Thread: I want a serger

I want to buy a serger. I have never used one before so I have no clue what I'm getting into. Is there something to look for? or something to avoid?

I also want to take a sewing class. I've never taken an actual sewing class. I took home ec in grade school but that was so long ago. Anyone taken a sewing class? I think Joann & Hancock Fabric stores have them.

I bought one off of craigslist after about 10 years of wanting one. I bought a Babylock imagine, which is a high end serger (I figured I saved up for 10 years!). If you can afford it, I would say to buy something like this one -- it self adjusts the tension when you change what kind of stitch you do and has a very easy threading system (the biggest complaint from new serger owners).
I watched a few videos on sergers on Youtube, but I haven't taken any classes yet! My best sewing classes were at colleges. Good luck!

Mahira -

Since you are in a large metro area, check with the city colleges and see if they have any sewing classes being offered as a workshop.

I don't own a serger, but I have used babylocks and sergers when I was working in a costume shop. I agree, try to find one which has self adjusting tension and a self trimmer. Saves many headaches!

{{{HUGS}}}

Do you get Home Shopping Network on TV in your area? They are also on line.... If you find their site, look under "crafts" -- they usually have sergers and mini sergers, sometimes on sale -- and they usually offer "flex pay" (2 or 3 payments with no interest) on a lot of items.

Here are 3 on HSN.com:

HSN - Search Results

I would look for one that has automatic threading of the lower looper - that's a PAIN to rethread on my machine. When I upgrade mine I'm also going to get one that does an automatic rolled hem (currently I have to change plates and change everything else too which is annoying) and has a ruffling/gathering attachment (fabulous for easy gypsy skirts).

Have fun shopping!

I'm not familiar with the features bhuzzers mentioned above.

I love my serger.
It's a Kenmore Overlock 2/3/4D
Model No. 385.16644
Yes, it takes time to thread, but I don't think it's all that hard.
Mine has 2/3/4 thread capabilities.
This means I can sew using only two cones of thread, or three, or four.
It also has differential feed, this give me control of the way the fabric feeds througth the machine.
Here's some links that explain it:
differential feed - Google Search

iwant one tooo

you can probably find one really inexpensively on craigs list right now. people are trying to sell everything right now, as you know

This is the best, cheapest and easiest to use. it was recommended to me by another dancer . . . . I LOVE mine!!!! Very user friendly . . . [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Brother-1034D-Lay-Thread-Serger/dp/B0000CBK1L/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1233837480&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger: Home & Garden[/ame]

I have been avoiding spending cash on one forever, and make due with my regular machine, has anybody tried one of the "side cutter" attachments that work like a serger converter on a regular machine? I went to my local repair shop yesterday, and asked them to track one down for my slant shank machine to give it a shot. Here's an example: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/Singer-Side-Cutter-Foot/dp/B00083MPWU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1233837569&sr=8-1]Amazon.com: Side Cutter Foot: Home & Garden[/ame]

Originally Posted by Zepora

This is the best, cheapest and easiest to use. it was recommended to me by another dancer . . . . I LOVE mine!!!! Very user friendly . . . Amazon.com: Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger: Home & Garden

Wow! this one looks really great, and cheap, yay! I think I know what Daddy may be buying for Valentines Day....

I got a Singer on sale at JoAnn's, I think it was around $200. I have not quite had the saintly patience to figure out anything but "Go, sew!" (there are too many buttons that interact in funny ways that stump a scientific mind), but that it does very well. Retreading is not a joy, but doable if you follow the manual exactly.

I have had various people ask me to teach them to sew. While I can't really show you from this distance, let me give you one piece of advice that I've given a lot of people who have asked:

Go to your nearest thrift shop. Pick up some plain white bedsheets - check to make sure they're 100% cotton. (Or if you see colors you like, get those.) Your total investment will be a few bucks.

Go to the local fabric store and pick up some of the easy patterns. Usually there is a rack of them. If not, ask one of the employees what they would recommend for a first time pattern - I've always found people in sewing stores to be really happy to help. Also, watch the sewing stores websites for sales - the local ones here will sometimes have great sales where you can get patterns for a dollar or two.

Then use your super-cheap bedsheets to make those patterns... if you screw it up, then you wasted a few bucks. If it comes out nice, drop it in some dye (since it is all cotton and should dye fine) and you have yourself something new to wear - even if it is just casual. I'd suggest maybe a simple sundress, a circle skirt, or perhaps some pajama pants.

Good luck!

LOL - I bought myself a Singer serger at Joanne's last year as a Christmas gift to myself. Opened the box but haven't figured out to use it --may just sell it at a tag sale. Wish Joanne's offered classes on using.

Actually, my Singer serger experience was: Put it on the table, plug it in, turn on. Find pressure foot arm, lift, put fabric under it, drop. Serge. It came pre-threaded, so I just went ahead, and it worked. May have been sheer dumb luck on my side ;-)

I bought a vintage Juki serger on craigslist for $50. The woman was nuts - she had no idea what she had but apparently was behind on her rent so it was a bit of a sad story. I ran down immediately and bought it from her because those are about $800 on average.
Works like a dream. And thank god it's not computerized! I use it everyday.
I suggest you get a heavy vintage one. They are usually made mostly of metal and heavy plastic. No computer. Just make sure you buy magnifying glass, serger needle threader, tweezers, eyeglass screwdriver set and lots of good thread at the time of purchase. Threading it sucks but if you have the extra tools you can do it easily.

I just wanted to chime in that if you get one you will probably love it. The woman in my troupe who's always been the most prolific sewer got one for Christmas, and she's now sewing everything that will stand still long enough! She just loves it, and the things she's making are hella cool - she made a stretch velvet choli top with 3/4 circle sleeves that I swore was an L. Rose.

I watched the videos after I just sat and played with it a day. I had a cheat sheet how to change the stiches, but otherwise I did the same; pushed some fabric in and started serging.

Originally Posted by bgordon2020

LOL - I bought myself a Singer serger at Joanne's last year as a Christmas gift to myself. Opened the box but haven't figured out to use it --may just sell it at a tag sale. Wish Joanne's offered classes on using.

I HAVE taken a serger class through Joann's. It was with sew-time, for my Pfaff serger, but they taught the other gal in my class how to use her Singer. The key is to use the threading guide in your book as a bible, but knowing what they are talking about or being able to visualize it is so much easier after a class. The first thing the teacher did was snip off all spools of thread we had engaged, explaining that we would be able to thread our machines and never have to resort to knotting & pulling one through again.

Ah, LizzyDancer I am jealous. The Joanne's here used to offer classes long ago. We're lucky just to have the small shop with materials. I have to think of a friend that sews and has one and just impose. Manuals aren't all that helpful.

If you can afford it, get one that is self-threading.

My first serger (bought early 90's) would take me over 45 minutes everytime I started a new project to thread and adjust the tension.

I have a baby-lock I bought new 6 years ago - self-threading (loopers) and auto tension adjustment....best investment EVER.