Happy me! I finally have saved up to buy a serger. Or at least a used one on ebay (just over $100). Which brands are best? Which should I look out for? And what features should I need to look for and/or avoid? Im sure you guys get this all the time, so I appreciate any help. :)
Thanks so much!
Jessica
It's a very personal choice, and the more features you want, the more you will pay, even for used. What *I* need from a serger is the following:
Ease of threading for quick colour changes Good stitch quality through thick and thin fabrics Good rolled edge
2/3/4 thread stitches Easily cleaned and oiled Relative ease of needle change Reliability Toughness: as a professional dressmaker, I use it a LOT at times, and it needs to be able to keep going no matter what I throw at it!The one I own now is a Husqvarna Huskylock 910: very good machine, but probably beyond your budget, even used. If you see one going for about £200, grab it!
The Berninas are equally good, but in the same price bracket. Their Bernette range are ok if you want something that will only get light use, but I found them fussy and temperamental.
I have yet to use a Janome one that I liked, even TOTR and brand new out of the box. Shame, as they have a good rep. Had one almost dance off the table into my lap once! AKK!
I HAVE liked every Toyota one I've tried: used to own an old 3 thread one, which my sister now has and thinks is marvellous.
Frister and Rossman are good little machines too, as are the Elna range, though I'm not fond of the air jet threading system...
I hope this helps a bit! Sorry I can't be more useful, but it's a while since I was in the market for myself, and though I do keep an eye out for what comes up, most of the lower range ones won't do for me because of the work I do, so I know less about them.
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