After more than 27 hours of research, we think we’ve found the top Serger for Beginners. Check our reviews and buyer’s guide.
For someone who is fond of using a sewing machine and enjoys stitching one’s clothes at home, going professionally in the field is a dream come true.
The textile industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and is offering a vast number of vacancies every single day.
So if you happen to be willing to step into the industry, investing in the best serger for beginners would be a wise choice just about now.
If you want to start your own clothing business and provide commercial-grade quality, you need to adapt to their policies.
That includes offering professional quality stitching and ensuring that the stitch of your outfit that lasts long.
This is achieved by a serger. A serger is a sewing machine that binds the edge of the cloth together by creating a very well-decorative stitch. Some of these sergers are also known as overlock machines but these are far more comprehensive as compared to them.
So, if you have been hunting down the best serger in the market, you’re at the right place because we have a lot of information to offer in that very regard.
Take a look at our top 5 choices with regards to the ideal serger for beginners in the market. Also, don’t forget to read our detailed buyer’s guide once you’re done reading the reviews.
Top 5 Best Sergers for Beginners – (Editors’ Top Picks)
Pros
- Can handle thick fabrics
- Highly stable
- Heavy duty
Cons
- We don’t recommend you use elastic threads on this machine
| Easy to Install 4.4/5 | Versatility 4.6/5 | Durability 4.7/5 |
| Easy to Use 4.6/5 | Easy to Learn 4.5/5 | For Beginners 4.4/5 |
Product information:
| Brand Name | Brother |
| Color | White |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Metal |
| Weight | 17.64 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 12.99 x 14.37 x 17.01 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric? | Yes |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
Product Description:
The Brother Serger is by far the heaviest and the toughest serger we saw on the web that can handle all the tough jobs that our regular sewing machines cannot.
For those who have to work on multi-layered fabrics, leather, or denim, the Strong and Tough ST4031HD Serger is the right choice for you. This is a high-rated machine that is filled with several features ensuring the best performance.
Features
The Brother Serger ST4031HD is very easy to use and despite it being the right choice for sewing difficult fabrics, the machine comes in handy and is ideal for getting jobs done within the shortest time frame. Brother is a leading brand in the industry so rest assured regarding the quality and durability of this machine.
The company has incorporated a heavy metal frame in the machine to make sure it can handle heavier and multi-layered fabrics with utmost convenience. The frame remains stable throughout the toughest operations and gets the job done easily.
The Brother Serger ST4031HD features carbon blades that are well capable of cutting thick fabrics. The smooth and fine edges provide a very neat stitch and make your outfits look professionally made.
The threading is also made easier with the detailed guide so you will have no time to waste and get started.
Bottom line
For industrial use, the Brother Serger ST4031HD is the most recommended sewing machine for its great functionality and performance orientation.
Pros
- Smooth operation
- Fast stitching
- Portable
Cons
- Expensive
| Easy to Install 4.6/5 | Versatility 4.5/5 | Durability 4.5/5 |
| Easy to Use 4.5/5 | Easy to Learn 4.6/5 | For Beginners 4.3/5 |
Product information:
| Brand Name | JUKI |
| Color | White |
| Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Weight | 6.9 Kilograms |
| Dimensions | 10.6 x 13.6 x 11.6 inches |
| Power Source | Treadle Powered |
| Is Electric? | Yes |
| Country of Origin | China |
Product Description:
Even though the JUKI Mo654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine is small in size but it does offer a very powerful operationalization.
It is fast, lightweight, highly portable, and delivers 1500 stitches per minute. The performance is unlike any other portable sewing machine you might have seen on the market which makes it all the more worth buying.
Features
The JUKI Mo654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine is a small machine that you can take alongside you anywhere you want.
Despite its small size which may worry you that it vibrates or may not be stable enough, trust us when we say that it is highly stable, doesn’t vibrate, and helps you in sewing all kinds of fabric in a very professional manner.
It comes with three stitching options, offers very convenient features and the fast speed ensures you get all your work done within a limited time frame. The various stitches this sewing machine offers to include a three-thread overlock, a two-thread overcast, a three-thread flatlock, a two and three-thread rolled hem, a three-thread narrow overlock, and a four-thread overlock.
The JUKI Mo654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine also has an adjustable feed that keeps the fabric moving in a straight manner enabling you to get the stitch done neatly.
Bottom line
The JUKI Mo654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine is the best option for people looking for portable sergers. With its plethora of features, you won’t find anything better than this.
Pros
- Offers a plethora of features
- User-friendly
- Affordable
Cons
- Very heavy
| Easy to Install 4.1/5 | Versatility 4.5/5 | Durability 4.5/5 |
| Easy to Use 4.3/5 | Easy to Learn 4.5/5 | For Beginners 4.1/5 |
Product information:
| Brand Name | SINGER |
| Color | White |
| Weight | 13.5 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 14 x 11 x 11.5 inches |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Is Electric? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | No |
Product Description:
Here comes a serger option for those looking for a machine on a budget. The Singer ProFinish is an amazing option for those sewers who are looking for something versatile, durable, and functional in an affordable price range.
The machine can easily do four, three, and two-thread stitches which makes it a highly capable and performance-oriented sewing machine that too in a very reasonable price range.
Features
This is the only affordable option for a serger in the market that comes color-coded, indicating the path for each thread to make things far easier for the sewer. It has a color-coded system that will allow you to adjust the coloration of the paths according to your own choice if at some point you feel like rethreading it.
The SINGER | ProFinish 14CG754 2-3-4 Thread Serger offers eight various stitch options including simple and decorative stitches providing you with an enhanced device in your hands. It can sew up to 1300 stitches per minute which give it a fast space to get all your fabrics stitched in time.
The machine also features a built-in free arm that allows the user to stitch hand cuffs without having to buy another device for the process.
Bottom line
The SINGER | ProFinish 14CG754 2-3-4 Thread Serger is a very capable overlock machine that comes with various options. It’s affordable and highly recommended for people who don’t want to invest a lot.
Pros
- Easy to thread
- User-friendly
- Neat results
Cons
- Doesn’t have the cover stitch option
| Easy to Install 4.3/5 | Versatility 4.6/5 | Durability 4.2/5 |
| Easy to Use 4.1/5 | Easy to Learn 4.3/5 | For Beginners 4.6/5 |
Product information:
| Brand Name | Janome |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Weight | 17.2 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 15 x 13.5 x 14.5 inches |
| Power Source | AC |
| Is Electric? | Yes |
Product Description:
If you’re just starting as a sewer then Janome 8002D Serger might just be the right sewing machine for you. It is very easy to use, comes with several features, is quick to the thread, and is highly functional. We have often found people calling the Janome 8002D Serger to be the easiest-to-use sewing machine on the market.
The product arrives pre-threaded with a white thread enabling you to start sewing as soon as you get it out of the box.
Features
The Janome 8002D Serger is known for using three and four-threaded stitches and is a very reliable machine to put your investment in. The stitch can be easily converted into a rolled hem while the color-coded threading guide allows all the beginners to thread and rethread the serger as conveniently as possible.
The machine comes with a differential feed system, adjustable stitch width, and length, and also has an adjustable feet presser. The presser enables you to put the right amount of pressure you want which also makes it a great choice for learning kids.
Bottom line
The Janome 8002D Serger is the best choice for all the newbies out there. For those who don’t want to indulge in a complex serger as they’re just starting, Janome has got you covered.
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Fast operation
- Easy to use
Cons
- It doesn’t have a cover stitch
| Easy to Install 4.7/5 | Versatility 4.5/5 | Durability 4.6/5 |
| Easy to Use 4.6/5 | Easy to Learn 4.5/5 | For Beginners 4.6/5 |
Product information:
| Brand Name | Brother |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 16.4 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 13 x 15.25 x 14.5 inches |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Is Electric? | Yes |
Product Description:
Our last recommendation for the best overlock machines is a serger machine from Brother. The brand is known for manufacturing some of the most durable and high-quality overlock machines in the market and the 1034DX Serger Heavy-Duty Metal Frame Overlock Machine is something that you will find very attractive and useful.
Features
The machine offers 22 built-in stitches and it is popular among the tailors for its high level of functionality and ease of use.
The 1034D Serger is capable of producing 1300 stitches per minute and comes with a variety of features that include a narrow hem, three-thread overlock, four-thread overlock, ribbon lock stitch, and rolled hem. However, the model is not known for producing cover stitches so if that is something you need, take a look at the other recommendations.
But no worries, the machine can handle a wide range of fabrics such as formal, casual, cotton, jersey, thin, and even silk.
The cloth that you get stitched out of this machine is perfect for a boutique and offers commercial-grade quality. The Brother 1034DX Serger can also be used to get creative with your fabric. You can atone for your shirt by adding ruffles and pleats very conveniently with this bad boy.
Bottom line
We loved Brother 1034DX Serger Machine for its high level of functionality and ease of use. I recommend it to people looking for professional-grade machines.
What is the Difference Between an Overlocker and a Serger?
Since we are talking about sergers and we have also used the term overlocker in this article, we are sure you must be thinking about what is the difference between both. Isn’t that correct?
So, let us explain that to you!
Serger and overlock machines both are niche-based machines. Both of these machines come with limited functions which means you cannot replace them with your traditional sewing machines.
These machines are designed exclusively to streamline and provide decorative measures to the edges of the fabrics and to ensure your stitch is locked. This process is done by sewing the fabrics together by overlocking stitches. The serger and overlock machines make the entire experience of the finisher more enjoyable and fruitful.
All those people who are new to the sewing industry, here are a few key points that will help you determine the main differences between a serger and an overlock machine,
Functionality
As far as functionality goes, serger and Overlock fall on the same page. They both have the same function of providing the fabric with finishing touches and binding the cloth together.
Technicalities
The main difference between these machines falls in the technicality. A serger and an overlock machine come with two needles but they have different numbers of spools. A serger features more spools than an overlock machine. This gives the seamster more sewing options with a serger as compared to an overlock machine.
Various kinds of stitches
Another common difference between both is the various decorative stitches that you get to create on a serger but not on an overlock machine. An overlock machine uses the same kind of stitch while a serger comprises many stitches that enhance the overall finished look of your fabric.
Number of stitches
A serger tends to have more stitches per inch than an overlock machine. That also completely depends on the number of stitches per minute a machine offers. With that, the machine will be able to create dense finishing lines very accurately and neatly.
This also enables the serger stitches to have far more quality and strength than the stitches created by an overlock machine, one of the reasons why people prefer investing in sergers.
Feed
The feed on an overlock machine and a serger is often different as well. Sometimes you will find an overlock machine with a better feed while others you will see a serger offering you a much better feed.
This completely depends on the quality and the brand you choose your machine from. When you’re making a choice, as suggested previously, always make sure that you do thorough research and find what you’re looking for.
When it comes to choosing sergers and overlock machines, there are hundreds of options available so you cannot say which one is better than the other. You honestly won’t be able to choose by just browsing through your internet.
If you want to make the right choice, the only way to go forward is by digging deep into the research perspective and choosing a machine that offers you the most at a reasonable price.
The right serger or overlock machine will not only enhance your sewing experience but it will also help you create far better decorative and finishing stitches.
It is always better to set things straight such as facts and other aspects of brands and then make an informed decision.
Can You Use a Serger as a Regular Sewing Machine?
You are most likely aware of what a sewing machine does so let’s talk about the serger instead. This will give you a detailed idea about everything that a serger can do and if you can or cannot use it as a regular sewing machine.
To put it simply, a serger is an exclusive sewing machine that is sometimes used as an overlock machine to bind the cloth together while making some decorative stitches.
To get a better understanding, you can take a look at some of your commercially bought clothes. All of them have a decorative binding that is stitched by either using a serger or an overlock machine. If you don’t use a serger to bind the edges of your clothes, the fabric will look incomplete and it will rip or tear over time.
Our regular sewing machines only use a single need to stitch the cloth whereas a serger uses more than two needles in the form of a triangle to form its stitch. The thread these sergers use is also not made out of cotton instead, it’s usually of light material to provide that finishing touch you need.
Almost all sergers use three to four cones for sewing whereas, as mentioned above, the sewing machines you commonly use only comprise one needle and sometimes two if you’re making a double stitch.
Since a serger uses more than one thread, professionals often use sergers to finish the outfits they will be selling. All the outfits you buy readymade from the market have been finished by using sergers.
Before we answer your question, let’s take a deep look into everything that a serger can do. It is fast, it is reliable and it provides a far stronger stitch as compared to regular sewing machines.
All the commercial-grade stitching departments use sergers to provide the finishing touch to their clothing and make them look fancier. A serger keeps the fabric from fraying which ensures your outfit will last long.
With the help of a serger, you can also bind cloth that is thicker and heavier, and difficult to stitch by using a regular sewing machine. One of the best parts about using sergers is how fast their operationalization is. They have the capacity of offering 1700 stitches per minute making all your difficult tasks easier and more convenient.
We are enlisting down some of the major things that sergers can do but sewing machines can’t…
- It easily gathers the fabric
- It can get the piping done
- It is also capable of getting the narrow rolled hem done
- You can also hem knits
Even though sergers are far more powerful than sewing machines, they do have their limits. Let’s see what they are…
- A beginner cannot use it without any prior knowledge of using a sewing machine
- It isn’t a standalone machine
A serger can be a solid investment but it cannot replace your standard sewing machines. It cannot sew zippers or dig in buttonholes or create facings.
To get the most professionally made outfit, you need both, a standard sewing machine and a serger.
The sewing machine will help you create your outfit whereas a serger will finish it off. One can simply not replace the other and we guess that is your answer. A serger would be a solid investment for people who are starting their clothing businesses. They create decorative stitches and ensure your outfit looks more presentable than before.
So, before you decide to purchase a serger, we suggest that you master your skills in sewing. A serger is a far more complex machine that you will only be able to make the most of if you know exactly how to run a regular sewing machine.
How to Choose Serger Sewing Machine for Beginners?
Moving on, we are sure that by now you must have read about all our recommendations regarding sergers in the market but since this is a beginner’s guide, chances are you must still have a lot of questions in your mind regarding these machines.
But worry no more, we are here to ensure that you end with the best serger in your grasp, and to make that happen, we will talk about even the minutest details for you to make an informed decision.
So, here comes our guide about choosing a serger sewing machine. Since you’re just starting, you need to keep a lot of things in perspective like your sewing experience, whether you want to buy from a brand or a local company, the number of stitches you require, so on and so forth.
We are enlisting down our top 5 tips for choosing a serger sewing machine, read through them and we are sure you will know exactly what you need.
Consider your experience
Buying a serger machine with more than 70 stitch options isn’t going to do you any good if you’re just starting in this particular domain. You need something very simple, without the complexities of stitch types and other various features.
Choose a serger machine that is simple to operate and doesn’t take a lot of time to set up. You should be able to understand it without any confusion so that once you do get started, you work more efficiently and stitch professional quality clothes. Once you do move ahead, then you can go for something more versatile and feature-oriented.
Brand or no brand
This is something you will have to decide according to your budget and the kind of investment you want to make.
If you’re just buying a serger sewing machine to start and learn, then buying a local quality serger won’t hurt. You can learn from that and once you do feel ready to take your sewing to the next level, that is when you can invest in something more woke.
But, if you already have experience and are looking for a machine that will last for the longest time, then go for something from a brand such as Singer or Brother. Buying from a brand always has its perks. They last long, come with a warranty, are quite durable and very convenient but it is completely up to your choice.
Never purchase something for its price
Most people when buying something are always of the view; the more expensive it is the better it is. But that’s truly not the case.
You must do your research and choose a product based on its features and not the price. Once you start comparing products, we are sure you will find sergers that come at reasonable prices yet are far more feature-oriented as compared to high-end machines.
You can also wait up for a serger you want to purchase until it goes on sale. Amazon always has some amazing deals to look into. Keep researching until you find what you’re looking for.
Usage frequency
Consider how often you’re going to use a serger sewing machine before you purchase it. If you’re only buying something that you will not use frequently then don’t invest in something complex and expensive.
But if you’re buying a serger for professional purposes then it means you will be using it more often so go for something functional, reliable, and possibly with a warranty so that even if it breaks down after some time, you will have a warranty to claim.
Read reviews
We always suggest trying a serger machine before buying it. That gives you an idea of how good the product is and if it’s worth your money or not.
But in case you’re making a purchase online then don’t forget to read reviews given by the users. Those reviews are there for your benefit so you can make a better choice and don’t end up wasting your money. Choose a product with the most positive reviews and a detailed guide. This will make sure your purchase doesn’t go to waste and bring in the right overlock machine.
So, these are some of the things that you must keep in perspective when buying a sewing machine. We hope this guide was helpful and now you will be able to make the right choice for yourself.
Final thoughts…
So, this is everything we had on the best sergers for beginners. We hope this article has been thoroughly helpful to you and now you will be able to make a much more informed decision regarding a serger.
We did thorough research on all the products we suggested above and to make our guide even more comprehensive, we added a detailed buyer’s guide along with more information regarding the differences between sergers and overlock machines and why you cannot use them as a regular sewing machine.
A serger is very solid and might be an expensive investment for you. So you need to ensure you don’t end up wasting your hard-earned money. Dig deep before you purchase and always read reviews thoroughly to get a better understanding of the product you’re purchasing.
Here are our top three picks for medium, low and maximum budgets,
- Low budget – SINGER ProFinish 14CG754
- Medium budget – Brother 1034DX Serger
- Maximum budget – JUKI MO654DE
If you have any suggestions or recommendations in this regard, do let us know through your feedback below.