Past Tense

How do you choose the best serger for you? Begin by dreaming. Think of all the things you could do. Think of the features you want. Then consider brand and price.

Did you know, that most reputable dealers will allow you to take classes, watch demos, even sew on several different sergers before you buy? Did you hear you could learn before you spend? Yes, you can be sure this is really something you can be passionate about before spending a dime.

There are two basic levels of sergers that you should consider. The three-four thread serger is great for utility serging and it will do some decorative serging. Then there are the high end sergers that offer fabulous possibilities. A standard three-four serger will usually produce a dozen serger stitches. High end sergers expand your horizons with many decorative features and stitch capabilities up to 86 different stitches.

Threading, tensions, and dependability are three major issues. Many sergers are ok at one or two of these, and fail miserably at the third.

Ideally you want a serger that is easy to thread, easy to use, easy to maintain consistent tensions, and keeps working year after year with little or no problems.

Looking at all the different sergers from all the different brands can be overwhelming. There are so many with so vastly different configurations, quality, and prices that you may even get confused.

Janome is well known for its Janome 634D model. It continues to be a big seller. As a 3-4 thread serger it does all the utility serging that most people ever need. As sergers go it is a bit easier than some to thread, but once threaded it performs very consistently.

When I am asked for a recommendation, however, I always turn to the serger industry leader Baby Lock. Since 1964, it has provided the best, easiest to use, most dependable sergers on the market.

The most amazing sergers are those made by the originator of the home serger Baby Lock. Their Imagine Serger literally threads instantly with the press of a lever. It uses advanced thread management the eliminates the hassles over tensions. If you are looking for a 3-4 thread serger, you cannot go wrong with a Baby Lock.

The Baby Lock Evolve serger is one of the most advanced sergers available today. It has jet air threading, advanced thread management without tension hassles, solid durability, and 86 different overlocking stitches.

Some might suggest that you buy a serger from the cheapest place possible ” fabric store, catalog, Walmart, Ebay, or even garage sales. If you do so, expect problems and frustrations.

Your local sewing machine store is the one place you can turn to with confidence. You can try before your buy, and once you buy you have an expert at your beckon call to provide precious support and service.

What do you get with your serger? Expert local instruction?

Without technical assistance and support, your serger will never be all it can be for you.

You will treasure the advantages of local warranty service and repair when you need it. Yes, you will need it at least for annual service.

Suggestions to consider: Always purchase quality. Always buy local. Always purchase where you can get instruction. Always buy where you can get technical support, warranty service, and repair assistance when you need it. Always get from real people who will stand behind your purchase.

Once you purchase and take your serger home in its box, do not stop there. Immediately, sign up for classes, clubs, learning and sharing opportunities. When you first get your machine is the time to learn all about its wonderful capabilities. Work out the bugs, the insecurities, and the hesitations so you will be free to create and serge. If you do break it, guess what, you have experts to fix it and hold your hand every step of the way.