Janome MyLock 204D Serger Overlock

Sergers are amazing, frustrating machines. This is the only one I have ever used, but I am assuming that such a complex machine, regardless of manufacturer, is difficult to learn to use. I am not an everyday sewist, and I would say this machine sees about 5 projects a year.

This machine is kind of built for a beginner. It is relatively easy to change from seams to rolled edges. It is easy to remember how to thread, however the provided thread was not high quality and I replaced it soon after learning to thread. Troubleshooting problems was a pain in the neck because after you re-thread the lower looper 5 times and the thread breaks AGAIN, you just want to go back to your little regular machine and zigzag your edges. Then you remember the differental feed, which is a pretty sweet deal, and you re-thread the lower looper after adjusting the tension.

Honestly, this is alot more machine than I need as it is just a toy for me. I would not recommend a serger if...Read more

I'll begin by saying that admittedly I am not an expert seamstress, and this IS my first serger. I've had it for several years now. I bought this one because reviews were favorable at the time and the brand, Janome, has a stellar reputation, and in its price range, it seemed like the best value.

Using this machine, however, is an exercise in frustration. The bottom thread breaks repeatedly, seemingly for no reason, and it takes MORE than a dozen times rethreading the exact same way to get it to NOT break again, and then it will just break again ten minutes later anyway, also for no known reason.

I am someone who keeps my sewing machine manuals close for troubleshooting, I oil when it calls for oiling regularly, I change the needles, I take care of my equipment. I cannot see a reason for this breakage to continually occur. I've read the manual to exhaustion, I am doing something as simple as serging a washcloth and it breaks, again and again...Read more