Thread: Sergers: question for DIY-ers

Hello all,

I've been growing more confident making my own costumes, and now I think I may invest in a serger. Does anyone have recommendations about brands/models to buy or avoid?

Thank you

~Moxie~

My first serger was a EuroPro. It had some "issues" but I used it until I blew out the motor. I now have a Viking (available at the big Joann Superstores) and I LOVE it!! Easy to thread and nary a problem with it since I got it about 3 years ago. I use it all the time. It also comes with a training video and lots of literature so you can spend time trying out different things with it. Mine isn't the computerized facny version, but you can easily go that way as well for a bit more money.

I love sergers. They make sewing go much faster for me and my garments have a great finish now.

I love the Sears Kenmore, my sweetheart bought for me.
(No longer available)

If/when I need to buy another serger I want:
2/3/4 thread capability, differential feed, and I must be able to use different pressure 'feet' with it.

2/3/4 thread capability sounds intimidating...but all it means is, the serger can sew a seam with as little as two thread cones, or more.
I prefer this, for two reasons...saves on thread, and the serger will sew a more narrow seam (mine will do a lovely rolled hem with 3 cones of thread).
Differential feed, adjusts the rate the material goes through the feeddog area.
NOT ALL FABRICS ARE ALIKE!!!
I have to adjust the feed, when I go from a knit to a woven, or heavy weight fabric to light weight, or if I deliberately WANT the fabric ruffled.

I hope this helps.

I have a White Speedylock. It's very basic - it was on sale during the Christmas shopping season a couple years ago. But it's fine for my current purposes.

You may find some more info here: http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...my-serger.html

Once you have one, you might need this thread: (no pun intended) ..l;, http://www.bhuz.com/forum/fitness-be...arghhhhhh.html

Janome :)

Mine is a 4 thread serger/overlocker. I'd be lost without it!

Once the serger is threaded, and you want to change threads, you cut the threads near the spools, tie the new thread ends to those, loosen off all the tension dials and gently pull the threads through.

All you need to do (If you can't pull them through the eyes) is thread the needles again :)

A hint for those who sew alot. Don't muck around with 'ball points', 'sharps' or 'serger' needles. Use leather needles.....they sew everything! They also don't tear delicate fabrics like silk because they are very sharp. AND they last 10 times longer than the other needles :)

I use them in both my serger and sewing machine.

I have a BabyLock, bought for me by my mom, who is into sewing the way we're into bellydance (goes to sewing camp, studies with semi-famous sewers)...it's awesome - it self-threads! that's golden in a serger. It came with great instructions too.

I have a Brother 1034D. Still trying to figure out how to do certain things with it (though I really need to take a workshop!). It is a bit cumbersome to change feet on it until you've done it a few times but I don't really have any complaints!