If you’re eager to improve the look and quality of your sewing projects, then a serger machine is an incredible tool to polish and perfect your stitches and edges.

Whether you’re just beginning with your hobby as a seamstress, or you have been stitching for years, it can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the best serger machine for your needs.

There are a wide variety of high-quality serger machines available, but each has its own set of pros and cons that can make the decision process grueling for you. However, don’t let that stop you from benefitting from adding one to your arsenal of sewing tools.

Luckily, we’re here to provide a bit of insight when it comes to choosing the best serger that will ensure your projects come out top-notch and professional grade!

Juki MO-1000 Serger, Push Button Jet Air Looper Threader

Threading Made Thoughtless

The Juki MO-1000 serger machine is a dream come true for seamstresses everywhere. Many people complain about the cumbersome and frustrating process of threading serger machines.

However, the Juki MO boasts jet-air threading technology that is capable of threading the loopers with the ease of pressing a button. Because the thread is fed through the tubular loopers, you’re more likely to avoid making threading mistakes.

The process of threading the upper and lower looper can pose a daunting task to many, but all you must do is simply insert the thread, and the electric motor sends a gust of air to get the job done.

And that’s it! Threading is a seamless, two-step process that will make completing projects with this serger a breeze.

The Accessories

The Juki MO-1000 comes with a handy instruction manual that even has a chart of various stitches. The box also packs in an instructional DVD that will make getting started with your Juki MO machine quick and easy.

Additionally, the machine comes with an attached wastebasket that will supercharge the cleanup process when your garment is signed, sealed and delivered.

As your machine is finishing the edges of your project, it slices of a thin section of your fabric in a sleek, straight line as the fabric moves under the presser foot. This allows for a pristine edge, and the attached wastebasket catches all the scraps so you don’t have to.

On top of that, the box comes with a set of spool caps inside that will ensure your thread spool doesn’t jump off your machine in the middle of the sewing process.

Packed inside you will also find some simple maintenance tools, such as machine oil and a dust cover, that will keep the machine running at maximum performance through endless amounts of stitching and finishing.

The Machine’s Capabilities

The Juki MO comes with one presser foot, and the machine will allow you to complete overlock stitches with 2, 3, or 4 threads.

This Juki machine allows you to do rolled hems and is equipped with an adjustable differential feed that will allow your feed dogs to move at different speeds. This way, you can easily adjust the feed dog speed depending on what type of fabric you are working with. This machine has really got your back!

The Juki MO-1000 can handle a wide range of fabrics, from quilting cotton, denim, fleece, home décor weight fabric, and even down to delicate fabrics like jersey. Sometimes, other sergers have trouble cutting through both layers when sewing denim, but with the Juki MO-1000, it will be a piece of cake.

With the helpful addition of the adjustable differential feed and the machine’s innate capabilities, you’ll be able to sew even the lightest and most stretchy fabrics without worrying about rolling or puckering.

Aesthetics

The machine itself is about 10 7/8 inches front to back, so it would fit closely into a sewing cabinet with a standard 11-inch opening. The modern logo is clean, sharp and serene; and the shades of blue, purple, and gold on the logo would complement any sewing corner. Although sergers are not quiet machines because of their rapid speed, the Juki MO-1000 is relatively quiet.

Durability

The self-threading Juki MO-1000 is durable and able to sew garments for years on end. While sergers generally get heavy use and wear out before they age out, this machine is the best at its price point. Its durability does not disappoint!

Performance

This machine would win Oscars, Grammys, Tony Awards, and Golden Globes. It is a top performer out of the box and years after. The stitches are even, changing thread color is a breeze with the self-threading feature, and rolled hems are as easy as rolling off that log.

Even elementary-school children can sew their own pillowcases for that snow camp in the loft. Snow day under supervision, anyone?

Price 

This serger is an investment. It is the best machine in its class, and cheaper than its competitors. It is less costly than many of them and has similar features. While Juki may not be as well-known as Babylock or Janome, it delivers value at a lower price.

Overall 

The Juki MO-1000 is an extremely versatile machine, with features that handle any fabrics one can dream. It is a star of stars in its class, a top performer for any sewing project. If you are a beginner, it can make you look like an expert after some practice. If you are advanced, you can take your skills in new heights and directions.

Final Verdict

If you are in search of an easy to use serger machine with a multitude of capabilities and features, this is the machine that should be the next addition to your craft room.

With its jet-air threading technology and adjustable differential feed, sewing projects are polished with fewer errors and more perfection.

You’re unlikely to find a serger machine that performs this well for a better price. This machine will make you look like a pro, even if this is the first serger machine you’ve ever purchased.

Although it may seem intimidating, the Juki MO-1000 is super user-friendly and you’ll go from unboxing to working on your first project in no time!

Singer | Professional 5 14T968DC Serger with 2-3-4-5 Threaded Capability, including Cover Stitch, Auto Tension, and Bonus Presser Feet

The name of this machine tells you what it does. It is a professional-quality machine, able to thread with multiple colors, providing a wide selection of stitch options.

It sews seams, hems, decorative stitches, and more. It comes with a large selection of accessories, including presser feet, needles, tweezers, and such.

A Quality Machine

Singer sewing machines have been known for their high quality, durability, and ease of use for a consumer market. The Singer Professional 2-3-4-5 gives what it says: overlock stitches for seams, coverstitches for hems, and all others in between.

It can be used from the start of a garment to its finish. Stitch quality is superb, multifaceted, and adaptable for a variety of garments.

What’s Included?

There are many accessories included with the Singer Professional 2-3-4-5. Standard features include 7 presser feet: a clear one (helpful to see what is being sewn), and six bonus feet.

Spool caps, a needle set, spare cutting knife, spreader, and an anti-spill thread net are there right out of the box.

Fast and Fine Stitching

One of the many exciting qualities of the Singer Professional 2-3-4-5 is the fully automatic self-adjusting tension system.

It automatically adjusts for fabric type and thread weight, so you can be free to create all that you might dream. The clean pocket trims fabric during the sewing process. Specialty coverstitches and 4 types of rolled hems are decorative and add specialty details.

Size and Space

The machine weighs 24 pounds, and it is 11 by 12.5 by 14 inches, so could be used in a smaller sewing room. It is an attractive machine, especially when all 5 spools are filled with cones of colored thread relating to a project.

Durability

The machine itself has a heavy-duty metal frame and a 25-year limited warranty. It is one of the highest rated machines on the market for its durability. Many people who grew up using a sewing machine probably used a Singer.

Performance

The sheer number of specialty stitches, options, and possibilities make this machine a versatile performer. Its speed is breathtaking, at around 1300 stitches per minute. It is good for many different types of projects

Price

This is a mid-priced machine, around the same price as a good traditional sewing machine. Add in all the accessories that are packed with it and it is a great deal!

Overall

The Singer Professional 2-3-4-5 is a great machine, if the sewist spends time paying attention to detail with threading and instructions. Its stitch quality and versatility make it a beautiful addition to any sewing room.

Final Verdict

While the Singer Professional 2-3-4-5 can be daunting to thread, attention to detail and patience pay off in years of beautifully completed projects.

It is also relatively easy to get supplies and parts if you need them. Quality thread, needles made especially for sergers, and imagination serve as important tools for this machine.

If you are looking for a machine in the mid-priced range, it may just be the one you are seeking!

Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger

Once again, the name on the box tells the sewist exactly what they will get. With the specialty stitches, presser feet, differential feed, and a 3-4 thread configuration, the Brother Designio Series DZ 1234 Serger is designed to free the inner designer.

Even routine tasks like shortening jeans or hemming dresses can be completed quickly with a professional, specialized finish.

A Closer Look

This serger also sews up to 1300 stitches per minute. It has a convertible free arm/flatbed sewing surface, convenient when sewing sleeves, hemming children’s clothing or attaching emblems.

The thread system is fully color-coded, the stitch width controls are on a convenient dial, the differential feed ratio makes it easy to adjust stitch quality for all types of fabric, and it uses home sewing needles.

Specialized Feet

Besides the all-purpose foot that comes with the machine, a Blind Hem Stitching Foot can be used to create blind hems, join fabrics, or attach lace or other fabrics.

A Piping Foot will attach piping or sew zippers in almost the time it takes to say, “I need a zipper right here, right now.” The Gathering Foot will both gather and attach ruffles in one step, eliminating the need for pins.

Aesthetics

The machine itself has a modern navy-and-white design, fitting in to most color schemes. It is 15.2 x 13 x 13.2 inches, and weighs about 13 lb., lightweight enough to take to classes or groups.

Sturdiness

The Brother Designio Series DZ 1234 Serger has a 25-year warranty. It is highly-rated by users who use sergers daily, and need a machine with consistent, clever, and couture results.

Versatility

This small machine is designed to help sewists transform clothes from the back of their closets into new and different items, as well as making one-of-a kind items from new cloth.

Interchangeable presser feet out of the box add to the versatility of this supporting performer. Way to move from the back of the chorus line, Designio!

Cost

This cost of this machine is very competitive for those on a budget. Specialty pressure feet and other items included in the box with the machine would cost more if bought separately, adds yet more value. Many who own it look at higher-end machines first, and decide feature-for-feature, the Designio is a better value.

Overall

The Designio is a great choice for a novice or experienced sewist who is not familiar with sergers. It has color-coded threading, multiple specialty feet out of the box, and is versatile on all types of fabrics.

Final Verdict

The Designio promises ready-to-wear results and fashion-forward choices at a competitive price. The color-coded threading system assures easier results than other, more expensive machines.

With care and attention, it will serve the sewist who wants to start serging right away without buying that high-end machine featured on the sewing videos and programs.

JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine

The Juki MO654DE is an industrial serging machine that has been adapted for a consumer home market. It has a powerful, dedicated drive cutting system, high-quality stitch formation, and convertible 2/3/4 serging with automatic rolled hem capability.

It can sew a wide variety of stitches, such as attaching elastic or tape, rolled hems, producing quality projects from the beginning.

Safety Features

This machine has safety features built in from the beginning, including a micro-safety switch which will lock out the motor when the side cover is open for threading. The upper knife moves out of the way of the threading area, so it can be safely threaded.

Looks

The machine specifications are 10.6 by 13.6 x 11.6 inches, so it would also be a compact addition to a sewing area. It weighs about 20 pounds, so could be transported for a class or group and rethreaded. It has a clean, industrial look and feel.

Toughness

The Juki MO654DE is a consumer adaptation of industrial sergers, so it is a sturdy machine, with suction cups that grip the table. It does not move, shift, or wobble, even under the great speeds a serger produces.

New machines come with an extended warranty. This Juki delivers comparable results to extremely high-end products.

Price

This Juki currently sells at the budget end of the market, a quarter of the cost of the most expensive machine in this review. Since it is a durable machine, it lasts many sewists through miles of stitches and years of use.

Overall 

Since the Juki MO654DE was adapted from industrial-standard serger machines, its safety and durability are unquestionable.

It produces quality, professional grade results, like any found in ready to wear, from a home machine. It is lower-priced than many other machines on the market and delivers great value.

Final Verdict

With the Juki MO654DE, any sewist can produce professional results in a very short time. It has safety features galore and is sturdy enough to be used every day, with nary a slip or wobble.

The stitches produced are truly beautiful, with rolled hems in one step. It delivers the quality of a Juki but at the lower end of the price spectrum. With careful use, regular maintenance, and attention, the sewist and the Juki will have a beautiful friendship.

Brother Serger, 1034DX, 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed, 3 or 4 Thread Capability, 1,300 Stitches Per Minute, Color-Coded Threading Guides

The Brother 1034 DX Serger works with 3 or 4 threads for added flexibility for overlock seam or overlock stitching projects. It has color-coded threading guides printed right on the machine, as well as a convenient wheel to adjust stitch width.

Adjustments to stitch width ensure that serged stitches will lie flat on any type or weight of fabric, creating a smooth finish. It also has a trim trap to easily clean up the mess of trimmed fabric and store the foot controller when the machine is not being used.

Zooming In

Sewists will be able to set up new machines with the help of the included DVD instructional video, as well as online and technical support. The differential feed ratio allows for smooth, even stitching and versatility. Stitch width is controlled by a convenient knob. It can sew at speeds of up to 1300 stitches per minute.

But Wait … There’s More

The box contains a standard presser foot, which is useful for general sewing, rolled hems, as well as sewn and trimmed edges. The blind hem foot also can join and attach lace and other fabrics.

Finally, the gathering foot can even eliminate the need for pins, as well as easy ruffling.

Appearance 

Product dimensions are 13 x 15.2 x 14 inches, and about 16 lb. The color-coded threading guides add a clean, modern look to the craft room, without a lot of fussy detail. It does have an additional soft cover right in the box.

Lasting Value

The Brother 1034 DX Serger is backed by a 25-year limited warranty, with technical support available. It is strongly made and can last for years with routine care and maintenance.

Price 

The Brother 1034 DX Serger is the least expensive machine in this review. It uses regular sewing needles and regular spools of thread, in addition to the large cones that are available for serging.

Final Verdict

While this machine is the least expensive of the top performers, it has many high-value features, such as color-coded threading; differential feed ratio; clean, even stitching; and can deliver professional results. It works very well for many sewists who use sergers daily.

Final Thoughts

The sergers discussed in this article are a valuable addition to any craft room. We’ve reviewed both premium and budget sergers.

The Juki MO1000 is self-threading and easy to use, but it is an investment.

The Singer Professional 2-3-4-5 performs both cover stitches and overlock stitches, unusual in its class.

The Brother Designio DZ 1234 promises couture results out of the box, with endless wardrobe possibilities.

The Juki MO654DE is an industrial serger adapted for home use, promising professional results from the first use.

The Brother 1034DX delivers many of the features of more expensive machines at an affordable price.