Replies

1. 
   Cherrypops | Mar 05, 2007 03:20am | #1

   I own a bernina 800dl . I love it . Takes all kinds of fabrics very easily. I have never had any tension or threading problems, and it has never need repair. It is a few years old.

   At the time of purchase this machine was used in australian tafe colleges. they sure get a work out there.

   You will get many different responses which is what you want. For starters use the advanced search function here and type in sergers , you need newest responses, there are many previous posts on this topic.

   CherryP

2. 
   seashellnichols | Mar 05, 2007 10:58pm | #2

   I use a Juki and have for years--making renaissance costuming for crew.  Works great and can run all day.

3. 
   Betakin | Mar 10, 2007 05:39am | #3

   I think Juki still makes Bernina sergers and I don't know about any change in their quality. Bernina has several new model sergers with  Micro Thread Control that adjusts the stitches flush with the fabric edge. I have owned several sergers of different brands and loved them all. I do think that some sergers are more heavy duty than others. I presently own 2 sergers.

   I love my Elna 744. It is quiet for a serger, does not vibrate and is heavy duty. It is only a 4 thread serger, it is not a computerized model, has automatic tensions, a tilt needle bar for 5 needle postions, does something like 17 stitches on the dial a stitch program that also includes 3 coverhem stitches (narrow and wide double seam and triple seam coverhem) and chain stitch. It is very easy to use and with tensions being automatic it is also time saving especially if several people are using it. You just dial the numbered stitch you wish to use and many stitches are offered that are not found on some sergers. Converting to coverhem is a snap done in just seconds because you do not have to change the foot or the needle plate. The needle bar tilts up toward you to change the needles. The 3  needle postions in front are for coverhem and chain stitch and the back 2 positions are for serged stitches. There is also a feature that tucks in the thread chains into the seam. Coverhems can be stitched off fabric and released easily with the needle thread tension release button.

   This model and the Pfaff coverlocks are similar and can interchange many of the coverlock feet. Both brands are made in Japan and I believe at the same Japanese factory. The Elna 744 is now a discontinued model. Tacony no longer distributes Elna and Janome has taken over Elna USA. I believe the model that replaces it is the 745 which is a 5 thread and has a built in blanket stitch and a built in attached 2 thread converter. (The 744 has the converter but it is not attached.) The higher model 945 is also a 5 thread and it is a computerized model that takes pro cards and does more stitches.