Sewing machines have made the lives of crafters all around the world so much easier. Able to accomplish in mere seconds what would have previously taken hours, they are an absolute must have in the world of quilting, clothes making, and crafting. However, regular sewing machines do have their limitations. While they are capable of producing products that look much more professional than hand stitched ones, the seams they are capable of making aren’t as secure as manufactured items. If you want to create an extra-secure seam, you might have to go over the same area several times or use a much thicker thread, often resulting in a clumsy looking finished piece.

Serger machines are very similar to sewing machines but are capable of producing machine-like quality products at home. Since they can usually hold 3 or more varieties of thread, it’s much easier to switch between colors and thread weights than with a traditional sewing machine. The seams that serger machines produce are especially great for finishing the edges of projects like clothing or blankets. These seams provide greater security, durability, and are much more attractive than regular sewing machine seams. 

If you’re ready to upgrade your sewing station with the addition of one of these powerful machines but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading below for out top 10 picks for serger machines. 

Top Serger Machines Of 2020

1. Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed

A long trusted brand in the sewing community, Brother is known for their extremely high quality products that last a long time and produce great results. The Brother 1034D ¾ Thread Serger is certainly no exception. This high performance ¾ thread serger provides reliable results and helps you create a professionally edged finish on all kinds of fabrics including linens, knits, and even formal wear! Use this serger to create ruffles, decorative edges, and gathers to make a unique and beautiful piece. 

This powerful yet precise machine is capable of serging narrow sleeves and joining laces, small feats that a regular sewing machine simply won’t be able to accomplish. Premade with 22 built in stitch functions including 3 and 4 thread overlock, narrow stitching, and rolled hems, you won’t need much technical knowledge to get the ball rolling with this machine. Unlike some competitors, it also comes with programmed specialty stitch options that enable it to be used for formal and bridal wear. Its removable free arm makes it incredibly easy to work with cylindrical items such as sleeves, no more fiddling around and bumping your fingers into the needle. It is even delicate enough to reinforce tape applications! 

This package comes with everything you’ll need to get started including an instruction video and an easy to understand manual. Brother also provides free phone support and a twenty five year warranty, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your machine any time soon! Since this machine uses standard sewing machine needles, you’ll save time and money by using supplies you already have. The number one best seller on Amazon, this machine’s reputation speaks for itself. 

2. Singer 14CG754 Serger

Another brand with an iconic reputation in the sewing community, Singer has been around forever and is ubiquitous in everyone’s sewing room. The Singer 14CG754 Serger features a 2-3-4 thread overlock capability, giving you even more flexibility in the durability and look of your seams. With a huge selection of stitch options, this machine lets you choose from dozens of combinations that all ensure a professional, clean looking finish each and every time. Some features that really set this machine apart from the competition are that it has adjustable stitch length and width so you have complete control over your project. The differential thread feed is color coded for easy use, and the entire machine is portable and even has a carrying handle! 

This serger is a free arm machine, meaning users will have the flexibility to sew both flat and cylindrical fabric. Since sergers are most often used for seams in clothing, this feature is an absolute necessity to get the best use out of the product. It allows you to easily convert to rolled-hem mode by the switch of a simple lever so your projects can carry on uninterrupted. The Singer 14CG754 Serger comes with a variety of accessories so you’ll have everything you need to get started right away. 

3. Brother Serger, ST4031HD, Strong and Tough Serger

A step up from the previously discussed Brother serger, the ST4031HD Strong and Tough Serger is great for the intermediate crafter. Featuring a very sturdy metal frame (unlike many other models which all use plastic), this serger is made to last even under the heaviest use. Its high durability blade is made from extra hard metal which produces a smoother cut edge and a much more professional finish with minimal fraying or warping. This is a 2-3-4 serger which has been built to tackle heavy duty project with ease. Its 1300 per minute stitch speed means you can breeze through projects in no time flat! The removable trim trap catches your scraps and keeps them out of sight and out of mind until you’re ready to take a break, no more fighting with flyaway threads! 

Color coded thread guides make it easy to follow where each thread is going, and numbered upper and lower thread loops make rethreading super simple. It comes with three accessory feet: standard, blind stitch, and gathering. It also includes a larger extension table so you can accomplish bigger projects with no fuss. The included instructional DVD will teach you everything you need to know, and Brother has even thoughtfully included a dust cover (although you’ll now be able to make your own!). 

4. Janome MOD-8933 Serger with Lay-in Threading, 3 and 4 Thread Convertible with Differential Feed

The Janome MOD-8933 Serger is another great compact serger option. Coming highly reviewed and highly recommended, it has a 3-4 thread overlock capability. Its easy to use lay-in threading system has a color coded guide so you can quickly find the bobbin you’re looking for. The lower thread looper is also very easy to access with its pretention setting slider. Nobody likes messing around with various thread bobbins and wrestling your machine in the middle of a project, so these are a huge plus! 

Ideal for fashion enthusiasts, this modern serger has everything you could need (and more!) in a very compact and simple to use machine. Whether it’s denim, knits, or even crafting projects, this serger can do it all. The quick change rolled hem capability lets you give your projects a professional finish in no time at all, and the differential feed means that you won’t have to deal with stretching or puckering on any fabric type. Featuring a unique retractable knife design, you can serge your fabrics without worrying about accidentally slicing them. This is not only safer for you, but will save lots of headaches down the road. 

5. JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine

If portability is the name of the game, the JUKI MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine is the one for you. In the most compact body yet, JUKI’s serger machine squeezes in tons of functionality and great features. It is a 2-3-4 serger, giving you tons of flexibility in your projects and making it great for a wide range of fabrics. Its color coded thread breakaway looper system has an external adjustment for stitch length and differential speed so, unlike other machines, you won’t have to interrupt your project by opening the machine to change its settings. Its very powerful knife has its own dedicated drive mechanism, making troubleshooting or replacing parts much simpler in case of an issue. 

The fastest one yet, this serger can stitch at speeds of up to 1500 stitches per minute! Great for higher volume sewers and crafters, it can make short work of anything you throw at it. Able to sew anything from light to heavyweight fabric, it has a wide maximum stitch length of 4 millimeters. The serger machine will not run then the swing door is open, making it very safe. 

6. Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger with 2-3-4-5 Threaded Capability 

Our first professional machine and only 2-3-4-5 option on the list, the Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger is a pricy but worthwhile investment for serious sewers. The 2-3-4-5 capability allows the most flexibility in thread overlock distribution of almost any machine on the market today, enabling you to complete a wide variety of projects with professional results. This machine has a self-adjusting tension feature which is controlled by an intuitive dial, meaning there is one less thing for you to worry about when you’re in the zone. 

At a stitch speed of 1300 per minute, the Singer Professional 5 allows you to complete projects quickly and efficiently. Its four rolled hem options are controlled by an easy to reach lever on the side. Its metal frame adds structural support and durability, but it does contribute to this being a bit of a bulkier machine. It is also only warranted for use in the US and Canada due to its required voltage for operation. The kit comes with a ton of accessories, including thoughtful ones like tweezers, an anti-spill net, a brush, and a handy CD manual. 

7. Designio Series DZ1234 Serger

The Brother Designio Series DZ1234 Serger is another very high quality durable machine. Its metal frame and metal interior components make it superior to other plastic models and more resistant to breakage. As a 3-4 thread serger, it provides just two options for thread overlock. However, it is still very high performance and customizable. It has a wide range of stitch lengths ranging from 3 to 7 millimeters to provide maximum flexibility for your project’s unique needs. A 1300 stitch per minute speed means you can tackle projects quickly and easily. 

With color coded thread guides, the Designio is super easy to work with. Its upper and lower loopers are both numbered so you can quickly find the one you’re looking for, and the instructional video and manual contain all the extra information you could possibly need to help you use your new machine. It comes with three accessory feet including special ones for blind hemming, gathering, and even piping! 

8. Brother 2340CV

For more advanced users or those looking to upgrade their current serger, the Brother 2340CV is a fantastic choice. An advanced serger, this machine allows you to work on a huge variety of fabrics and materials with a wide range of stitches. Like other Brother models, it uses a color coded threading guide to help you find the bobbin you need quickly and create a more precise stitching experience. Its fast and easy looper threading system helps save time, perfect for those working on larger projects or who sew very frequently. 

Its stitching speed is slower than other models, providing just 1100 stitches per minute. Not that this is a make-or-break issue, as many do not serge at the maximum speed anyways, but it is something to consider if you were looking for an ultra-fast option. It does have an adjustable dial that allows you to control the speed of the material flowing through the machine, which is great for complex projects or those consisting of multiple fabrics which would require you to work more slowly.

9. Janome Magnolia 7034D Serger Sewing Machine

If you’re looking for a simpler serger machine option because you’re just starting out or are unsure where to look, check out the Janome Magnolia 7034D. This unassuming serger provides 3-4 thread capability in a very compact and cute body. Although it is a lesser known brand, the Janome Magnolia comes very highly reviewed and users swear by it. 

Able to reach a maximum speed of 1300 stitches per minute, this small serger can easily compete with much larger and more powerful machines. Its incorporated rolled hem changeover device makes it easy to finish a project professionally and quickly. The foot pressure is adjustable via an adjusting screw, and the presser feet snap on for quick change-outs. While it does not feature a free arm that can move to accommodate cylindrical or oddly-shaped fabrics, it does provide an adequate flat work surface for most needs. It also comes with both a blind stitch foot and a beading attachment for those interested in tackling even more advanced bead embroidery work.

10. Bernette b42 Funlock Coverstitch Machine

Last but certainly not least, we have the Bernette b42 Funlock Coverstitch Machine. It is the only model on our list that has a built in LED light to enable you to better view your work. This can also be considered something of a safety feature, as it helps you avoid accidental contact with the needle. Featuring 3 total coverstitches, a chain stitch, and stitch widths of between 2.8 and 5.6 millimeters, this serger has great customization potential

While it does not have a moveable free arm, which is great for working with sleeves, pant legs, and other rounded fabric shapes, it does have a very large flat worksurface. It works very well, even with tougher fabrics like stretchy, thin knits. Threading the needles and loopers is made super easy due to the separate threading mechanisms, and the LED light also comes in handy!

Hopefully this list has given you several ideas of which serger machine you’d like to choose for your next fabric craft project. Remember to read recent product reviews and get feedback on your top choices. Soon you’ll be well on your way to creating a beautiful, professional piece with the help of your new serger machine!