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From: SewingNewbie
Date: 07-31-2006, 12:35 PM (1 of 7)
| I am going to be purchansing a serger soon and I was wondering what are my options? Anyone hae any suggestions? I'd like to be able to get the most out of the maching as I do not like the way my edges are comming out.. |
User: SewingNewbie
Member since: 07-29-2006 Total posts: 34 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-31-2006, 04:01 PM (2 of 7)
|
Sergers are like sewing machines; there's a lot of different brands with different bells and whistles and the one you purchase will depend on your budget and what you want and need a serger to do. There is a learning curve with any serger, from threading to the actual serging of fabric. If I'm not mistaken at this point in time, you can spend anywhere from $199 up to around $2,000 for a new serger. If you have any machine dealers around, you might want to check to see if possibly you could get your hands on a good serger that has been traded in for a higher/newer model. You might also check garage sales in your area as some are ending up there because they were a "must have" for someone's sewing room but never or hardly used. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: SewingNewbie
Date: 08-02-2006, 12:51 AM (3 of 7)
| Thanks! I will check garage sales or deals. I am just starting to sew, so I don't want to spend too much. |
User: SewingNewbie
Member since: 07-29-2006 Total posts: 34 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 08-02-2006, 09:07 AM (4 of 7)
|
Patsy is so right. Price, quality, and performance vary considerbly. You don't have to spend a lot to get a good one but you don't want the low end either. Important things to look for are ease of threading and use, smooth running, accessaability of parts and service in your area and the ability to get local training or classes. Like Patsy said there are a lot that end up in garage sales that never got used. Most of the time this is because the buyer never took the classes and learned how to use it so it became an intimidating monster that she really wasn't even sure what all it could do. My only caution is that if it comes from a garage sale you may not be able to get help with it. Depends on your local dealers. Another thing is that if the machine has a problem (or you think it might since you don't really know sergers yet) you might end up paying so much on a repair bill that you could have bought a new one. Your local dealers will probably have some bargains on some good reconditioned sergers. Then you will know it works, have a warranty, and someone to run to with questions. I can say that if you get a decent serger and learn how to use it you will wonder how you ever lived without it. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
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User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-02-2006, 12:18 PM (5 of 7)
Amen to that, Tom... Well Said!!! 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: SewingNewbie
Date: 08-02-2006, 07:28 PM (6 of 7)
|
You brought up a very good point. As a matter of fact when I told my HANDY husband I wanted to sew. I bought me a used (nothing wrong with that) sewing machine that needed repair. Well, that one is in a corner in our office and I use it's desk to cut on and my husband is staknig his books on it! I think maybe I'll look at a new one or refurbished one and sign up for classes at the same time. I might as well sign up for a sewing class at the same time... |
User: SewingNewbie
Member since: 07-29-2006 Total posts: 34 |
From: keljo60
Date: 08-09-2006, 10:17 PM (7 of 7)
|
I got my first serger right before dd2 was born (16 years ago!), I paid about $300 for it then. I always thought I didn't really need one because my regular machine did edge and stretch stitches and I could just trim the seams. That is until I took an evening sewing class at the local H.S. and they had a serger there and it was mandatory to use it. I was hooked. I use a lot of stretch (t-shirt) fabrics because they're forgiving when your are oversized like me and my serger is a life-saver! I replaced my old machine a few years ago with they same kind (again $300!) and it is a great addition to any sewing area.
Kelly
Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! |
User: keljo60
Member since: 07-30-2006 Total posts: 154 
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