The 10 Best Serger Sewing Machines Reviews & Complete Guide 2021

Sometimes choosing a serger is easy, especially when you are very clear about your requirements. But most of the time, it is a challenging task to choose the best serger, especially in a country like the United States, where you get at least a dozen brands selling top quality sergers with tons of features.

A serger is something that you would like to use for at least five years. It is an essential part of your business, and if you buy a cheap one with inconsistent performance, your business will suffer.

So you are always advised to focus on machines that are of excellent quality.  

What is the Best Serger Sewing Machine to Buy?

If you are reading this post at the moment, I can presume that you are looking for the ideal serger sewing machine to buy. Once you read this post till the end, it should not be difficult for you to find one. However, first, we must try to understand what a serger machine is.

A serger sewing machine, which is also known as an overlock sewing machine, is ideal for serging the edges of material for a brilliant professional look. These machines can handle up from 3 to 8 cones of thread.

Besides, it comes with thread locks around the seam and has a blade to cut off the seam allowance. Another salient feature of these machines is that they let you stitch at a speed of up to 1700 stitches per minute.

A serger is also ideal for gathering fabric, neat piping, narrow rolled hem, and hem knits. However, a few things that a serger can’t do comprise zippers, buttonholes, topstitching, and facing.

Juki MO-623

Juki MO-623 is a 3-Thread Overlock Machine, ideal for sewing apparel, accessories, crafts, and home decorating items. As long as you use this machine, you don’t have to change the needle plate for converting it to rolled hem since it comes with an in-built rolled hem.

The machine helps you with overcasting with three threads, and it also includes two thread adaptors. The Disengageable Knife Cutting is a convenient feature for most users. You can have a stitch speed up to 1500 spm. Further, it includes adjustable stitch length and cutting width.

I am sure that you have a clear picture of what a serger is by now. You could select from any of the three models shared in this post, depending on your exact requirements and budget.

Janome MyLock 634D

Janome MyLock 634D is an advanced serger with two needles and supports 2, 3, 4 thread overlock stitching. The machine offers intelligent control for handling various types of fabrics. MyLock 634D keeps threading very simple with color-coded thread guides and a lower looper. Besides, the machine comes with adjustable foot pressure and adjustable stitch length and width.

The machine offers a maximum speed of 1300 stitches per minute. The machine includes various accessories comprising Blind Stitch Foot, Needle (universal), Needle Threader, Piping Foot 1/8″, Piping Foot 3/16″, 9 Piece Scissor Kit, Seam Ripper, and Taping Foot with Reel.

Brother 1034D Serger

Brother 1034D Serger is a 3 or 4 thread serger made out of a robust metal frame, making it pretty durable. The machine delivers exceptional performance and can help you sew on multiple denim layers and other thick materials. As far as the stitching speed goes, it allows you to sew at a speed of up to 1300 stitches per minute.

Besides, the machine offers intelligent speed control backed by a foot pedal. Threading is effortless on Brother 1034D since the machine provides an easy-to-use color-coded threading system guide alongside an instructional manual and instructional video. Further, it includes three snap-on feet comprising blind stitch and standard gathering.

Reviews of the Serger Sewing Machines 2021 – (Editors’ Choice)

Taking the above point into account, we at sewing machines view have created an updated list of Top 10 Best Sergers.

We have omitted those poor machines as we never recommend a bad machine to our readers, which you can clearly see from our recommendation level for each machine. This list contains the best of the best sergers available in the U.S.

1. Brother 2340CV 

This is a cover stitch machine, not a real serger. It has features like 3 needles, differential feed system, chain stitch, and 6mm triple-needle cover stitches. You can do trim cover, cover, utility, flatlock, and decorative stitches on this machine.

Pros

This machine is perfect for one specific purpose, doing a cover stitch. Actually, the quality of the stitches is as good as industrial machines. When you consider that, the price seems to be very reasonable.

Drawbacks

Brother 2340CV does not have automatic tension release, which is a drawback as it will take at least a couple of attempts to get used to the manual tension release system. This machine is not highly recommended unless you want a cover stitch machine.

2. Siruba HSO-747D 

Siruba is not a favorite serger brand in the U.S., But this particular model features among the bestselling sergers due to its inexpensive and reasonably good performance. But still, it is not highly recommended by sewing machines view.

We had to include it on the list because it is the least expensive serger with some quality. It is a two-needle convertible 3 or 4-thread serger. It has a differential feed mechanism, free arm capability, and an adjustable presser foot.

Pros

Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it seems to be a good one for basic stuff. The micro safety switch is one useful feature. While reviewing, it gave us satisfactory results and worked well on different kinds of fabrics.

Drawbacks

We are not sure about this machine’s durability as it is made of very cheap quality plastic. 

3. SINGER 14T968DC 

It is a serger designed for real professionals. The best thing about this serger is that it has both overlock and cover stitch capability.

Some other features are automatic tension, upper moveable knife, 2/3/4/5 thread stitch capability, automatic and manual presser foot pressure adjustment.

Pros

The overlock and cover stitch combination is the highlight of this machine. This is the only serger in this list, which has both features. This machine has so many features that you will normally see the actual value and above sergers. The automatic tension feature is stunning.

Drawbacks

The work light is dim, to be honest. This serger does not have free arm capability. This machine is on the heavier side as well.

4. Janome 8002D 

This is a highly underestimated serger. It has 3 or 4 thread overlock stitching capability, built-in rolled hem, and differential feed system.

Pros

Few people who bought this serger have given 100% positive feedback. That is the reason why we said; it is an underestimated machine. You can easily convert this machine to rolled hem mode without removing the needle plate. It is a tranquil machine. The smooth and quiet operation is something that would impress anyone.

Drawbacks

Slightly complicated threading is the only con of this machine.

5. Juki MO654DE 

This is an expensive serger in the list of Top 10 Best Sergers. It has 2/3/4 Thread options; built-in rolled hemming, industrial tension and cutting system, disengaging loopers, built-in sewing gauge, and differential feed mechanism.

Pros

It is a highly stable machine with little vibration while operating. The stitch quality is pretty impressive. It has an amazing knife that cuts through any fabric. This machine does an equally good job at high and low speeds. Speed control and precision is something that we really liked about this serger. It is portable as well.

Drawbacks

The in-built light and the user manual requires a lot of improvement.

6.  SINGER 14J250 

Absolute champion for heavy stuff like denim. It has 2-3-4 Stitch capability, differential feed system, built-in needle threader, thread cutter, and built-in rolled hems.

It has some nice additional features like the upper moveable knife, open threading system, and adjustable cutting width gauge.

Pros

This machine sews through denim like butter. It has a wonderful stretch mode as well. It is a sturdy and stable serger.

Drawbacks

The lighting is inferior. Slightly difficult to thread during the initial set up.

This is a best seller. It has 2-3-4 thread capability, differential feed system, and free arm capability. It has four built-in rolled hems. A lever is provided for converting to a rolled hem. The free arm makes sewing cuffs and sleeves effortlessly. It has a moveable upper knife as well.

Pros

It provides smooth and consistent results.  

Drawbacks

The machine seems to be noisy — flimsy-looking spool holders.

8. JUKI MO644D Portable Serger 

It is an absolute beginner’s delight. If you are looking for a user-friendly serger, do not look any further. It is a 2/3/4 Thread serger with an automatic rolled hem, differential feed, and heavy-duty knife system. The automatic rolled hem provides a nice and neat finish. You can change to rolled hem with the flip of a switch.

Pros

In terms of user-friendliness, this serger scores above all the best sergers in this list. It does an excellent job with multiple layers of fabrics. It is tranquil as well. Stability is also good. 

It is an awesome machine, especially for light and medium weight fabric. The majority of people who bought JUKI MO644D are beginners, which will give you an idea about its ease of use.

Drawbacks

There are no big issues to point out.

9. Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger 

A defect less and flawless serger. It is the 2nd best serger you can get. It loses out to 1034d just because of the slightly higher value. Otherwise, this machine would have been sitting pretty on the top of the list.

It is a 3/4 thread serger with differential feed. It has free arm capability and adjustable presser foot pressure. It can do rolled hems as well.

Pros

The ease of use is really commendable. Threading is a walk in the park. It sews through all kinds of fabrics with ease.

Drawbacks

I had a hard time finding a limitation of this machine — none to say.

10. Brother 1034d 

Be it the ease of use, quality, or price, there is no other serger to beat this beast. Brother 1034d is the best seller among all sergers. It is a cute little beast with 3/4 thread capability, differential feed, rolled hem, and free arm. 

Other additional features are adjustable on/off the knife, adjustable foot pressure, and brightly lit workspace.

Pros

Beginners can easily set this machine up. The quality of the stitches is excellent. It can sew any fabric without any trouble. The low price is the highlight of this serger. Probably that is the reason why this serger is on top of the best sellers list.

It has been the best seller for quite a while now. It has the highest ‘customer satisfaction’ rating as well. We will include this serger in our list of ‘Machines You Can Buy With Your Eyes Shut’ soon.

Drawbacks

Nothing at all.

Are You Looking For Serger Sewing Machines? Here’s What You Need to Consider

Buying a serger sewing machine can be fascinating because you are heading over to the ultimate next level of sewing to put a professional finish on garments. This will also offer you a huge space to improve your skills further.

However, many people are a little unsure how they can buy the best Serger sewing machine and fear that they might go wrong with their choices.

This is why I thought of listing down a few important factors that you need to bear in mind while selecting a Serger sewing machine. You can’t afford to go wrong with your choice as long as you keep these factors in mind.

Sewing Experience

Before you make a huge investment in a Serger Machine, you have to understand your sewing experience. It is always wise to invest in a serger with over 70 different stitch options as long as you are experienced enough to handle it.

However, we recommend choosing a basic model for those who are just beginners since many basic models come with excellent features at a comparatively lower price.

Try Out Different Models Before Buying One

It is never wise to reach a buying decision, that fast and instead, one must take one’s time in making oneself familiar with the various serger models, comprehend their strengths and weaknesses, and check the ease of use.

You may also watch some demonstration videos online to make yourself fully aware of how you can operate them. This will help you find the right serger machine according to your sewing abilities.

Type of Use

The type of Serger machine that you choose has to do a lot with the type of use. You could use a basic overlock 2,3, or 4-thread machine for hemming, seams, or finishing edges on garments. For cover stitch, you must get a machine that can handle a minimum of 5 threads.

Features that you need the most

Here are a few important features that you need to look for while buying a serger machine. Every good server machine must essentially include these features.

Budget and Pricing

Apart from being fully aware of the features that you are looking for and, of course, some of the features that you need to have in your machine at any cost, you have to be very clear with your budget as this will largely help you make the right choice and not waste your time in machines that you can’t afford to buy. Having said that, it is also pretty important that you never compromise with quality.

You can try to find the right balance of a reasonable price and quality. You can certainly do in advance familiarizing yourself with the various serger machines and their prices. This will help you reach a better and quick buying decision.

How To Use A Serger Sewing Machine

Depending on functionalities, you will find various sewing machines, and a serger sewing machine is one of them. You will mainly see a serger sewing machine used in industry-level rather than in-home uses or small sewing ventures. Still, you will see a handful of people to own sergers for projects and small businesses. Here, we will discuss a serger sewing machine’s functionality and how to use a sewing machine.

What Is The Function Of A Serger?

A serger is used to perform overlocking on a piece of garment. As a result, you can call this sewing machine an overlocker too. Overlocking is done to prevent the edges of a garment from fraying. Some projects require overlocking as finishing, and some projects will require overlock while making a dress.

Also, you might need to both finish and construct with overlocks too. Basically, it depends on the project or sewing activity. Furthermore, with a serger, you can overlock from a low of 2 threads to a high of 8 lines. Generally, overlocking is done with 3 to 4 threads.

Supplies You Need Alongside A Serger To Overlock Garments

Few items come with a serger or overlocker, such as- thread nets, oil, screwdriver, etc. Remember, you can’t just use the oil of a general-purpose sewing machine on a serger. There is a specific kind of oil that you need to buy for an overlocker. However, there are few other things that you will need to ensure perfect overlocking. After this part, we will start with the overlocking process.

Awl Or Stiletto

This tool will help you a great deal to feed fabrics under the presser foot. It’s a pointed tool. With it, you can put a piece of cloth in a required width and overlook it in the correct width. A stiletto will also prevent your finger from getting injured. Also, you can take a fabric nearer to the thread cutter with a stiletto.

Wonder Clips

Utilizing wonder clips is a brilliant way of confirming hassle-free overlocking and avoiding potential finger injuries. While overlocking, you need to fold the fabric’s edges, and keeping the folds in place can be a tough job. As a solution to that, you can use wonder clips. They will come in handy in other projects as well. Besides, they don’t cost much. So, why buy some and keep them a hand while stitching.

Flat End Needle

You will see people call these needles tapestry needles too. Anyway, they come with an unsharpened end. With this needle, you can secure a line of overlocked stitches and get an excellent result from a serger. All you need to do is, put a tapestry needle under the line of an overlocked line and tuck it to another. As a result, the overlock will be appropriately set in the seam.

Pair Of Sharp Tweezers

With a pair of tweezers, you can put thread from various corners that are hard to reach with fingers. With the tweezers, you can pull the thread properly from the needles and thread loopers’ eyes.

Slim Elastics

This one is additional, yet it makes the overlocks sturdy. Especially if you are targeting lighter overlocks, narrow elastics will help you make the seam crispy.

Threads

For overlocking, you will need to collect polyester thread or woolly nylon threads. Yes, you can use general-purpose thread too, but these threads are considered most suitable for sergers. The spools of the fabric are bigger than regular thread spools. When a serger wraps the thread around an edge, it takes a lot of thread hence the bigger thread spools. Anyway, let’s have a brief look at the uses of the threads.

Polyester Threads

These threads are durable in comparison to normal threads. As you know, overlocking is done to stop the edges of a garment from fraying; that’s why you need more solid and durable threads. You can use the threads for locking the edges while making a dress and as a design as too.

Woolly Nylon Threads

These threads are thicker. You see them only to be used as an overlocking design. Like polyester threads, these woolly nylon threads are stronger and construct spectacular overlock designs on garments’ edges.

Steps To Overlock With A Serger

Let’s with the overlocking process now!

#Step 1

First, you need to thread the machine. CLEARLY! If it’s an auto threading serger, all you need to do is incorporate tread and put the thread in a guide, and the machine will do the rest. And, you might have a manual threading machine. In that case, you can follow the user’s manual or diagrams on the machine’s body. The placement of diagrams can vary in serger machines. You can have a look at the user manual to identify the place of the diagrams.

#Step 2

After the machine is threaded correctly, you need to start the engine. In a manual serger, it’s a gas pedal that generates the machine. A computerized one is run by electricity.

#Step 3

Once you turn the machine one, you need to slowly run the machine to ensure the machine is making loops for overlocking successfully. If you don’t see the serger to produce the right kind of loops, you need to re-thread the machine. This is a widespread phenomenon. So, you have nothing to worry about and spend some time threading the machine accurately.

#Step 4

When the serger can make perfect loops for overlocking, you need to place a scrap of fabric to check the machine is stitching through the material.

#Step 5

If you see the machine is overlocking the scrape of fabric nicely, you can start with the main fabric piece. Make sure you use a stiletto to feed the fabrics. Also, wonder clips to hold the layers of fabrics together. Finally, use a tapestry needle to make perfect seams.

One The Final Note

The handling and stitching process of a serger is different in many aspects from a general sewing machine. Also, there is some characteristic which is typical for both sorts of machines. However, if you have to buy one, you can follow this guide to use a serger. And, if you get confused someway, you can always refer to the user’s manual.

Top-rated Serger Sewing Machines Comparison Chart

Related Infographic: Serger vs. Sewing Machine