A serger, also known as overlocker provides a professional finish to seams and hems. Sergers don’t have as many options and features as traditional sewing machines.
However, many crafters who own a sewing machine often purchase a serger to complete hems on their projects. They also utilize sergers to provide a quality finish to towels and napkins.
In a single pass through the serger, it trims, stitches and closes. It can also provide a decorative finish to stretch fabrics and knits. Let’s take a closer look at what 1034D serger has to offer.
It’s a popular serger by Brother, a well-known brand in the market. The company produces machines for sewing, quilting and embroidery projects. They have something for everyone!
This famous unit delivers a professional-looking finish on a lot of fabrics including linen, knits, and formal wear. You can make decorative edges and ruffles. Or stitch narrow sleeves, etc.
Without further ado, let’s jump into my Brother 1034D serger review and discuss the features, pros, and cons in detail. Hopefully, in the end, you will know if it’s worth your money.
Technical Specifications
| Type: | Mechanical |
| Dimensions: | 10.98 x 11.73 x 13.19 inches |
| Machine weight: | 16.05 pounds |
| Machine speed: | 1,300 stitches per minute |
| Stitches: | 22 inbuilt stitch functions with a 3-thread overlock and a 4-thread overlock |
| Lighting: | LED bulb |
| Stitch length: | Adjustable (5mm – 7mm) |
| Free arm: | Yes |
| Warranty: | 25-year limited warranty |
Table of Contents
Brother 1034D Serger Review
Brother is a very popular company based in Japan. It’s known for producing high-quality electronics and electrical equipment. However, it also makes high-quality sewing machines.
And 1034D is one of their best units. It’s a serger machine. If you don’t know what a serger is, it’s utilized for overcasting. It ensures that the fabric doesn’t fray from the corners.
The Brother 1034D serger finishes the seam and trims the excess fabric. The patterns created with a unit like this are durable and strong. This particular serger has a 3/4 thread system.
It performs the serging process with great precision and comes with a few stitch types. This serger can’t be utilized for traditional sewing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features.
Differential Fabric Feed
This option assists in stitching any kind of material and makes this serger significantly versatile. It’s ideal for serging sticky, thick and light fabric. The differential feed ratio of 1034D is 0.7 to 2.0.
Stitch Speed
1034D is capable of making 1,000 stitches per minute. This function allows fast stitching without putting the quality of the stitches at second place. It provides flawless stitch quality.
Thread Tension Adjustment
The tension of the threads is adjusted by the switch provides on the machine. For each thread, there’s a button.
Knife Blade
This machine has a retractable knife blade. This option ensures that the knife stays away from the whole sewing process. It prevents cutting of the fabric and interacting with the project.
LED Bulb
The Brother 1034D serger comes with a LED bulb located above the working place. The light illuminates the working place perfectly. It makes viewing the patterns clear and prevents eyestrain.
Free Arm
There’s also a free arm. This feature assists in stitching long-sized, turbulent, and cylindrical projects. It’s one of my favourite features on this machine.
Storage Compartment
One of the things I like about this machine is the storage compartment. This part allows you to store the accessories and keep them organized when not in use.
Built-In Stitch Function
Brother 1034D has been preprogrammed with 22 various types of stitch patterns. Meaning, it’s a super-versatile serger. Therefore, it’s suitable for different projects.
Adjustable Stitch Length
Another feature I like about 1034D is the adjustable stitch length feature. The length of the pattern goes from 5mm – 7mm. This adds extra versatility to the machine.
Accessories
Needles, softcover, gathering foot, general presser foot, and instructional CD come as standard with this serger. You will also get a bag loaded with sewing accessories.
Brother 1034D Pros and Cons
Made for completing the hems and ends of a broad range of fabrics including linens, stretchy fabrics and formal wear, this machine is a great addition to any sewing station.
It’s loaded with 22 inbuilt stitch functions, and interchangeable, snap-on feet. The stitch options include 3 thread overlock, 4 thread overlock, rolled hem, ribbon lock stitches, and narrow hem.
There’s a differential fabric feed which helps you get better stitch quality for a professional-looking finish on different types of fabric including stretchy and super thin fabrics.
Threading is simple thanks to the lower looper threading system and colour-coded upper thread guides. The snap-on presser feet enable easy changes to translation to each preferred stitch.
The best part? There’s a well-written operation manual in English and Spanish. Let’s summarize the main pros and cons of this machine and determine if it’s worth your money.
Pros
User-Friendly
If you haven’t used a serger before, you may be intimidated by the complexity of this machine, however, this one is easy to use. Other sergers have a learning curve for beginners.
But not this one! Thanks to the simplicity of this serger and instructional CD included in the purchase, it’s easy to learn and use. It’s suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
Colour Coding
The colour-coded threading system makes utilizing this unit easier for beginners. Also, you have to admit it’s a beautiful and elegant machine.
3 or 4 Threads
One of the key features in a serger is the number of threads it can deliver. This specific model provides 3 or 5 threads to produce patterns of professional quality.
Affordability
The Brother 1034D serger is loaded with features. As you can notice from my Brother 1034D review, it’s a feature-rich serger. However, it’s still reasonably priced.
Cons
Hem Ability
Rollem hems can only be utilized on some materials. Therefore, it’s not suitable for stitching denser and heavier materials.
Instructional CD
Buyers claim that the instruction video is created in poor resolution. Therefore, it’s difficult to follow and understand.
Weird Placement of Controls
The controls come at the left side which is great for left-handed users. However, right-handed users like me may experience difficulties while adjusting the controls.
What’s in the box?
Along with your purchase, you will get free lifetime phone support. The machine is covered by a 25-year limited warranty. You will also get the following accessories.
- A cleaning brush
- A regular, all-purpose guide foot
- Instructional CD
- 2 extra snap-on speciality accessory feet, specifically blind stitch foot and gathering foot
- Pedal for the foot controller
- Soft-sided cover
- Needle set
- Lower and upper looper threading that are colour-coded and numbered completely
- Printed Spanish and English operation manuals
- 4 big spools of serger thread
- 4 pieces of spool nets
- Container for sewing accessories
- A pair of tweezers
- Hexagonal wrench
- Trim trap
How to Use Brother 1034D Serger?
Usually, sergers aren’t machines that can be operated by newbies just after a couple of tries. This serger is easy to learn and develop strategies. Besides that, if you’re a newbie, I recommend watching tutorials on YouTube on how to utilize a serger before you purchase one.
The functions on 1034D aren’t complicated. Therefore, there’s nothing to worry about. Still, watch some videos on how to use it. One of the reasons why I love this machine is that it’s user-friendly.
If you’re like most crafters, you’re probably hesitant about purchasing and using a serger. You’re scared it’s too complicated for you. And let’s be honest – no one has time to learn a new machine.
The Brother 1034D serger is super easy to thread. And even easier to utilize. Besides that, you will get an instructional CD with instructions on how to install, thread and use your new crafting buddy.
Make sure to follow the instructions step-by-step and you will be fine. Most people succeed at threading the Brother 1034D on the first try when utilizing the included tweezers.
On top of the user guide, Brother also offers an instructional video to assist you. There’s also free phone support for as long as you own the machine and a 25-year limited warranty.
How to Thread my Brother 1034D Serger?
Although 1034D doesn’t come with an automatic needle threader, threading is still easy to master. Most of the people feel irritated while threading their machine.
Threading isn’t a simple task to perform but with this machine, it is. Unlike many sergers on the market, threading is never a problem with this one. All you need is practice.
And patience, of course. Practice doesn’t take much time. After that, you will be able to thread this baby easily. If you need help, you can always rely on online tutorials.
You can find a bunch of step-by-step tutorials on YouTube. I bet once you master it, you will never forget it. It’s important to follow the process properly, step-by-step.
Otherwise, threading the third and fourth thread lines can last forever. You will be doing it rightly after 2 or 3 tries. Follow the instruction manual for threading in proper order.
How to Clean Brother 1034D Serger?
This machine doesn’t demand regular maintenance. If you perform normal maintenance, you will extend the life of your serger. It’s a highly-durable, low-maintenance machine.
Make sure to clean it often. Clean the lint out of the bobbin casing, feed dogs, and all the components of the machine that collect lint and dust. 1034D requires oiling.
Oiling is super important. It enables the machine to run smoothly. I recommend watching videos on how to clean and oil your serger properly and your serger will work effectively.
How to Oil Brother 1034D Serger?
The Brother 1034D serger needs to be lubricated before utilizing it the first time. Lubricate your machine once or twice a month for normal use. Of course, if your seger is utilized more often than normal use, oil it once a week.
Where to Oil Brother 1034D Serger?
The Brother 1034D serger needs to be lubricated before utilizing it the first time. Lubricate your machine once or twice a month for normal use. Oiling enables the serger to run smoothly.
Of course, if your seger is utilized more often than normal use, oil it once a week. No oil comes with your serger. Also, there’s no information in the manual on how to oil the 1034D serger.
You can purchase oil where sewing machines and sergers are sold. Or at a hardware store. The oil can be multi-purpose. However, it should be in a small container with a nozzle applicator.
Brother 1034D Thread Serger with Differential Feed?
Although there’s no automatic needle threader present, threading is still pretty straightforward. Most of the people feel irritated while threading their unit.
Threading isn’t that easy in most of the sergers out on the market but it’s never a problem with this unit. All you need is a little practice. And patience, of course.
Learning how to thread this serger doesn’t take much time. You can watch related tutorials on YouTube or read articles where information is provided step-by-step.
I bet once you master it, you will never forget it. It’s important to follow the process properly. It’s pretty difficult to thread the thread and fourth thread lines.
However, you will be performing it properly after a couple of tries. Threading your Brother 1034D in the proper order matters. Follow the manual for the best results.
Another feature I want to mention is the functioning of the differential feed. It assists you while working on stretchy fabrics. Besides that, it prevents wave formation.
You can make a professional finish while working on fabrics that differ in terms of thickness and texture. For instance, cotton, denim, silk, Jersey knits, etc.
When you’re serging sleeves, pant legs, etc. it’s possible to detach its arm. This certain feature is rare to find in a serger. Overall, it’s a super-versatile serger.
What’s the Difference between Brother 1034D and 1034DX?
At first sight, they’re identical. However, people familiar with both models can spot the differences right away. It’s the combination of cosmetics and functions.
When it comes to ease of use and overall quality, they’re both entry-level units. They’re suitable for both beginners and professionals. They share the same functions.
The main difference is in the cones. The 1134DX features 4 larger cones of thread while 1034D features regular spools of thread. The location of the control dials is different.
It’s not a big difference but it can have a major impact on how easy it is to use either model. On 1034D, the stitch length and differential feed control dials are on the left side.
On 1034DX, they’re situated on the right. This is good for left-handed users but right-handed people can find the 1034D simpler to use. Right-handed people may prefer 1034DX.
Additionally, on the Brother 1034DX, the adjustment dial which controls the stitch width is right next to the trim trap. The same control on the 1034D is on the outside left-hand side.
The DX model has a brighter LED light while the D model utilizes an incandescent bulb.
Another difference is the stitch lengths of both machines. The 1034DX delivers stitch lengths of between 2mm-4mm. The 1034D, on the other hand, has extra options.
Additionally, the 2mm-4mm overlock stitch, it can be customized to make a 1mm roll stitch and 1mm to 2mm narrow stitch. Other main features of both sergers stay the same.
Both machines include 22 assorted stitch functions, colour-coded threading, a differential feed, and can make up to 1,300 stitches per minute. They’re both 3/4 thread, 2-needle units.
And they both provide superior stitch quality on a broad range of fabrics including denim. Despite which model you buy, you will get free phone support for the life of the serger.
Of course, they’re both covered by a 25-year limited warranty. Finally, they’re both highly durable units which require proper cleaning and oiling.
Where to Buy Brother 1034D Serger?
You can buy 1034D at Amazon. They always offer good deals. It’s also available at Sewing Machines Plus and Walmart for less than $200. It’s high-quality but reasonably-priced.
If you need to complete edges, hems or make ruffles and decorative edges, you need to buy this serger. Tailors, dressmakers, and seamstresses will enjoy this machine.
It provides great benefits because it can handle a wide selection of fabrics. Producers of bridal wear will also find this machine helpful. It’s great for making scarf-edge roller hem.
However, it’s also suitable for making spaghetti straps and flowers created from fabrics. This unit can be helpful to people who make home decorations, as well as crafts and arts.
FAQ
Final Thoughts
The Brother 1034D is a beginner-friendly serger. It’s reasonably-priced but super-versatile. It’s suitable for both experienced users and beginners.
Loaded with many features you would expect to find in a high-end serger, 1034D brings great value for money. It comes with a free arm, differential feed, and presser foot pressure.
It also has adjustable stitch width and utilizes standard sewing machine needles. You will get a bunch of accessories and a 25-year limited warranty.
I would describe this machine as super-versatile. If you’re looking for a machine to expand your sewing arsenal, look no further than this Brother serger.
It’s user-friendly and provides consistent performance. Hopefully, this Brother 1034D serger review can help you determine if it’s the right model for you.
Have you ever used this machine? Or know someone who has? If so, feel free to share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!