10 Best Serger & Overlock Machines: Reviews & Buyers Guide

Serger machines are best for tasks like trimming seams and enclosing them into the thread to create fabric’s edge. Sergers can transform your simple projects into extraordinary ones. Before moving into the detailed review of the top 10 serger machines, let us first compare their features in the following table.

Top 10 Serger Machines

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Best Serger Machine Review

The tasks a serger does are beyond those done by a sewing and embroidery machine. To get one of the best serger machines that will serve your purpose, you will need to conduct heavy research and compare each of these machines features side by side.

I know most of you don’t have that much free time to research and analyze. That’s why I have done it for you. After investing more than a month to analyze the top 22 serger machines available on the market, I am going to list down the names of the top 10 serger machines in this review today. Read on!

Overall Best – Brother Serger, 1034D, Overlock Machine

Best Serger Machine: Brother Serger, 1034D, Overlock MachineThe one I found best among all sergers I tested and analyzed is Brother Serger, 1034D, Overlock Machine. It is a heavy-duty, metal frame workhorse made to serve you for years.

Whether your project requires creating an edge on linen, knits, or any other fabric, this machine will ensure a professional and perfect edge finishing. With 22 built-in stitches, it allows creating triple thread overlock, 4-thread overlock, ribbon lock stitches, and narrow, rolled hem.

Even if you are a beginner, its printer manual, instructional videos, and other materials make learning easy and quick.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Lower looper threading system ensures correct placement of thread
  • High speed of 1,300 spm (stitches per minute) helps in saving time
  • Allows users to adjust stitch width between 5mm – 7mm

Cons

  • Vibrations caused at high speed affects the stability

Brother 1034D Serger is the best choice when you want advanced features without spending a lot. Whether you are a beginner or a professional sewer, you’re going to find this serger as the best fit.

Best Value For Money – Brother Designio DZ1234 Serger Machine

Best Value For Money – Brother Designio DZ1234 Serger MachineMy next pick is the elegant and efficient, Brother Designio DZ1234 serger and sewing machine. Every sewing enthusiast can have this machine because it excels in finishing the garments quickly and professionally.

Its primary features include Blind Hem Stitch Foot, Piping Foot, Gathering Foot, and two sets of starter threads. All these and more allow you to create customized finishes on your projects.

It also provides you with different stitch options such as triple thread overlock, 4-thread overlock, ribbon lock stitches, rolled hem, and narrow hem.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • LEDs brighten the work area
  • Maximum speed of 1,300 spm (stitches per minute) saves time
  • Built-in storage to keep accessories, tools, and other things safe

Cons

  • The instructional CD needs to be more descriptive

Brother Designio DZ1234 serger machine is a value for money product for any sewing hobbyist. No matter you are a household or professional, you’ll find value in this machine.

Best Advanced Serger – SINGER ProFinish 14CG754

Best Advanced Serger – SINGER ProFinish 14CG754Singer is one of the very few reliable brands that makes all types of sewing machines for all kinds of sewers. SINGER ProFinish 14CG754 is a high-quality serging device for advanced users.

Its main features include differential feed, customizable stitch length and width, color-coded lay-in threading system, and 6-types of stitches. They all ensure proficient results, irrespective of the project, all the time.

It also comes with accessories such as needle set, all-presser foot, spreader (for double thread stitches), tweezers, foot control, small screwdriver, power cord, and others.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Adjustable tension feature makes tension adjustment effortless while sewing
  • Limited warranty of 25 years signifies it will last long
  • Four built-in rolled hems add versatility

Cons

  • Sometimes suction cups at the bottom don’t work. As a result, stability issues arise when it operates at high-speed

SINGER ProFinish 14CG754 is an advanced overlock machine for finishing professional projects proficiently. The best thing is that it comes with various accessories to help you master a variety of projects.

Best for Beginners – Brother Serger 1034DX Overlock Machine

Best for Beginners – Brother Serger 1034DX Overlock MachineIf beginner sewers start their journey with advanced machines, they can quickly catch-up with new technologies. Brother Serger 1034DX Overlock Machine is such an advanced serger for beginners.

Brother machines are always full of new and important features. This one is not an exception as its main features include three and four threads capabilities, 0.7 mm – 2.0 mm differential feed ratio, removable trim trap, conventional stitch width control, and others.

With the presence of Blind Hem Foot, Standard Foot, and Gathering Foot, you’ll find this machine suitable for almost every project.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Color-coded threading guides ensure correct placement and trouble-free threading
  • Maximum speed of 1,300 spm (stitches per minute) allows faster serging
  • Affordable and easy to operate

Cons

  • It is a bit loud

Brother Serger 1034DX Overlock Machine is one of the top serger machines for beginners. However, if you know how to use an embroidery machine, using a serger like this will become easy.

Best for Professionals – SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger Overlock

Best for Professionals – SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger OverlockMy fifth pick is SINGER Professional 14T968DC Serger Overlock. As the name suggests, most of its features are for and liked by professional users.

Its 2-3-4-5 thread capability provides users several stitch options to finish almost all types of projects proficiently. An impressive feature, also liked by most professionals, is its ability to switch to Rolled Hem sewing mode effortlessly.

It also offers various stitch options to sew hems, seams, decorative edges, curved hems, rolled hems, and others.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Coverstitch capability allows users to choose from Triple, Wide, or Narrow Coverstitch
  • Double chain stitch for creating decorative finishes
  • Users can adjust fully automatic tension system on their own to sew proficiently balanced stitches

Cons

  • Beginners may find it hard to use

SINGER Professional 14T968DC is an efficient serger machine for professionals. Newbies may find it a bit expensive, but it is a value for money product for everyone knowing how to cash their serging skills.

Effortless Threading – Juki MO-1000 Serger Machine

Effortless Threading – Juki MO-1000 Serger MachineLet me tell you, Juki MO-1000 is a workhorse. With this machine, Juki has again proved that its machines are user-friendly and perfect for everyone involved in serging tasks.

One of its features I liked most is the unique Jet-Air Looper Threading. It allows users to thread the loopers by just pushing a button. It means you get freedom from struggles, frustration, and annoying thread guides.

Its primary features include 2-3-4- thread overlock, 3-thread stitch (rolled hem), 3-thread stitch (narrow overlock), 3-thread stitch (flatlock), and 3-thread stitch (lettuce edge, rolled hem).

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Maximum speed of 1,500 spm (stitches per minute) help users finish tasks quickly
  • Users with optical problems do not need to worry about threading this serger
  • Differential feed and stitch length controls are easy-to-reach

Cons

  • User manual needs to be more descriptive

JUKI MO-1000 is a good serger machine for all types of users. Some users may find its price beyond their reach, but that doesn’t make it less useful. It is a highly efficient serger that sits quietly on your sewing table and provides excellent results.

Another Value for Money – Janome 8002D Serger Machine

Another Value for Money – Janome 8002D Serger MachineThe next one is a value for money serger, 8002D, from Janome. It is in the market for some time, but its features and accessories are equivalent to the latest offerings.

Whenever you want high-quality professional results without spending a fortune, Janome will help. I am saying this because its inbuilt rolled hem feature provides a professional finish.

Threading is a common problem people face while dealing with serger machines. It has an easily readable color-coded threading chart that simplifies threading for you.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Differential feed adjustment from 0.5 mm – 2.25 mm
  • 3 – 4 thread overlock stitches finish seams with perfection
  • Adjustable cutting width ranging from 3.1 mm – 7.3 mm

Cons

  • Users may not experience the same satisfaction on thick materials

Janome 8002D Serger Machine provides specialized results without asking you to spend much on either buying the machine or buying the accessories. With several easy-to-use functions, it is highly in demand.

Best Coverstitch Serger – Brother Coverstitch Serger 2340CV

Best Coverstitch Serger – Brother Coverstitch Serger 2340CVBrother makes some of the best serger sewing machines. Coverstitch Serger 2340CV is one of them. It is affordable and robust with all the latest features.

A feature that makes it stand above other sergers is its fast and trouble-free Looper Threading System, which saves a lot of time. Its maximum speed 1,100 spm (stitches per minute) is a bit less than 1,300 spm.

This lesser speed is, in fact, a good factor as there is less probability of losing stability when the machine runs at full speed.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Color-coded threading guide for precise stitching
  • Adjustable dial provides users the facility to alter the flowing material’s speed
  • Included accessories such as a Gather Foot and a Blind Stitch Foot prevent users from spending extra

Cons

  • With the release of the presser foot, tension disks do not release automatically

Brother 2340CV is one of the most advanced serger sewing machines for coverstitch. You can use it for projects such as finishing t-shirts, and other garments. If you do not want stretch appearances on your fabrics, go for this machine.

Best Portable Serger Machine – JUKI MO644D Portable Serger

Best Portable Serger Machine – JUKI MO644D Portable SergerJuki MO644D is portable, attractively-priced, and enriched with the latest features serger sewing machine. It is a rare combination. That’s why I can’t resist myself to include it on my list.

It gives users the option to use 2, 3, and 4 threads during their projects. And, features the color-coded threading guide to prevent confusion while using multiple threads. Also, there are loopers to help you adjust the length of stitches according to your project.

It also has a powerful knife system, which I think is its amazing capacity to remove the extra fabric.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Several optional specialty feet allow blind stitch, cording, gathering, and piping
  • Multi-purpose foot allows sewing with different types of stitches
  • Maximum speed of 1,500 spm helps finish tasks quickly

Cons

  • Serger knobs and differential feed on the machine’s left side may put some users in an uncomfortable situation

Juki MO644D is a portable serger machine best suitable for light and medium weight fabric. Beginners see value in this machine because they get access to industrial technology at home.

Juki MO654DE Serger Sewing Machine

Juki MO654DE Serger Sewing MachineMy last pick is yet another model from Juki. MO654DE is a portable and efficient serger sewing machine for home as well as professional users.

It allows users to combine 2, 3, or 4 threads while doing the tasks. Its compact size put it in the category of best portable sergers but does not deter it from sewing heavyweight and thick fabric. And, it efficiently does it at 1,500 spm (stitches per minute).

Its safety feature won’t allow running the machine until the cover is open. It means you don’t need to worry about relevant uncertainties.

Grab it on Amazon!

Pros

  • Maximum stitch length of 4mm means it can easily handle thick fabric
  • Being durable, portable, and stylish, it attracts all kinds of sewers
  • Multipurpose presser foot helps users to add sequins, elastics, and tapes to fabrics

Cons

  • Threading this machine is a time-consuming and annoying task

Juki. MO654DE is an efficient serger sewing machine. It is a bit costly in comparison to other options available in the market. But, it is not a big thing if you value quality and trust the brand name Juki.

Best Serger Machine Brands

Many brands make serger machines, but that doesn’t mean all are the best. If you want that your serger machine serves you for years, make sure it is from one of the following best brands.

Brother

There is hardly any sewing machine or embroidery machine review list without an offering from Brother in it. Whether you are looking for a sewing or serger machine from Brother, you can expect high-quality, latest technology, and next-level customer support. Brother sewing machines were the favorite in 2019. In 2020, the best one can have is Brother 2340CV Cover Stitch.

Singer

Singer is the oldest brand of sewing machines in the world. With a history of more than 150 years, it has not only witnessed but also participated in the transformation of this world. The changes in its offerings from time to time are enough to understand this. Singer is so much confident about the quality that it offers a 25-year limited warranty on most of its products. In overlockers, the most famous model of this year is Singer Professional 14T968DC Serger Overlock.

Janome

Janome is a Japanese brand with a mission to make machines that bring out the creative side of an individual. Janome machines are equally useful for newbies, intermediate, and advanced sewers. This brand has many serger machines in the market, but the Janome model to look for in 2020 is 8002D.

Juki

Juki is another renowned serger brand. You’ll find that most of its machines serve industries. But people buy their other models also because they provide professional-like results at home. It is in this business since 1918, and today serving customers of over 180 countries. Their best serger machine for this year is Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE Serger Machine.

SiRUBA

SiRUBA is also a renowned name in the world of sewing machines. It is a brand of KAULIN MFG. CO., LTD established in 1965. The focus of this company has always been to develop efficient sewing machines with the latest features. This year, most professionals are investing their money in Siruba HSO-747D Overlock Sewing Machine.

Serger Machine Buying Guide

How to Get the Best Serger Sewing Machine

Only the best serger machines turn overlocking tasks into exciting experiences. For getting the best overlocker/ serger, you should consider these features/ factors:

Serger Stitches

Before purchasing, find out how many different combinations of stitch patterns your machine allows while making the fabric’s edge. An efficient stitch enclosure should combine different patterns else you won’t get desired results. So, ensure the types of stitches before purchasing a serger.

Attachments

While making the purchase, find out types of accessories/ attachments available with your machine. Either all or most of them should be according to your needs. Some manufacturers offer upgrades. Decide as per your requirements and preferences.

Budget

It is important. While researching, you may come across expensive sergers offering numerous features (not useful for you). Your objective should be to get a budget serger machine satisfying your requirements. Always compare the latest price while shopping for a serger sewing machine.

Brand

Make sure the serger you are about to purchase belongs to a reliable brand. Some serger machines in the market are affordable and provide numerous features, however, they are from a non-reliable brand. The results they provide are not satisfactory.

Ease of use

As you know that serging is not as easy as sewing, make sure your serger machine’s settings make everything easy for you. Today, computerized serger machines are in the market, and they are more user-friendly than the basic ones.

Serger Stitches Types

Many sewers new to serging choose the wrong stitch for their project. It happens because most of them are not aware of which stitches to use. Well, you don’t need to know about all types of stitches in the beginning.

Below are some serger stitches commonly used for creating excellent finishing edges. They look stylish and make the fabric more durable.

Rolled Edge (2-Thread)

When you have to make a narrow seam on the sheer fabric, you should prefer a rolled hem/ rolled edge. You can easily find a rolled hem on napkins, tablecloths, and similar types of sheer fabrics.

Flatlock (2 or 3-Thread)

When you have to overlock your stretchy clothes/ fabrics efficiently, you should go for flatlock. You can find this particular kind of stitch in athletic wear and yoga pants.

4-Thread Overlock

It is one of the most commonly used stitches. You can easily witness this style on the seams of garments. When you want durable and long-lasting seams on your garments, choose the 4-thread overlock.

3(Triple) Thread Overlock

When you have to secure the edges of woven fabrics or stretchy knits efficiently, a triple thread overlock will help. The machine uses only one needle because of which it lacks durability.
You can also refer to this serger stitches cheat sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do I need a serger sewing machine?

You might have seen that many professional sewers or people using the best sewing machines do not use serger machines or remain away from serging. It is because out of all the sewing-related challenging tasks, serging or overlocking is the one. To learn more, watch What is a Serger and how do I use it?

2. Can a serger replace my sewing machine?

Serger sewing machines add high-quality, professional-looking, and durable seams to your creations, but cannot do tasks like zippers, buttonholes, and others. Simple sewing machines do these tasks without difficulty. Let’s see what Nadira037 says about Sewing Machine vs. Serger.

3. How often should I oil my serger?

Oiling a serger sewing machine is a part of sewing machine maintenance. According to expert opinion, oil it every 4 – 6 months if used moderately. For more information, check how to oil a sewing machine.

4. Are serger foot and presser feet the same thing?

Yes, both are the same. In serger machines, a serger foot or presser feet is an accessory used for holding the fabric flat. Learn how to use a ruffle foot?

5. What is the average cost of an entry-level or mid-range overlock machine?

If you spend around $200 – $500, you can get an efficient entry-level or mid-range serger machine. There are many online stores you can check and compare the price of your favorite serger machine. Nowadays, manufacturers reveal prices on their official website also.

A serger gives your sewing skills a boost. They can transform you from an ordinary to a professional sewer. However, it’s important that you will choose the one that will best satisfy your needs. If you ask me a winner amongst these 10, I’ll go with Brother Serger, 1034D, Heavy-Duty Metal Frame Overlock Machine.