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So, you’ve decided to buy a serger. Your sewing is about to get much easier! But there are so many different machines out there—how do you know which machine to buy?
By the way, if you aren’t sure if you need a serger or not, read this article first: Do I REALLY Need a Serger?
In this article, you’ll learn 5 essential tips to help you buy the best serger for the sewing projects you like to make.
Tip 1: Know Your Sewing Needs
Different projects require different features on your machine. Consider what types of fabrics and garments you typically like to sew, and then consider the features that would be most helpful on your machine.
For example, if you sew with lightweight fabrics, knits, and athleticwear, you will likely find yourself changing the settings on your machine to get the perfect stitch with different types of fabrics. Look for a machine with easy settings so you can adjust the tension, differential feed, and stitch length and width.
If you sew with a lot of denim, canvas, or other thick fabrics, you might need a machine with a strong motor that can handle many layers of fabric.
Another example is if you sew a lot of childrenswear or knit tees. You might want your machine to have a free arm for tight spaces, like sleeves and cuffs.
Tip 2: Look for Ease of Threading
Threading a serger can be tricky, especially for beginners. However, once you learn how your machine works, threading becomes much easier.
Choose a machine with user-friendly threading options if this is important to you.
Many machines come with color-coded thread guides to help you. Air-threading machines do the hard parts for you, automatically threading your loopers. An air-threading machine might be worth it if you think that threading your machine will hold you back from using it.
We have a course called Ready, Set, Serge: Serger Basics that is free for Seamwork members or you can take it individually here. It offers a comprehensive guide to threading your serger like a pro, so even if you don’t have auto-threading, you’ll master it in no time.
We cover how to thread a serger on a bunch of different machines from the most popular brands, including BERNINA, Brother, Juki, and Janome.
You’ll get all the information you need to get started with your serger and walk away confident in threading, using, and troubleshooting—and you'll have a brand new T-shirt to wear.
Tip 3: Understand the Stitch Options
Sergers come with various stitch types, from a basic 3-thread overlock to rolled hems and flatlock stitches. What options do you need?
3-thread and 4-thread overlock stitches are essential. Most machines will have these two stitch options.
A 4-thread overlock stitch uses two needle threads and two looper threads. It creates a strong, more durable seam that can handle stress and stretching. It’s suitable for both finishing seams and constructing knit garments.
A 3-thread overlock stitch uses one needle thread and two looper threads. It prevents fraying, but it’s not strong enough to use as a construction seam for some garments, unless you are working with lightweight fabric.
A rolled hem is a fun option for delicate projects. This stitch is ideal for finishing lightweight fabrics like chiffon. It’s also great if you want to make napkins with a delicate little border.
Some machines come with a rolled hem foot, but you can also re-create this stitch by changing some settings on your machine. In Ready, Set, Serge, we show you how to set up a rolled hem.
Decorative stitches are optional—do you need all those special presser feet? Some sergers offer additional presser feet for ruffles, elastic, blind hems, piping, gathering, and more. If you use these details in your sewing, you might want to invest in a machine that comes with additional feet, or include the feet in your budget.
Are convertible serger and coverstitch machines worth it? Convertible coverstitch and serger machines—often referred to as combination machines—are designed to perform both serging and coverstitching functions.
These machines can be a great investment if you’re looking for versatility—it’s two machines in one. They also save space, since you don’t need three machines, and they can be more cost-effective than buying both a serger and a coverstitch.
However, they do come with trade-offs, like the time it takes to switch between modes. Many people say this alone stops them from using both functions. There’s also the potential for slightly lower performance. For example, some convertible machines may be slightly slower or less efficient at threading or tension control than a dedicated coverstitch machine.
If you prioritize space and budget, a convertible machine could be a smart choice, but if you really want high performance and convenience, you might be better off with both a serger and a coverstitch.
Need more help with this decision? Be sure to read this article (and watch the video): Do I Really Need a Coverstitch Machine?
Tip 4: Consider Your Budget and Brand Reputation
Sergers vary widely in price, from budget models to high-end machines with air threading and coverstitch options. So, how much should you invest?
Entry-level machines are great for beginners or smaller budgets. The most important thing to check for if you want to have control over different fabrics is differential feed.
Differential feed is a mechanism in a serger that controls how the fabric is fed through the feed dogs on the machine. If your machine lets you adjust the differential feed, you’ll be able to work with a whole bunch of different kinds of fabrics and ensure they don’t stretch out or pucker.
Mid-range machines usually come with more advanced features, including differential feed, or some threading help.
High-end machines usually have strong motors, threading help, and other features like multiple needle positions, automatic tension, and more stitch options.
In general, the best advice when buying a machine is to pay for what you actually need versus things you won’t need.
However, you want to make sure you aren’t buying something that’s cheap just because it’s cheap. If you are new to sewing, small obstacles can derail you, so don’t start with a machine that doesn’t sew well just because it’s cheaper. You don’t want your new machine to discourage your favorite hobby.
Tip 5: Test Before You Buy (If Possible)
Always try to test a serger in-person before making a final decision. Feel how it handles different fabrics, how easy it is to thread, and how quiet or smooth it runs—you’d be surprised how loud they can get.
If you don’t have a machine dealer near you, see if a friend will let you try their machine. Or, see if there is a fabric shop that has classes. You can also watch detailed videos about each machine to observe how they serge as close as you can.
When you try out a machine, bring samples of fabrics you typically work with. Experiment with adjusting the tension to see how easy it is.
Make sure you’re comfortable with the machine’s size, weight, and controls. Try sewing in the round or making a cuff so you can see how much room the arm gives you.
Buying the right serger can elevate your sewing experience, but it’s essential to consider your personal needs, ease of use, and budget before making a choice.
If you want to read even more tips about shopping for a machine, read this article: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Sewing Machine.
Most of the tips for buying sewing machines also apply to sergers.
If you’re new to serging or want to boost your skills, check out our Ready, Set, Serge: Serger Basics course.
Whether you’re learning to thread, exploring stitch options, or trying to understand all of the features your serger offers, this course will guide you step by step. It’s free for Seamwork members, or you can buy the course individually.
So, do you have a serger? What kind did you buy? Share your reviews in the comments!
