Which Older Serger Models Are The Best?
One of the most common questions asked by both beginner and expert sewists is “What kind of serger should I buy?” There’s no easy answer to that question, as choosing a serger depends on many factors, including skill level, budget, what you plan to use the serger for and how often you plan to use it.
Not everyone wants to lay out hundreds of dollars for a new serger. Luckily, there are plenty of great deals to be found on older and vintage sergers. Older models are often preferable to newer machines. Their construction is typically solid metal, they’re reliable, use household needles and they include all the basic features found on new entry-level models. So which older serger models are the best? Here are a few recommendations on older sergers.
A Little Serger History
The evolution of sewing equipment is long and varied, spanning centuries and continents. While the industrial overlocker machine was invented in Connecticut in 1881 by the Merrow Machine Company, a smaller, lighter version designed for home use was first produced in Japan in 1964 by a group of engineers who later founded the Juki Corporation.
The streamlined redesign that produced the “baby lock” overlock machine was noticed by Nick Tacony, founder of Tacony Corporation, who introduced the sergers to the United States. These new machines removed the frustration of finishing seams on difficult fabrics, such as knits, when using a sewing machine and allowed home sewists to put a more professional finish on their homemade garments. Since then, dozens of serger models – offering a wide range of features – have become available on the market.
Why Choose an Older Serger?
Like many classic sewing machines, sergers are often passed down from generation to generation. These machines might be well-used, but they’re also usually well maintained. Older models are especially useful if you often work on heavier fabrics such as fleece, wool, canvas or upholstery. Most typically feature basic flatlock and 2-plus thread overlock stitches, although a few, such as the Pfaff 788 and the Huskylock 936, 1001 and 1002 include coverstitch capabilities. Manual threading is the one thing older sergers have in common.
- The Pfaff Creative 4874 is a 10-thread workhorse of a serger, which produces beautiful stitches and works wonders on denim and other sturdy fabrics. While this model produces a coverstitch, decorative topstitches, and cover topstitches, it’s marketed as a combo serger instead of a coverstitch serger. This machine hit the market less than 10 years ago, so even a used model can be expensive.
- The Viking Husqvarna Huskylock 905 is another older machine worth looking into. This 3-4 serger produces beautiful stitches, isn’t overly complicated to thread and is reportedly far quieter than several newer models. Even 15 years ago, this former top-of-the-line serger cost about $700. A used model in great condition can cost up to half of that, but its durability and high-performance capabilities might make it worth the investment.
- If you’d like a truly vintage machine, the Singer Merrittlock 14U44 has had an awesome reputation since its debut in 1989. For an older model, this 3-4 serger includes some impressive features, including a free arm, rolled hem stitch, adjustable stitch width and length and adjustable presser foot pressure. The instruction manual includes excellent threading directions and parts are still widely available.
- One of the most solid, dependable sergers from the early 1990s is the Elna 704 DEX. It’s well-built, easy to thread, and the needle housing flips open for easy needle changing. This 2-3-4 model was so high-end it sold for $1,000 new. In addition to producing perfect overlock stitches, it creates an even, solid coverstitch and a tight rolled hem stitch.
Buying an older serger is sometimes a leap of faith, because there are no guarantees beyond those from the seller. Some serger owners love the quality construction and performance levels of older models, while others choose them because of the low price and dependability. Whatever the reason, if you decide to go with a classic, take the time to make sure parts, manuals, and service for the model you prefer are available. Loving care helped these sergers age well – the rest is up to you.