I have a White534 that's over 20 years old and is still purring along. When i got this,it was the top of the line at that time.Now they have them with differential feed and other things. Mine however has served me very well and i do a lot of sewing.I can do rolled hems,put in elastic plus all the other basic things.

Just get what you basically think you need and don't let them talk you into all the new bells and whistles,if you aren't ever going to use those things.The bells and whistles will certainly add to the cost of one.

So figure out what you want in the machine and how much you are willing to spend.Then go to a reputable dealer and check them out.Some good ones are the :
white's
Elnas
Babylock
Viking
Phaff
brother to name a few.
Good luck and let us know what you get.
Kathi

I have a Pfaff basic model...it is also an older model. No bells and whistles but a nice workhorse for my needs. I'd love to buy fancier one that does more but can't justify to myself the cost when my Pfaff serves me so well. I think my model is a 794. Take your time and look around...sew a on a few before you decide. Good luck. Budster

Mine is a Brother that I found online, on sale, free shipping. Luckily I had a friend who forced me to learn how to thread the thing - LOL! It has been trouble free since day 1 - just wish I had more time to use it.

I serged 50 tablecloths for pay right after I got it, and at $5 per cloth, that job paid for the serger. :o)

Teresa
Just curious(ok nosy) what were the 50 tablecloths for,a wedding????
Kathi

Kathi,
They were for a high school choral group that my niece belonged to. Every year they have a big dinner, so my sister donated the tablecloths as she has access to mega amounts of fabric - Sunbrella to be specific! My sister got the family "discount" rate!

Thanks Teresa------ Your sister is a lucky gal to get a deal on sunbrella fabric.That stuff isn't cheap!!!
Kathi

Teresa,
Your story reminded me of Mother(Joansews) first serger. It was a toyota purchased 13 years ago at a day after thatnksgiving sale. She made some turtle neck dickies at my grandmother's insistance. "If you're gonna mess with that thing make me something useful" She sold enough of those before Christmas that paid for the machine. The next fall at our craft show she sold those and she painted on the necks, christmas lights, pumpkins, halloween things, and yellow jackets (a local mascot). She also sold them to a local family owned quality department store for Christmas one year too. It's amazing how something like a serger or embroidery machine can pay for itself.
Susan in Bama
By the way I've had a Simplicty Serger and presently have a White ATS 2000 that meets my needs, but I'd love one of those air jet threaded babylocks!

Thank you all for your replies...Maybe I should also ask a couple more questions...

If money was not an issue and you got to buy your dream machine, which would it be?

Which brands make the best machines? I love Viking, will it do right by me?

Has anyone ever bought a serger or sewing machine on ebay?

Thank you!
Carlota

I have a top-of-the-line Viking, a 936 5-thread that does cover stitch and chain stitch as well as the typical stitches. I wouldn't hesitate to invest in all the bells and whistles. I use the cover stitch all the time to hem sportswear to look just like ready-to-wear garments. I was told that it's a good idea to look for a machine with a large "D" area (that's the area between the needle bar and the body of the machine. You would look for a machine that allows you to put your fist through the opening. Many sergers have little or no room to the right of the needle bar. My machine looks almost like a sewing machine in that regard. There is an article about the different sergers and their features, etc in Threads Magazine, September 2003, page 39. Within the article is a comparison chart of all the major brands.

IMHO, buy the best you can afford in the beginning b/c you will grow into it, BUT be sure to get lessons from your dealer (especially important with sergers in order to learn all that they can do for you). They are marvelous machines, and the home sewer is very lucky to have access to them.

Hi, I too, have a Viking 936. I love it! My first serger was a Bernette (Bernina serger line)that served me well. But it did't have differential or any bells or whistles. I love my computerized machine. I don't have any tension issues anymore. The sewing advisor gives you settings and you are off and running!It just hums along and makes things look so much more professional. I think it is so important to buy from a dealer who will be there for you for the follow-up and classes to teach you how to use the machine to its fullest potential. Good luck!

Gee, I've found one more reason to love this place! You all have just enabled me into a machine that will make my dh wince! I guess that means no presents for me this holiday season.

I'm going to figure out the budget and plan my purchase. Maybe I can find one that's "Open Box" I've had great luck with those! Or maybe I'll get lucky and there will be a good sale.

Any good website suggestions for finding good deals on vikings?

You guys are great!
Carlota

Let us know what you get and how you like it!

Is it true that now they make a self threading serger?

Katy

yes. Babylock makes machines that have an air thread system. A Dream machine.

Hi: I'm looking to buy a serger too. I know nothing about them as far as what features are important and what are not. Can anyone tell me what to look for in features. I heard they are hard to thread...any one in particular that is not? Do they require a lot of practice to really be worth the money? Or can you just sit down and sew, for example, straight seams. Our local JoAnn's just closed their sewing machine center and now I don't even know where to buy one and be able to get a demonstration or lessons on it. JoAnnn's still sells them but I guess you'd have to know what you are doing .

Hi Susan,
I read your message about making dickies. I can't find them anywhere and I would love to buy some from you. Let me know if you can make me some, Sincerely, Suzanne