Looking for the best serger for beginning sewers? A serger is a special sewing machine that sews seams and finishes edges all in one step. It’s a great machine to have if you want to make professional-looking clothes or accessories. In this post, we’ll talk about the best serger machines for beginners. We’ll discuss the features you should look for in a serger, and we’ll recommend some models that are perfect for beginners.
What is a serger?
A serger is a specialized machine that is dedicated to sewing the edges of fabric. Sewing the edges of fabric is important, it helps to stabilize the edges and prevents the fabric from fraying or falling apart. Without some type of edge finishing treatment, your projects would quickly fall apart. Serger machines sew a special stitch called the overlock stitch ( and sometimes a few more stitches ). These stitches use multiple spools of thread simultaneously to wrap around the edges of your fabric to protect it. This is the type of stitch that you see on store-bought garments. Serging your projects gives them a professional finish and improves their durability.
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Best Serger for Beginners
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- The looper air threading feature on the Juki MO-1000 serger allows you to easily thread the machine from the threading hole to the looper with the power of a strong whoosh of air sent from the electric motor
- The adjustable differential feed means that the machine can be adjusted to make it easier to sew different types of fabrics together
- The machine has a large space to put fabric in, so it's easy to sew big pieces of fabric
- The LED Sewing Light will help you see what you are sewing better
- The machine is designed to be quiet and to vibrate less as it sews
1. Juki MO-1000 Serger Details
The JUKI MO-1000 is a great serger for beginners because it is easy to thread and has a lot of great features. Threading a serger’s lower looper’s can be challenging. The Juki MO-1000 has air threading for the lower loopers. Simply place the looper thread in the appropriate hole and press the air button. The machine automatically threads the lower loopers for you. This is an amazing feature that cannot be overstated. On top of this great feature, the Juki MO-1000 serger has automatic needle threading, and marked threading paths to make setting up the machine super simple.
This machine also sews at a quicker than average 1500 stitches per minute – meaning you can get your projects done faster. It has two, three, and four stitch overlock stitches. It can easily switch from two to three thread stitching with the switch of a lever – you don’t have to re-thread the machine. It has all of the basic adjustable stitch settings you would expect – adjustable stitch width, stitch length, thread tension, and differential feed. It also has a bright LED light making it easy for you to see what you are sewing.
Product Features:
- The looper air threading feature on the Juki MO-1000 serger allows you to easily thread the machine from the threading hole to the looper with the power of a strong whoosh of air sent from the electric motor
- The adjustable differential feed means that the machine can be adjusted to make it easier to sew different types of fabrics together
- The machine has a large space to put fabric in, so it's easy to sew big pieces of fabric
- The LED Sewing Light will help you see what you are sewing better
- The machine is designed to be quiet and to vibrate less as it sews
2. Brother 1034DX Serger Details
This serger machine is perfect for someone who is looking to turn out professional quality sewing projects. You can use it to finish the edges and hems of your projects much faster than a regular sewing machine with it’s stitch speed of 1300 stitches per minute. The Brother 1034DX is also perfect for creating decorative edges like gathering and ruffling, or using decorative threads. This machine can do a 4-thread overlock stitch, 3-thread overlock stitch, narrow hem, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches. It has an adjustable differential feed ratio, stitch length, and stitch width. This combination of versatile stitch options allows you to get your stitches just right for your project. It also has the ability to do a 1mm – 2mm narrow stitch and a 1mm roll stitch roll stitch.
The Brother 1034DX is a three or four thread serger. Sergers can be a bit scary to get started with, with all of the different threads and thread paths. Not to worry though, the Brother 1034DX is simple to thread. First time sergers will appreciate the color coded guides printed on the machine. Threading this serger is super easy. Just follow along with the color path. This serger machine can be used with many different type of fabric. From light weight chiffon to heavier denim.
This machine has three different presser feet included with it, a blind hem foot, standard foot, and a gathering foot. There is a trim trap included, for catching all of the edges that are cut off as you sew. The knife used to cut these edges is retractable. This retractable knife blade will keep you from accidentally cutting your fabric if you’re doing a rolled hem. There is also an instructional DVD and instruction manual included with the machine. It also comes with Brother’s at your side tech support and a 1 / 5 / 25 year limited warranty.
View our full review here.
Product Features:
- Durable metal frame
- 3 or 4 thread serger
- 22 built in stitch functions
- Can handle multiple layers of denim or canvas
- 1,300 stitches per minute
- Color coding makes it easy to thread
- Bright LED light
3. Brother 1034D Serger Details
The Brother 1034D serger is one of the best known serger machines. A serger machine is great for finishing the edges of your sewn projects quickly and professionally. You can easily get a professional finish on the edges and hems of your projects much faster than a regular sewing machine with this serger machine. It sews at a quick 1300 stitches per minute. The Brother 1034D is also great for creating decorative edges like ruffling or gathering, or for adding decorative threads. This machine can do multiple overlock stitches ( both a 3-thread overlock and a 4-thread overlock), as well as a narrow hem, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches. The stitch length, stitch width, and differential feed ratio are all adjustable. This combination of stitch options lets you get your stitches just right for your project and all sorts of fabric types. It has an adjustable stitch width and stitch length. This machine can even do a 1mm-2mm narrow stitch and a 1mm roll stitch.
The Brother 1034D is a three or four thread serger. Sergers can be a bit daunting to get started with, especially the first time you use a serger. It is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the different threads and thread paths. The Brother 1034 makes it easy to thread the machine and get started. It has easy to follow color coded thread guides printed right on the machine. Threading this brother serger is easy, just follow along with the colored path.
This serger sewing machine can handle sewing a wide range of different fabrics. From stretchy fabrics like jersey knits to lightweight gauzes. It can even handle a couple layers of denim or canvas, just be sure to use the appropriate needle. It uses standard sewing machine needles, so finding new needles is easy. It also has a trim trap for catching the cut off edges of your fabric, and a retractable knife blade for when you don’t want to trim the fabric as you sew. This Brother serger also comes with an instructional DVD and instruction manual as well as Brother’s at your side tech support and a 1 / 5 / 25 year limited warranty.
View our full review here.
Product Features:
- Durable metal frame
- 3 or 4 thread serger
- 22 built in stitch functions
- Can handle multiple layers of denim or canvas
- 1,300 stitches per minute
- Color coding makes it easy to thread
4. Brother ST4031HD Serger Details
The Brother ST4031HD is a durable, heavy-duty serger that is perfect for beginners. It has color coded threading guides to make upper threading easy. The Brother ST4031HD can serge a wide range of fabrics from lightweight knits to thicker materials like denim, canvas, and leather. It has a durable metal frame, and includes a high-durability blade that can cut through multiple fabrics without hassle. This serger also has a wide, detachable table that helps keep heavy fabrics on a level surface with the needle, preventing excess pulling on the needle and thread. Detaching the table lets you do free-arm serging, perfect for finishing sleeves, pant hems, and necklines. It also comes with three different presser feet: a blind stitch food, gathering foot, and standard foot.
Product Features:
- 3 & 4 thread overlock serger
- Adjustable differential feed
- Adjustable stitch width
- Extension table for working with larger projects
- Can do free-arm serging
- Can serge thick materials like denim, canvas, and light leather
- Color coded threading paths
- 3 different types of feet - a standard foot, a blind stitch foot, and a gathering foot
- 1300 stitches per minute
- Metal frame
5. Juki MO-623 Serger Details
The Juki MO-623 serger is a great serger for a beginner or a portable option for travelling with. This machine is a two and three thread serger that can do an overlock stitch and a rolled hem stitch. It is very adjustable with controls to change the sewing tension, differential feed, stitch length, and cutting width. It has color coded thread paths to make threading the machine easier. The Juki MO-623 also has a sewing light to make it easy to see what you are sewing.
Product Features:
- 2 & 3 thread Overlock serger
- Color coded threading paths
- Adjustable tension
- Adjustable stitch length
- Adjustable differential feed
- Adjustable cutting knife position
- Multi-purpose presser foot included
- Has a sewing light
- 1500 stitches per minute
6. SINGER S0100 Serger Details
The Singer 14CG754 Serger is a great option if you’re looking for a serger that’s easy to use and perfect for beginners. This machine has a heavy duty metal frame for added durability. It can do two, three, and four thread serging stitches to include easily converting to doing a rolled hem. It has LED lighting that helps you to easily see what you are sewing. It sews at a quick 1300 stitches per minute, but also has an adjustable max stitch speed that you can use to slow it down for new sewers. This machine can also do free arm serging, perfect for finishing children’s clothes, sleeves, hemming pants, and finishing collars.
Product Features:
- 2, 3, and 4 thread overlock serger
- Can do free arm serging
- Adjustable differential feed
- Adjustable stitch length
- Adjustable stitch width
- Adjustable max sewing speed
- Removable cutting knife
- Heavy duty metal frame
- Color coded threading paths
- 1300 stitches per minute
- LED sewing light
- Limited 90 day / 2 year / 25 year warranty
7. Singer S0230 Serger Details
The Singer S0230 serger is a great choice for beginner and advanced sewers alike! This overlock serger can sew two, three, and four thread overlock stitches. This allows you to adjust the stitch to the type of fabrics you are sewing. It can sew multiple different stitches; the blind hem stitch, rolled hems, flatlocking, overlock, and overlock with seam stitch. It has color coded threading paths to make threading the machine easier and a bright LED light to make it easy to see what you are sewing.
Product Features:
- This means that the SINGER | S0230 Serger Overlock Machine can sew a seam and a seam finish at the same time, and it also trims away the excess seam allowance
- This means that you can choose to use 2, 3, or 4 threads when sewing with this machine, in order to get different types of stitches
- Differential Feed helps to sew fabrics together without them getting wavy or puckered
- This machine can sew around small sleeves and cuffs, which is great for children's clothing and other projects
- This means that the SINGER | S0230 Serger Overlock Machine With Included Accessory Kit - Heavy Duty Frame - 1300 Stitches Per Min - 4 Thread - Differential Feed - Making The Cut Edition can sew faster than most other machines, which means that your projects will be finished quicker
8. Singer 14SH654 Serger Details
The Singer 14SH654 serger is a great machine for beginner and advanced sewers. This serger machine can sew a three thread overlock stitch, as well as a four thread mock stretch stitch and a rolled hem stitch. It has a heavy duty metal frame to help ensure durability. It also has fully adjustable stitch length, thread tension, and differential feed. The Singer 14SH654 overlock machine can also do free arm sewing which is great for finishing sleeve cuffs, hemming pants, and finishing necklines.
Product Features:
- This means that the Singer 14SH654 Finishing Touch Serger can make stitches with three or four threads, which is useful for different types of seams and edges
- This means that the machine is easy to thread because the thread is color-coded
- Differential Feed is a feature on some sewing machines that helps to adjust the speed at which fabric is fed through the machine so that the seams are smooth
- The free arm on this sewing machine helps you sew in hard to reach places, like around sleeves and pant legs
- This means that the machine can sew 1300 stitches per minute, which can save you time when you're sewing
9. Singer Professional 14T968DC Serger Details
The SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger machine is a great choice for anyone looking for a quality serger machine. This serger machine has a 2, 3, 4, and 5 thread capability, which provides a wide range of stitch options for all types of projects. It can sew a traditional serge stitch, as well as a cover stitch, rolled hem, chain stitch, flatlock stitch, and more. The threading paths are color coded and it has the threading colors for each stitch printed on the side for easy reference. It also has an adjustable cutting width, stitch length control, and self-adjusting tension system, which allows for creative freedom and easy setup. The Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger sews at 1,300 stitches per minute, making it a great choice for anyone looking to speed through their projects.
Product Features:
- Has 2, 3, 4 and 5 thread capability for a wide selection of stitches
- Can do cover stitch, chain stitch, rolled hems, flat locking, and more.
- Colored threading paths
- Self adjusting tension system
- Sewing light so you can see what you're doing
- 1,300 stitches per minute
- Limited 90 day, 2 year, and 25 year warranties
10. Juki MO-654DE Overlock Serger Details
The Juki MO-654DE is one of the faster serger machines sewing at a quick 1,500 stitches per minute. This overlock serger has a color coded threading guide to make it convenient to setup and use. It also has an easy to thread lower looper – always the bane of setting up a serger. It can sew multiple versions of an overlock stitch with two, three, and four threads including a flatlock and rolled hem. The Juki MO-654DE is a great serger machine for advanced sewers and beginner sewers alike.
Product Features:
11. Singer ProFinish 14CG754 Serger Details
The Singer ProFinish 14CG754 serger provides a wide selection of stitch options, including four different rolled hems, four mock stretch stitches, three thread overlock stitch, and more. It has a convenient lever that lets you easily switch from doing an overlock stitch to a rolled hem. The adjustable stitch length and width, differential feed, and color-coded threading provide ease of use. The optional free arm lets you easily sew sleeves, necklines, and cuffs. It has a bright LED light to easily see what you are sewing. Best of all, the Singer 14CG754 serger comes with a limited 90 day / 2 year / 25 year warranty “just in case”.
Product Features:
- This means that the SINGER ProFinish 14CG754 Serger can do different types of stitches with professional results
- This means that the SINGER | ProFinish 14CG754 2-3-4 Thread Serger with Adjustable Stitch Length, & Differential Feed - Sewing Made Easy,White can change the length and width of its stitches, as well as the speed of the feeder
- The SINGER | ProFinish 14CG754 2-3-4 Thread Serger with Adjustable Stitch Length, & Differential Feed - Sewing Made Easy,White has a carry handle that makes it easy to transport it
- The free arm sewing machine means that you can easily sew sleeves and cuffs on your project
- This machine has a special mode for sewing rolled hems - it's easy to switch to this mode, and the machine will help you create a neat, rolled hem
- This means that the SINGER | ProFinish 14CG754 2-3-4 Thread Serger with Adjustable Stitch Length, & Differential Feed - Sewing Made Easy,White comes with a variety of accessories, including an all-purpose foot, a needle set, tweezers, a spreader (for 2 thread stitches), a small screwdriver, a foot control, and a power cord
- This means that if your machine needs any adjustments, belts, rings, bulbs, or attachments within the first 90 days, Singer will help you out
12. Brother DZ1234 Serger Details
The Designio DZ1234 Serger is perfect for beginner sewers. It’s easy to use and has differential feed, which gives you a better stitch quality on a variety of fabrics. This serger also comes with two sets of starter thread and a Blind Hem Stitch Foot, Gathering Foot, and Piping Foot, so you can get a professional, specialized finish on your designs. Plus, there’s an instructional DVD to get you serging in no time!
Product Features:
- The Brother Designio DZ1234 is a durable machine made with a metal frame
- This means that the machine can sew a variety of different width stitches, from very thin to quite thick
- This means that the machine can sew at a speed of up to 1,300 stitches per minute, which will help you finish your projects quickly
- The Brother Serger is easy to thread because it has color-coded thread guides and numbered upper and lower thread loopers
- The Brother Serger, DZ1234, Metal Frame Overlock Machine comes with 3 accessory feet - a blind hem stitch foot, a gathering foot, and a piping foot
- This product is only meant to be sold in the US, and if it's used or sold in any other country, the warranty is void
13. Juki MO-50E Serger Details
The Juki MO-50E is designed to be easy to use for beginner sewers with features that even professional sewers will love. From it’s color coded threading paths to automatic lower looper threading, getting up and sewing with the Juki MO-50E is a breeze. It has a fully adjustable cutting knife too, so you can increase your hem widths or even fully retract the knife. This machine can serge with either 3 or 4 threads, and can do an overlock stitch or a rolled hem stitch. It also has a LED sewing light to make it easy to see what you are doing.
Product Features:
- 3 & 4 thread overlock serger
- Automatic lower looper threading
- Adjustable differential feed
- Adjustable and retractable lower knife
- Adjustable stitch length
- Color coded threading paths
- Standard presser foot include
- LED sewing light
- 1300 stitches per minute
14. Janome 8002D Serger Details
The Janome 8002D serger is good overlock serger for beginners and a workhorse for professional sewers. This is a three or four thread overlock serger that can also easily convert to doing a rolled hem. It has a color coded threading path printed on the machine to make it easier to setup. It’s fully adjustable, with controls for changing the stitch length, differential feed, and stitch tension. The cutting knife is fully retractable, or you can adjust the position of the blade to make the perfect cuts.
Product Features:
- 3 and 4 thread overlock serger
- Color coded threading chart on the machine
- Retractable cutting knife
- Adjustable cutting width
- Adjustable differential feed
- Adjustable tension
- Adjustable stitch length
- 1300 stitches per minute
15. JUKI MO644D Serger Details
The Juki MO644D is a great serger for both beginner and advanced sewers. This machine is a two, three, and four thread overlock machine. It is capable of sewing a wide range of fabrics from lightweight knits to thick materials like denim and canvas. This serger has a color coded threading path and a sewing light to make it easy to see what you are sewing. It has adjustable differential feeds, stitch length, and stitch tension so you can create the perfect hems.
Product Features:
- 2, 3, and 4 thread overlock serger
- Automatic rolled hem switchover
- Can serge thick and heavy fabric like denim and canvas
- Adjustable differential feed
- Adjustable thread tension
- Adjustable stitch length
- Color coded threading paths
- 1500 stitches per minute
- Has a sewing light
Best Serger for Beginners FAQ
What features should I look for in a serger machine?
Some of the best features in serger machines include a LED sewing light, automatic needle threading, easy lower looper threading like the Juki’s Air Threading, free arm serging, and the ability to do a wide variety of stitches. Depending on your price range and what you are planning on sewing, the features you need might be slightly different. These are some of the best features out there though.
Some important feature that most sergers have in common include being able to sew a 3 and 4 thread overlock stitch, having a color coded threading path, and having adjustable stitch length, width, and differential feeds. I would consider these features to be basic functions that a good serger should have, so make sure your new machine has these features!
What’s the difference between a serger and regular sewing machines?
It’s true, you can finish the edges of your projects with both a serger and a regular sewing machine. With a serger, your finished edges are going to be more professional looking. The machine can automatically trim your fabric so that it is exactly the same size throughout your project. So no more uneven seams. It also completely encases these seams, so no more fraying or dangling threads inside your projects. Serger machines also sew faster than most traditional sewing machines, letting you finish your project faster. Check out this article for a more detailed comparison of the serger vs sewing machine.
Can a serger machine sew on stretchy fabric?
Serger machines can often do a mock stretch stitch for sewing on stretchy fabric like knits. For super stretchy fabric like spandex a serger machine would not be a good choice, the mock stretch stitch would not stretch as much as you need. For super stretchy fabric like spandex or jersey knits professional sewers use a machine called the coverstitch machine which sews a super stretchy cover stitch. Check out this article about the best coverstitch machine for more information.
What is the difference between a serger and an overlock machine?
A serger and an overlock machine are the same thing. Sergers are a type of sewing machine dedicated to sewing the overlock stitch.
What is the difference between a serger and a coverstitch machine?
A serger and a coverstitch machine are usually two different types of machines. Both machines are dedicated to finishing the edges of seams, but the types of stitches that they sew are different. A serger sews the overlock stitch which is not stretchy, and a coverstitch machine sews the cover stitch which is super stretchy.
Can a serger machine sew on knit fabric?
Serger machines can sew on knit fabric. Depending on how stretchy your fabric is, be sure to choose a stretchy stitch or not. For super stretchy knits you would be better served choosing a coverstitch machine which sews a super stretchy cover stitch.
Can a serger machine sew on thick fabric?
Some serger machines can sew on thicker fabrics like canvas, denim, and light leathers. As with all sewing machines, be sure to read the manual and choose needles and threads that are appropriate for your project. Sewing on thicker fabrics often requires stronger needles and thicker threads.
In Summary
After reading this post, you should have a much better idea of the best serger sewing machines for beginners that are available. You should have a good idea of what features you want in a serger machine, and you know which machine you want to buy. Thanks for reading! We hope this post helped you find the best serger for beginners.
Related Posts
- Want a machine that can do both the overlock and cover stitch? Check out these Coverstitch machines with Overlock