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.
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From the manufacturer
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3 or 4 Thread Serger
This machine features 3- and 4-thread functions including overlock, narrow hem, rolled hem, and more
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Up to 1,300 Stitches per Minute
Get more serging done in less time by sewing up to 1,300 stitches per minute.
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Durable Metal Frame Construction
The strong interior metal frame is built for durability and longevity, for years of extended use.
1 3/4 Thread 2 Fast Speeds 3 Metal Frame
Color-Coded Lay-in Threading
Easy-to-follow color-coded guides are printed on the machine to show you exactly where to place each thread. The lower looper threading system is designed to make sure the thread stays right in place.
Differential Fabric Feed for Better Stitch Quality
The differential fabric feed helps improve the stitch quality on virtually all types of fabric, especially important when sewing stretchy, knitted, or thin fabrics.
 1034D |  ST4031HD |  2340CV |  GX37 |  CP100X |  SE2000 | |
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Customer Reviews
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11,598
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733
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1,053
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4,649
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612
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60
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Price
| — | $372.99 | $449.99 | $123.00 | $199.99 | $1,299.99 |
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Machine Type
| Serger | Strong & Tough Serger | Cover Stitch | Mechanical Sewing | Computerized Sewing | Sewing & Embroidery |
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Included Stitches/Designs
| 3/4 Thread Functions | 3/4 Thread Functions | 3/4 Thread Functions | 37 Sewing Stitches | 100 Sewing Stitches | 241 Stitches + 193 Patterns |
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Stitch/Design Selection
| Dial Selection | Dial Selection | Dial Selection | Dial Selection | LCD Screen & Button Selection | 3.7" LCD Touchscreen Display |
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Included Attachments
| Free Arm | Free Arm & Extension Table | Free Arm | Free Arm | Free Arm & Extension Table | Embroidery Arm & Free Arm |
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Threading System
| Easy Lay-in Threading | Easy Lay-in Threading | Easy Lay-in Threading | Auto Needle Threader | Auto Needle Threader | Auto Needle Threader |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Brother Serger, 1034D, Heavy-Duty Metal Frame Overlock Machine, 1,300 Stitches Per Minute, Removeable Trim Trap, 3 Included Accessory Feet, White |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | — | $299.99 | -19% $299.99 Typical: $369.99 | $1,099.99 | $329.00 | $229.99 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 | — | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 11 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 13 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| Easy to learn | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Thickness | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | — | MILLEPUNTI | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Lumina sew |
| power source | Corded Electric | AC | Corded Electric | Corded Electric | Treadle Powered | AC |
| electric | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| material | Metal, Plastic | Metal | Metal | — | fabric | Metal |
| model number | 1034D | MLD42 | X5004HD | S0700 | MO-644D | Point |
| weight | 8.02 pounds | 18 pounds | — | 13.89 pounds | 19 pounds | — |
Reviews with images
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2006
Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2015
Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2023
Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Claudia
Excelente máquina
Reviewed in Mexico on October 6, 2023Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
samantha kenny
Great machine
Reviewed in Canada on April 27, 2021Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
Five Stars
Reviewed in India on February 26, 2018Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
dantesmum
Brilliant, especially for novices
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2014Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Elianne Rodriguez
Muy buena
Reviewed in Mexico on March 19, 2023Pattern Name: Overlock MachineStyle: 1034DVerified Purchase
Elianne Rodriguez
Reviewed in Mexico on March 19, 2023
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