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From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-03-2005, 10:28 PM (1 of 31)
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Hello, I am new to this site but it looks really good. I have been sewing for about 40 yrs. I consider myself a good basic seamstress...altho, I did make my daughter's wedding dress. I have sewn for all my children and made men's slacks. I started out on my mom's old Kenmore when she bought a new one. Then in the fall of 1976 I bought a new Bernina*matic, a 910 Electronic. I still sew on this machine. I doubt I will ever have anything else as they are so much out of my price range that it boggles my mind. When I want some embroidery on a garment I do it by hand. I would like to try a serger but it will have to be very inexpensive! I read some reviews on another site and people there seemed very happy with Brothers and Janomes at $300 or less. It seems like you all have much more expensive mahines than that but I would like some input from you. I know one person who sews a lot and she has every kind of fancy machine Bernina makes. She said to be sure and get something that is not complicated to thread but it seems like everyone says they are all difficult. I would really appreciate any help. Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: SummersEchos
Date: 10-03-2005, 10:45 PM (2 of 31)
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Hi Artie Ann, Welcome to Sew Whats News. I wish I could help you with your question, but I have a serger and I never really use it. So I know I would not give any good advice here. I jst want to welcome you to our wonderful group. Hope you will join in the other discussions. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: MissKittyDillon
Date: 10-03-2005, 11:50 PM (3 of 31)
HI, and welcome! I am also new to the whole serger thing. I just bought my first one, a Brother, at Walmart, no less. It was on clearance for $150.00. I love it. It even has all kinds of fancy things that I don't even know how to use. My mother-in-law has a more expensive one (I don't remember the brand), she got it at Joanne's several years ago and paid over $400, and I think mine does just as good a job as hers does. Bottom line, buy what you can afford, sometimes the less expensive stuff is just as good. Good luck! 
Marci
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User: MissKittyDillon
Member since: 09-28-2005 Total posts: 33 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-04-2005, 08:14 AM (4 of 31)
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Welcome Artie Ann! I first started out with a really old used serger from one of the local quilt shops that was very inexpensive. After a month, I splurged on a brand new one for a few reasons, mostly because the one I had you couldn't make any adjustments on at all. I was able to sell the first one for an excellent price and put that towards my new one. I love my serger, and would like to learn how to use it more. I think when we head down to Seattle this weekend I will be checking out the bookstores and picking up a good serger book. I'm sure my serger has paid for itself at least three times now.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: esrun3
Date: 10-04-2005, 09:39 AM (5 of 31)
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Welcome Artie Ann. Wanted to welcome you to the boards. I don't own a serge so can't help you there but hope you enjoy all the friends and info you'll find here.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-04-2005, 09:58 AM (6 of 31)
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Thank you ladies for the welcome and the info. I will definitely have to buy what I can afford because we don't use credit. I live in a small town, the nearest place to buy a machine is 21 miles away at Wal-Mart and they sell Brothers and Simplicity. On another site I have read lots of good recommendations for Brothers, especially the CD-Rom that comes with it. There is an elderly man in that same town who repairs sewing machines and sometimes has one to sell but he doesn't work on sergers or ever have any to sell. The next closest place that would have a serger is 65 miles away. A bit too far to go for lessons with gas at $3.00 a gal. But the Janome at Hancocks there this week-end is on sale, Model #9102D for $279.48. From the picture it appears to have 4 threads. Does anyone have one of these they could share their experience with? I'm really worried that I would spend the money and then not use it because it is too complicated and I'm no spring chicken...it is true what they say about "old dogs" Thanks again, Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-04-2005, 12:11 PM (7 of 31)
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Helloooooo I looked on the Jaome website and couldn't find that model. I suggest you go for one that says it has some form of threading help - either colour coded paths or a needle threader. Janome are a good solid brand but I would pick it up and see how heavy it is - you need it solid to stand all the rocking about the stitches do at high speed. The very cheapest Janomes are sometimes classesd as a bit lightweight. In the end I bought an Elna 686 in the end which I would say is a mid range price machine. For me the sale was ultimately won by the fact that the lady selling it sat down with me for ages showing me how to thread it and what it could do. Test drive the machine and try out lots of things! Have fun - I don't use mine that much but I love having it for when I do - it makes such a difference to the finish of a garment. I just can't afford to feed my fabric habit. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-05-2005, 05:20 AM (8 of 31)
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Jan, there are a few UK websites with the Janome 9102D overlocker. It looks very similar to my Janome Mylock 934 (?) and I really am pleased with mine. Mine even came with its own little video which did a great job of explaining hot to thread it, how to run it and all the different things you can do with it. It has a color coded diagram inside the flipdown door that explains the threading quite nicely. A good serger book is always helpful if you can pick one up somewhere. Just always remember to thread your machine 4321. 4 lower looper 3 upper looper 2 right needle 1 left needle. And there is a really good trick to changing threads, cut them off just at the top of the threadholder and do a knot tying in the new color. Then carefully pull them through or run the machine with the foot down to get the threads all the way through and voila - ready to go with a new color.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-06-2005, 05:04 AM (9 of 31)
| Sears Kenmore sergers are also made by Janome and when they have a sale you might get a better price. I bought a Janome New Home off the internet which is much like the Kenmore model with the lay in threads and self threading lower looper and I only paid $199 with free shipping. This model is still available on line. Craft Master sergers (or is it Master Craft?) is also Janome I believe. You can check these out on the internet at on line dealers just to check features etc. even if you aren't interested in buying off the internet. I did give my New Home serger to my oldest daughter when I got my Elna coverhem and she uses it constantly. Janomes are work horses and machine techs say that they do not need repairs often. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Military_Mom
Date: 10-06-2005, 02:24 PM (10 of 31)
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I have a White 1600 serger that I bought at Joann's for under $200 and I really like it. It had a really informative video with it, which helped because I didn't know a THING about using a serger. I've been happy with it and don't feel like I spent an arm and a leg to get the finished look in projects that I was looking for. For the money, I'd recommend this one for starters. ~Becky |
User: Military_Mom
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 109 
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From: patti2
Date: 10-07-2005, 12:58 PM (11 of 31)
| I got my serger at Walmart, too, and paid under 250 for it. It is great for my needs and I have had no trouble with it in 2 1/2 years. Keep it cleaned, oiled and use good quality thread. It is a four thread serger. |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-07-2005, 09:21 PM (12 of 31)
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Laura. I asked the lady I bought mine from about the tying threads and pulling them through thing - she advised against it as although it would work I would be better off in the log run getting used to how it threads and thereby understanding the thread path more. It doesn't take long before you get to be a dab hand at it and it doesn't bother me threading the thing.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: debsews
Date: 10-07-2005, 10:44 PM (13 of 31)
| Hi Misstwoshoes: You don't say how old you are but I think we can do anything we set our minds to. Having said that I just bought a new Huskylock 936. I took the colored thread off it today and got out the book and threaded it. I thought about tying on the threads and will probably do that in the future to change colors but I really wanted to learn how to do it from scratch. It took two trys but I had a Brother 920D that I never did learn how to thread. Always had to get DH in there to work on it. He's thrilled I've mastered this one so quickly. I would say to go out and try them out before you buy. I got the Brother at WalMart, it never worked properly until I had it serviced by a dealer. I'm sure they're better now, that wasa 12 years ago. I still have it and it still works it just doesn't do what this 936 will do. Good luck |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-08-2005, 06:51 PM (14 of 31)
Thanks for the ifo ladies. I went Thursday to Little Rock and looked at Sears. Both sergers they had on the floor were quite heavy. Then yesterday in Jonesboro I went to Hancocks and looked at the Janome they have on sale and it was considerably lighter than the two Kenmores. Also, the thread paths looked more confusing. I went to eBay last night and looked at a Bernina but I don't know enough about sergers to know if I should bid or not... Maybe I should just keep on zig-zagging my seams to finish them. 
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User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 10-09-2005, 12:44 AM (15 of 31)
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Juki makes the Bernina 008dl [I think thats the number]serger and some others of theirs. The Juki 654de serger [and the Juki 644de sergers] are the same as the Bernina 007 and 008's but with tensioning knobs instead of lay in tensioning. I have the Juki 654DE purchased off of Ebay for under $300..the 644DE is even less. Both 4 threads sergers. I LOVE my Juki! It is solidy built, easy to thread and relatively quiet.Does a beautiful stitch. You might want to take a look at them. The Ebay dealer I bought from takes offers so if you offer about $25 or so less than their asking price they will generaly let you have it for that. Funny that there was such a difference in the quality from Sears to the Janome at Hancocks. Janome makes most of the Sears sergers.[if not all] |
User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-09-2005, 09:34 PM (16 of 31)
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Thanks for the info on the Juki. I'll check out ebay in a few minutes. The Bernina was out of my range by last evening but I have a friend that said it was cheap at what it went for. I was surprised about the weight difference on the Janome and the Kenmores because I had been told that Janome made the Kenmore sergers. BUT there was a big difference. Maybe I will wait for the Kenmores to go on sale and buy one of those. Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: dmoses
Date: 10-10-2005, 08:56 AM (17 of 31)
I started off with a Kenmore serger(4-thread with differential feed). It always worked great.  It came with a video and an instruction manual. Both were excellent resources. I really appreciate that, because the manual for the Singer serger I have now(5-thread with coverstitch) is a 'POS'(piece of 'poop'). It is full of mistakes, so if I hadn't learned on my Kenmore, I would be at a total loss...the Singer instruction manual is not for newbies. Just to give an example, I went to the Singer dealer last week to get a bulb for my serger. I forgot to bring the bulb that was blown, so the salesperson got out the 'trusty' manual for my serger and sold me the bulb as stated in it. Needless to say, it was the wrong bulb. One would think that a company like Singer would have better quality assurance...  I didn't have lessons, but learned on my own. Once I got the threading and basics down, I got some books to help me along on the 'creative' side of things. I also joined some serger groups online which can be very helpful...you can pick up a lot of tips. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-10-2005, 07:20 PM (18 of 31)
| I think all sergers should come with videos. My Janome New home did. I believe my old Babylock did and my Elna 744 did. A friend has a video that came with her Simplicity model also. For people new to serging there is an article in the Nov. issue of Sew News about Serger Basics. It is several pages long and very informative to those new to serging. It covers quite a bit about handling difficult fabrics, specialty stitching, upper and lower loopers,thread tension and threads, Differential feed, cleaning, serger shopping and serger do's and don'ts. Just an FYI for those that might be interested. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-10-2005, 10:20 PM (19 of 31)
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Well, ladies, for better or for worse I bought a Bernette serger off eBay. I thought about guarantees and lessons etc...But the closest Bernina dealer is over 100 miles away so I wouldn't be going for lessons anyway and I've been sewing on a Bernina for many years without any problems, I figure it is a good product. I have a friend who has the same model Bernette so she said she would help me. NOW does anyone have a really good basic book on serging they can recommend? Thanks, Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-10-2005, 10:24 PM (20 of 31)
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Oh and I do have another question...what kind of thread do you use? I read on another site not to buy "cheap" thread but they didn't say what was a good brand. Any recommendations? Thanks! Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: MissKittyDillon
Date: 10-11-2005, 12:04 AM (21 of 31)
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As I am also new to serging I can't answer your question about a book, but I can recomend thread. Maxi Lock is a good one and you can get it at Hancocks. Pretty much just stay away from the stuff that you get at Walmart. Also, if it says "Made in Mexico" stay away. Good Luck! Marci 
Marci
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User: MissKittyDillon
Member since: 09-28-2005 Total posts: 33
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From: soverysewey
Date: 10-11-2005, 01:15 AM (22 of 31)
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Which Bernette did you get? They are supposed to be great machines. I have lots of serger books and my 3 favorites are : The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide,Serger Secrets and The New Singer Sewing With a Serger. A lot of the time you can find these cheaper on Overstock.com than anywhere..even Ebay. Be sure to let us know how you like the serger once you get it! |
User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: Reba Hewitt
Date: 10-11-2005, 08:30 AM (23 of 31)
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Artie Ann I have a Brother 920D. (Wal-Mart) It was 'cheap' and sews like a charm. just keep it cleaned, oiled and serviced and you will have many years of pleasure. I told my Hubby that I wanted one and did not think he really heard me but one Christmas he gave me one. I was kinda afraid to use it and let it set in the box for a year!!!! It came with a video and one day I decided I was being foolish, so I watched the video and thought 'how simple', have been using it ever since (years). I feel lost when it is in the shop and won't sew unless it is an emergency. I have not had to have any parts replaced except needles and blades, which I do myself. I knot the change of thread and pull it through...Some folks say not to do this but someone told me this is OK as the knot will help clean the lint out of the tensions. I have done this for yrs and have not had a problem. Buy one and enjoy!!!!! Reba |
User: Reba Hewitt
Member since: 10-10-2005 Total posts: 14 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-11-2005, 12:22 PM (24 of 31)
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I guess I'm just so very different from the 'norm'.. I knot my threads and run the machine to pull the looper threads, (not the needle threads) but I always tie the new thread on AFTER it goes through the tension mechanism.. I knot the needle threads same place and pull through by hand til the knot gets to the needle then I cut and rethread the needle.. This way, (totally) no stress is put on the needles and the knots are so tiny they go through the loopers with no trouble.. The knot is just put the 2 thread ends together and tie one loop and pull very tight to make that knot as tiny as possible.. Works every time..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 10-11-2005, 03:24 PM (25 of 31)
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I just bought a book that was recommended on this site and I sat last night and read and read. Its very good basic stuff and lots of tips and techniques. The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James. Thread, get good stuff, its definitely worth the money. I have found the cheaper stuff breaks very easily. Chris James talks about using 'blender' colors which I have never done, but will now. Certain colors seem to go with everything such as ivory or cream for lighter colors and grays for darker. Also mauve, rose and light blue. Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: misstwoshoes
Date: 10-12-2005, 12:01 AM (26 of 31)
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Thanks, ladies! I had thought about getting the Chris James book and have it written down on my "to buy" pad, I appreciate the "plug". I will look into the other three books, also. And I will stick with Hancock thread or....has anyone bought thread off ebay or other website? Which one and what kind? Hancock is 60 + miles from me. The blending of thread sounds really interesting. Oooooh it is late, just heard my clocks striking, good night. Artie Ann |
User: misstwoshoes
Member since: 10-02-2005 Total posts: 17 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-12-2005, 12:53 PM (27 of 31)
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Maxi Lock is the thread name.. As far as I'm concerned , its the ONLY serger sewing thread.. Thats the one at Hancocks.. It is made by American and Efird Thread Mills, home base is Mt Holly NC, just 10 miles away from me.. But that is not why I recommend it.. It is The best .. Hancocks puts it on sale , that is why most of us buy it there.. Monday , I bought it for 1.50 a cone.. or probably a few pennies more.. 48 % discount from 2.99 is what I paid.. 48th anniversary sale at Hancocks.. I also stick with the creams , grays, and blues for my blenders.. I do hate having to change all 4 threads at once..even with my color coded threading for each one..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 10-12-2005, 04:23 PM (28 of 31)
| I use Maxi Lock the most. Years ago I used Talon thread. I also use a lot of YLI woolly nylon that is sold at Joanne's. The YLI "Extra" woolly nylon really does fluff out nice for edges. The new Maxi Lock varigated thread is rather expensive and I haven't used it yet. It is $10 a cone as compared to the solid colors around $3 for a cone. I have used the YLI varigated. The varigated thread in a looper and a solid bold color that blends with the fabric and varigated and in the other looper makes a nice braided look on edges. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: patti2
Date: 10-20-2005, 07:42 AM (29 of 31)
| I get thread at threadart.com. They are fast and sell very good quality thread at good prices. Joannes also has a good website. I have also had good luck with denverfabrics and clotilde. Can you tell I hate to go shopping, but love to get mail!! |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 11-12-2005, 08:21 PM (30 of 31)
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misstwoshoes, I will not comment on specific brands because I am a dealer and do not feel that this is the proper forum for me to promote machines. What I will tell you is that at least 80% of the sergers I get in for repair are from Walmart and similar discount houses. These machines are also ussually the most expensive to repair. Often the damage is due to improper use because the owner had no one to turn to for help other times its just the machine. It is advisable to stay away from machines made for the discount houses. They are not the same machines available elsewhere. At Handcocks beware of models that have HF in the model number. these are made just for Hancocks and not as good as the others. I don't think you have any dealers left in Jonesburogh. Your best bet might be Hancocks. They are the only National Chain permitted to sell the true Singer machines like a dealer would. The other brands they carry are not the "real" thing.
Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: MartySews
Date: 11-15-2005, 11:34 PM (31 of 31)
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I have one of the TOL sergers and love it. DH surprised me with it Christmas 3 years ago. I use it on almost every garment I sew and it's wonderful for crafts. It had a workbook but no video. To start off, I recommend reading "The ABC's of Serging". You can probably find this at your public library as it has been out for more than 10 years. It is great for explaining the workings of a serger (not brand specific). There is a learning curve but once you've mastered the basics, look for "Serger Secrets", "Serge Art", "Sew, Press, Serge" are some of the books that I like for inspiration. Once one gets in the habit of using their serger, it is wonderful and can give your garments that RTW look. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504 
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