Budget serger

Hi, I'm new to the group and am hoping that someone can suggest a BASIC entry level serger. This will be mostly used for crafts, and light apparel, such as costumes.

Thanks!

Reply to
jajmd
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There are only three things that are really essential in a serger. As long as the one you pick has all three, it will do just about anything basic.

  1. Differential feed. Don't buy a serger that doesn't have differential feed.

  1. 2-Thread stitch capability. Most likely will need a small adaptor which should be included with the serger. Again, this is a vital capability for doing really good rolled edges.

  2. Simple rolled edge conversion. Most decent sergers have a little lever to pull towards you to pull the stitch finger out of the way. This is the easiest method for converting to rolled edges. Less handy methods include having to change the stitch plate or the presser foot.

Also nice to have, but not as essential, is a user-friendly threading path for the lower looper.

Aside from these essentials, make sure to pick a good dealer. If you buy a low-end machine off the rack from a JoAnns, Wal Mart or Target, you are losing out on dealer support.

Another option is to go around to local dealers and find out what they have in the way of used machines that were traded in.

Good luck and happy serging!

--Welmoed

Reply to
Welmoed Sisson

I'd like to add to this in that sergers that can use 4 threads are better than those that only use 3. Mine is a Janome and I got it on sale for under $280. As suggested below, a used machine might well be a good idea if purchased from a reputable sewing machine shop. They've been gone over and often carry an in-store guarantee.

Linda

Reply to
Linda Sweigart

Two things: First, costuming is not light sewing - especially if using lycra! Secondly, you get what you pay for. I would suggest looking for a serger that you will be happy with for many years. If you cannot afford one new, then get a good used one. What you will be looking for is:

-Differential feed (nice to have if using fine fabrics, although I don't use mine very much).

-Three to four thread capacity. Five threads are not needed. Two threads are also not needed, although some might beg to differ on that one. Two threads are used for chain stitching which I find is a waste of time and effort.

-A good rolled hem capacity. This takes three threads to do, with best results using a bulky or woolly thread on your upper looper path and a strong thread for the lower looper as the tension will be cranked right up. Ask around before you buy and by all means try several different models to see what suits you best! That is why there are so many different brands and models out there: different strokes for different folks. Kate, in England, swears by her Lily and Husquavarna - I prefer Pfaff. Cea loves the old Singers. All three of us do tons of sewing to a very high standard of quality - so - you need to choose a machine that will work for you the same way. Good luck, and happy sewing! Cynthia PS I do a lot of costuming - you can check out some of them at my home page which is

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and just go to the costumes links to see afew. Kate has a far fancier web page which you can check out to see the kinds of stuff she does (all kinds of neat things!) and her site is
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also shows her sewing set-up and the different machines that sheuses...

Reply to
Cynthia Spilsted

Cynthia -

Thanks for the input!! Your costumes are gorgeous. My costuming pretty much consists of last minute Halloween party stuff!

Judy

Reply to
jajmd

Kate has changed providers, her new site is at:

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Reply to
BEI Design

That is some of the toughest sewing you can do... You're under pressure, you're in a hurry, and you are sewing late in the evening... And you are usually using cheap crappy $1 a metre fabric! ;)

You need a serger that:

Copes with any fabric, from Polartec 300 to silk chiffon Is easy to thread Isn't too fussy about thread type or quality Has differential feed for stretch fabrics and rolled hems Is solid enough and steady enough not to dance off the table into your lap at full speed!

I'd very strongly recommend a 3/4 thread used Toyota. I have one as back-up for my Huskylock 910, another brick-nett workhorse. It has the advantage for those new to sergers of not being too fast: sergers work VERY much faster than standard sewing machines, and having one that won't get away from you is comforting to those new to sergers.

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Same ISP - I just own my own domain name now! :)

Reply to
Kate Dicey

Oops, sorry! I wasn't able to read all the details, I just knew your URL had changed a while back.

Reply to
BEI Design

You gotta love it. uk.yahoo.com, google.co.uk, ebay.co.uk, katedicey.co.uk

Reply to
Pogonip

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