For many people, a serger is an outlandish concept. I have met a lot of sewing hobbyists asking what a serger means.
Honestly, this is not that uncommon since a serger is not so prevalent in common sewing.
When I first started making the first step into the fashion industry, I also asked my classmates the same way. I still remember the first time I chose a serger myself. It was not a lovely and memorable recall, though.
At that time, I did not have many options available in the serger market or receive proper suggestions. I was wondering a lot because a serger, whether it was before or now, was quite expensive compared to conventional sewing machines.
And you know what?
When I first saw a serger, I felt bewildered, awkward, and didn’t know what to do next because of its sophisticated appearance. Once I got used to it, I realized that the serger is a vital character when you want to produce practical and professional fabric work.
I believe that with my review of the 15 best sergers for beginners, I will help you get rid of your initial fear of adopting a serger. Reading slowly and carefully, you’ll figure out at least one serger that not only suits your needs but also helps you to move up in your sewing profession.
Table of Contents
What Is a Serger?
The serger is a type of sewing machine dedicated to edging, hemming and seaming fabrics.
For a long time, hemming has been a challenging task for not only sewing novices but also professional sewists.
Due to its unique properties, a serger has a different configuration from a regular sewing machine. I understand this will be somehow annoying and frustrating for most of the beginners. Still, this design can help you cut their edges and hem professionally.
Commercial production requires garment products with delicate and durable edges for which a regular sewing machine has never been enough. Especially under the circumstance that you have to deal with sportswear or stretchy fabrics, without the help of a serger, then the hem is at risk of turning into a wrinkly and less aesthetic ruffle.
What Do I Need to Notice About a Serger?
Serger’s History
The first serger was a patent of an American sewing machine manufacturer called Merrow Machine Company in the 19th century. The serger would create thread loops for stitches to pass through, binding seams, and arranging them neatly on the edge of the cloth to prevent thread fraying. This action is also known as serging or overlocking.
Shortly after its inception, a serger was considered indispensable in the ready-to-wear fashion industry. Before being displayed at the counter, every apparel product has to undergo a serging process to ensure sustainability.
As the serger was a machine for commercial use, in the mid-20th century, Japanese engineers sought to minimize and simplify the sergers’ design to turn them into household devices. Today, sergers come in a compact shape and are suitable for home use. It would be convenient if you are domestic sewists who love professional finishes on your garments.
Names of Serger
Born in North America, this particular sewing machine has a pure American name: serger.
However, due to their primary task of generating overlock stitches, they are more commonly known as overlock machines.
Overlock Stitches
As mentioned above, the serger will spawn overlock stitches. So, what is an overlock stitch?
Overlock stitch is a type of seam that helps secure the edge of a cloth. It is created by involving at least one edge of the cloth with the cloth itself to ensure the strength of the border and reduce the edge fraying.
With the naked eye, we can see that overlock is a combination of straight and zig-zag stitches. Looking closely, we can easily detect that an overlock is composed of 2 to 5 threads sewn simultaneously.
A serger or an overlock is designed to pursuit the overlock stitches on your fabric. It often has built-in cutters to cut the edge and trim off the excess fabric. A serger can sew with 2 to 5 threads to perform overlock with ascending reliability — the more threads, the stronger the seam and more ability of sewing overlock on the different fabrics.
Who Is a Serger Best For?
The serger is an indispensable member of the existing sewing machine system in universal garment factories. Every fabric item, when delivered to users, has gorgeous and durable borders. It is thanks to the remarkable effort from industrial serger machines with large capacity and stable operation.
However, nowadays, you can easily buy sergers for home use with friendly features for beginners or domestic sewists. The reason is that the serger has undergone evolution to integrate into the everyday life of people.
The 15 best sergers for beginnersI want to introduce to you today are the ones with the crucial features and simple configuration for beginners to intermediate levels.
What Is the Best Brand That Makes Sergers for Beginners?
Juki is the first Japanese sewing machine manufacturer to realize the potential of industrial sergers in domestic use. They are also the first engineers to introduce Japanese design language into reforming the serger to make them more user-friendly at all levels.
Other brands are also very prominent in creating and constructing compact and simple sergers with acceptable prices such as Brother, Singer, Janome.
I believe that 15 best sergers for beginnersare excellent representatives from the most famous timeless brands that will bring you enjoyable and passionate experiences at the first start.
What Are the Best Serger for Beginners?
Based on my experience with the latest and highly estimated sergers, here are 15 best sergers for beginners that will help you quickly grasp the operation of a serger in day one.
- Best Overall: Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger
“A 3/4-thread serger with 22 stitch options, color-coded threading guide, can sew at a maximum stitch speed of 1300 SPM.” - Best Advanced Serger: Singer 14CG754 Serger
“A 2/3/4-thread serger, rolled hem lever, built-in carrying handle, a maximum stitch speed 1300 SPM.” - Best for Heavy-Duty Projects: Brother ST4031HD Strong and Tough Serger
“A 2/3/4-thread serger built on metal chassis, has a maximum sewing speed of 1300 SPM and color-coded threading guide.” - Best Package: Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE 2/3/4 Thread Serger
“A 2/3/4-thread serger with automatic rolled hem, color-coded threading guide, advanced knife system and abundant accessories.” - Best Portable: JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger
“A 2/3/4-thread serger with 4 automatic rolled hem, maximum stitch length of 4mm, can sew all types of fabrics.” - Best for Budget: Janome MOD-8933 Serger
“A 3/4-thread serger at a reasonable price, color-coded threading system, safe detachable upper trimmer.” - Best for Making Clothes: Brother 2340CV Cover Advanced Serger
“A 2/3/4-thread serger can sew with 2 needles, color-coded threading guide.” - Best for Home Use: Janome 8002D Serger
“A 3/4-thread serger, easy threading system, sturdy frame, 4 built-in thread tension wheels.” - Best for Chain Stitch: Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine
“A 3/4-thread serger that releases overlock and chain stitch, fast looper threading system, household needle, maximum sewing speed: 1350 SPM.” - Best Industrial Serger: JUKI MO-6714S Industrial 4-Thread Overlock Sewing Machine
“A double-needle, 4-thread serger, industrial clutch motor, maximum stitch speed of 7000 SPM.” - Best for Coverstitch: Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Cover Stitch Machine
“Ideal for larger coverstitch projects with a wide bedplate, free arm, one-hand thread trimmer, advanced needle system.” - Best 5-Thread Serger: Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger
“A 5-thread serger, heavyweight fabrics capability, chain looper threading.” - Best Easy-to-Use: Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger
“A 3/4-thread serger, metal frame and parts, color-coded threading system, maximum stitch speed of 1300 SPM.” - Best with Professional Results: Singer Finishing Touch 14SH654 Serger
“A 3/4-thread serger with adjustable upper cutter, free arm, can ramp up to a maximum stitch speed 1300 SPM.” - Best for All Levels: Juki MO-623 Serger
“Great for all sewing levels with 2/3-thread sewing, color-coded threading system, differential feed, multipurpose foot and heavy-duty blade.”
Sergers for Beginners Comparison Chart
Let’s familiarize yourself with the specifications of each serger before diving into my review on 15 best sergers for beginners:
Top 15 Best Sergers for Beginners Reviews
From now on, I will elaborate on each serger and tell you what you can and cannot do with the 15 best sergers for beginners.
1. Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger
(Best Overall)
Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger is built to confront all kinds of fabrics and bring out the most professional hemming work under a beginner’s hands.
Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger is beginner-friendly and reliable with a very understandable configuration. To sew edges with this model, you can use 3 to 4 thread spools. This machine can work on almost all sewing projects thanks to the appropriate number of threads.
Brother 1034D has a very easy-to-follow threading system. A color-coded threading guide is printed on the facade of the machine so that even a beginner can find it easy to thread.
This model features an efficient differential fabric feed. The feed ratio ranges from 0.7 to 2.0, which will support you in handling all kinds of fabrics from delicate type to stretchy surface.
With a slider built on the machine, you can adjust the stitch width to reach its maximum of 7mm.
This model has 22 stitch functions, including overlock and many types of the hem. The 1034D can also promise you a professional edge in a minute with a maximum sewing speed of 1300 SPM.
You can slide a compartment off the bedplate to open a free arm to work with cylindrical items such as sleeves or cuffs at ease.
Brother 1034D ¾ uses standard sewing machine needles, so you don’t have to bother yourself buying specific needles for it.
Pros
- Compatible with almost every standard home sewing needle
- Helps ensure consistently well-formed stitches along fabric edges
- Brightly lit workspace
- User-friendly
Cons
- The tension is hard to control
- Noisy operation
| Brand: | BROTHER |
| Model: | 1034D |
| Dimensions: | 11 x 11.7 x 13.2 inches |
| Weight: | 16.05 pounds |
| Key Features: | – 22 stitch options including overlock and many types of the hem
– Color-coded threading guide, free arm, differential feed, on/off thread trimmer – Maximum stitch width: 7mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
2. Singer 14CG754 Serger
(Best Advanced Serger)
Don’t be panicked with the label of “advanced serger”. The Singer ProFinish 14CG754 serger is equipped with advanced features to minimize your manual tasks while serging. It makes sure that your sewing work will turn out masterful results even when you are only a new sewist.
Singer ProFinish 14CG754 follows a 2/3/4-thread configuration. Its capability provides a wide selection of stitch options for all types of projects with dominating effects all the time. With a color-coded threading system, you will find it effortlessly to thread the needle eye.
The most outstanding feature of this sewing machine is that it can tackle most of the fabric types, including lightweight, mediumweight, stretchy, and multilayer fabrics as well. This is a good start for you to get accustomed to serging from typical to particular thicknesses.
This model possesses the highest speed of 1300 SPM. Singer ProFinish 14CG754 combines an automatic fabric trimming system to smoothly cut off the edge of the cloth with no manual steps required.
There is no more struggle working on tube-shaped items such as sleeves and cuffs thanks to the support of a free arm.
Pros
- Produces professional seams with easy use
- Fast and stable working
Cons
- Loud noise issue
- Stitch quality gets disturbed while working on super thick materials
| Brand: | SINGER |
| Model: | 14CG754 |
| Dimensions: | 14 x 11 x 11.5 inches |
| Weight: | 13.5 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 2/3/4-stitch configuration
– LED light for a bright workspace – Removable free arm, color-coded threading guide, automatic thread trimmer |
3. Brother ST4031HD Strong and Tough Serger
(Best for Heavy-Duty Projects)
Getting used to heavy-duty is the most required exercise on any sewing machine. And hemming thick materials is always a challenge to sewists. Brother ST4031HD will be your savior when it comes to tackling multilayer fabrics.
Thanks to the construction of a sturdy chassis and a built-in durable hard blade, Brother ST4031HD can support you greatly in heavy-duty projects. This model assures you with stability while sewing, even at its maximum sewing speed of 1300 SPM
Brother ST4031HD is a common 3/4-thread serger. This model can produce the firmest seams on delicate, stretchy, and heavy-duty fabrics thanks to many thread options and the assistance of a differential feed.
The ST4031HD features a sharp knife made from hard metal to perform a smooth cut on edges. The detachable trim trap will assemble the trimmed threads for a clean workspace.
Talking about comfortable sewing space, a removable table mounted to the machine will expand your workspace while a LED light assures your ability to work on dark fabrics.
Thanks to the color-coded threading guide, beginners can find it easy to thread.
Pros
- Durable, lightweight, compact, portable
- Fast in sewing and easy to use
- Can work on all thicknesses of materials
Cons
- Dim light on the sewing area
| Brand: | Brother |
| Model: | ST4031HD |
| Dimensions: | 13 x 14.4 x 17 inches |
| Weight: | 17.4 pounds |
| Key Features: | – Heavy-metal chassis and built-in cutter
– Differential feed, removable sewing table, trim trap, color-coded threading guide – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
4. Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE 2/3/4 Thread Serger
(Best Package)
Juki never ceases to amaze me with how professional it can be. Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE comes with an overflowing package that equips you from head to toe to broaden your sewing world.
Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE is a 2/3/4-thread serger, so it gives you a wide variety of stitch options such as overlock, flatlock, hem, rolled hem, and overcast.
You can comfortably handle a range of related tasks, from making clothes to crafts or home decor. With a maximum speed of 1500 SPM, this Juki model promises a great result in just a short time.
Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE has a lot of advanced features like color-coded threading guide and looper threading system to help you thread quickly. This machine has an upper / lower knife system that enables you to tidy up the raw edges. You also do not need to change the bedplate because Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE allows you to stitch rolled hem with flip and roll movements.
The unique thing that this model brings is a full package that includes lots of attachments for all sewing needs. It comes with 8 pieces of sewing foot, 8 thread cones, and 50 needles, not to mention a tote to protect the serger and take away.
Pros
- Compact, durable, fast sewing
- Easy to thread and operate, rich in accessories
- Easy to switch to rolled hem mode
Cons
- Expensive
| Brand: | Juki |
| Model: | Pearl Line MO-654DE |
| Dimensions: | 20.1 x 19 x 14.5 inches |
| Weight: | 25.8 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A 2/3/4-thread serger with automatic rolled hem
– Color-coded threading guide, differential feed, advanced knife system – Light LED bulb, easy tension control, 8 thread cones, 50 needles, a serger tote, 8 sewing feet – Maximum sewing speed: 1500 SPM |
5. JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger
(Best Portable)
If you are looking for a simple and lightweight serger that can support you on the go, Juki MO654DE is my first suggestion.
Lots of beginners find it struggling to bring their sergers to the sewing class, and now the MO654DE will release the curse.
Juki MO654DE is a 2/3/4-thread serger, which means it can utilize a maximum of 4 thread spools to create the firmest seams on edges. It can perform several kinds of overlock and is distinguished for its automatic rolled hem.
Since the MO654DE features a color-coded threading guide, threading is no longer a nightmare to new sewists. With the controllers on the side of the machine, you can also adjust the stitch width and length. This machine also has a differential feed to control the speed of the feed dogs and support you in many types of fabrics.
Juki MO654DE has a safety knife to clean the excess threads off the edge of the fabrics. This advanced function will leave your edge neat and clean.
This model is enhanced with a safety switch. When the side cover is open, the motor will stop the machine from the operation. This model can speed up to a maximum sewing speed of 1500 SPM and promise you a fast and perfect result.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, durable
- Safe operation, can sew fast and automatically cut off the threads on the raw edge
Cons
- Hard to set thread tension
| Brand: | Juki |
| Model: | MO654DE |
| Dimensions: | 10.6 x 13.6 x 11.6 inches |
| Weight: | 19.65 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A 2/3/4-thread serger with automatic rolled hem
– Color-coded threading guide, differential feed, knife system, safety operation – Maximum stitch length: 4mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1500 SPM |
6. Janome MOD-8933 Serger
(Best for Budget)
The biggest problem of beginners is that they can’t decide whether they should buy a serger. For those sewists, an affordable serger is a great choice to start and try. And Janome MOD-8933 Serger will be an inexpensive companion to accompany you on your first trip.
This model owns a very youthful outlook. Despite its easy achievability, Janome MOD-8933 is a typical 3/4-thread serger, which will offer you a wide range of the most common stitch options, such as overlock and especially quickly altered rolled hem.
This machine features a differential feed dial to control the feeding speed of the feed dogs, supporting you to sew from lightweight to mediumweight materials.
With a color-coded system, this model allows beginners to thread effortlessly. The left side of the machine opens for your easy supervision while threading.
The upper knife on MOD-8933 is retractable, allowing you to sew without trimming edges of your cloth. You can also retract the blade for safety threading.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable, affordable
- Youthful design, easy to operate
Cons
- Can’t work very well with bulky projects
| Brand: | Janome |
| Model: | MOD-8933 |
| Dimensions: | 11 x 12 x 10.7 inches |
| Weight: | 14.3 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 3/4-thread configuration
– Color-coded threading, differential feed, retractable upper blade, quick rolled hem mode, tension release slider – Cutting width: 3.1mm to 7.3mm – Maximum stitch length: 4mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
7. Brother 2340CV Cover Advanced Serger
(Best for Making Clothes)
Brother 2340CV is an advanced serger to make clothes yet made to be friendly to beginners. It features a lot of superior functions that help sewists to thrive in their needlework.
Brother 2340CV can sew with 2 needles and has 2/3/4-thread configuration. That means you can decide to choose the number of threads suitable for your sewing levels and sewing projects.
This machine is best suited to new sewists who wish to experience advanced features when they’re already familiar with the operation of a serger.
The 2340CV focuses on producing cover stitches, including utility and decorative cover stitches. It’s capable of performing chain stitches too. Sewists can create a stunning and professional topstitching look on the edge of the cloth. Thanks to this unique feature, this machine allows you to pursuit creating fashion.
This machine offers you a color-coded threading diagram so that you can easily thread the needle eye. I’m astounded with the looper threading system that combines with the threading guide to support sewists to sew the most precisely.
The maximum sewing speed is 1100 SPM that can assure you fast and excellent results. The differential feed allows you to adjust the feeding speed to work properly on specific materials.
Pros
- Produces many types of cover stitches
- Easy to use, lightweight, durable
Cons
- No speed control
| Brand: | Brother |
| Model: | 2340CV |
| Dimensions: | 13 x 15 x 13.4 inches |
| Weight: | 16.7 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A coverstitch, 2/3/4-thread serger
– Differential feed, color-coded threading guide, presser foot dial – Maximum sewing speed: 1100 SPM |
8. Janome 8002D Serger
(Best for Home Use)
Janome 8002D is a durable, sturdy, and compact serger that can support you in household patchwork.
This model will provide you a wide array of stitch options with its 3/4-thread configuration. It’s outstanding with its capability of switching to rolled hem.
Janome 8002D has a straightforward threading system. By reading the threading chart carefully, you can thread the machine effortlessly.
The upper knife is retractable, proving you a safe sewing place when needed. The cutting width ranges from 3.1mm to 7.3mm.
You can adjust the stitch length with dials on the front of the machine and can have it sewn at its maximum of 4mm.
With the maximum sewing speed of 1300 SPM, you can have your edges sewn and decorated in a few seconds.
Pros
- Durable, lightweight, compact, portable
- Easy-to-use, safety operation
Cons
- Can’t work very well with bulky projects
| Brand: | Janome |
| Model: | 8002D |
| Dimensions: | 15.1 x 14.6 x 13.8 inches |
| Weight: | 16.35 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 3/4-thread sewing with sturdy construction
– Color-coded threading, differential feed – Cutting width: 3.1mm – 7.3mm – Maximum stitch length: 4mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
9. Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine
(Best for Chain Stitch)
Juki MCS-1500 is not only excellent in showing distinctive overlock stitches but also outstanding than other models in creating delicate chain stitches.
The Juki MCS-1500 is a 3/4-thread serger, offering you a wealth of choices when stitching hem, cuff, and necklines. This model will perform impressively on stretch fabric.
Chain stitch is claimed to be extremely significant when performed by Juki MCS-1500. With the ability to sew chain stitch, this model can sew side seams or decorate on the edges of clothes.
The presser foot can be raised to an impressive height of 10mm, allowing you to insert multiple sheets of cloth to sew at once. This function also helps you sew thick fabric more easily.
The machine also has an easy-to-understand, fast looper system that helps you thread the looper just by flicking sewing threads into the groove and lock the looper.
Pros
- Great at producing overlock and chain stitches
- High presser foot, advanced looper system
- Easy to use, lightweight, durable
Cons
- Hard to rethread
| Brand: | Juki |
| Model: | MCS-1500 |
| Dimensions: | 15.5 x 14 x 13.5 inches |
| Weight: | 19.75 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A ¾-thread serger that releases overlock and chain stitch
– Differential feed, fast looper threading system, household needle – Maximum sewing speed: 1350 SPM |
10. JUKI MO-6714S Industrial 4-Thread Overlock Sewing Machine
(Best Industrial Serger)
JUKI MO-6714S is the only representative for industrial sergers on my list. However, it would be great for you to start with a commercial-grade product if you wished to experience how the most professional serger operates.
JUKI MO-6714S is a 4-thread industrial serger that can perform the most beautiful and secure finished seams with the industrial-grade features. This machine focuses on producing overlock stitch only.
With 2 needles, 4 threads, and a differential feed, this machine is capable of providing the best overlock stitches on your cloth.
This model will be delivered to you as a full unit, including a sewing table, sewing lamp, thread stand, motor, etc. This comprehensive package will allow you a professional sewing space.
JUKI MO-6714S adopts an industrial speed. It can speed up to the maximum stitch speed of 7000 SPM. The MO-6714S is the real workhorse that can tackle any fabric from delicate to mediumweight in a short time, and it can reduce noise and vibration while sewing.
Pros
- Sturdy, easy to control, low noise and vibration
- Fast and comfortably working with advanced features
Cons
- Only produces overlock stitches
- Expensive and heavy
- Hard to thread
| Brand: | Juki |
| Model: | MO-6714S |
| Dimensions: | 48 x 36 x 48 inches |
| Weight: | 250 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 2-needle, 4-thread configuration with sturdy construction
– Looper thread take-up, differential feed, industrial motor – Maximum stitch length: 4mm – Maximum sewing speed: 7000 SPM |
11. Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Cover Stitch Machine
(Best for Coverstitch)
Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Cover Stitch Machine is a combination of industrial-grade cover stitch machine and a standard sewing machine, which can perform in both sewing purposes yet won’t confuse new users.
This machine features 4 spools of thread to produce the most certain seams on your fabrics. It’s capable of introducing secure rolled hems.
Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX is the only model enhanced with a seam tightening system. This system makes use of a spring instead of a regular looper thread tension controller to improve the tightness of the threads while sewing.
This model provides you a very comfortable workspace of 4″ x 5.5″ to tackle any scale of sewing projects.
You can adjust the stitch length and reach its maximum of 4mm. The differential feed ratio is ranging from 0.5 to 2.25, allowing you to control the feed dogs flexibly to sew on almost all types of fabrics.
The maximum sewing speed is 1000 SPM, enable a quick and professional finish on your hems.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, easy to use
- Extra-tight tension control system
- Produces fast and professional seams
Cons
- Easy to skip stitches
| Brand: | Janome |
| Model: | Cover Pro 1000CPX |
| Dimensions: | 19.6 x 16.7 x 14.2 inches |
| Weight: | 23.6 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A 2/3/4-thread serger with seam tightening system
– Built-in thread cutter, differential feed, large bedplate, carrying handle – Maximum stitch length: 4mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1000 SPM |
12. Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger
(Best 5-Thread Serger)
I know lots of you are concerning the name and the number of threads that Singer Professional 14T968DC uses. It’s a 5-thread serger for the most secure seams on the edges. However, it possesses a straightforward design for beginners to handle.
This model has 2 to 5-thread configurations, which provides a wide variety of stitch options, such as overlock, decorative edges, rolled hem, chain stitches, etc. It would be a very economical choice for you to start and then lever your sewing skill if you purchase this multiple-spool serger.
Singer 14T968DC has 4 options of rolled hem mode for you to quickly sewing hems just by touching a lever.
The tension controls are automated, which not only reduces your adjustment steps but also balances the optimum tensions for each type of fabric.
Thanks to the color-coded threading guide printed right on the front of the machine, threading is not a hard task on Singer 14T968DC. The removable trash tray attached to the machine’s body is to collect threads and support a clean place for your comfortable sewing.
The differential feed controller is an essential feature of this machine, which is built nearby the needle area and will help you to control the feeding speed.
You can adjust the sewing speed of Singer 14T968DC and can speed up to its maximum sewing speed of 1300 SPM to have your projects finished quicker.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact, durable
- Can handle all types of fabric and sewing projects
- Built-in rolled hem and a wide range of stitch options
- Easy threading system
Cons
- Foot pedal is hard to use
| Brand: | Singer |
| Model: | Professional 14T968DC |
| Dimensions: | 11 x 12.5 x 14 inches |
| Weight: | 23.5 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 2/3/4/5-thread sewing
– Color-coded threading, 4 built-in rolled hem, differential feed, automatic tension control, trash can – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
13. Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger
(Best Easy-to-Use)
Brother Designio Series DZ1234 has a very simple design that won’t leave beginners struggling to deal with its functions.
Despite its modest structure, the DZ1234 will leave you professionally flawless seams on any fabric surfaces by cutting and finishing garments perfectly.
Brother Designio Series DZ1234 is a 3/4-thread serger. It’s known for its durability thanks to its heavy metal frame. Even the internal parts are made of sturdy materials, assuring you stability while sewing even at its maximum stitch speed of 1300 SPM
Thanks to the 3/4-thread configuration, this machine can handle any sewing projects from delicate to stretchy fabrics with the most secure seams. Thanks to the color-coded threading guide and the numbered thread loopers, threading with the DZ1234 is a breeze to any new sewists.
The stitch width ranges from 3mm to 7mmm, delivering the boldest and most impressive seams on the cloth.
This model comes with many feet as accessories, including blind hem, gathering, and piping foot. You can store these feet in the built-in compartment, and let the trim trap collect thread remnants while serging.
Pros
- Durable, sturdy, fast and stable working
- Brightly lit workspace, simple configuration
- Rich in accessories, great to tackle any sewing project
Cons
- Releases noise while sewing
| Brand: | Brother |
| Model: | Designio Series DZ1234 |
| Dimensions: | 15.2 x 13 x 13.2 inches |
| Weight: | 18.15 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 3/4-thread sewing with sturdy construction
– Color-coded threading, differential feed, trim trap, sewing feet. – Maximum stitch width: 7mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
14. Singer Finishing Touch 14SH654 Serger
(Best with Professional Results)
Singer Finishing Touch 14SH654 Serger, as its name, will blow a professional finish on your edges with just a simple touch.
Manipulating a serger will be a breeze if you’re working with Singer Finishing Touch 14SH654 Serger. This machine is a 3/4-thread serger that will provide you with perfect stitches on almost all kinds of fabric, especially stretchy materials. It’s great to tackle mock-stretch, overlock, and rolled hem stitches.
You can thread the needle eye in a few seconds thanks to a color-coded threading guide printed on the front of the machine.
The tension controllers are located right in front of your eyes. They are also colored following the threading rules for your easy reference.
Singer Finishing Touch 14SH654 is constructed on a heavy-duty chassis, which assures you stitch skip-free and the stability even when sewing at its maximum speed of 1300 SPM.
The differential feed slider located on the back of the machine will encourage you in adjusting the speed of the feed dogs to accommodate your sewing purposes such as sewing ruffles or stretchy sportswear.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable, durable
- Easy to use, achievable, simple configuration
Cons
- Can’t perform smoothly on heavy-duty fabrics
| Brand: | Singer |
| Model: | Finishing Touch 14SH654 |
| Dimensions: | 14 x 11 x 11.5 inches |
| Weight: | 17.15 pounds |
| Key Features: | – An easy-to-use serger with 3/4-thread sewing
– Color-coded threading, heavy-duty frame, extension arm – Maximum sewing speed: 1300 SPM |
15. Juki MO-623
(Best for All Levels)
Juki MO-623 is designed to give you the convenience to use at any level, so it has a very simple operating structure.
Juki MO-623 is a one-needle, 2/3-thread serger. This machine inherits many advanced features from its well-known brand.
Threading with Juki MO-623 is not a nightmare since it features a threading diagram that is color-coded and printed on the facade of the machine. Thanks to the one-rotation dial, you can easily adjust the thread tension.
This model equips you with a heavy-duty blade to smoothly remove raw edges on delicate to thick materials. With a multipurpose presser foot, you can broaden your creativity by adding decorative elements while making overlock stitch.
It’s very convenient for you to sew rolled hem without changing bedplate since you can activate Juki MO-623’s automatic rolled hem by just a switch. This model can sew at the maximum speed of 1500 SPM.
Pros
- Durable, versatile and stable working
- Bright lighting on needle area
- Advanced features for convenient use
Cons
- Releases noise while sewing
| Brand: | Juki |
| Model: | MO-623 |
| Dimensions: | 13.7 x 14.5 x 15.7 inches |
| Weight: | 18.15 pounds |
| Key Features: | – A serger with 2/3-thread sewing
– Color-coded threading system, differential feed, multipurpose foot. Heavy-duty blade. – Maximum stitch length: 4mm – Maximum sewing speed: 1500 SPM |
Buying Guide for the Best Sergers for Beginners
Beginners are the most fragile object, from the knowledge of sewing machines to the thickness of the wallet. You wonder a lot whether a new product never used before is worth the money. And this will motivate you to turn to skilled sewists to decipher questions about any symbol or the operation of a serger.
It’s not so scary because right after this, I will help you understand more about the prerequisite to shop for the best sergers.
Easy to Use
A serger for dummies should be a device with basic features to avoid confusing the user.
For those who are new to a serger, they will be dazzled many times with more complicated manipulations because the structure of a serger will be more sophisticated. Sergers themselves are pretty picky about users too. And not every intimidating-looking machine can bother newbies.
Therefore, from the beginning, the users should understand what they need to choose a serger that meets the essential needs.
Reasonable Price
The fact is that the more thread configuration a serger is, the more money you have to spend on it. But do you really need advanced sergers when you’re just starting to get used to threading and still dizzy with their features? The answer is definitely not.
An affordable serger should be your choice when it’s just your warm-up session. However, please be reminded that you’d better purchase the machine according to your needs. If you want to improve your sewing skills and get to the top of your career or switch to a home business, then it is okay to spend a little extra money to get a high-end or advanced serger.
Differential Feed
If a serger doesn’t have a differential feed, it’s a waste of time.
The differential feed is a vital function of the serger. It is the deciding factor on whether you can produce a proper hem or not.
The differential feed adjusts the speed of 2 feed dogs on a serger. Unlike conventional sewing machines, the serger has 2 feed dogs on the bedplate: a rear and the front one.
As such, the differential feed settings will adjust these 2 feed dogs in different ways. In other words, the front feed dogs will change speed while the rear ones stay the same.
A serger has a differential feed controller on which there are numbers of feed ratio.
The feed ratio is usually divided into 3 ranges: greater than 0 and smaller than 1, greater than 1 and smaller than 2, and greater than 2.
With the feed ratio less than 1, the movement of the 2 feed dogs sets will stretch the fabric, ie the front set will run slower than the rear one.
With a feed ratio greater than 2, the cloth will shrink, ie the front feed dog will run faster than the back.
Thanks to the differential feed, the movement combination of the 2 feed dogs sets will make hemming suitable for the specific fabrics.
The Number of Threads
As explained, a serger usually uses 2 to 5 thread cones as thread supplies. We easily come across the number of threads associated with the brand and model of the serger. So, what does the number of threads a serger use mean?
Simple sergers will usually use 1 to 2 threads. However, fewer threads will not make the border stitch stand out from the results of a typical sewing machine.
A 1-thread serger is not very common. It usually produces end-to-end seaming.
A 2-thread serger is used to hem elastic fabrics like knits, wovens, or to sew elastic bands on clothes.
With a 3/4/5-thread serger, you can sew rolled hems and decorate the edge. The seam will be more beautiful and secured.
FAQs
My Top Pick
The best serger for beginners must meet many criteria. It needs to be easy to use, affordable, but also contains all the prerequisites of a standard and durable serger. All these things can only be found in Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger.
Brother 1034D is a 3/4-thread serger. The variety of stitches results in 22 styles of stitches, including overlock, rolled hem, decorative edges, etc.. This model can tackle all fabrics, from lightweight, delicate, sportswear, knitted, and even heavy-duty fabrics.
Thanks to its outstanding performance but very easy to use, Brother 1034D is a good start for you to learn serger and can still be your companion if you want to upgrade your sewing skills.
I hope we share the same opinion about the best serger for beginners. Let me know if you have decided Brother 1034D to be your choice. If you have another option or wish for other sergers to appear on the list of 15 best sergers for beginners, don’t hesitate to let me know by leaving a comment right below.