Brother Serger, 1034D, Heavy-Duty Metal Frame Overlock Machine, 1,300 Stitches Per Minute, Removeable Trim Trap, 3 Included Accessory Feet, White

Have owned this serger for two years and have had no major issues with it. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of buying a serger, but I promise it's really pretty simple to use and even changing out the thread is easier than I expected. For the price, you can't beat the value! Before purchasing a serger, I used a very expensive Baby Lock Ovation at a sewing workshop. Was it good? Of course, but it also retailed for around $6,000. For under $200, I've used the Brother 1034D several times a week, and have not experienced any repair issues or malfunctions. Don't be afraid to purchase a serger online. I know lots of seamstresses will suggest buying one from a local dealer to get customer service and repairs, but for such a low price - you really can't go wrong. None of the Brother sewing machines I've owned have ever needed to be serviced or have broken. While I know the serger has many functions, I have solely used it as a 4-thread overlocker - which is why I bought it in the first place. I find it to be a bit of a hassle to constantly convert and change a sewing machine. Brother products are so affordable and I personally have found the quality to be great - especially when considering the price. Adding the Brother 1034D Serger to my sewing machine arsenal has been one of my most useful purchases. Some tips I can offer to help avoid frustration: -Always test out scrap fabrics that are the same as the project you're working on -The different settings including differential feed, stitch length, and stitch width - play around with them using scraps and keep a notebook handy to record which settings worked best with various fabrics as a reference guide -Make sure the presser foot is down before you start to serge - this may seem kind of common sense, but I've accidentally serged with the presser foot up more times than I'd like to admit!

This overlocker model stands out as the top choice for beginners in the world of overlockers. The machine is straightforward to use, especially when it comes to threading, a common challenge for many users. It includes a comprehensive manual and a helpful instructional DVD, making it easy to grasp all the essential functions. Despite my limited expertise, I have already accomplished basic sewing tasks and rethreaded the machine effortlessly. While I have yet to explore all its features, I can see its potential for more advanced projects as I progress. Any limitations in maximizing its capabilities lie with my skills, not the machine itself. Overall, I highly recommend this overlocker for anyone seeking a reliable and user-friendly option for their sewing needs.

For being such an affordable serger, I have very few complaints. I searched for a long time to find a serger that was both in my price range and also well-reviewed. I settled on this one and have no regrets. It is excellent quality and hardly ever has problems. When it first arrived, I found it difficult to learn to thread (which is common for people new to sergers), but I quickly found an in-depth tutorial on Youtube. That is one of the best things about this machine: it is so common that there are many videos on how to fix any feasible problem. I have found that to be one of the best qualities of my past machines, and this is no exception. After about 1 hour, I could thread the machine in five minutes or under. Although I still have to really study and understand the effects of alteration of certain threads on the tension, I do think this machine is very easy to get to know. Before purchasing, I had read reviews saying that having sewing machine oil was a necessity for this machine. I use it multiple times a day and lubricate it about once a week. I started doing this from pretty much the third day I had the machine. I haven't noticed a major difference between pre lubrication and post lubrication, but it is recommended. Occasionally, my machine will come unthreaded, which happens probably once every 3 days, but seeing as I have pretty much mastered threading the machine, I do not mind much. I did dock it a point for Easy to Use for that reason. I have to add that I do not work with very lightweight or heavyweight fabrics. I typically use midweight cotton, linens, and, on occasion, french terry or other knits. The lightest weight I have used on this serger is poplin and has faced no issues. For that reason, I cannot speak on whether or not this machine is adaptable to all fabric types because I sew on so few. Finally, this machine comes with a regular foot with 2 other feet. I do not often use them, however, it is really handy to have them for when I do need them. Overall, this serger is of great quality and very beginner-friendly.

I've been sewing less than a year and this is the 1st serger I have had success with. I was able to start serging right out of the box because it came threaded but when my threads ran low I was able to successfully rethread my machine without an issue. My advise to anyone new to serging is to get this machine and take photos and video of everything when you get it so if you get at all confused about how to thread it you can check your photos. Everything is color-coded and the thread paths are printed right on the machine but having the photos of all my original settings and threadings has helped me. I am so happy with this purchase. In many ways it is easier to use than my regular sewing machine which is also a brother. Having the two machines makes me really excited about what I can create now.

I think if you're looking at this machine, you're either a) new to serging or b) impressed by the price and interested in the quality. I'm completely new to sergers, but I did my homework before buying this one, and for the price and the performance, this serger has a perfect balance. I was also concerned about being able to figure out how to use it on my own (so many people talk about taking a class) but within a day I felt like I knew it inside and out. It's setup is uncomplicated and I was able to get right to work. There's something to be said about passing over the machine that can "do it all" and buying one that just does what you need. 1) The "how-to" videos are wonderful for the visual learner. You can pick up the same knowledge from the thorough instruction book(s) included, but the videos reinforce the book. Watching the video on "threading" once, and following the line drawings on the machine itself, I was able to thread the machine in 5 minutes. (It's really not that hard - it's all color coded and the steps are numbered, but the videos help) 2) Included are two additional feet, one for a blind hem/flatlock and another for gathering ruffles as you sew. Together, they themselves are an $60 value. The feet are "snap-on" (when I read about that online I instantly thought of breakable plastic, but the feet are primarily metal with some plastic pieces on the blind hem foot) - the "snap-on" construction is very easy to use and solid (i.e. nothing is going to snap OFF over time) 3) It's very easy to set the tension and the manual has a very clear chart on troubleshooting uneven stitches (with 4 threads, there are multiple things that can be off with the tension). 4) The company description says that it does 22 stitch functions, which I think is a little misleading (it does the basic stuff and they show different applications for the basics). THIS IS WHAT IT DOES: 1. 3/4-thread overlock (uses 4 threads; best for use with knits or upholstery fabric) 2. 3-thread overlock (general use) in two widths - 3mm (using only the right needle) and 5mm (using only the left) 3. Rolled hem (great for edges of napkins, pajama bottoms, frilly skirts, etc) 4. Flatlock stitch (decorative or flat seams) 5. Blind hem THIS IS WHAT IT DOESN'T DO: 1. Coverlock stitch (stretchy stitch with two straight lines on the front of the fabric). If you're sewing for yourself (i.e. not selling what you make), you can fake this stitch on your regular zigzag sewing machine with a twin needle. It's not quite the same, but close enough for me. 2. Chain stitch (a semi-straight stitch, similar to a regular sewing machine but easier to rip out (i.e. good for basting) and a good reinforcement for upholstery) Other sergers I looked at that did the coverlock stitch in addition to overlock, etc. had complicated and time consuming adjustments to be made to switch to the coverlock. If you're going to use it a lot, consider getting a separate machine that does it (the Brother model is 2340CV). The one feature the 1034D is missing for me is the ability to do a 3-thread overlock and a chain stitch at the same time - good for upholstery but something available only on a 5 thread machine. 5) Nice little things: 1. You have the option of using regular thread spools (cheaper and smaller if you don't need 1000 yards x 4 of whatever color you're buying) 2. You use regular needles - so you can use them in both your regular sewing machine and your serger 3. It's really easy to control speed with the foot pedal - very responsive 4. Disabling the knife (that trims your fabric as you sew) is done with just the flick of a switch 5. Differential feed allows you to sew any thickness of fabric, line up stripes evenly, etc.

This is my second Brother Serger in 3 years. I bought this one to replace the serger I had, due to that one having cam slippage. I am so glad I bought this one. It does a lovely job. I mainly use it on cotton fabrics to finish edges of bibs, pillow cases and such. There is one factor that bothered me and is the reason I give it a 4 Star rating. This machine needs pre oiling before you use it the first time!!! How do you know this?!? I found it in the reviews BEFORE I purchased it. On Page 57 it shows where the oiling needs to happen. Word of advice... DO IT! You will not regret it. I oil it about once a month or so unless I've been taking a break from sewing. I wish this would be put in a quick guide so that if the machine is new to you, you know to oil it! Quickest way to destroy a machine.. No oil! That being said, once this little work horse is oiled, it will serge like a dream. Quickly and efficient, it makes short work of quickly finishing raw edges. It has a removable arm, to sew cuffs. I love that you can adjust for the type of fabric and your stitch width. I know it has several stitch types, however I just use it for serging. I find it quick and easy to load with thread, though like most sergers, the lower feeds sometimes can be a bit tricky. For quick color changes, I simply cut the threads back behind the feeders, tie the new color on, then run it out on swatches of left over fabric, I have found this to be much faster and easier than re-threading my entire machine. Pros: Nice neat serging Quick and easy set up (Make sure you oil the machine prior to first use, reference page 57) See attached photo Adjustments for fabric type Stitch adjustments (Length and style) Can tuck the blade out of the way when needed Cons: The directions for oiling the machine are tucked away in the back of the user manual, which can be missed and cause issues with the machine Other than the aforementioned issue with oiling of the machine and lack of 'In Your Face' directions to tell you to make sure you do oil it. This is a great little machine for the price point. If you are an avid sewer, then this would be a fabulous machine for you!

I bought the Brother 1034D Serger in 2014 from Amazon. Twelve years later it is still working as perfectly as it was when I first purchased it. It is easy to thread, the stitch quality is very good and has worked well with all fabrics from denim to very sheer chiffon. Ongoing maintenance (cleaning & changing needles) is definitely a good idea. I highly recommend this serger.

I have never used a serger before, and in fact, am not that hot of a seamstress. I'm mainly self taught, and I never really learned to read a pattern, so tend to craft things of my own design..but hadn't really sewn in a lot of yeras. I have reached an age where all clothing in stores either looks like it belongs on a ten year old, a twenty year old, or someone from 1978...I don't wear bright clingy florals. No thanks. So, I decided I'd try my hand at sewing again and design some clothing for myself that was drapey, and cool, and decidedly not for a 20 year old. My problem is that I love linen, however the frayed edges and lack of finished look I was getting on my regular machine was getting to be a drag....I am also quite lazy about seam finishing. Been looking at sergers for several months now and after reading all of these reviews, decided to take the plunge. The box arrived damaged, which freaked me out. But the inner box was fine. However, as some other reviewers noted, the four color threads looked like a spider had been busy in the box! I didn't even bother unpacking it as I was afraid I'd tangle things further. I wonder if the company ought to perhaps tape these spools down so that they aren't all pell-mell enmeshed around the edges of the box on opening? That day, I got on the phone and found a local fabric shop that just happened to be teaching a serger class that weekend. BOY oh BOY!!!! So I signed up. Best thing I could have done. They spent all day teaching myself and several other students with equally tangled up machines the basics of the whole shebang. And let me tell ya! I got this baby home and serged me some clothing!! A lovely pair of frilly legged bloomers, a little t-shirt, and a simple skirt! And they don't look like Lucy Ricardo ran them off on her machine because Ricky wouldn't let her buy a new dress!! Once I had the basic know-how down; it was so easy to use! I do think that you need both the serger and a regular machine, as it won't do some things, straight stitching or piecing one thing to another in a traditional way, for instance. So yes....threading once learned, is easy. Sadly, I found no CDs in the box, so it was a good thing I found the class. Perhaps they are no longer including them as all of this is available online? (which seems a bad idea as not all people have access to the internet.) I even knew how to remove the little key in order to do the rolled hems etc... This was SO easy to use that three of the other women in the class I took (a class of only five) are purchasing the machine to REPLACE their far more expensive Singers, Janomes, and Babylocks. Amazing! Even our teacher said she would now, having seen the machine in action, be recommending it to users who had not purchased one. I don't write a boat load of reviews, but I'm writing one as the other reviews here were the tipping point for my own purchase... I would purchase this again, no hesitation. But I'm hoping for years of happy sewing.