What serger to buy?? Singer?

[paschallraschalls]

I am hoping to purchase a serger in the near future and would appreciate any input as to what is a best buy.

What have your experiences been with Singer? Our local Hancock's is having a one day truckload sale next month with Singer sergers.

They say... "2006 Commercial grade/school model"
"It is a sophisticated sewing machine...That does buttonholes (Any size), invisible blind hems, monograms, ribbing double seams, zippers, sews on buttons, darning, applique, zig zag basting, quilting, and much more...." This machine runs about $200. Is this a good deal? Can I do better?

I called yesterday to get the model #, so I could do some research, but they said they won't know that until 1-2 wks before the sale.

What have your experiences been? Do you have any specific machine recomendations? Brands/models to avoid? Thanks for your time!!

[shalena]

Singer is not a very good brand anymore. In the past they were great, but now they fail easily. The add you posted sound more like a sewing machine then a serger. A serger just does overlock and rolled hem. A 5 thread serger will do coverstiching.

Patternreview.com has great reviews on machines. Also, for a started serger, you might want to check out Kenmore.

[jenamiles]

I bought my Janome online for $249 from ebay with free shipping and have been very happy with it. I bought a singer and returned it a week later because it kept loosing the tension settings.

Jen

[paschallraschalls]

Thanks for your advice! I should have mentioned that the other features were in addition to the serging part of the machine. It only claims to "sew the seam and serge the edge of the material in one operation. With an optional side cutter you can trim the excess material." I don't know if that tells you much though

shalena: I am looking foward to checking out the link you mentioned! Thanks

I would love to hear the experiences of any others of you out there! Thanks for your time and help ladies Have a great day!

[shalena]

Originally Posted by paschallraschalls

Thanks for your advice! I should have mentioned that the other features were in addition to the serging part of the machine. It only claims to "sew the seam and serge the edge of the material in one operation. With an optional side cutter you can trim the excess material." I don't know if that tells you much though

Some machines will have extra stiches that act as overlock stiches, but arn't as secure. A side cutter is a foot that attaches to the machine and will cut off the extra like the knives of a serger do.

If you want a machine that does serging, a serger is really what you want. A sewing machine that can mock some of the stiches will get you through, but it doesn't look as nice, and it isn't as secure.

I have a husquvarna 905 which is hands down an awesome serger. I paid 600 and it was well worth it.