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From: voxsinger
Date: 03-13-2005, 10:57 AM (1 of 9)
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I want a serger to use on knit fabrics. Is this one appropriate, or should I keep looking. tx. Singer Serger 14J334 Features: * Differential Feed System * 3 or 4 Thread Capability * Color Coded Threading System * Easy Looper Threading System * Cutting Width Adjustment * Buiult-In Moveable knife * Labeled Tension System for easier operation * Adjustable Stitch Length * Built-In Sewing Light * Built-In Carrying Handle * Built-In Accessory Storage * Fabric scraps catcher (attaches to front of serger) * Uses standard sewing machine needles * Serger stitch features: flat seams, narrow rolled hems, picot stitches, single overlock, double overlock, and more! * Accessories Included: Spool Caps, Spool Nets, Threading Tweezer tool, Spool base caps, Oil, Soft Plastic Cover, pack of needles, Instruction Manual, Electronic Foot Control |
User: voxsinger
Member since: 03-12-2005 Total posts: 6 |
From: smith972
Date: 03-13-2005, 02:26 PM (2 of 9)
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I am not an expert but i would have to say the Differential Feed System is what you need for working with knits....if i am wrong i am sure someone else will step in and let you know... Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241 
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From: voxsinger
Date: 03-13-2005, 09:59 PM (3 of 9)
| Thank you Jada. Would you recommend this machine? Have you (or anyone else) heard anything positive or negative about it? |
User: voxsinger
Member since: 03-12-2005 Total posts: 6 |
From: smith972
Date: 03-13-2005, 11:16 PM (4 of 9)
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my serger is a simplicity...but i have a singer, brother and kenmore sewing machines....i prefer my singer above all others....well that is until i got my babylock embroidery/sewing machine.....but that is off topic...i think that singer makes good machines and for your first serger this should be a good machine for you...i would not recommend the higher end sergers at this time only because you are new to sewing and maynot really like sewing all the time.....once you get into it or if you believe this is something you will be doing for a while or will enjoy greatly then i would suggest one of the higher end ones and since i have now started to buy and really enjoy babylock i would suggest the babylock sergers (they have an auto thread and auto tension function but cost about 1400).... If you go with the singer please get the singer serger book...I got mine from Hancock fabrics....and it had a wealth of information.... Let us know what you decide to do and how it works for you... Jada |
User: smith972
Member since: 09-10-2004 Total posts: 241
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From: plrlegal
Date: 03-15-2005, 01:14 AM (5 of 9)
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voxsinger sorry I just read your post. I'm just getting over this awful flu that is going around here. You may have already purchased a serger but I just wanted to say that I have a Singer 5 thread that is about 6 years old now and I've used it for hours on end doing costume making, bridal apparel, etc. and it has only had to be serviced one time and that was because a small screw on the inside worked loose. Otherwise, it keeps right on serging every time I need it. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: voxsinger
Date: 03-16-2005, 03:53 PM (6 of 9)
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No, I haven't purchased a serger yet. My friend Brenda and I have decided to go half n' half. She's slightly more patient than I am. The site I found recomended these features: Some serger features to consider: The number of threads used. The basic serger stitch uses 3 threads but sergers are available with up to 8 or 10 threads. The more threads used, the greater the kinds of stitching can be done but more expensive the serger will be. Ease of threading. Sergers can sometimes be difficult or time consuming to thread so look for automatic or color-coded threading systems. Type of sewing needle used. Some sergers require special sewing needles, which may not be widely available; others use regular sewing machine needles, which are available at any sewing supplies business. Removable trim knife for those times you want to sew without trimming the seam. Tension adjustment that is automatic or self-adjusting to eliminate "trail and error" to achieve the correct tension. Types of accessory feet. Snap-on or swing-out presser feet help make threading and changing feet easier. For embellishment/decorative stitching, look for feet designed to attach lace or beads, do rolled hems, attach cording and piping, etc. Accessories that come with the serger. It is helpful to have items such as a dust cover, scrap catcher attachment, spool pin adapters, and spool caps. Now here's where I really push my luck on this forum  Any recommendations? I think I need to hit a good sewing shop with demo models. Singer is a good solid brand. Two other brands were also recommended. I seeking ease-of-use and something fairly inexpensive... tx. |
User: voxsinger
Member since: 03-12-2005 Total posts: 6 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 03-17-2005, 07:24 AM (7 of 9)
| Oh Wow, so much to say here..and I have said it before LOL. First, I suggest..decide what you want to do with the serger. Do you only want to finish off seams, rolled hem and blind hem..or do you want a serger that also has the coverhem and chain stitch ability, or do you want more capability for many deco looks by getting a many thread machine. If it is just a basic set of wants..for sure start with a 4 thread with differential feed that has a disengable knife, stitch width and length, easy threading lower looper. Now..with a basic serger in mind..do try to go do a test drive..sergers models even in the same brand vary in features, quality and price. Some are noisy and some vibrate and some are hard to thread. Some sergers have an auto feature to flip the stitch finger to make rolled hems..where others you have to change the needle plate to make a rolled hem. Do test drive a serger to see if it meets your comfort level and does not vibrate off the table. 4 thread sergers need a coverter and usually come with one to do a 2 thread stitch. The 2 thread stitch you will probably use often for doing delicate fabric and also for flatlock but a 3 thread can be used also for flatlock. Coverhem sergers are great to have but there are also machines that do coverhem only. Most 5 thread sergers do coverhem..but not all 5 thread sergers do it. Also some 5 thread sergers and coverhem only machines only do one size coverhem. I have a 4 thread serger that does 3 coverhems, chain and 16 stitch programs and has auto tensions and tilt needles for easy changing. I love my serger..but I have also loved several basic sergers. Some coverhem machines are difficult to covert to coverhem from basic serging. One person said it took her 25 min. to convert her model. So..I do recommend..test drive a serger if at all possible..to check for noise, vibration, features, quality and price..all should fit your comfort level and suit your sewing needs. I wish you luck and hope you have fun in your search and find a serger you will enjoy for years. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Hippiegirl
Date: 03-21-2005, 01:37 PM (8 of 9)
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[QUOTE=Kylnne2] I have a 4 thread serger that does 3 coverhems, chain and 16 stitch programs and has auto tensions and tilt needles for easy changing. I love my serger [QUOTE] Kylnne, Which model is this? |
User: Hippiegirl
Member since: 03-21-2005 Total posts: 77 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 03-21-2005, 08:30 PM (9 of 9)
| Hippiegirl, My serger model is the Elna 744. I have owned 4 sergers, a Babylock for many years, then a Pfaff 4842 and Janome. All are good sergers but the Elna by far is the easiest with the 5 position tilt needles and the automatic tensions. The tensions can be adjusted if need be but are automatically set no matter what stitch number you dial to. Conversion to coverhem stitches are easy with no plate or foot to change. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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