22 Best Serger Machines

Looking for the best serger sewing machine for your home sewing center?

Being able to make great things using your sewing machine is exciting and fun, but anyone seriously passionate about sewing wouldn’t want to limit themselves just to that. Also, when it comes to professional sewing, you just can’t rely on a basic sewing machine for everything.

Are you interested in finding the best serger for beginners? The garment industry is indeed one of the largest and fast-growing industries in today’s world.

So, if you’re interested in starting a home business, investing in the best serger for beginners is a good decision. Whether you are just setting up your own small business or you have a penchant for running an international organization, there are several things that you’ll need to consider before investing in your new serger sewing machine.

The best serger for beginners should offer ease of use. It must not only be easy for you to use, but it should also allow you to make the right sewing decisions without too much difficulty.

A reliable and well-known brand will always have this reliability because these companies know how valuable their customers’ time is. Serger machines come in various shapes and sizes and each has its own particular features.

If you want to find the best serger for beginners so that you can enjoy professional results and a better quality of work, stick to brands and models that are easy to use by everyone even if you are just a beginner.

Another factor that you should look out for is the threading used on the machine. Most people are surprised to learn that machines with different thread options will give better results than others.

For example, some machines have two smaller rings on the needles, while others have five. This means that your finished product will be made of finer threads, which will result in higher quality and even a longer lifespan of the product. You’ll also have the ability to sew with a higher quality of the material.

And that’s where a serger comes in. It does things that sewing machines typically don’t, and goes a long way when you’re working on something that needs to be top-notch, and absolutely professional quality work. Making seams and doing high-quality edges and finishing work are some of the important tasks a serger will allow you to work on.

A serger is multi-purpose sewing, fabric crafting, and quilting machine. Sergers are also known as “overlockers” in some countries. Sergers allow you to sew professional-looking items from the comfort of your own home.

They frequently include cutters, hemmers, and a variety of stitch options. Many new buyers are confused by the variety of machines available and the various options available.

To make the process easier, I’ve compiled a list of popular and effective sergers to help you narrow down your options before making a purchase.

The majority of people buy a home serger to sew their own clothes. While some people prefer to use a regular sewing machine, a serger allows for more durable overlock stitches to be used to finish the garment.

Straight stitches are usually the only stitches produced by a standard sewing machine. The user of a serger can also cut the fabric as they go. A serger can be used to make a variety of garments, from casual wear to delicate lingerie. The machine can also be used for simple touch-ups and adjustments to give old or new clothing a professional look.

Sergers can finish a fabric edge, cut and sew the fabric at the same time, and join separate knits. Some models can also create a double row of stitches to cover the stitch.

The machines’ incredible versatility allows them to stitch thick and heavy fabrics as well as lighter materials like silk, satin, and organza. Thinner fabrics can handle up to four or five threads in a stitch, while more flexible materials can handle up to five. Denim seams can be chain stitched with a fifth stitch.

Sergers are ideal for upholstery projects with fabrics around the home, such as cushions, covers, curtains, and bedding, in addition to clothing.

In these cases, the serger can be used to sew decorative patterns on the finished product rather than functional patterns on garments that must be hidden.

The machines can cost as little as $200, but the best sergers can cost up to $1000 or more. The machine’s features, as well as the brand, will determine the price range.

There’s no need to buy the top sergers if you’re just getting started because many of the machines in the middle ranges can produce similar results. Professionals will almost certainly feel compelled to purchase more advanced machines.

Some models have features that others do not, so it is important to check that the model a user intends to purchase has all of the features he or she requires on a daily basis.

Before making a purchase, it’s possible that you’ll need to compare models based on their features. Some models can be operated with standard sewing machine needles, while others will need specialized needles. The needles may need to be replaced if the machine is upgraded.

When buying a Serger, there are a few things to think about.

Ease of Use: Whether a seasoned serger or a novice, the user should look for an instrument that is simple to operate and thread. This factor may be the deciding factor when choosing a serger, so it’s best to compare models by reading serger reviews.

Differential Feed: A differential feed allows users to work with light and silky fabrics, resulting in a higher-quality finished product. Some machines must first be tested to ensure that they can handle heavyweight fabrics. On some heavier fabrics, the differential feed also aids stitch stretch.

Automatic Threading: For those who dread threading, a machine with an automatic threading feature may be the best option. Air is used to push the thread through the serger in automatic threading. This feature would be useful for beginners to avoid wasting time.

The Number of Stitches: Before you buy a serger, find out how many stitches it has. When deciding whether or not a machine offers a variety of stitches, it’s critical to weigh your options. Curved stitches should also be possible with a good machine.

The Number of Threads: Some machines can only handle two or three threads at a time. The most common machine for casting a fabric layer before hemming is a four-thread machine.

A 2-4 thread serger can handle the majority of simple tasks. For stretchy fabrics like swimsuits and dance costumes, at least five threads should be available for a cover stitch.

Budget: The cost of a quality device, like any other purchase, must be within the user’s budget. Overly complex machines may have hidden features that go unnoticed, wasting the user’s money. To find a machine that is both effective and affordable, it may be best to compare serger reviews.

Check to see if any attachments or upgrades are available, or if they are included with the machine. These extra features make it easier to complete more difficult tasks. Whatever parts are attached must be compatible with the needs of the user.

What Sets the Serger Machine Apart from Regular Sewing Machines

The only real similarity between a sewing machine and a serger machine is that one. They both stitch materials, which is how they are comparable.

Serger machines can only execute a limited number of tasks; sewing machines can complete any task for you. With a serger machine, topstitches and zips, for instance, are not possible.

Since you must cut the cloth before using a sewing machine, a serger machine not only sews but also cuts as it sews, which is convenient. Before the stitching needles, the blade is positioned.

Many serger machines produce locked stitches. This is due to the fact that a serger machine typically uses 3 or 4 stitches. Typically, a sewing machine would need just one.

Compared to a regular sewing machine, a serger stitches and cuts material more quickly. Manufacturers will benefit greatly from this because it will take less time to make more, which will increase earnings. It can be helpful even at home if you are impatient or pressed for time.

Most serger machines have shorter necks than standard sewing machines. Because of this, serger machines typically stitch more quickly and use less electricity while also being easier to store.

Even better, you can combine a serger and a sewing machine into one device; obviously, this depends on your tastes.

SERGER STITCHES: TYPES

On a stitcher with only one thread, the first kind of serger stitch is employed. Because the margins of the fabric threads being utilized are zigzagged together, it is frequently referred to as the butt seam.

This approach is typically employed when you don’t want to apply tension on that area, which is why it is less dependable and lasting than other stitching techniques. This stitching technique is typically used to create lingerie.

On machines that use two threads for serger sewing, another method is used. This method can be utilized in two different ways.

One style of 2-thread stitching is the flatlock. This gives your fabric a flat, thin edge, and a finished look. Swimsuits and other flexible apparel commonly employ this technique.

Another kind is the 2-thread rolled hem, which gives your product a distinctive and adorning finish. The majority of tablecloth edges have this threading.

A threading technique called thread overlock is frequently employed in knitted apparel as well as some woven fabrics. In contrast to our next pattern, the 3-thread overlock stitch uses just one of the serger machine’s needles. You can use this to create a blind hem as well.

Compared to the other stitches discussed, the 4-thread stitch is the strongest. Because it is stronger than the other options available, it is the most popular form of stitch-to-finish seams.

The 5-thread overlock stitch is lastly used to reinforce the edge of a seam that has already been created by another stitch.

How to Choose the Best Serger

It can be difficult to make the final decision when buying a serger because there are so many different types of machines with so many different features to choose from. A number of factors must be taken into account, including the user’s personal needs and budget.

The first step is to avoid selecting a machine solely on the basis of its features. Just because a serger has the best attachments or the most sought-after features doesn’t mean it’ll be the best option for every user. Even the most expensive machines may fall short of some users’ expectations.

Those who use their sergers on a daily or near-daily basis, on the other hand, will most likely want a higher-end machine. Professionals will require a machine with a wide range of capabilities.

This guarantees that they will be able to adapt to any professional situation that may arise. Having said that, the best search will prioritize the user’s personal needs over a variety of other factors. It would be a waste of time, effort, and money to purchase a serger that is either too expensive for the intended use or a bargain that falls short of the owner’s expectations.

After narrowing down the options, but before making a final decision, the user should try out a few different machines to compare them. When testing machines, it’s also a good idea to use attachments to see how they perform in different situations.

If possible, test machines with a variety of fabrics to see how they perform with different materials. The best serger will be one that matches the user’s skill level without sacrificing features or overcomplicating the process with too many options. Even better, the best machine will be discovered at a reasonable cost.

But what are the best sergers on the market? Let’s find out below.

How I  decide on what to buy:

My goal is to help you find the best sewing resource for your requirements. I do the legwork to ensure you get the most for your money, whether you’re shopping for high-end gear or the bare essentials.

I consult experts, sewists, teachers, and/or craftspeople, and family members who are also sewists; I scour the Internet for information on how sewing supplies are used; I read customer reviews by real users; and, of course, I rely on my own accumulated expertise as a sewist.

Best Sergers

There’s a reason pretty much everyone that bought this serger is all praise for it. It’s a professional-quality serger that can do everything you expect it to, and a lot more.

However, its price certainly doesn’t reflect that, as it’s one of the few sergers on the market that allows you to do professional quality work while making things surprisingly easy for you, but without costing an arm and a leg.

Many sewers that have been sewing for years or even decades don’t get a serger, simply because they think it’s too intimidating to use. And they are not far from the truth, as most of them are.

Not the MO-654DE though. The threading is as easy as it can get for a serger, and if you have been threading a sewing machine for a while now, you likely wouldn’t have any problem at all.

It also doesn’t require you to make a ton of adjustments after threading, which most other functional sergers do. It also allows you complete control over the serging process, thanks to the pressure foot being very versatile. It lets you work as slowly or as quickly as you want.

The quality of work it does would probably blow you away, especially if you have never used a good serger before. It makes stitches that are very strong, and would never come apart easily.

This is also the best serger machine in terms of durability, as all the important parts are made using high-quality metal, and no cheap materials are used. You can safely assume that it’s going to last you for a very, very long time.

A particular customer mentioned in their review that they are into professional costume designing, and the MO-654DE works great for their needs. It allows them to produce very high-quality work while taking a lot of challenges out of the otherwise demanding serging process.

Finally, it’s also much quieter than most other sergers you can find on the market, as many of the serger reviews about it mention.

What We Like About It?

Well, it’s simply the top serger out there, for both experienced users and those new to serging alike. It’s a very functional, durable and powerful serger machine, and makes it very easy for users to produce professional quality work without letting things get complicated.

It also comes with many useful accessories, so it’s actually priced much more affordably than it might seem.

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First things first, as the name clearly mentions, it’s one of the most portable sergers out there. It’s fairly compact and weighs considerably less than most other products.

However, the portability doesn’t take anything away from its ability to do a great job as a serger. In fact, it’s a very heavy-duty serger, and many of the serger sewing machine reviews for this product mention how it can sew through several layers of heavy fabrics like vinyl or even heavier upholstery fabric.

Similarly, a particular serger sewing machine review also mentioned how the MO644D sews very efficiently with no skipped or jammed stitches, which is very relieving given how frustrating this issue can be with some of the other sergers.

Another one of the serger sewing machine reviews talked about how they have been using a Brother sewing machine for the past 4 years, and decided to take their apparel sewing to the next level with this serger.

And it has been helping them do exactly the same. In other words, if you’re someone who is looking to move beyond just generic sewing projects, then this serger will be a great companion for enhancing your sewing skills further.

Despite being priced very affordably for a heavy-duty, portable serger, it’s very durable, with the parts being of very high quality and long-lasting.

It has many other impressive features as well, including:

• Being fairly quiet even when working at a great speed
• Very versatile with 2/3/4 threads and looper adjustment that allows changing the stitch length and differential feed
• It has great overlocking and chain stitching ability, meaning you may not need to get a chain stitch sewing machine for projects that involve a lot of chain stitching
• The differential feed works very smoothly and makes it a lot easier to produce quality work
• Comes with many useful accessories, which is a bit of a surprise at this price point

What We Like About It?

It’s a very powerful serger that can sew through multiple layers of heavy fabrics like a thick quilting fabric or even a barkcloth fabric with ease.

It’s also much more efficient than other cheap serger machines and would take all the annoyance out of heavy-duty serging. There are also many other features that add to both its overall versatility and functionality, making it just as good as a professional sewing machine for overlock stitching.

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The Brother DZ1234 is one of the most feature-packed serger sewing machines with a surprisingly cheap price tag. It comes with lots of useful accessories and will allow you to start making high-quality, customized designs right out of the box.

There are also more than a few Brother serger reviews that talk about how easy it is to use, and even users that have never used a serger before are being able to use it without any issues whatsoever.

It comes with 3 additional feet, meaning it will be able to do a lot more for you than other sergers in this price range. The threading is stupidly simple, as each step of the process is marked and coded with colors, and there are also small pictures with numbers on the looper area.

It’s also surprisingly easy to use this serger for overlocking. Similarly, in one of the serger machine reviews for this product, it was mentioned that the customer managed to sew through as many as 4 layers using this serger, which is quite impressive given the price it’s being sold at.

The differential feed works great as well, preventing any kind of stretching, which again takes a lot of frustration out of the process.

With just some minor adjustments, you will be able to make amazing seams no matter the kind of fabric you’re working on, including even something like the batik quilting fabric.

As we said above, there are a lot of other useful features as well as many accessories, but without going into them all let us just mention that it’s a great machine at an amazing price. The only downside is that the thread spools that come with it are very low quality and useless so you will have to purchase new ones separately.

What We Like About It?

The DZ1234 offers an amazing bang for your buck. While it’s very beginner-friendly, it comes with a long list of great features that make it amazingly functional, as all those serger machines reviews mention.

The threading is extremely simple, and some of the other features make creating perfect seams and the overall process very convenient and frustration-free, which is more than what you can ask from a serger priced so low.

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Here’s another budget serger that makes it to our list due to its great functionality and the value it offers. As some of its Janome serger reviews mention, it turns out to be good enough as a serger machine unless if you’re into professional sewing.

However, you would still very well be able to produce things that have a professional feel to them, without having to deal with the usual annoyance of working with a cheap serger.

A particular Janome serger review mentioned that it’s so easy to use that it’s recommended eve for children and for people with arthritic hands. This actually also makes the 8002D a great choice for kids that have gotten familiar with a sewing machine for kids and now want to get into serging as well.

Coming to some of the technical details, the 8002D makes great seams. It also works particularly well when doing edges, which is not something all sergers can handle well.

It also comes pre-threaded, so you will be able to use it right away and will be saved from the hassle of threading it for a while. The threading isn’t difficult with this serger either, although it can be a bit time-consuming until you get used to it.

Finally, it’s not completely quiet; but it’s fairly quiet, especially compared to the other sergers in this price range.

What We Like About It?

It’s one of the easiest sergers to operate, and even comes pre-threaded. However, the functionality is definitely there, and it allows you to do great work on the edges as well as make seams that are neat and strong.

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It’s not only one of the best sergers, but also the most popular ones. And it too has managed to get almost universally positive reviews.

It’s a much more budget option though but doesn’t demand much of a compromise on the functionality. It’s versatile in the sense that it can be used for many different types of projects such as home décor, finishing, and more, and it would still maintain a great level of efficiency.

The versatility is further enhanced by its ability to work with either 3 or 4 threads, allowing you to use it in a similar way as another overlocker sewing machine here.

It’s also a very fast serger sewing machine and can sew up to an impressive 1300 stitches per minute. If you’re into heavy-duty serging, this would save you a LOT of time.

The adjustability is also great, as you can adjust it for different stitch widths as well as for the type of sewing fabric you’re using. In fact, it has a few different types of stitches you can use, which again adds to its versatility even more.

Now, there’s just one thing we didn’t really like about this serger sewing machine. You need to oil it before you can start using it.

However, this isn’t really a problem, but the fact that you’re told about this on page 57,  obviously isn’t where such an important piece of information should be.

But it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re reading this, as you can also find how to oil a sewing machine here, and the steps would be more or less the same for this machine as well.

What We Like About It?

The great value for money it offers is what we like the most about it. It’s priced very affordably, making it our choice for serger sewing machines for those on a budget.

It’s very functional, comes with many different types of stitches, and most importantly of all, amazingly versatile. If you tend to work on a wide variety of projects, the 1034DX would be right up your alley!

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Here are the other sergers we took a look at.

The Brother Serger ST4031HD is a durable, heavy-duty serger that can use three to four threads to handle multiple layers of heavy-duty fabric such as denim. Speed of up to 1,300 stitches per minute is controlled with a foot pedal. The wide, detachable table helps the sewer work with heavy fabrics without pulling on the needle.

• metal frame and interior components
• large extension table
• high durability blade cutting edge

The Singer 14CG754 serger is able to work with 2, 3, or 4 threads to accommodate all types of projects with many types of materials. It has a free arm for working with hard-to-reach areas such as sleeves and cuffs. It also has a mode to produce four different types of rolled hems.

• adjustable stitch length
• carry handle
• free arm

The Crafters’ Companion Gemini Lock Pro serger is portable and light-weight, but also of sturdy construction. It can be used on a range of fabrics, from knits to denim and is designed to overlock to prevent fraying. It also features a heavy-duty cutting system and four types of easy-to-make rolled hems.

• color-coded threading guide
• thread chain trimmer
• flatlock using two or three threads

The Brother 2340CV serger allows the sewer to work with 2, 3, or 4 threads at a time. It has a fast and easy looper threading system which saves time and dials to adjust the speed of fabric flowing through the machine. It comes with a blind stitch foot and a gathering foot.

• color-coded threading guide
• presser foot pressure adjustment
• adjustable stitch length

 

The Janome MOD-8933 serger has the option to work with three or four threads and a color-coded system for easy threading. It also can quickly change to rolling hems to ensure the creation of neat hems. This compact machine works well with denim, craft, and knit projects.

• lay-in threading system
• adjustable presser foot pressure
• Easy Accessible Lower Looper with Pretension Setting Slider

The Janome Magnolia 7034D serger has a differential feed that prevents puckering and stretching and can be used to create special effects. It includes several different presser feet for work on a variety of projects, including beading and hemming. The color-coded threading system makes this machine easy to thread.

• 3 or 4 thread convertible
• adjustable presser foot pressure
• maximum speed of 1,300 stitches per minute

The Juki MO-50E serger can be used with three or four threads and has an adjustable lay-in tension. It is an industrial-level machine that provides for powerful and reliable serging. It also features color-coded threading with adjustable tension.

• adjustable differential feed
• automatic lower loop threader
• retractable upper knife

This professional-level serger can work with 2, 3, 4, and 5 threads for sewing seams, hems, and decorative options. The Singer 14T968DC has a self-adjusting tension system – turn the dial to select the chart and the tension level is set automatically. It also has a rolled hem sewing mode.

• automatic tension adjustment
• maximum sewing speed of up to 1,300 stitches per minute
• wide range of stitch options

This modern serger is perfect for knit, denim, and hemmed projects. The Janome 7933 can create different types of rolled hems for the decoration of garments and home decor projects. There is also the option to use three or four threads depending on what best suits your project.

• lay-in threading system
• differential feed
• color-coded threading system

The Juki MO654DE portable serger can work with two, three, or four threads and create rolled hems. It has a color-coded threading system with a breakaway looper for easy setup. Stitch length and differential feed adjustments are easy to make on the outside of the machine.

• color-coded threading system
• maximum speed of 1,500 stitches per minute
• safety switch

The Juki MO-114D is a great everyday serger that can be used with two, three, or four threads for almost any project. It can go from standard serging to roll hemming with the flip of a switch and features an adjustable cutting width. The presser foot has a lift of up to 7.5mm and adjustable pressure.

• lower loop threader
• lay in tension system
• adjustable cutting width

The Brother 1634D serger is easy to set up with either three or four threads. It can be used to create rolled hems, inserting zippers, stitching neat blind hems, and creating ruffles. It features a color-coded, lay-in threading system. Included are several presser feet for different projects.

• differential feed
• Easy-to-follow, color-coded lay-in threading
• adjustable presser foot height

The Janome 634D overlock serger features a self-threading lower looper for easy set-up with either three or four threads. It can be easily switched over to working on rolled hems. Included are a variety of presser feet for many different types of projects.

• 2, 3, or 4 thread overlock
• Lay-in thread tension dial
• Convenient thread cutter

The Juki MO-735 serger is capable of 2,3, and 4 thread stitch variations to create a variety of garments and other projects. The serger can handle a variety of fabrics, from heavy to lightweight. It is also capable of creating decorative stitches.

• chain stitch mode
• multi-function presser foot
• 5 thread safety switch

The Juki Pearl Line MO-655 serger can be used with two, three, four, or five threads and can also be used to create chain stitches. It can be used on the latest fabrics with decorative thread. It also features rolled hemming and can be used for all overlock and flatlock variations.

• color-coded threading guides
• one rotation thread tension
• dial-adjustable differential feed

The Juki MO-1000 serger is easy to set up with new air-supported threading technology. It creates beautifully sewn finishes even on easily stretched fabrics like knits and georgettes. Reduced distance between the needle and the knife allows for sewing around curves.

• automatic needle threader
• wide throat area
• LED sewing light

The Neechi S34 serger allows you to cut, seam, and finish all in one step. It is easy to thread by following the color-coded guide and threading chart. It also features a quickly rolled hem changeover and an adjustable presser foot.

• speed of up to 1,300 stitches per minute
• color-coded threading
• retractable upper knife

How We Did Our Serger Reviews

We chose the best serger based on several important factors. Some of the important ones include:

• The quality of work it delivers, in terms of both the seams and other things like the edges
• How easy it is to thread (it can certainly make life difficult for you if it isn’t easy enough)?
• The overall ease of use (sergers are generally much more challenging to use than a sewing machine)
• How good is its overlocking or chain stitching capability?
• The quality of the construction (whether the serger is durable enough)
• The level of versatility it comes with – after all, you may want to use it for many different types of projects
• The kind of features the serger offers and how functional they make it as a machine

There are some factors as well, which obviously also includes the price, but the ones we listed above are some of the more technical, more important ones.

Some of the top-rated sergers on the market come out a winner with respect to all these factors, which included the ones we reviewed in this post. We also consider the serger reviews 2018 to be sure that a particular serger is still getting positive reviews despite many new models that have hit the market.

Different Types of Sergers

Unlike something like sewing essentials or even perhaps like other machines such as a mechanical sewing machine, there’s actually nothing like different “types” of sergers. While they can differ from one another quite a bit when it comes to the overall functionality and ease of use, they are generally all of the same types.

Sure, just like you have different brands in sewing machines like a Brother sewing machine or other less popular ones like a Juki sewing machine, you do have pretty much the same brands offering sergers as well.

However, while a Brother serger is known for its superior functionality, a Janome serger is praised for the great ease of use it offers, coupled with solid build quality. This shouldn’t come as a surprise though, as even a Janome sewing machine is known for its excellent durability.

That all being said, although there aren’t exactly any different types of sergers, some factors to differ significantly which is something to take note of. For instance, some sergers are much more portable than others, which makes them ideal when setting up a small sewing room as against a very large one.

However, you will probably only be able to learn about these important differences (that can otherwise be easy to ignore), if you spend some time understanding important sewing basics like the ones you can find on our sewing help page.