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Trying to decide on a Serger Sergers
kennellychari Advanced Beginner Member since 1/14/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/14/12 6:21 PM I've sewn off and on for several years. I find I'm "having" to sew more as my children grow as we're having so much trouble finding modest clothing for my girls. One of my children has complained about the "ragged edges" on everything I sew. After talking to some other moms who sew a lot, I've decided to purchase a serger to finish the edges on items I make for my kiddos to wear. I received $250 for Christmas to use on a Serger. I called a sewing shop that's somewhat close to where all our family lives and they priced me the following: 1. Brother 1034d...I asked about this one and they don't carry it but would order it and price match Amazon at $199 with free lessons. 2. Brother 3034d....they recommended this one, stating it's a heavier duty machine than the 1034....Is this true? Said they'd sell it for $319 (reg. $399) with free lessons and free cleanings for a year. 3. A used Viking 901....$200 with free lessons and free cleanings for year. Guaranteed by owner/servicer for 1 year. Sooo...I'm wondering if any of you would have any guidance or advice to pass along in this decision-making process? I don't need anything fancy at this point, but I want it to last a long time and not need a lot of professional maintenance since we live so far from anywhere. This shop has a good reputation, and my mom and/or mother-in-law would be available to watch my kiddos if I need to go in for lessons and/or assistance. We were supposed to travel over there on Monday and I was going to go "test drive" the 3034 and the 901, but can't now because of sick kids. Hate to let the used Viking go if it's a good deal....Thanks in advance for your help!!
skae   Advanced MN USA Member since 4/23/07 Posts: 2761	Login to reply to this post In reply to kennellychari Like this post Date: 1/14/12 9:14 PM here are a few review about the 3034review 1 review 2 review 3 I think the 3034 would be a excellet machine. ------ Galatians 5:22-23 The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these
moms2cool Advanced FL USA Member since 1/14/12 Posts: 1	Login to reply to this post In reply to kennellychari Like this post Date: 1/14/12 10:59 PM Go with the 3034D it will grow with you as the other brother is a very basic model serger
sewbug1943 Beginner Member since 1/14/12 Posts: 1	Login to reply to this post In reply to skae Like this post Date: 1/15/12 1:29 AM I would stick with the Viking Serger....you won't be sorry, they are a little tricky to operate, and that is for all sergers, but once you learn how to thread it, you will love it....I have a computerized Viking sewing machine that I bought on E-bay 2 yrs. ago, I am still very happy I did. wouldn't trade it for a new one, It has so many features, I just love it. the Viking serger is great too...I purchased a Brand New Brother computerized sewing machine the first month I bumped the self thread with my hand, and not very hard, and it broke off. the machine is okay but doesn't compare with the heavy duty Viking machine I own, both of them are made in Sweden ... I have a 4 thread serger and that works like a charm, beautiful stiches the clothes look better than store purchase items. Take your time and look around and read as many reviews. the old machine won't let you down if you get one that was in good hands and cared for. Good Luck...
terrisewsew Advanced OK USA Member since 3/13/09 Posts: 122	Login to reply to this post In reply to kennellychari Like this post Date: 1/15/12 12:42 PM I have the Brother 1034D and I love it. Granted, I do basic serging and nothing too fancy, but for the money, it's been a GREAT machine. I've only had a Viking sewing machine, not a serger, but, with that good guarantee, it might be the way to go. If it's gone, when you get there, you'll have to choose between the 2 Brother's. If money is an issue, and it always is for me, I don't think you will be sorry you bought the 1034D. Terri
lilymom Member since 7/13/10 Posts: 53	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/15/12 1:14 PM I own both a brother 3034 and a Viking 901. The Viking had been my only serger for years, and the 3034 came free with my sewing machine purchase (a Laura Ashley NX-2000) about 1-1/2 years ago. I use a serger occasionally -- I'm not a heavy user. Both seem like good sergers but there are some pros & cons on each: Viking 901: heavier duty, more stitch options & ranges of settings, can do 2,3,4 thread stitches, lots of room to the right of the needle for your right hand; sometimes a little tricky to thread the machine and change needles. I've never needed to "fix" anything on this serger but getting parts for my prior Viking sewing machine was a problem. Brother 3034: smaller, lighter weight (more portable), simple to use, service/parts more readily available where I live. Feed differential and other controls have narrower range of settings than the Viking; does not do 2 thread stitches. You might want to check out the brother website for details on the 3034 and the Viking website for threading directions for the 901. I think they are both good machines. The Viking is probably better if you need its additional capabilities; otherwise the Brother may be easier to find service/parts (at least around here -- may not apply to your area). Good luck!
kennellychari Advanced Beginner Member since 1/14/12 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/16/12 9:46 PM Thank you so much ladies!! I've spent some time looking around on this site....the amount of info is a bit overwhelming! And I was shocked at how quickly you all responded! THANK YOU!!! My husband and I have read over all your responses and I've come up with a list of questions to ask the store manager. At this point, I really feel like I'd feel more peace about this decision if I could go and look at the machines and "test drive" them. So, I'm supposed to call and talk to the store manager tomorrow and see if/how long they can hold the Viking. If the Lord wants me to have it, either they'll hold it for the next couple of weeks til I can get there or it won't sell before then! Again...thanks for your responses...they were ALL helpful!

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