Juki MO-654DE Pearl Series Serger - Demo

I am brand new to serging and haven't used a sewing machine in years but am looking for new hobbies now that the kids are out of the house. I think this has been a very good choice for me as a complete beginner. The manual takes some close reading but all that you need to get started is in there as long as you have some patience.The machine arrived threaded but in my enthusiasm I tried to serge a bit of fabric and promptly broke the threads because of course they were secured to the pressure knob on top and not attached to spinning spools of thread! (Ha ha! as I said, I really am a beginner.) After some careful research, I succeeded in threading it again but, like one of the one star reviews on here, couldn't get it to make a seam without turning up the tension knobs and then it still wasn't right. I decided it was probably me rather than the machine and went online where I found the brilliant suggestion to check that the thread was fully in the tension discs and indeed a couple of threads were gently draped around rather than in the coils. With that simple adjustment and back to the recommended tension I produced my first beautiful four thread overlock seam. After the initial learning curve, threading this machine is relatively easy. I found a threading chart online because the ones in the book (and inside the machine) were way too small for me to see what was going on, On closer inspection there is a slight difference in the last bit right before you thread the needles between the online chart and what's in the manual. For this bit, the manual is correct: both needles' threads share the last loop. I also purchased The Complete Serger Handbook by Chris James which is helpful, but actually becomes more helpful as you get more familiar with the machine. Next, I followed the manual and finished a rolled hem on a dress I'd thought I'd try to shorten by hand and had had pinned up for over a year. It took me just a few minutes and I am thrilled! Next I bought my first Craftsy class: Beginner Serging with Amy Alan. This probably should have been step one. I am finding it really helpful and am enjoying learning some of the many things the serger can be used for. It's fun to experiment with different fabrics and make notes of all the tensions for each. This machine takes universal sewing machine needles #11 and can take #14s for heavier fabrics. I haven't tried heavy fabrics yet but read that you're supposed to put the bigger needle on the Left. Perhaps you can replace both with the #14s but that will be for a later experiment. You can buy extra feet for this machine, but I don't think I'm going to need those for some time because the foot it comes with does all of what I need for now. All in all, I couldn't be happier with this purchase. I am really having fun with it.

i wanted a serger and wanted to get one locally so i didn't have to wait. I was going to get a jernome/babylock but my mom wouldn't let me since she used to serge for a living and said Juki is the best brand out there. My aunt who lives in nyc said my cousin's got her this and said it's very smooth. I can see why! :) its also a great size and can fit in a corner anywhere! :) SO happy i finally got it! :) Update: i edited to add pictures :). Also uploaded a video for how to thread on youtube...<https://www.youtube.com/user/ilovehandmadestuff> the video is armature, but gets the point across :) I support this machine 100% i just made a printer cover and converted a pair of old jeans to a skirt :-D YAY! now i just need to learn how to read patterns and I'm set.

I upgraded to this Juki from my Brother 1034D and couldn't be happier. It's smooth and a lot quieter. Threading takes a little practice, but after a few times, you can do it in a couple of minutes. One tip - make sure you pull the thread tightly into your tension dials. I couldn't get my tension correct until I figured that little bit out. A couple of cons - I've found that I have to turn the differential feed all the way up on knit fabrics or it really pulls the fabric & makes it wavy. I find this so strange. It should typically be at neutral. Secondly, how is there not a bin for scraps?!! I've tried fitting my brother tray in there, but it doesn't work very well. Still, it was a much needed upgrade and I love everything else about the machine.

There is a great review from a long-time serger user, however,I thought it might be helpful to give you the impressions from a first-time user. First off, I ordered the machine "used-like new" from the warehouse deals. It was $368 and it came in its original package; the only thing that was missing was the original thread. I was disappointed at first, because I was hoping to see how it was threaded right out of the factory. It still had the grey thread tangled in the loopers which made me hang my head even lower, thinking "looks like the previous owner had issues with the stitch, threading, or loopers". I bought the book Successful Serging: From Setup to Simple and Specialty Stitches in advance because I had read that the user manual is not all that user friendly. I was determined to brace the threading storm and get acquainted with the machine at once. The user manual is actually not bad at all. I managed to get the Juki threaded correctly on my first try-the key is to make sure the loopers just cross after the lower looper snaps back in place. I also made sure the tension dials were at 1 when I threaded it and when it purred to life the overlock it produced was impressive. The lower looper need a slight tweak, but that was it. The booklet has one downfall though: it does not speak about how to produce a flatlock seam; no biggie, I have the book and there are plenty of tutorials available online. I decided to change it to a 3-thread overlock and it was a breeze. Threading the second time around was even easier, and in retrospect I was so apprehensive of something that turned out to be quite easy. The knives cut through various material nicely, the machine purrs, it runs very smoothly, it does not move at all-overall my first impression is excellent. I am used to working with a bright LED light on my Brother sewing machine, something this Juki does not have. It is a regular old light source, bright, but different to LEDs. Also, something that I did not read in the description but this machine has is a thread cutter, right at the back of the presser foot. I will edit this review in a few weeks when I have used the serger more extensively. So far, my first impression as a first time user is a very good one! FYI, I am using it with regular Maxi Lock thread and Maxi Lock Stretch thread. ***Update 06/15/13*** I have used the Juki for over 4 months now, and I still absolutely love it. By now, threading has become a quick and painless effort. The knive cut through 6 layers of cotton batting and 2 layers of denim, but I was pushing the knives limit there. However, I think any home machine would be put to the test sewing through 8 layers, 6 of which are thick cotton batting. Overall I am very pleased with this Juki. The differential feed makes sewing knits an actually enjoyable thing; the switch to rolled hem is basically removing a needle and moving the small lever to the front. The tension dials work reliably as well. I now know my settings (5 for the needles and 4,5 for the loopers) and except for small adjustments here and there, it stitches as really nice overlock. Frankly, I don't think you can go wrong with a Juki. This thing really is a powerhorse!

I received the product quickly and it was as expected.