Replies

1. 
   Dorene_Kemp | Oct 12, 1999 05:06am | #1

   *
   In my opinion, the Elna 945 is probably the cream of the
   crop of sergers. It is one fantastic machine! I don't think you would go wrong in spending that much money. It would give you everything you need and it is updatable. I have the 925, which is the same machine except the 945 has more stitches built in. I have had my machine for about a year and have not had one bit of trouble with it. This is my third serger -- the other two being two different brands, and I used to fight with them on threading and tensions, but I do not have either of those problems with the Elna. It stitches any fabric beautifully, and no adjustment of tensions is necessary. It is one great machine. I'd say go for it!!

1. 
   lin_hendrix | Oct 12, 1999 08:21pm | #2

   *Hi Samantha, You should probably buy an Elna or Babylock. Both are top rated sergers. Babylock also has self threading loopers. If you're changing thread color a lot... Both machines have the self adjusting tension and all those neat cover stitches.You're paying the extra money for the 5th thread sewing. It's worth it for the time savings. Most top of the line 4thread sergers will go for just under $1000. If you can deal with self instruction you can probably get the lowest price from Allbrands. At any rate you should check their web site for some of the comments about sergers, very enlightening!http://www.allbrands.com/--lin

1. 
   samantha | Oct 12, 1999 08:45pm | #3

   *I just wanted to thank both of you ladies for responding to my questions. It really does help so much to get outside opinions. thanks.

1. 
   Sandra_S. | Oct 30, 1999 07:04pm | #4

   *I want to purchase a top quality 5 thread serger that will do cover stitches. I'm looking at the Bernina 2500DCET. I've never tried an Elna. Does anyone know how the Bernina compares to the Elna as far as "quality" and "ease of operation?"I would appreciate any comments.

1. 
   Victoria_Miesle | Nov 01, 1999 04:34pm | #5

   *I just purchased the Bernina 2500DCET and am very happy with it. It is my third Serger--my last two were Bernina's as well. I am not famailiar with the Elna sergers, but have been teaching serger classes(on all makes and models) for over 12 years and feel I need to have most advanced serger to keep up with the latest serger techniques. PS-- I'm still looking to sell my Bernina 2000DCE serger if anyone is interested--it's on the Sewing Rummage page.

2. 
   Keitha_Hopson | Nov 01, 1999 06:40pm | #6

   *I have a good sewing machine with decorative and zig zag stitiching. I'm considering buying a a serger, too because of the seam finishing ability. I'm also going to be sewing for a baby. Do I rally need a serger?Thanks. Keitha

3. 
   Robin_Storesund | Nov 02, 1999 05:48pm | #7

   *Sandra, the Bernina 2500DCET does have five threads, but it does NOT do a typical 5-thread serger stitch where you get a chain stitch along with a 4-thread overlock. It only uses the fifth thread when it is making the top/bottom cover stitch where there are loops on both sides of the fabric. I recently checked out the Elna 945, the Viking Huskylock, the Janome Compulock, and the Bernina 2500DCE and DCET. If money were an object, I would go for the Viking Huskylock (I don't recall the model number but it was the one that did the cover stitch.) If money were not an object, I would go for the Bernina 2500DCE (which I did.) I know there are a lot of people who like the Elna, but I felt it was much harder to thread and it did not feel as substantial to me as the Bernina did. I preferred the DCE over the DCET because I didn't really care for the top/bottom cover stitch and all the armature that was required for that stitch just got in my way. The Berninas were the only ones that did not do a traditional 5-thread stitch, so if you think you will really want that, you need to take that into account. Personally, I didn't feel that the fifth thread added anything I could't live without but it did add more threading hassles, etc. As with any machine, you choice depends upon the type of serging you plan to do.

4. 
   Sharon_Saylor | Nov 29, 1999 01:23am | #8

   *I am thinking about buying a serger and wanted to know how the Bernina compares to the top Pfaff model. This will be the first serger that I will own. I currently own the Bernina 180 and really like it.Thank you,Sharon

5. 
   Victoria_Miesle | Nov 30, 1999 05:01pm | #9

   *I too purchased the 2500DCET and love it! I was able to get $600 off the price by purchasing it at the sewing expo that was here in our area. As a serger instructor I have felt as though I needed the latest and greatest of models. So far I'm not disappointed. This machine has all your normal 4 thread stitches along with the following cover stitches: 5mm wide 2 needle cover, 2.5mm wide 2 needle cover, 5mm wide 3 needle cover, chain stitch, AND 5mm wide 3needle top/bottom cover, 5mm wide 2 needle to/bottom cover and 2.5mm wide 2 needle top/bottom cover.As far as for a business, you may want to consider an industrial serger--Chicago has a show once a year just for industrial/commercial machines. I can get you the info if you need it.DO YOU REALLY NEED A SERGER?? The serger goes 3 times the speed of a sewing machine, overlocks and trims all in one fell swoop--and you don't use pins! where you typically would pin, sew your seam, overcast, then trim when using your sewing machine. Serging provides professional seam finishes as well as being a time saver. And, depending on the model you purchase, most garments you sew can mimick ready to wear!