Kenmore Serger Sewing Machine

The previous reviewer obviously has no idea how to use a serger if it took an hour to thread and was that difficult to operate. This machine works very well. Easy to use and the dvd that comes with it is very good. I would highly recommend this serger. I got on sale for $199 at Sears and have been very happy with it.

This machine's operation and mechanics feel cheap compared to others I've used and owned. It is very noisy and not as easy to thread as some other models on the market (there is no lower looper threader -- you have to do it all yourself with tweezers, good lighting and opening two panels on the machine), but it is compact and does the job. Since I got it at a reduced price I'm okay with the fact that it's not a superior product; I will keep it as a backup machine and/or use it only for lighter projects.

You can get better machines for the same price (like the Brother 1034D). This model is not worth more than $200 -- get it on sale or go for a better machine.

If you have never serged before, be prepared to be frustrated. I bought this serger a few months back. It took over an hour to thread. The documentation was brief and poor, without giving a thorough explanation of the machine's operations. Granted it was my first serger experience, but it entailed having to call the folks at Kenmore to have a service specialist call me back and talk me through another 45 minutes. The serger does not come with basic accessories, such as a looper threader, that really is needed for this model.

Then there was the DVD. The first 15 minutes were on threading the machine. After that, you discover all the neat things that the machine can do if you buy an assortment of presser feet or attachments. This got me so disgusted that I started looking for another serger and returned the Kenmore to Sears. And it must be said that all of this really surprised me, since I've been sewing for 30 years and have always been pleased with the quality of...Read more