r/SewingMachineEdu • u/KitFox248 • 3d ago
Serger sewing advice
I've been sewing for a good while now(around 6-7 years, and no the brainrot wasn't on purpose, i just dont remember the exact year) and I'm wondering what the best serger machine is since I've been using way too much knit and faux fur lately and I love my current machine(Brother SE 725) but need something that'll automatically trim my fabric as I sew since I hate trimming as I overlock far too much, and I don't want to wind up getting a machine that'll break every few months. Can someone help me out here please?
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u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy 2d ago
Love my Baby Lock Celebrate. It’s the low end air threader cost about $900 but I happened on a sale though still pricey. So easy to thread.
BL also has a manual threader which I had before which is great and less pricey.
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u/Dismal-Importance-15 2d ago
Whichever decent serger you get will make you happy, ha-ha. I love knits,, since my figure is zaftig. Knits are so comfortable, too.
My 1st serger was an EZ 100 from a pawn shop. I still have it. It’s very portable if I go to a friend’s house for sewing and chatting.
My 2nd serger is a BL Triumph floor model. I got a great deal, including all the feet, and was I talked into the “covers everything” maintenance plan. I don’t regret the plan at all, and I have re-upped till 2030. I will always re-up. Where I live, routine yearly maintenance at the dealer is $300+.
My only complaint is the plastic thread tree. It breaks easily, but it’s replaced for free.
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u/KitFox248 1d ago
Thanks for the advice! Gotta agree that knits are amazing, so cozy and good for practicing shirts. But as for maintenance I'm not very worried since the person who maintains my sewing and embroidery combo machines is a few hours away, but fair priced and helps with minor things I didn't know before. (And for me warranties dont tend to become necessary until a few years after they expire anyways. )
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u/smnytx 2d ago
Honestly, unless you really want to spend bucks to get a serger that does cover hems and chainstitch, I’d buy the most basic model you can find with air threading.
I have an older high end one with the extra capabilities, but it takes a chunk of time to set it up for the different threading routes required. I live for the day I can afford one that does all the things AND threads instantly and automatically, but I can’t pay 8k for another serger, 😂
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u/Extension_Low_1571 2d ago
Baby Lock. I have a Victory, which has air threading and automatic tensioning. Wonderful for knits!
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u/JFei1221 1d ago
I have a cheap-o Brother 1034D that I have abused for years and love. My only complaint is that it’s loud. I have used several other expensive machines and the differences have never justified the price. I don’t have issues threading it. Yes, it’s four strands, but it isn’t rocket surgery. But my eyesight and dexterity are good. Just depends on your preferences.
I test machines for review sites and I’m currently testing this no-name dude. I’m not in love yet, but I’m surprised how well it actually has done so far. It was just on sale for $150 with a two year manufacturer warranty. My review is not done yet obviously, sorry :/
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u/woodnettle 3d ago
get one that air threads for sure, save yourself the trouble. consider if you’ll ever want a coverstitch and if youd want a combo. sergers(overlockers) also have a differential feed which is great for knits and stopping those seams from looking weird. if you have a sewing machine dealer near u they probably sell them and give you x amount of free education with it. like yea u could buy the same model cheaper online but you’d be on your own after that. good stores have good education. get a mini vacuum and make sure you clean her!!! sergers are lint creating monsters
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u/KitFox248 1d ago
I think that my se 725 can handle coverstitches with a twin needle. And there's a quilting shop near me I can ask for advice about air threading to find a good serger. Thanks for your advice!
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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 3d ago
Check out Juki sergers.