I have the Brother Lock 1034D I love mine, still learning on it. I had one years ago, before the internet had all the sewing video's and I gave it away. Let me tell how many times I was kicking myself lol. I made throw quilts for my whole family on it. The outside of the quilt was serged, which gave it a little rustic look to it. I like how yours opens up on the left side, mine does not do that, but either way I still love mine :) . I have 2 Brother sewing machine, 1st one I have it's over 20 yrs and still kicking, but the reverse button works when it wants too and the last time I used it it was hard to change the stitch settings. But it will still sew and I can get around the reverse button and the stitch settings most of the time. I got a new Brother sewing machine 2 years ago for quilting (low end cost) and the last year I got the brother serger. I have no problems with them. Here's tip for you to add , I learned 20 years ago to mark the factory settings with a marker on my machines when you first unbox them, that way it is always handy. 9 times out of 10 that's a good setting even on the serger (until you change fabric). Back then we didn't have cell phones camera's. I always knew if I changed my setting for whatever reason and machine was sewing wonky I could go back to the factory settings and start all over. Happy sewing!
Great video! I bought my first serger/overlooking machine last month, and just started using it. It wasn't so scary! BTW, another option for budget conscious sewing would be a refurbished machine from a reliable repair shop or dealer. There is usually some sort of warranty included, which you won't get if you buy second hand from an individual.
I love using my overlocker(serger) used to have a singer, loved it but was difficult to thread for me only because I have a problem with both my hands, I can’t bend my fingers, I do know how to thread it. I recently bought a Jaguar brand and I LOVE it it’s so easy for me to thread, all the front opens up, and so much quieter than my other one, and no bounce. Fab video You always give an honest, tell it like it is video. Great stuff x
Great! I do find sergers quite individual. What works for one person might not be best for another. My very first serger ended up going back because I could not get on with it. The shop said if you can’t use that you won’t be able to use another but I got this one home and I bonded with it straight away!
You don't need 4 cones of every colour. What shows in your seams is only the left needle thread so that should be the proper matching colour for your fabric and the others can be black, white or grey. I have the Brother 1034D and I love it.
Bought my serger (Singer) at the start of the lockdown last year and I do not regret it a minute. It is fast easy. Can only recommend it when you can affort it. Thank you for this video
A great honest opinion about sergers/overlockers Ive had mine about 40yrs its never been serviced or changed the blade,i use a regular machine needle, its one of the Janome brand I'm used to threading it but an air threader would be a luxury wish i love your hair and makeup Claire it really suits you.
Great video! I have used a Brother 1034D for many years and would recommend it. I have never changed the blades and it still cuts well. It has never been serviced professionally - I just give it an occasional cleaning.
I have a Babylock Victory and I LOVE it. It air threads, adjusts tension and is brilliant. They are on sale near Mother’s Day. I bought it because during the pandemic, I couldn’t remember how to thread my old Husquvarna Viking.
Agree with all you’ve said …. I have same model as you …. Took a ‘get to know your overlocker’ course … the tutor told me that my machine was noted to be difficult to learn to thread, but, like you, I found that once you’ve done it a few times it’s a piece of cake and she also told me that it’s a great little machine … in my experience it is!!
Super helpful Claire! I can't wait get mine. Yes yours looks different and there's plenty videos out there. I love your down to earth realistic advice instead of "you HAVE to do..." . I'm happy drawing it on lol. Found great thread deals on eBay. Fab as usual. Tfs 💖
Wow 😲 Thanx Claire. That has pushed me into setting up my serger now. I fell into the 'too scared to use it' category. Appreciate your answers to many of the subscribers questions. Certainly helped me. 👍😁🥰👏👏❤️🥰😘
@@Penguinandpear oh your just so nice. I do plan on in the future of getting a serger. Right now though I have to get few things down in sewing. Those sleeves giving newbie a fit. Among other things. I was just trying to let others who just might not be ready for a serger because of maybe being new to sewing or just couldn’t afford a serger at this time that the side cutter was a pretty decent alternative. If anyone is interested I have the brother SA177 and it works great.
I have a Babylock ( Gloria) that has the air threading. Put the thread in a hole, push the button, it’s threaded, true love. 😍🥰 whoever thought of that is a genius. would highly recommend if you have the money to spend. Mine has coverstitch built in too. Beautiful, professional, perfect stitches every time.
My sewing machine is 1100 stitches per minute. My serger isn’t so scary lol I buy 4 colors as well, trying to build up my collection. What kind of thread 🧵 did you say you had? Mood? Good to see ya!
I found that my Bernette Funlock is very sensitive to the quality of the thread. If it isn't smooth, my serger gets tangled, and really messes up. Since I got better thread, the problems have gone away. I've only had this serger for a few months, so I can't really say much else. It is a manual threaded machine, but that is just a matter of threading it enough to learn the process.
Thank you Susan for that information I haven’t started on my Bernette Funlock yet as we are moving Looking forward to using it in 2022 Jane STH Australia
Thanks so much Claire. Of course my serger has no manual it's a Euro Pro something or other and when I first opened it all those years ago, I managed to tangle up thread and now it's not threaded but maybe I can look at others on UA-cam and get an idea of what the hell I am looking at .
I have a 1034D Brother that sat in the box for months before I decided if "she" can do well I can do it. Well I did and I love it. But I have a problem that I haven't seen addressed. After correct threading my fabric is not coming thru Instead it just sits there gathered under the needles. Can any one help. Thanks
I just bought the Brother 1034D yesterday, I have been using the foot serger for the last couple of years. Today I did all kinds of videos here on UA-cam to see how to fix loops over the top of my seam. I have done the tension and width and still can’t seem to get the loops to ride on top of the seam. Is this something I need to worry about? If so, how would you go about fixing it? Maybe not all fabric will have the perfect seam? Thank you for your video
Claire how and where would you move your blades ? Brother 1034DX & I AM quite a newbie to sergers , ah hell I'm a newbie at sewing still hahaha. But I have disengaged my blade and it doesn't go in any other direction so I'm extremely curious as to what you are doing and if you would please show a short video clip of moving your blades over I would be so grateful. ! 1 more thing unrelated to this, do I move my tensions up in # value to get a tight chain ? Or down ? My chains are so loose they look sloppy to me :(
@@bobbiejowarner6332 here is a link to the manual. It shows you how to move the blade - see item 54 cdn.poconosewandvac.com/web/products/instruction-manuals/pdfs/brother/1034d/1034d-instruction-manual.pdf
The problem I have is when it comes to hemming a garment when I’ve serged the raw edge and come to hemming over the side seams that have also been serged. I just can’t get over them without getting a lump sticking out and wonky stitches because there’s too much bulk, I’ve tried a hump jumper and trimming some off but doing those doesn’t help. It’s not as bad when hemming lightweight woven fabrics but stretch (even lightweight) and heavier weight ones are really troublesome. I’ve considered fine thread but it’s costly compared to regular thread considering how much you get on a spool and will surely only be suitable for really lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, that said, I haven’t sewn any yet and I might end up with the same result 😩
Thanks for this Clare! I bought a second hand serger last year. (I was making scrubs for the NHS and made it 1 single day French seaming before I was trawling marketplace and ebay!😄) I'm terrified of the thing! When it works it's terrific but I only have to look at it funny and the thread breaks 🙄 Also, when I try and sew knit/stretch fabrics, it stretches them out giving me a wobbly seam. Is that a tension issue do you think? Another great and informative video, thank you! X
For the wobbly seams you should have knobs on the side (differential feed) play with those settings as that determines how much it stretches the fabric. For the thread snapping that suggests you may not be threading it correctly. If you know you are, I would speak to a shop that services them to get their opinion. Also look up on google for answers if you haven’t.
Thank you! I've been sewing for years but that flaming thing is possessed I'm sure! 🤣 I knew you'd be the voice of reason 😉 I hadn't thought to Google it I must admit x
I would think that whatever serger someone would purchase would come with the recommended needles, it wouldn't make sense for the manufacturer to suggest it and not provide it. Also they usually come with at least 2 needles just like a sewing machine? I think that some sewing machines do sew as fast as a serger my machine does 1500 spm, I think it depends on the actual machine. Regarding the thread I think like you that you don't have to purchase Gutermann thread but i would suggest buying polyester for sure.
Thanks Angela. Yes, the sergers do come with required needles but I’m assuming they will be replaced at some time. Yes all machines sew at different speeds which is why I put my own machines speeds on screen rather than a generic speed. I think sergers are generally faster though. Do you have a high end machine? Mine was pretty expensive (I think) so assumed it was faster than cheaper machines.
@@Penguinandpear I don't know that it is high end but the Juki 2010, Brother 1500 and I have a Babylock they all sew at 1500 spm. I guess that if people don't change the needles they should then have the ones the manufacturer recommended. I change mine on all of my machines all the time so that I don't damage my machine as well as clean and oil as needed. I think if you want it to last you need to take care of it,, that's what I was taught to do.
@@Angela10226 not changing the needles until they’re blunt won’t ruin the machine. There’s a complete racket going on by companies telling you to change needles every project. It’s a clever way of increasing profit. Besides which I barely have money to pay the electricity so unnecessary purchases of needles are off my agenda.
@@Angela10226: I have to agree with Claire that not changing a needle will not damage your machine. Your needle should match your fabric. Claire mentioned in the video that she had ballpoint needles in her serger and seeing that the vast majority of her makes are knits, that is indeed the preferred needle to use. Keeping your machine clean inside is far more important.
Best sewing videos on you tube. Fight me.
I have the Brother Lock 1034D I love mine, still learning on it. I had one years ago, before the internet had all the sewing video's and I gave it away. Let me tell how many times I was kicking myself lol. I made throw quilts for my whole family on it. The outside of the quilt was serged, which gave it a little rustic look to it. I like how yours opens up on the left side, mine does not do that, but either way I still love mine :) . I have 2 Brother sewing machine, 1st one I have it's over 20 yrs and still kicking, but the reverse button works when it wants too and the last time I used it it was hard to change the stitch settings. But it will still sew and I can get around the reverse button and the stitch settings most of the time. I got a new Brother sewing machine 2 years ago for quilting (low end cost) and the last year I got the brother serger. I have no problems with them. Here's tip for you to add , I learned 20 years ago to mark the factory settings with a marker on my machines when you first unbox them, that way it is always handy. 9 times out of 10 that's a good setting even on the serger (until you change fabric). Back then we didn't have cell phones camera's. I always knew if I changed my setting for whatever reason and machine was sewing wonky I could go back to the factory settings and start all over. Happy sewing!
Great video! I bought my first serger/overlooking machine last month, and just started using it. It wasn't so scary! BTW, another option for budget conscious sewing would be a refurbished machine from a reliable repair shop or dealer. There is usually some sort of warranty included, which you won't get if you buy second hand from an individual.
I have the brother and I'would recommend it. Granted I've never tried another model.
I love using my overlocker(serger) used to have a singer, loved it but was difficult to thread for me only because I have a problem with both my hands, I can’t bend my fingers, I do know how to thread it. I recently bought a Jaguar brand and I LOVE it it’s so easy for me to thread, all the front opens up, and so much quieter than my other one, and no bounce. Fab video You always give an honest, tell it like it is video. Great stuff x
Great! I do find sergers quite individual. What works for one person might not be best for another. My very first serger ended up going back because I could not get on with it. The shop said if you can’t use that you won’t be able to use another but I got this one home and I bonded with it straight away!
Hi Clare, I'm hoping Santa was paying attention to this video,💖
You don't need 4 cones of every colour. What shows in your seams is only the left needle thread so that should be the proper matching colour for your fabric and the others can be black, white or grey. I have the Brother 1034D and I love it.
I said you don’t need four. That’s just what I do.
Bought my serger (Singer) at the start of the lockdown last year and I do not regret it a minute. It is fast easy. Can only recommend it when you can affort it. Thank you for this video
A great honest opinion about sergers/overlockers Ive had mine about 40yrs its never been serviced or changed the blade,i use a regular machine needle, its one of the Janome brand I'm used to threading it but an air threader would be a luxury wish
i love your hair and makeup Claire it really suits you.
Great video! I have used a Brother 1034D for many years and would recommend it. I have never changed the blades and it still cuts well. It has never been serviced professionally - I just give it an occasional cleaning.
I’d like to get that machine too!
Thank you Claire. Always good information. xxxx
I have a Babylock Victory and I LOVE it. It air threads, adjusts tension and is brilliant. They are on sale near Mother’s Day. I bought it because during the pandemic, I couldn’t remember how to thread my old Husquvarna Viking.
Lovely! #goals
Agree with all you’ve said …. I have same model as you …. Took a ‘get to know your overlocker’ course … the tutor told me that my machine was noted to be difficult to learn to thread, but, like you, I found that once you’ve done it a few times it’s a piece of cake and she also told me that it’s a great little machine … in my experience it is!!
Interesting! I think it’s just about getting to know the machine. I agree it’s a good machine for what you pay.
Super helpful Claire! I can't wait get mine. Yes yours looks different and there's plenty videos out there. I love your down to earth realistic advice instead of "you HAVE to do..." . I'm happy drawing it on lol. Found great thread deals on eBay. Fab as usual. Tfs 💖
Just the encouragement I needed!! Thanks a bunch 💐 Claire!
Yay!
Yep keeping it in the box that is me, unopened for over 18 months lol
Thanks for the tips
I hope you’ll use yours soon 😀😀
@laydeep1740 I kept it in the box 2 years and used it out of necessity because the rayon I was using unraveled badly.
Wow 😲 Thanx Claire. That has pushed me into setting up my serger now. I fell into the 'too scared to use it' category. Appreciate your answers to many of the subscribers questions. Certainly helped me. 👍😁🥰👏👏❤️🥰😘
Very pleased to help
I love all these ideas and hopefully one day I will feel more confident in my sewing skills to get one
You could ask in your sewing shop to try one, then you’ll see they are nothing to worry about.
@@Penguinandpear oh your just so nice. I do plan on in the future of getting a serger. Right now though I have to get few things down in sewing. Those sleeves giving newbie a fit. Among other things. I was just trying to let others who just might not be ready for a serger because of maybe being new to sewing or just couldn’t afford a serger at this time that the side cutter was a pretty decent alternative. If anyone is interested I have the brother SA177 and it works great.
great information as always
You can buy mats for under your machine which helps reduce nose and vibration
My first time on your channel! I FREAKIN LOVE YOUR PERSONALITY! We would be best friends if you lived near me! I’m on the East Coast of the US.
Not me running to the Serger looking for the notch guide . 😂😂😂 Was
Just wondering about this half an hour ago after using the Serger tonight
I have a Babylock ( Gloria) that has the air threading. Put the thread in a hole, push the button, it’s threaded, true love. 😍🥰 whoever thought of that is a genius. would highly recommend if you have the money to spend. Mine has coverstitch built in too. Beautiful, professional, perfect stitches every time.
Sounds perfect! #goals
Just poppin in to say I like you a lot Claire :)
Haaa me- got a serger and haven’t unboxed it! Anxiety 🤪🤣
My sewing machine is 1100 stitches per minute. My serger isn’t so scary lol I buy 4 colors as well, trying to build up my collection. What kind of thread 🧵 did you say you had? Mood? Good to see ya!
My serger came with a CD which walks you through the threading process among other things.
I found that my Bernette Funlock is very sensitive to the quality of the thread. If it isn't smooth, my serger gets tangled, and really messes up. Since I got better thread, the problems have gone away. I've only had this serger for a few months, so I can't really say much else. It is a manual threaded machine, but that is just a matter of threading it enough to learn the process.
Thank you Susan for that information
I haven’t started on my Bernette Funlock yet as we are moving
Looking forward to using it in 2022
Jane STH Australia
Please I have a Janome cover stitch machine. Do you know if it’s possible to recreate a chain stitch?
Thanks i
Off topic: Do a lot of people say you look like a brunette Renee Zellweger?
No one has ever said that! You think?
@@Penguinandpear Yes! It was the thumbnail for your 10 solid reasons video that clinched it for me. I’ve been trying to figure it out for ages.
Yes she does look like Renee Zellweger!
Thanks so much Claire. Of course my serger has no manual it's a Euro Pro something or other and when I first opened it all those years ago, I managed to tangle up thread and now it's not threaded but maybe I can look at others on UA-cam and get an idea of what the hell I am looking at .
You can often find the manual online
I have a also have a janome love it took me a while to use it don't know what i was so worried about
I have a 1034D Brother that sat in the box for months before I decided if "she" can do well I can do it. Well I did and I love it. But I have a problem that I haven't seen addressed. After correct threading my fabric is not coming thru Instead it just sits there gathered under the needles. Can any one help. Thanks
I just bought the Brother 1034D yesterday, I have been using the foot serger for the last couple of years. Today I did all kinds of videos here on UA-cam to see how to fix loops over the top of my seam. I have done the tension and width and still can’t seem to get the loops to ride on top of the seam. Is this something I need to worry about? If so, how would you go about fixing it? Maybe not all fabric will have the perfect seam? Thank you for your video
Try moving the knife over
Claire how and where would you move your blades ? Brother 1034DX & I AM quite a newbie to sergers , ah hell I'm a newbie at sewing still hahaha. But I have disengaged my blade and it doesn't go in any other direction so I'm extremely curious as to what you are doing and if you would please show a short video clip of moving your blades over I would be so grateful. ! 1 more thing unrelated to this, do I move my tensions up in # value to get a tight chain ? Or down ? My chains are so loose they look sloppy to me :(
@@bobbiejowarner6332 here is a link to the manual. It shows you how to move the blade - see item 54 cdn.poconosewandvac.com/web/products/instruction-manuals/pdfs/brother/1034d/1034d-instruction-manual.pdf
The problem I have is when it comes to hemming a garment when I’ve serged the raw edge and come to hemming over the side seams that have also been serged. I just can’t get over them without getting a lump sticking out and wonky stitches because there’s too much bulk, I’ve tried a hump jumper and trimming some off but doing those doesn’t help.
It’s not as bad when hemming lightweight woven fabrics but stretch (even lightweight) and heavier weight ones are really troublesome.
I’ve considered fine thread but it’s costly compared to regular thread considering how much you get on a spool and will surely only be suitable for really lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, that said, I haven’t sewn any yet and I might end up with the same result 😩
I would go super slowly over those areas, hand cranking the machine if need be. Also press well before sewing.
Thanks for this Clare! I bought a second hand serger last year. (I was making scrubs for the NHS and made it 1 single day French seaming before I was trawling marketplace and ebay!😄) I'm terrified of the thing! When it works it's terrific but I only have to look at it funny and the thread breaks 🙄 Also, when I try and sew knit/stretch fabrics, it stretches them out giving me a wobbly seam. Is that a tension issue do you think?
Another great and informative video, thank you! X
For the wobbly seams you should have knobs on the side (differential feed) play with those settings as that determines how much it stretches the fabric. For the thread snapping that suggests you may not be threading it correctly. If you know you are, I would speak to a shop that services them to get their opinion. Also look up on google for answers if you haven’t.
Thank you! I've been sewing for years but that flaming thing is possessed I'm sure! 🤣 I knew you'd be the voice of reason 😉 I hadn't thought to Google it I must admit x
I really would like to know how to secure the threads.
Lots of info on google.
Is a SERGER the same as an overlocker?
Yes
I would put the serger away and store with a dust cover.
I bought a 3 thread serger. Did I screw up?
Nooo you’re all good. Does it have one straight stitch? If so just sew before you overlock to be extra safe.
When to use the blade?
When you want to finish/secure the edge of the fabric. I always use my blade.
I would think that whatever serger someone would purchase would come with the recommended needles, it wouldn't make sense for the manufacturer to suggest it and not provide it. Also they usually come with at least 2 needles just like a sewing machine? I think that some sewing machines do sew as fast as a serger my machine does 1500 spm, I think it depends on the actual machine. Regarding the thread I think like you that you don't have to purchase Gutermann thread but i would suggest buying polyester for sure.
Thanks Angela. Yes, the sergers do come with required needles but I’m assuming they will be replaced at some time. Yes all machines sew at different speeds which is why I put my own machines speeds on screen rather than a generic speed. I think sergers are generally faster though. Do you have a high end machine? Mine was pretty expensive (I think) so assumed it was faster than cheaper machines.
@@Penguinandpear I don't know that it is high end but the Juki 2010, Brother 1500 and I have a Babylock they all sew at 1500 spm. I guess that if people don't change the needles they should then have the ones the manufacturer recommended. I change mine on all of my machines all the time so that I don't damage my machine as well as clean and oil as needed. I think if you want it to last you need to take care of it,, that's what I was taught to do.
@@Angela10226 not changing the needles until they’re blunt won’t ruin the machine. There’s a complete racket going on by companies telling you to change needles every project. It’s a clever way of increasing profit. Besides which I barely have money to pay the electricity so unnecessary purchases of needles are off my agenda.
@@Angela10226: I have to agree with Claire that not changing a needle will not damage your machine. Your needle should match your fabric. Claire mentioned in the video that she had ballpoint needles in her serger and seeing that the vast majority of her makes are knits, that is indeed the preferred needle to use. Keeping your machine clean inside is far more important.
Are sergers suitable for slippery wovens?
Yes you can sew slippery fabrics on there. I personally prefer to french seam them but I have serged
@@Penguinandpear Thanks for sharing your insight and experience.🤗
Bought my serger on Friday, well excited first time using it then clunk!!! Not even 2mintues. Its a brand new machine, not a happy bunny!!!
Oh no! Have you returned it?