09/30/2011 11:07 AM
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GrammytoFive
Posts: 4
Joined: 09/30/2011
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I have never serged and I don't know how to compare apples to oranges so to speak.
I want to spend under $800.
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09/30/2011 03:37 PM
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MOM
Posts: 2689
Joined: 03/09/2009
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I can only describe the 634D.
The 634D is a 4 thread overlock that is an outstanding machine. I have had mine for about 7 years and it has never failed me yet. The cost 7 years ago was $450.00 and now I believe it runs somewhere around $499.00. It is an awesome machine. You can probably get some comparisons on this webiste. They are a Janome Certified Internet dealer. sewvacdirect.com
MOM
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10/03/2011 09:37 AM
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GrammytoFive
Posts: 4
Joined: 09/30/2011
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Thank you very much MOM
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10/03/2011 11:51 AM
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devilcat
Posts: 1687
Joined: 10/23/2007
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Before you spend a lot of money, consider the type of sewing you do and determine if you really need a serger. Many/most of the forum members have one and love it. I won one and it is a useful tool but if it disappeared, I doubt if I would replace it. It is great for rapidly finishing seams and also for cutting off the selvidges. However, I do not use it for actually seaming a garment as it leaves virtually no seam allowance, is a bit bulky and also does not give a tight clean look on the right side of the garment. I like to use silk, linen and pure cotton and much prefer just using the overcasting stitch on my sewing machine as it doesn't add and bulk or ridges. I also use the Hong Kong wrapping method.
If you sew a lot of knits or sportswear, kiddie clothing, curtains, cushions etc. You will find a seerger invaluable. It is great for finishing raw edges on hems before you turn them up. The speed of these machines is wonderful, a great time saver. Also, if you like the decorative look of seaming done on the outside of a garment, this tool is for you.
I suggest you ask your dealer if they offer serger workshops and attend. If not, just go and play with one. This will be a big help in making your decision.
I don't wish to discourage you but carefully your requirements prior to laying out the big bucks.
Jacquie
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Ladysmith BC,Janome 12000, Bernina Record, Bernina 1150MDA serger, bit of a Luddite, garments not crafts
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10/04/2011 11:36 AM
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jsm1144
Posts: 388
Joined: 10/27/2010
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the 634D is essentially the same thing as the 1110DX, they made a few changes but nothing big enough for the average person to really notice.
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10/04/2011 02:13 PM
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GrammytoFive
Posts: 4
Joined: 09/30/2011
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I've ordered the 634 from my local dealer. I can't wait!!!
This model doesn't come with a dvd. Is there a good tutorial for Janome sergers??
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10/04/2011 04:08 PM
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MOM
Posts: 2689
Joined: 03/09/2009
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It does come with a very good manual. There are some really good books out there some for which although made for other machines can be interchanged with our 634D.
e.g. The New Sewing with a Serger By Singer (excellent book) and Serge with confidence by Nancy Zieman.
These should help you tremendously they did me. I did not open my box for 2 years and now I have my 634D and a 5 thread serger.
MOM
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10/04/2011 07:51 PM
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CherylAnn
Posts: 2418
Joined: 05/27/2007
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When you receive your serger, I suggest that you go through the manual. Do a sample of each stitch type, make some notes and put it in a binder for future reference. Note the tensions that seem good for the fabric being sewn. Those things are invaluable when you are sewing in the future and have forgotten what the settings were.
If you have the opportunity to take a class, do it. You get to learn all sorts of good things in a class and it is easier than always reading the procedures in the manual - they reinforce each other.
Cheryl
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
HMC12000, Horizon 7700QCP, 4120 QDC, Jem Platinum 760, CoverPro 1000, HuskyLock 936, Xpression Felting Machine, DigitizerMBX v.4.0
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10/05/2011 09:02 AM
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sewinmama
Posts: 151
Joined: 08/25/2008
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As you "serge" through your manual, I'd suggest you use a different color thread for each spool. Then you can tell which spool does what with different settings.
One of the most important things to learn first is that you MUST thread the machine in the correct order and that includes when your thread breaks. Your serger may come out of the box already threaded but with no spool attached to the thread. If so, tie the thread from your spool to the piece of thread in the serger. Loosen the tension dials and slowly sew until the thread is all the way through. The knots will not go through the needle eye so you can gently pull the thread until the knots reach the eye. Then re-thread the eye by hand. Good luck.
Pam
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MC11000 upgraded to SE Ver 3
Horizon 7700
3160QDC
Janome Serger 1200D
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10/05/2011 09:05 AM
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sewinmama
Posts: 151
Joined: 08/25/2008
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Forgot to add to reset the tension back to normal after the serger is threaded and make sure the thread is in the tension disks.
Pam
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MC11000 upgraded to SE Ver 3
Horizon 7700
3160QDC
Janome Serger 1200D
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10/05/2011 09:31 AM
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GrammytoFive
Posts: 4
Joined: 09/30/2011
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Thank you all for your help. Being brand new here, I didn't know if I would get any responses but you ladies have been VERY helpful 
For now, I just sit and wait...reading all I can and looking for those books recommended.
I am a bit disappointed because my local dealer (as wonderful as they are) admit that they don't serge too much and alas, not much interest in this area in garment construction, so classes are few and far between, but I will look for one.
Just ordered Nancy Z's book at Martha Pullen site. It's on sale
Edited: 10/05/2011 at 02:09 PM by GrammytoFive
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10/07/2011 08:41 PM
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CherylAnn
Posts: 2418
Joined: 05/27/2007
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Another thing to know when threading your serger is that the needles should be threaded AFTER the looper and the upper looper is threaded first as the lower looper's thread has to go over the upper looper to knit the threads together. If your needles are threaded when you thread the loopers, for some reason it unthreads the loopers and they aren't quite as easy to thread as the needle. The dealer I bought my Husqvarna serger from gave me the rule. Thread the loopers from the inside out (upper first, lower second), then thread the needles from the inside out (right needle first, left needle second). It works every time - ask me how I know.
Cheryl
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada
HMC12000, Horizon 7700QCP, 4120 QDC, Jem Platinum 760, CoverPro 1000, HuskyLock 936, Xpression Felting Machine, DigitizerMBX v.4.0
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