Best Serger

People have been sewing for many years and for several reasons. Some sew for fun while others sew to save money and create fashionable clothing. The one thing that most sewers have in common is that they wish their sewing projects had the same kind of finish and appearance as the professionally sewn ones. Lo and behold! Along came the serger sewing machines! While using 3, 4 or 5 threads to sew a seam, a serger not only gives sewing projects an overcast edge like the professionally sewn ones have but also reinforces the seams and eliminates fraying.

Although overcast or serger sewing machines have been around since the 1880s, they weren’t easy to get for an average consumer. Fortunately, many sewing machine companies manufacture serger machines today and at a very affordable price. The biggest dilemma is which serger sewing machine is the best and which one to buy. Here is a review of the ten best serger machines. Hopefully, this buyer’s guide, along with the comparison chart showing common specifications of each machine, can be of some help to you.

Brother 1034D – Ranked #1 on Amazon’s Best Seller for Sergers & Overlock Machines

The Brother 1034D is a differential feed serger machine that features a 3 or 4 thread system, 22 built-in stitches and various versatile stitch options. When using the included presser foot, you can create the narrow hem, the rolled hem, the ribbon lock stitches, the three-thread overlock and the four-feet overlock. With an optional presser foot, you can do pintuck, flatlock and blind hemming stitches.

It comes with not just an in-depth bilingual manual but also a detailed instructional video to show you how the machine operates. If you only sew occasionally or tend to forget details, you can always go back to the instructional DVD for a quick brush up. Some special features the Brother 1034D offers include an adjustable presser foot pressure, an adjustable on/off knife feature and a removable stitch finger. It also offers a brightly-lit work area.

Brother DZ1234 – Part of the Designio Series

The Brother DZ1234 is a serger machine that will create beautiful hems and edges on various fabric types, including stretch material, linens, formal wear and even some heavier fabrics. Its lightweight body and portability make it easy to transport. This is ideal for individuals who attend sewing classes and want to learn sewing on their own machine.

Stitch width can be adjusted between 0.11 and 0.27 inches, making it easier to go through a variety of fabric thicknesses. Accessories that are included with the Brother DZ1234 are a soft cover, a multipurpose guide foot, a thread net, tweezers, a cleaning brush, a hexagonal wrench, a thread spool cap, a trim trap and an extra needle set. The Brother DZ1234 can be adjusted for almost any sewing project and also includes a retractable knife.

Brother 2340CV – Advanced Serger Machine

If you’re looking for a serger machine that allows you the flexibility to experiment with different stitch widths and lengths and on a variety of fabric types and thicknesses, the Brother 2340CV might be a perfect fit. The advanced technology that’s integrated into this machine makes it ideal for sewers who want professional looking apparel and creations.

It only sews 1,100 stitches per minute, unlike many others that can sew 1,300, but what it lacks in speed it makes up for in versatility and capabilities. It also comes with an accessory bag that includes a soft cover, an extra needle set, a hexagonal wrench, four spool mats, tweezers, four spool mats, four spool caps, a cleaning brush and an operating manual.

Singer 14T968DC – Amazon’s Choice for Professional Serger

The Singer 14T968DC is a professional serger machine that features 2, 3, 4, 5 thread capability, automatic tension, cover stitches and bonus presser feet to assist you in making so many more stitch designs. Unlike many sewing machines that feature many plastic parts, this machine is made with heavy-duty metal designed to last many years.

The self-adjusting tension requires nothing more than touching a knob and the tension gets set automatically based on the stitch you’re using. The machine includes a limited 25-year warranty on the head, a limited 2-year warranty on motor, wiring, light assembly, speed control and electronic components, and a limited 90-day warranty for bulbs, rings, belts, adjustments and attachments.

Janome 8002D – Amazon’s Choice for Sergers

The Janome 8002D is a serger machine with 3 or 4 thread overlock stitching capability and a variety of popular features. The Janome serger also gives you a built-in rolled hem for a professional finish on all your hems or edges. In addition, the rolled hem changeover device makes it very easy to switch to a rolled hem in the middle of the sewing.

You can adjust the cutting width from 0.12 to 0.28 inches and the differential ratio goes from 0.5 to 2.25, giving you many options. This option will prevent the edges on knit projects from being stretched or woven fabrics from puckering. Sewing has never been as easy, quick or fun as with the Janome Serger 8002D, which cuts, sergers and finishes your seams all in one simple motion.

This machine has many special features, including an adjustable presser foot pressure, a lay-in thread tension dial, a changeable thread guide, snap-on presser feet, a retractable upper knife and a thread chart that even a child can read. It’s also very small in size, so it can be stored easily in tight spaces.

Juki M0654DE – Portable Serger Machine & Amazon’s Best Choice

Juki has been ranked as the top sewing machine manufacturer in the world and sewing with the Juki M0654DE may show you how they got that ranking. This serger sewing machine may be portable in size but definitely is the whole package when it comes to features, versatility and the professional quality work it helps you create. The Juki M0654DE is a 2, 3, 4 thread machine that features an automatic rolled hem for beautiful a finish on your hems and edges. It sews through various fabric thicknesses.

With a speed of 1,500 stitches per minute, it’s slightly faster than most of its competitors. Other features include a breakaway looper system, a powerful knife system and various adjustments for both stitch length (0.15 inches) and differential feed (0.7 to 2.0). Even when sewing thick fabrics, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the professional finish the Juki is capable of making.

Singer 14CG754 ProFinish – Ranked #4 Among Best Seller Serger Machines

The Singer 14CG754 ProFinish is an affordable serger machine that features 2, 3, 4 thread capability and a variety of stitch options for all your projects, whether it’s clothing, home décor items, crafts or even doll clothes. Regardless of the project, you’ll get professional edges every time. You’ll also have an adjustable stitch width and stitch length option, which, when combined with color-coded threading, make sewing and serging fabric easier than you ever imagined.

The carrying handle makes it easy for you to transport the machine from room to room. As with most Singer sewing and serger machines, the Singer 14CG754 comes with three different warranties so you’re covered on all sides. An easy-to-use access lever makes it easy to switch from one of the four built-in rolled hems.

Juki MO644D – Portable Serger Machine

The Juki MO644D is a very efficient serger machine designed to sew from light- to medium-weight fabrics. It has a 2, 3, 4 thread capability that make it easy to create professional looking clothing and projects every time. Despite not being designed for heavy fabrics, the Juki MO644D’s high-quality stitch formation, dedicated drive-cutting system and powerful motor have it considered an industrial serger sewing machine.

Whether it’s piping, blind stitching, cording or gathering you want to do, this machine has just the right presser foot to get the job done correctly and professionally. It also includes a multi-purpose presser foot for everyday sewing and overcasting. Between the breakaway loop and the color-coded threading, threading this machine is easy and quick and the upper knife is far enough away to not cause an issue.

Brother 3234DT – High-Performance Serger Machine Rated Best in Class

The Brother 3234DT is a reliable serger machine that uses 2, 3 or 4 threads to give you the exact finish you desire on your sewing projects. This machine handles as excellently lightweight silks as it does woven fabrics and stretchy knits. Making spaghetti straps, decorative edges and ruffles will suddenly be easier than you ever imagined once you start using the gathering foot, the blind stitch foot and the removable free arm.

If you enjoy working with knits, you’ll love how the two stitch fingers prevent the fabric from stretching. The large work table is ideal for larger projects. The removable trim trap gathers all the scraps after the machine cuts and sergers it. It uses standard sewing machine needles so there is no need to purchase expensive name brand needles.

Singer 14SH764CL – Stylish Serger Overlock Machine

When we hear the name “Singer”, what usually instantly comes to mind are sewing machines because they’re been manufacturing high-quality sewing machines for years. The Singer 14SH764CL is no exception to that tradition. This serger machine has 4, 3, 2 thread capability that provides various stitching options for all kinds of projects, whether it’s apparel, home projects or crafts. There is very little this machine can’t handle and still kick out professional-looking products.

The presser foot lifter allows you to make adjustments for lightweight fabrics or gives extra clearance for thicker fabrics. Other special features include a moveable thread cutter, an adjustable differential feed, a stainless steel bedplate and a four built-in rolled hem feature to produce a fine professional finish. Other stitches include a three thread-mock stretch safety stitch, a four-thread mock stretch stitch, a two-thread overlock stitch, a flatlock stitch and a three-thread overlock stitch.

Sewing Machine vs. Serger: Comparison Video

Buyer’s Guide

As wonderful and handy as a serger sewing machine is, it can also seem like a complex sewing machine when you first bring it into your home. I often hear people say that they seldom use their serger machines because they’re so complicated and hard to figure out. They will appear slightly more complex than your conventional sewing machine because, depending on what type of machine you get, you could be staring at several threads.

Don’t be afraid to make a checklist of what you’re looking for and what type of machine will best fit your needs. What about brand names? There are many wonderful brands out there, including Singer, Brother and Janome, to name just a few. These companies have been around for many years and are trusted by many people. While it may not always be necessary to stick to a brand name, it can be beneficial in terms of customer service and after-the-sale customer support.

Things to Consider When Buying a Serger Sewing Machine

Serger sewing machines are not that difficult to master provided you buy the best serger that matches your skill level. Don’t buy the first Serger you see or the most complex one. More is not always better. Sometimes, it’s just more.

Here are a few things to factor prior to purchasing a serger sewing machine:

• Will you use it? Do you want to buy a serger because you want the capabilities they offer to add to your current sewing projects? Or, do you want to buy it because it sounds like a good idea at this time?
• Cost. Serger sewing machines can run anywhere from $200 to $2,000 or more. If you’re only planning on using the serger occasionally and only for at-home personal use, you might want to start with an inexpensive one that offers the basic features.
• Where to buy? Since most sewing machines are major brand names, they’re probably all going to have similar warranties. You can shop in person or at online places like Amazon.
• New or used? While there is nothing wrong with buying a used sewing machine, you may want to have a new one so you know exactly what you’re getting and you’ll know the warranty is for you.
• What features do you want? Before you begin shopping for your serger, make sure you know what features you want. Serger machines are available as 2, 3, 4 or 5 thread machines. While a 2-thread Serger is good for simple lightweight fabrics, a 4-thread machine will handle heavyweight fabrics and give you an excellent overcast stitch.

Other features you may find helpful include:

• Adjustable differential feed
• Adjustable stitch width and length
• Adjustable sewing speed
• Easily removable presser foot
• Color-coded thread path
• LCD screen
• Automatic threader
• Removable stitch finger

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Serger machines look so complicated with so many threads going this way and that. Is it difficult to thread the machine or the bobbins?

Answer: Surprisingly enough, it’s not as complicated as one might think. They don’t use bobbins; they use looper threads. Since you’re threading the top, one thread at a time, it’s not much harder than threading your conventional machine only there are more threads. In addition to including an instructional DVD that demonstrates the steps, each thread is also color-coded on the front of the machine so you follow the diagram. Since serger machines also use large spools of thread, they’ll last longer.

Question: Since I’m buying a serger, can I get rid of my regular sewing machine?

Answer: I wouldn’t recommend it. The Serger machine is a great sewing machine for creating overcast edges, but you may still want your regular sewing machine for simple mending projects. Also, with some fabrics, you may want to sew the seams with your regular machine and then overcast it with the serger machine.

Question: Will the serger sew a straight stitch?

Answer: You’d be amazed how many people buy the serger and are sad to discover it doesn’t make a straight stitch. The serger uses from 3 to 5 threads all at once and these threads loop together to make an overcast edge. It’s virtually impossible for it to sew a straight stitch. Many sewers have their conventional sewing machine and their serger side by side on their sewing table. They sew the straight stitch with the regular machine and then overcast it with the serger.

And On That Note….

If you’ve gotten to the point where you’re ready to purchase a serger sewing machine, you’re ready to take your sewing skills to the next level. Serger sewing machines allow you to create just about any project you want and have it looking like something that came off the shelf of your favorite high-end boutique. We hope this buyer’s guide has helped you narrow down your choices and choose a serger that will fit into your sewing goals and your budget at the same time.

Author: Maryna Laas

My name is Maryna Laas. I am the muse, main author and owner of this site. As a child, I loved to sew dresses for dolls, and when I turned 16 I decided to learn sewing and design. I'm a psychologist. But my vocation through all my life has been designing clothes. I discovered a lot of secret techniques which I am eager to share with you.