Best Serger for Beginners

Once you master using a standard sewing machine, a serger is really what you need to take your projects to the next level. A serger (also sometimes called an overlock machine) will allow you to get the tidy, professional look. They are fast, efficient, and with a good serger you can really handle any type of fabric, including knits and extremely stretchy fabrics. A serger is also incredibly useful when you want to do all kinds of decorative stitches and finishes, layers, ruffles, and whatnot. Garments made with a serger do not only look better, but these seams are also much more durable. However, buying a serger can seem a bit intimidating. With all these threads involved, how will you learn to use the machine? Well, with the right, beginner-friendly serger it shouldn’t be too hard. We’ve tested the most popular household sergers on the market to see if they live up to the hype and how hard they are to use. Take a look at this list of five beginner-friendly segers and we believe you will surely find one you like!

Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed

Brother is a very well-known name among those interested in sewing equipment. They are known for making high-quality, reliable products, and this certainly holds true when it comes to the Brother 1034D Serger! The company actually started out in Japan as a family business, way back in 1908. The Yasoi brothers (hence the name Brother), decided to transform a small sewing machine workshop into a large-scale factory. They released their first mass-produced product in 1928. It was a sewing machine designed specifically for making straw hats. Ever since then, Brother has been the leading innovator on the market, always creating new solutions and products that provide amazing results but are also easy to use.

The Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed is a perfect example of what you can create when you combine functional design and great craftsmanship. This serger is simply an amazing machine. It’s quite easy to use, so you can get the hang of it quickly even if it’s your first time using a serger. At the same time, this serger offers a variety of functions and different stitching options. It offers amazing, consistent results, and it can do so for many years. These are not just empty words, though – Brother actually gives you a 25-year limited warranty on this product.

Now, let’s talk a little bit about the features this serger offer. First of all, it is capable of creating a wide variety of stitches, with a total of 22 built-in stitch functions. These include 4-thread overlock, 3-thread overlock, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches, for example. Setting up the threads is also quite easy, thanks to the color-coded system featured on this model. The threading system is designed in such a way that the threads never fall out of place which prevents any accidents.

On the back side of this serger, you will find two adjustable dials. One allows you to adjust the stitch width so it fits your project perfectly. The other one is for differential feed – a feature that will allow you to work even with extremely soft or slippery fabric without ending up with stretched out or wavy edges. Getting the perfect result might involve some experimentation, but with this serger it’s certainly possible!

Final Verdict

The Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed is a reasonably priced machine that is also very well-made and reliable. It’s great for beginners because it offers a range of adjustable function, but it’s not too hard to set up either. In any case, Brother 1034D comes with an instructional CD and a detailed instruction manual in both English and Spanish. Thesei should help you understand all the features this serger offers in case there are any problems.

SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish Serger

The SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish Serger is another great machine with a range of functions, great for beginners and professionals alike. Singer is the ultimate old-timer in the sewing machine business. The history of the company started as far back as 1851, when Isaac Merritt Singer patented a sewing machine. This machine was quite different from contemporary sewing machines, but the concept was similar and it was a huge innovation at the time. Today, they still make a variety of sewing machines and sergers and they are known for the high quality of their products. 

Just like most sergers, the SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish Serger has two needles and two loopers on the inside. It can create various stitches using two, three, or four threads. Thanks to this feature, it can perform a wide variety of tasks – including created rolled hems, finishing raw edges, and sewing seams. There is a knife that cuts the edges of the fabric, just like with any serger, but you can also remove the knife easily if this is what your project requires. When you want to make a 2-thread stitch, a spreader attachment needs to be installed, but this is not a problem at all. The spreader attachment is included with the serger (along with a range of other accessories) and it’s quite easy to install. 

If you look at a picture of the SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish Serger, you’ll immediately notice that it features a raised bar that holds the threads. Let this not confuse you, though! This is a telescopic thread bar, which means it can be folded down. However, you don’t need to remove the threads for this, it can be done while the machine is threaded. What the telescopic thread bar does, however, is that it makes this serger much more compact and portable. It also has a nice carrying handle on the top, so if you need to carry your serger around, this is definitely something to take into consideration. 

Threading is also as easy as it can be – there is an easy-to-use color-coded system, and you can also easily adjust the tension of each thread using the dials at the top. This serger also allows you to adjust the stitch width and the differential feed feature allows you to achieve perfect results with any kind of fabric. There is also a lever that is easy to access that allows you to switch to the rolled hem sewing mode (there are 4 built-in rolled hem options). This serger comes with an all-purpose foot, but additional feet for specific purposes can be purchased and it’s quite easy to install them.

Final Verdict

The SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish Serger is a classic serger made by one of the oldest and most well-known sewing manufacturers in the world. It has all of the essential features and it also comes with a range of accessories. Beginners will especially appreciate the CD Workbook, detailed instruction manual, and the stitch guide which are all included with this serger.

JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine

JUKI is a Japanese manufacturer of sewing machines. The company was founded in Tokyo in 1938 and they have been focused on making quality sewing equipment ever since then. While JUKI is among the top manufacturers of industrial sewing machines, they also offer a range of sewing equipment for home and hobby use. 

The JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine combines the power of an industrial serger with compactness and portability of a home-use serger. This machine is quite compact, and easy to carry around as it has a handle on the top. Moreover, all parts are made of metal which makes this serger exceptionally durable. Another thing that probably comes from JUKI’s focus on industrial machine is that this serger is exceptionally fast. It can sew at a speed of 1500 stitches per minute, which is just amazing.  

Just like most of the sergers on this list, JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine has the ability to use two, three, or four threads to perform a variety of stitches. It also comes with the automatic rolled hem feature that lets you switch to the rolled hem mode just by pulling a lever. 

A unique feature of the JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine is the fact that it comes with an upper driven knife. This means that the cutting mechanism is slightly different than with other sergers. Whereas with most sergers the knife comes from below, on this JUKI serger it cuts from above which ensures there is no slipping or accidents even with the softest fabrics. Finally, you can also adjust the stitch width on this serger, and the differential feed feature allows you to fine-tune the performance so you get exactly the results that you want with any type of fabric. 

The serger itself is quite compact, although it looks slightly different than most other sergers. There is a telescopic thread bar on top, and the threading system is reasonably easy to learn and also color-coded. The system is slightly different, though, than the one featured on Brother and Singer sergers, but it shouldn’t be too hard to master. In any case, a detailed instruction manual is provided too.

Final Verdict

Overall, this is a sturdy, durable serger that does its job quite well and it can do it for many years. We especially liked the safety switch feature. It is useful for beginners as it can prevent any accidents

Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger

Brother sergers and sewing machines are generally very functional and capable products, but the Designio series really take sewing to the next level. The Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger is made to perform any kind of design needs, quickly and perfectly. Need to shorten a pair of pants? Want to create a special edge on a shawl? Create blind hems, rolled hems, attach lace? The Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger can do it all. In terms of price point, this is a middle-range serger, but in terms of versatility it’s one of the most amazing sergers we have encountered. 

This serger from Brother offers consistent performance at up to 1300 stitches per minute, which is pretty much the standard for sergers nowadays. It also features a range of options that will allow you to achieve the exact effect you are looking for. You can adjust the stitch width between 3mm and 7mm with an easy-to-use lever on the side of the machine. The differential feed feature allows you to adjust the serger to the fabric you are using and create lettuce edges. It is also super easy to switch between the flat bed setup and the free arm setup, which really comes in handy when you want to work with cylindrical pieces such as cuffs and sleeves.

One of the features that sets the Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger apart from other similar products is the amount of useful accessories you get with it. When you buy this serger, it will have a standard foot installed on the machine. However, you also get a blind hem stitch foot, a piping foot, and a gathering foot. The blind hem stitch foot is great not only for blind stitching, but also for joining edges and attaching lace. The piping foot allows you to create your own piping using fabric strips, and the gathering foot is perfect for creating ruffles and layers quickly and easily! Moreover, the serger also comes with two sets of threads to get you started right away. It also includes a soft cover, a hexagonal wrench, tweezers, and a cleaning brush – in short, everything you might need in order to use this serger.

Final Verdict

This serger from Brother is another great option for beginners, though it really produces professional-level results. The variety of options is just amazing and with the 25-year limited warranty you know you are making an investment for the future. Moreover, the package includes two different instructional CDs – the Operation CD and the Techniques CD, a book introducing different techniques, and a detailed operation manual in English and Spanish.

B002PDZTT2SINGER | Professional 5 14T968DC Sergere

For those looking to bring their sewing projects to the next level, the Professional 5 14T968DC Serger might just provide you might be looking for. The singer professional series really does provide professional results. 

What immediately stands out about this serger is the fact that it can use as many as five threads. What this means is that you get an extra set of possibilities compared to standard sergers. You can still do standard stitches using two, three, or four threads, but you also have the option of doing five-thread stitches. We were really amazed with the variety of options this serger offers. It allows you to do different kinds of coverstitch, including narrow coverstitch, wide coverstitch, and triple coverstitch. You can also do a variety of decorative stitches, including the double chain stitch which is perfect for decorative finishes. There are also four built-in rolled hem option. All you need to do in order to switch to the rolled hem mode is move a lever which is quite easy to access. 

In terms of threading, this serger is just as easy to use as any other serger with a color-coded threaded system. There is an easy to follow diagram on the machine, so threading should really not be a problem even if you are a beginner. The serger also comes pre-threaded, so you can see the setup in action before you need to do it yourself. What makes this serger stand out from the others in terms of threading is the self-adjusting tension mechanism. You simply need to turn the dial on “auto” and the serger adjust the tension by itself. However, if you still want to do it manually this option also exists. 

What might be especially useful for beginners is the chart right on the side of the serger that shows you different stitch options and how to set them up. It doesn’t get any easier than that! This serger also comes with a range of accessories included, including a waste tray. The waste tray (also called clean pocket) catches the trimmed fabric and thus keeps your working surface clean. It can also be easily removed, though, if you don’t want to use it.

Final Verdict

This serger from the Singer Professional series costs a bit more than some other models, but it really allows you to take your sewing to a whole new level right at home. It’s a reliable machine that is reasonably easy to use and it also comes with a CD workbook and a detailed instruction manual included.

FINAL Thoughts

When choosing a serger, there are many things to take into consideration. After all, you want this to be a good investment, and as these machines can last for many years, if you make a good decision, your serger might as well last a lifetime. 

As always, one of the first things to decide is how much money you want to spend. The Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed and the SINGER 14CG754 ProFinish Serger are both reasonably priced. At the same time, they are easy to use and offer a decent range of functions. However, if you want to invest a bit more money, the Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger will give you another range of options with its five-thread capability. It also comes with the automatic tension adjustment system which can make life much easier at times. 

Differential feed is another feature to look for, especially if you make formal wear or like working with soft and stretchy fabrics. Luckily, all of the segers on our list come with this feature so it’s one less thing to worry about. Other than that, it comes down to which machine you like the most. All of the brands included in this list – Brother, Singer, and JUKI, have been around for a long time and have a very good reputation, so you can’t really go wrong with either one of them.