Posts: 80 |
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In reply to neeleymartin
Date: 8/18/10 2:45 PM I vote for the Kenmore 2/3/4/d which is the older model that does 2, 3, and 4 thread naturally. This is the same as the Janome 634d but no longer labeled by kenmore and can be had for cheap.
Kenmore also makes a 3/4 thread serger here that's very affordable. It seems to be the same as the earlier model just without the 2 thread capability.
I have the Kenmore 2/3/4/d (and also just gifted another used Janome 634d) and it's pretty awesome basic serger that does just about anything I want without complaints. I got my Kenmore used and I think it's about 20 years old. It says a lot to me that Janome is still branding this machine for sale new....
Easy to thread and has the lower knives that I think makes serging a lot nicer. I'll be interested to see what other bargain sergers people recommend.
-- Edited on 8/18/10 2:46 PM -- ------
Blog: www.briansews.com
I teach at www.hipstitchers.com
YouTube videos: http://www.youtube.com/BRemlinger |
Sewing Joe
IN USA
Member since 3/7/08
Posts: 420 |
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In reply to neeleymartin
Date: 8/18/10 4:53 PM I'm still happy with my cheapo Janome Juno, which you can get for just under $200 at Hancock Fabrics (and probalby lots of other places). It looks to be identical to the Janome Magnolia serger.
I only use it to overcast seam allowances, so I haven't needed anything better. ------
Joe in New Albany, iN |
babe-a-gogo
Member since 8/5/07
Posts: 21 |
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Date: 8/18/10 5:55 PM I was using a White Superlock 523 for my narrow and rolled hems until this week when it went into the shop and I bought a Juki 644. I paid $349 for it on ebay (new from an auth. dealer). I LOVE my Juki MO-655, so I knew the 644 would be good, too.
I highly recommend Juki. They are easy to thread and sew through any material without a problem - very solid machines. If you only want the machine for a rolled or narrow hem, then you could easily get a three-thread machine like the 623 (I think). It is about $299. |
JillyBe
Intermediate
CA USA
Member since 1/20/10
Posts: 3194 |
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Date: 8/18/10 6:06 PM I got my Brother 1034d based on high recommendations here. I'm still a serger newby, & this is the only one I've sewed with, so take that into consideration.
I paid about $170 for mine (refurbished), and so far it's being a wonderful little machine. I'm still learning the ins & outs, but I think you really get a lot of bang for the buck with this one. Since I'd never serged before, I wasn't willing to go the 'used' route, because I simply couldn't be sure if it was me or the machine if issues arose. ------
http://jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/
a blog about creativity, sewing, vintage sewing machines, and...... life :) |
Jatman
Intermediate
MI USA
Member since 6/26/06
Posts: 1306 |
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In reply to neeleymartin
Date: 8/20/10 1:52 PM I got my serger at an estate sale for $100. It's an Elna L5 and I believe it's from the 80's or so. I had been looking at a Bernina that was around $1,000 and I just couldn't bring myself to spend that much. For $100 I got a lot of machine - I can use 5, 4 or 3 thread stitches. I can't say that I've used it all that much yet but I don't feel bad about that - however, if I'd bought the really expensive machine and not used it I'd feel like I really wasted some money.
JT |
Sewnsewmom
Advanced Beginner
Member since 7/31/08
Posts: 780 |
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Date: 8/22/10 0:56 AM I wanted to second the 2034D serger from Brother. I love it! It's very easy to use. And I can thread the machine without looking at the book anymore! This is my first serger. |
pittysmom101
Advanced Beginner
TN USA
Member since 4/13/08
Posts: 216 |
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Date: 8/22/10 2:42 AM I second the Kenmore/Janome models. Good price and more than adequate features, for what you want to do. I wouldn't imagine paying more than $200 new for one of these, they go on sale at Sears all the time.
Ken's has the Janome version reasonable, usually. And don't forget Overstock,com. I have ordered from them and been very pleased with the products and the service so far.
Also the Brother gets really great reviews, I think it got a bad rap when it first came out, but seems to have been improved on over the years! And a good price too.
Either of these will serve you well.
HTH,
Cheri ------
I sew stuff, grow stuff, make stuff and bake stuff.....
Brother PC8200, Kenmore 18221, Kenmore 385.12614490, Kenmore 148.13023 and Kenmore Serger 16655
"If you can follow directions, you can sew!" |
minggiddylooloo
Intermediate
VA USA
Member since 5/17/05
Posts: 1793 |
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Date: 8/22/10 3:25 AM Bought my 1034D as a back up machine (the expensive Bernina is in storage while I am in Asia). For the price (<$200), it has been a good workhorse. I mostly use a 4 thread overlock stitch and with some tweaking of tensions on different fabrics, I have finished numerous projects with this machine. ------
I'm finally a blogger!
sewming.blogspot.com |
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