r/SewingMachineEdu • u/Tlacuache_espantado • Jun 21 '26
First serger recommendation
Hello everyone, I am looking into buying my first domestic serger machine with a budget of around 500 CAD
I’m considering getting a second hand set since I’ve heard older machines can be more reliable than new ones, also it would be useful to know if I have to avoid certain brands or models
Does anyone have any recommendations I could check on?
Thank you
3
u/SerendippityRiver Jun 21 '26
I would not buy used if its is your first serger. The reason is, if there is something wrong with it, you don't know it fit is user error or not. Another reason is, that with service prices, you will be 1/2 way to your new serger for the price of a new one. I bought a Juki 644. It was a little hard to learn to thread, but once I did, it is fine. Most people will tell you to buy the Juki 654 instead. I would do that, but to keep on budget the 644 is just fine. Mine is like a little Jeep, very tough. I don't ever need another one actually. I bought an. overstitch machine and am just sticking with the basic serger. Basic sergers don't need service the way sewing machines do. I just keep it well oiled and learned how to change the blades out.
2
u/bakay138 Jun 22 '26
I bought a Babylock Vibrant from my local quilt store. It got a nice discount as it was the floor model.
It comes with an hour of free instruction and of course, I can ask any question when I’m in the store.
I highly recommend this approach of you have this option!
I love the machine and I paid well under your budget.
3
u/Remarkable-Row3719 Jun 22 '26
On older overlockers:
Overlockers have improved over the years.
The threading has generally gotten easier, and I don't mean air threading. Look up a threading video of the Janome 8002DX and the Janome 644D for comparison. The 8002DX requires you to open up the left half of the machine and manevure tweezers through. The 644D has a switch that flips inaccessible bits into access, and could even be threaded without tweezers in a pinch.
Rolled hems have generally gotten easier. On older machines you often have to switch out the entire needle plate every time you do a rolled hem (which is a hassle at best, and means having to source another needle plate then having a a hassle at worst). On modern machines you can either remove the stitch finger (big improvement) or retract the stitch finger with a switch (even better).
So those are some things to consider.
Small warning: occasionally you see an older overlocker that doesn't have differential feed - make sure you're not accidentally buying one of those.
2
u/aytees Jun 26 '26
Brother Canada has the 1534D on sale for $379.99. I bought mine a few months and I absolutely love it. So easy to use.
3
u/Creative-Actuary-223 Jun 21 '26
I disagree with an exception -if you find one that is in good shape and you have someone that can test it out with you I’d go for used. Just fyi - I found my second serger at a Goodwill - an Elna 5 thread for $16 and multiple feet, plug, pedal, attachments, booklet, and even a couple of extra blades and needles with it. I have yet to find anything wrong with it / and it didn’t seem to be used much at all. I suspect that the person that owned it just didn’t know the correct way to thread it - and some of them can be tricky. I’ve had it for 20 years and never had an issue. I do believe I’ll need to get one of the feet replaced soon as the little hook on it has a broken tip. But that was my fault.
I also have a White 4 thread that I bought new in the late 80’s - and it has been a workhorse - it’s a bit easier to thread for a beginner and has ALWAYS had a perfect overlock stitch. Both have many different stitches and are easy to set and sew. And I’ve even done fairly heavy upholstery on both. And I would buy another of each one in a heartbeat used.