QuiltingLane Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 My Pastor's wife wants a serger for Christmas and he asked me to help him. Unfortunately, I don't know anything about them. He would like something middle of the road as far as features - not too simple that she ends up wanting more, but not so advanced that she's overwhelmed (or that he can't afford it ). If anyone could recommend a good make/model I know he would appreciate any input. Thanks so much! Jody Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I can't recommend any one particular brand or features. My serger comes out of hiding only occasionally to serge the edges of fabric before I put it in the wash. However, after I retired from my real job I had a pretend job at a sewing store where we sold sewing and embroidery machines and sergers, high end, low end, and everything in between. My recommendation is that he let his wife pick out the one that has the features that she wants and functions in a way that is easy for her to understand and operate. Also, it should come from a store that will give her one or more lessons included with the purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quilting Heidi Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I have a older Viking and it works great! I love Viking products. I wouldn't buy a singer serger. I've heard nothing but bad about their tension. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercedes Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I also have a newer Viking Serger and love it. I do know the new babylock serger threads itself so if a person struggles with threading sergers, then they might want to look at one with auto-threading. Mercedes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neher-in-law5 Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I have a Pfaff that tells me what to move and adjust when I want to do a different program on it. You might want to suggest that he give a gift card/certificate or IOU in a serger box so she can have the fun of opening it and then picking out the one that fits her needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheri Butler Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 DITTO Madelyn! 100% Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewlinzi Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Babylock! Air threading is great. It depends whether the sewer also wants more than 4 thread spools and coverstitch (OK so I only use 3 threads and do straight lines but I have read the blurb!) Babylock has one which might be Imagine or something - it can hold up to 8 spools, does the coverstitch for sweatshirts etc and costs getting on for £1000+ so it comes down to budget. Hmm, a voucher might be nice unless the pastor thinks his wife wouldn't want to spend money on the top model! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
appr216 Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Babylock, love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rrteach Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I can ditto the Viking Serger recommendation if it's used. Mine is 25 years old and has never needed anything except a tension spring replaced. They are able to be self-serviced. That said, a few years ago, I bought a 5 thread Viking serger because it had a cover stitch. A plastic part broke within a year and cost $100 to fix. Then a few months later another plastic part broke. I traded it for a Babylock with cover stitch and never looked back. I still use the old Viking though for most things - it can handle anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jclark Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I have a Janome and like others, it gets used rarely but works well when I do use it. I helped a friend pick out a Brother serger the other day and she is very happy with it--it is probably the best middle of the road--she didn't want to spend the money for a Babylok or Bernina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizh27 Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 The Babylock offers auto threading and auto tension, no messing around! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hallre Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 My mom has a brother serger and I use it all the time--it's a middle of the road model and I love it. Once I learned to thread it I could do it in my sleep. Rose Hall Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boppinbrandy Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 Babylock. The air threading is awesome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I have a Janome and have never had a problem with it. Of course, Viking, BabyLock and Brother are all good products. Does she want one that threads itself? Those cost more but may be worth the price. Mine doesn't do its own threading. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LinneaMarie Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I have a Bernina and love it! I hated the Viking! Threw it out! Actually, I gave it to Good Will!! Of course, that was so many years ago; I'm sure they have improved. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IQuiltToo Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I also have a Bernina and I love it. I have had it for a long time. I use it often when making pillowcases, curtains, clothing and pillows etc. Marilyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KathG Posted November 11, 2009 Report Share Posted November 11, 2009 I agree........... the Babylock. The air threading is awesome! I have the Babylock Evolve which takes 8 threads, and also does cover stitch. the threading is just so easy. Babylock also do a 5 thread machine, just cannot remember the name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 If you are keeping a running tally of what has been mentioned here--- My vote is Babylock! Worth every penny and more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltnutt Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I have a Babylock Serger and love it. I got the one with the self threading guides. My sister has a Bernina and she loves hers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy2018 Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I do bridal/formal alterations as well as home dec. used a Bernina serger for 20 years, upgraded to a Babylock evolve. It is totally awesome for everything I do. The threading is easy, tension perfect every time. I really like that it can handle everything from chiffon , slippery satin, knits, and upholstry. It is a heavy machine and can work all day. (note: I still use my old Bernette serger for everyday work on serging the edges of fabric before I wash it:D:D) Pat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calicoquilter Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I have had my Bernina serger for over 20 years also and I love it. I have a Viking sewing machine and I hate it. It has had the same thing go wrong over and over again and I have had it repaired and replaced and it keeps happening. If I had it to do all over again, I would get a Bernina. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I have a Babylock Evolve, 4 thread serger & am very pleased wth it. It is the only serger I've had, so I can't compare brands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gator Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I have a 3 year old Bernina that I've used a few times. It works great but for my use I should have went with a cheaper brand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Linda G. Craig Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 I have both a Pfaff and a Janome serger, love them both! I think it's a personal preference. I would suggest she do some test driving and then she can tell her DH which serger she prefers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carin Posted November 12, 2009 Report Share Posted November 12, 2009 also like Baby Lock with air threading and automatic tension handling. I have the Imagine but I had rather the desire, because the 5 Threads and Cover Stitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.