Not to be confused with a standard sewing machine, the best serger is a faster machine that offers a selection of more threads. However, its most significant advantage over that of standard sewing machines is that it not only sews material – but also cuts it for you. Also known as an overlock machine, the best serger sewing machine has several distinct visual features when compared to primary sewing machines. The most common is that of a shorter neck. When using a serger machine, sewing is also completed on just one side of the needles.
Here we review eight of the best serger machines claimed to be the more professional of machine types that allow you to make those perfect finishing touches. Considering them with regards to their most essential elements, we concentrate our attention on their thread numbers, stitch selections and speed, fabric they can work with, seam width, and any other additional benefits. We also emphasize the many advantages of each machine, alongside their specific features. Also, we consider customer reviews on the efficiency of each serger, discussing their opinions on such purchases.
Undertaking a search of the market for you, we’ve compiled our findings into an easy-to-read table and offered an overall rating for each model including our Editor’s choice, the Singer Professional 14T968DC Serger. Alongside our detailed reviews, we’ve also included a comprehensive buying guide, providing you with all you need to know about these fantastic machines. Concluding with our top three from the list, we aim to help you select the best serger machine for your specific sewing requirements.
More features: cover stitch capability; differential feed; elastic foot, beading foot, and shirring foot included
Our Editor’s choice and top of the list here is the Singer Professional 14T968DC. This has an amazing thread capability of 2/3/4/5 and a vast selection of stitch options, meaning it works well with almost any project.
The results here are amazing because of features such as a self-adjusting tension system, the maximum sewing speed of 1300 stitches per minute, and four built-in rolled hems. This serger allows you to sew seams, hems, rolled hems, cover hems, decorative edges and so much more with ease, in particular when accessing the bonus presser feet included.
Sewing is effortless throughout with essential benefits such as a color-coded threading and an adjustable cutting width. This not only allows for more creative freedom for all lightweight to heavyweight fabrics but encourages a swift and easy set up every time. What’s more, a color-coded threading diagram is reproduced on the machine itself for you to follow.
Featuring a durable, heavy-duty metal frame, at 18.6 pounds the device is not an ideal size, however easy enough to use and then relocate when needed. Claimed to offer the correct stitch for every project type, this comes complete with numerous bonus accessories, including that of a CD workbook. On the machine itself, you can also take advantage of the neat pocket, which is attachable. This allows you to catch any trimmed fabric, thus keeping your workspace clear at all times.
Customers of the Singer Professional 14T968DC refer to this as the best industrial serger such is its ability to offer the most professional of results every time! With some staggering five-star reviews, highlighting the many benefits of both a serger machine and of course one with the hugely popular Singer name attached.
More features: differential feed; rolled hem; lay-in tension slots
The Juki MO-114D is our choice for the Best Easy to Thread Serger. Claimed to be one of the better models for everyday use, this is ideal for those personal projects or perhaps even for more professional types of creative projects.
This offers two, three or four-thread stitching with a differential feed ratio of 0.7 to 2.0. With an adjustable cutting width making light of all fabric type and project types, there is also a lower looped threader and lay-in tension system present. Encouraging straightforward, simplistic but an ultimately incredible sewing operation throughout, this model benefits significantly from a fantastic speed of 1500 stitches per minute.
This is a lightweight and great looking model, and Juki claim that this is one of their easiest of threading machines on the current market due to the inclusion of its newest lower looper threader. This means threading is possible in seconds, rather than minutes, as with some serger models. All you need do is slide the thread you wish to use into the slot. Then, it’s merely a case of snapping the lope into place and starting! By making use of the lay-in tension system, the universal throat plate included here allow you to begin at standard levels and work through to rolled hems and all at the flip of a switch.
Furthermore, you can access additional features with ease here, including adjustable cutting, adjustable stitches, adjustable needle access, and adjustable pressure foot action. Best of all, the fabric types you can employ on this serger are immense, ranging from those lightweight to durable heavyweight choices.
Customers of the Juki MO-114D find this high-quality serger which is not only incredibly easy to use but also offers the more precise of cuts and finishes.
More features: differential fabric feed; 2-point thread tension control; built-in storage; retractable knife blade
Our award for the Best Serger for Knits goes to the Brother 1034D. This is a 3/4-thread serger that has a differential fabric feed. Therefore, it works exceptionally well on a vast range of material types, including that ranging from thin and stretchy fabrics to more significant knitted fabric types. Offering 3/4-thread types, this machine allows for a professional finish every time and is claimed to be one of the easier to thread and indeed more natural to learn sergers.
The Brother 1034D is a most reliable serger machine offering high performance and finishing creating ruffles, gathers, decorative edges, narrow sleeves, join laces, spaghetti straps, and much more besides. It also works well with material including linens and best of all formal wear garments. These bridal designs can be successfully tackled on this machine!
Boasting a fantastic 22 built-in stitch functions, this is also the best model to use for crafts and home decor, heirloom and reinforced tape applications. Fast at 1300 stitches per minute, and with an adjustable stitch width to select, a removable free arm which slides off here also enhances the overall sewing experience when it comes to items such as sleeves. The use of an adjustable knife feature also makes the sewing process simpler.
Coming complete with a foot controller, a soft cover, needles, and two snap-on feet, his machine lets you get to work as soon as you take it out of the box. Even better, this machine uses standard sewing machine needles.
Customers of the Brother 1034D claim this model resembles a workhorse and lasts for many years. The easy threading systemin is also highly rated.
More features: differential feed; easy tension adjustment; multi-function presser foot; heavy-duty knife; automatic rolled hemming
Our choice for the Best Serger for Beginners is the Juki MO644D. This serger receives this title primarily for its sheer ease of use, making it ideal for those new to the concept of sergers. However, just because it’s suitable for beginners doesn’t mean that it loses any of its credibility or power for that matter. This serger’s a high-quality, robust machine that offers an astounding 1500 stitches per minute. Therefore, the number of projects you can accomplish in the space of just one hour is vast!
A portable machine type and an excellent lightweight model, this is a durable and high-quality build boasting a selection of 2/3/4 threads and an automatic rolled hem action. The threads are further color-coded with a breakaway looper adjustment, allowing you to account for differences in stitched lengths, along with a differential feed. The addition of a powerful knife system also provides a dedicated drive mechanism – ensuring the most premium of high-quality cuts and indeed finishes on all projects.
Best of all, this fantastic machine will sew a range of fabrics from light to medium weights. Complete with a multipurpose foot, it will also stitch on items such as elastic and tape. Whether cording, piping, gathering, or blind stitching, this is a serger that is perfect for learning on, but one which operates like a workhorse at the same time! One of the easiest of machines to set up, this comes ready to plug in and go.
Customers of the Juki MO644D offer some incredible reviews on its durability, claiming this is a serger that is built to last. It’s also considered the more comfortable of machines to use, with the sewing process made simple and effective with every use.
More features: differential feed; built-in rolled hem feature; extra-high presser foot lifter
Our pick here for the Best Serger for Home Use is the Janome 8002D. With a speed of 1300 stitches per minute, this lightweight model is one of the easier of sergers to set up and operate and requires less room than those more prominent serger types. This makes it ideal for use in the home whereby space may be limited. This model offers a differential ratio fed covering ranges from 0.5 to 2.25. Allowing 3 to 4 threads, the machine benefits from an easily rolled hem changeover and an accompanying easy to read threading chart. With thread tension dials of four lay-ins, there are also snap on pressure feet included with the machine.
Claiming an ability to offer the most professional results with an exceptional value machine type, seams can be created and indeed finished on the Janome with just one quick motion. Making all the difference in your sewing projects, all work performed on this machine is straightforward but above all, enjoyable. The addition of the easily retractable upper knife alongside a fantastic cutting width which adjusts from 3.1mm to 7.3mm ensures one of the simplest of sews, making this an unbeatable choice when it comes to selecting a simple serger model for use in the home. The addition of a 25-year limited warranty is also a fantastic bonus. When purchasing this machine, customers also receive the Janome bonus pack, which includes a needle threader and two packs of universal needles.
Customers of the Janome 8002D love being able to access a machine that offers professional results but one that can be used in the home. The low price is also a massive winner with those looking for a first time serger.
More features: 8 built-in stitches; built-in rolled hem; differential feed
Our Budget Pick of the bunch here is the Singer ProFinish 14CG754, available at an astounding price. Offering a 2/3/4-thread capacity, this machine is capable of producing a wide selection of stitch options and all resulting in the most professional of finishes each time. Featuring an adjustable stitch length and width for the ability to create more personalized projects, this also has a differential feed and color-coded lay-in threading to ensure ease of use all-round. This serger is also the more portable of machines, making it the ideal solution for transporting from room to room or even further afield.
With a free arm to enhance the process if sewing sleeves and cuffs, alongside its automatic fabric trimming process, this serger is a 1300 stitches per minute model. Therefore, you can get through multiple projects in the space of just one hour. There are four built-in rolled hems and an access lever available to quickly move the stitch finger into position. Complete with an all-purpose foot, foot control, and spreader, this purchase also offers a selection of essential accessories to get you up and ruining as soon as you receive your machine.
Benefiting immensely from the reputable Singer name, this model also boasts a moveable upper knife for intricate clean finishes. Whether you’re looking to sew using knitted fabrics, highly stretchable fabrics or want to add decorative embellishment, this is the ideal starting kit or entry-level machine that requires minimal learning and effort to begin using.
Customers of the Singer ProFinish 14CG754 claim that not only does this run well, considering its low price tag, but more so that it’s the more enjoyable of serger to work on and indeed create with!
More features: heavy-duty metal frame and carbon steel blade; large extension table
The Brother ST4031HD is our pick here for the best serger for heavy fabrics, as well as an Amazon Choice model. This is a more durable of sergers and therefore the heavier duty of models, despite being sold at a fantastic low price.
Manufactured using a high-quality metal frame and the most outstanding of interior components, this is a high performing serger that is fantastically designed to be able to cope with a vast range of fabric types – including that of the heavier of fabric choices. This reliable three to four thread model is ideal for use with multiple layers of denim, cutting through it with no problems. The larger extension table included also encourages a more natural sewing solution by preventing any pulls from the fabric on the needle and thread. Claimed to offer a smoother cutting edge, the quality of blade used boasts an extra hard metal construction and therefore results in more seamless cut edges. This means more professional finishes all-round.
With an ideal fast speed of 1300 stitches per minute, you can also control this speed time with the accompanying foot pedal. Some of the most fantastic features here include color-coded threading guides, a removable trim, trap, a differential feed ratio, and a convenient stitch width control. Complete with a great starting kit, meaning you can get sewing straight away, this machine can create various hems as well as multiple project types with the standard foot and gathering foot that is included with your purchase.
Customers of the Brother ST4031HD thoroughly enjoy the further use of the table, while finding this to be the more study of sergers, allowing for a convenient sewing process all-round.
More features: differential fabric feed; built-in storage; 3 presser feet included
Our vote for the Best Customized Serger goes to the Brother Designio Series DZ1234. With the ability to offer you everything you need to create some of the most customized of items, this is undoubtedly a high-quality serger. Best of all, the finishes on all designs from this model are guaranteed to be high-end all-round.
With an ability to offer a speed of 1300, creating couture-level fashion is achievable but also fun with his model. A reliable and thoroughly easy to use machine, it benefits from a gathering foot, blind hem stitch foot and piping foot, an easy color-coded threading process, a stitch width control, differential fabric feed and a flat arm/flatbed sewing surface.
In addition to such packed feature, you can also use standard sewing machine needles here. A retractable knife is also included in the machine to ensure safer and easier rolled hem action. Customers of this model will also find an additional $75 plus value pack of bonus items to get them started in their projects as soon as they receive their serger. This includes two sets of high-quality starter threads.
With the possibility of sewing with ease on a wide range of fabrics, this serger will also effectively handle lightweight knits. The results are a combination of durability and consistency alongside high-quality end products whenever using this model. There’s also a practical built-in storage element here which helps you keep your accessories close to hand while removing messy trims left behind when sewing.
Customers of the Brother Designio Series DZ1234 claim this is so easy to sew and is perhaps one of the better choices for both those experienced and indeed novice serger users.
Now you’ve had the chance to read through our fantastic serger reviews, why not take a few minutes to enhance your serger knowledge that little further with our dedicated serger buying guide? This is where we expand a little more on those features and benefits mentioned in the above reviews. Here we detail why we believe these to be the more important of elements to consider before selecting that correct serger for your needs. This section, combined with our reviews and overall ratings, should ideally place you in a better position for making that most useful of buying decisions when it comes to the best serger model.
First of all, you may be wondering if a serger is really worth the additional outlay – or whether a standard sewing machine could do the job just as well (and for over half the price?) The answer is that a serger offers way more scope and indeed, opportunities for higher quality finishes than a sewing machine could ever hope to do so!
Therefore, regardless of your sewing expertise, if you need to complete creative projects to a high standard of quality and require professional-looking results, then a serger is the only machine that can perform such intricate and specific tasks.
When summarizing:
When searching for that best serger machine, we highly recommend looking at features such as the number of threads, stitching speeds, stitch types, cutting tools, ease of use, dimensions, weight, and warranty. We also suggest considering not just the price of the machine but additionally the brand name attached to it. To be able to get that most perfect of serger models, you need to ensure that all the features you’re looking at will eventually be the most suitable for your specific needs only. But, if it’s backed up by a high-quality brand name, you will have peace of mind that your machine will serve you well for many years to come.
Perhaps one of the most essential elements of a serger machine is its thread capacity. Most devices will offer anything from two threads to as many as eight in some cases! As sergers are selected for their ability to offer multiple threads giving you that strongest of seams and neat finishes, a standard serger should ideally provide on average 3 to 4 threads.
However, you will find those that go from two to as many as eight threads on some models. The Singer Professional 14T968DC is an excellent example of a model that offers a perfect choice of two to five threads on the one model.
But we recommend being practical here and considering roughly how many threads you’ll actually need to be using at the one time.
The most practical of serger machines will be one that offers four threads. But if you’re only intending on using three to four for all of your projects, to purchase a machine with eight threads may not be such a good idea. This is because the more threads present on the machine – the more complex the machine itself is.
In addition to complexity, there aren’t really going to be many times when you’ll need the use of eight threads all at once when sewing. So, don’t feel you have to go for the serger machine that offers the most threads just to produce high-quality results. It really is all about personal preference and of course practicality here.
Another popular attraction of serger machines is their increased stitching speed. This means that they are undoubtedly faster than standard sewing machines. However, the most significant advantage here is they allow you to get multiple jobs done in half the time.
The average serger stitching speed is ideally 1300 spm, that is stitches per minute. This is a fantastic performance. However, there is also those models that can offer a higher speed than this, with two perfect examples here being the Juki MO644D and Juki MO-114D. These have a 1500 stitching speed and are suitable for those working to increase the tasks they can complete at each sitting.
Sergers stitches are also renowned for the many stitches they can perform. The most common of these include rolled hems, cover hems, various thread overlocks, ribbon locks, narrow hemming, pin tucks, flat locks, and blind hemming.
These are all considered decorative edges and are one of the significant advantages of selecting a serger over a typical sewing machine. This is because they produce the most professional looking and visually good looking finishes ever seen on a machine.
The Brother 1034D has a brilliant option of no less than 22 built-in stitch functions, while the Singer ProFinish 14CG754 also provides greater access to those more advanced of stitch types.
Because a most popular reason for purchasing a serger is its ability to cut as well as sew, the cutting tool on your model should be of the highest quality.
To cut effectively, sergers need a heavy-duty tool. This is especially so if you’re intending on cutting through those tougher of materials, such as denim.
One of the best ways to determine the effectiveness of your serger cutting tool is to look to the fabric types it claims to cut.
Those that can cut medium to heavy fabrics will likely offer a heavy-duty knife. The Brother 1034D is an excellent example of this as it can even accommodate knitted fabric. So too is the Singer Professional 14T968DC. The best heavy-duty cutting tool will be able to give you the cleanest and precise of cuts.
An essential aspect for most serger users, especially those amateurs, is the ease of use regarding the machine. This starts with how simple the threading process is and extends to factors including the tension of the stitches, included how well the machine allows for automatic and adjustable tension.
Using a serger machine should be a comfortable experience. Though you may have to learn how to use the model a couple of times, to begin with, when you do know how to use it without help, it should be a pleasant experience.
Thus, look towards those machines that claim an easy threading process, such as the Juki MO-114D.
Because sergers rely on multiple threads, this is an essential element that needs considering. A machine that is harder to use could result in many mistakes and threading blunders when working on your projects.
We include the dimensions of all sergers reviewed here to offer you a practical idea of the room they will require once you’re setting them up. Sergers in general, aren’t considered too big a machine, but you will, however, need to account for working room around them.
These are all lightweight and standard model sizes that would fit comfortably on a desk or kitchen table. Furthermore, if you do need to extend, consider those models that come with extension tables, such as the Brother ST4031HD. This allows you to extend the area of your serger, but only when it suits you best.
You may find that when making such a large outlay on a serger machine, that a warranty would be a good idea. This is especially so if you’re planning on using your machine regularly and can’t afford for it to be out of action – regarding money and indeed time.
A warranty is a guarantee that should anything go wrong with your serger, or any parts need replacing, you can get it sorted in quick time. Therefore, consider whether your specific serger has a warranty attached and read into exactly what it covers you for.
All our reviewed sergers offer a warranty with them from five years to an astounding 25 years.
By selecting a reliable brand for your serger model, you’re ensured of many decades of experience behind your model’s design. We believe that to get the best sewing experience, you should aim to look towards those ongoing reputable brands that are well known throughout the sewing industry. This is why we have reviewed only those models we consider the top brands, including Singer, Brother, Janome, and Juki.
Through serger prices can indeed vary, we suggest you be prepared to pay anything from around the $150 plus mark, such as the Singer ProFinish 14CG754, up to the $500 price tag, such as the Juki MO-114D.
Obviously, the more features a serger offers, alongside its brand name, the higher that price tag will be. But, if this is a machine that is going to be used regularly, and you can’t skimp on high-end results, it’s certainly worth spending as much as you can on a good quality model here.
We hope that this extensive but highly informative article has offered you a better idea of what a serger can do for your creative projects.
Our top pick here has to be the Singer Professional 14T968DC. From one of the best sewing brands, this is a thoroughly capable model which offers everything you need to complete almost any kind of project to the highest of standards.
Second place goes to the Juki MO-114D. Though the most expensive on the list, this is perfect for home use and indeed everyday use and certainly earns its keep!
Additionally, consider buying the Brother Designio Series DZ1234 allowing you to create the highest quality customized designs and projects, coming complete with a fantastic accessory pack to help you on your way.
In conclusion, if you’re a keen sewer and you want to take your garments and creative projects to the next level, the best serger will guarantee you professional-looking finishes every time.
