SINGER Sewing Machine 14J250 Stylist II Serger Overlock Machine with 2-3-4 Thread Capability and Differential Feed

Just received my new serger and set it up this morning. Upon opening the box I discovered the serger came threaded and to my delight I discovered that this serger not only uses the big spools but you can use the small spools of thread as well. (I almost purchased the Brother serger for this reason. Glad I didn't) They don't tell you about the different size thread spools you can use in any of the reviews or product details. As a matter of fact, they don't give you much information in the details at all. This is a wonderful serger. Not only does it come with all the necessary tools, but it also comes with 3 additional feet. An elastic tape foot, a blind hem foot and gathering/shirring foot. Each foot comes in it's own little box which also contains directions on how to use each one. The manual that comes with this serger is pretty straight forward and easy to read. As I said the serger came threaded but I guess during shipping the threads were loose so they got a little tangled up. While trying it out I broke a thread. After following the directions and double checking all the treading I got the machine up and running. It was a little frustrating because I had no idea what I was doing, but after trial and error I got it working. Keep in mind, I am a beginner sewer and know barely anything about sewing machines or sergers. This machine is very user friendly for beginners and I highly recommend it.

I bought my machine a Few years ago going off the reviews that were posted. I suggest looking for more updated posts on machines. Constant tension problems, stitching problems, all of which I blamed myself for. Didn't touch the machine for a while though kept it covered and oiled. I found that I could use three thread ok though it was never consistent, like a sweet two year old one minute, throwing a tantrum the next, while never changing needle, thread, tension or fabric.Finally, I was using it with about 30 minutes of constant problems, I heard a thump and needles broke. So, I brought it down to the repair shop. It was there for eight weeks and the owner tried everything to fix it, gave up on it and gave it back without charging me. His frustration after 45 years of repairing and maintaining machines was incredible.So I realized I wasn't the problem after all and bought a Brother 1034.All I want to do is sew and this Singer had me howling in frustration.

I really like this machine. For the price this is an excellent deal. I only gave it 4 stars, as I have used very high quality sergers in the past, so I know this isn't perfect, but if you are looking to get a starter serger or just need one for home sewing, this is a good deal.I had originally planned to buy a very expensive machine, but needed to save some money so I cut my budget in half. When I was looking at machines I came across the Viking 200s serger, which was about $600-700 (about what I was looking to spend), however that is still a lot of money, and that machine didn't have all the features I had really wanted so I was reluctant to take the plunge. I did some internet research and discovered that this machine was similar if not identical (I don't have both machines so can't compare side by side- they are made from the same parent company under different brands, same look and features, my guess is they use some better materials for the viking for the higher price). For a little over $200 the singer had all the features that I liked about the Viking at more than half the cost. I felt better about spending that on something I didn't 100% love, then the $700 the store wanted for the Viking.I have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of the machine for the price. It's not the babylock I coveted, but it does the job, and a good job at that. I like that it similar to the White sergers I have used in the past where the front completely opens up. This makes it easier to see and thread the lower loopers. I like how easy it is to access and change the stitch fingers (though I haven't needed to change mine yet). And with some help (manual and colored threads) it's easy to adjust the tension to get it just right. I like the flip up cutter and use it constantly, a feature the babylock machines I've used doesn't have. The machine is sturdy and looks like it will last a long time if cared for. My only complaints are: the thread holder seems a bit flimsy and fragile- just moving it up and down gently it feels like it could get bent or broken easily, it could use brighter lighting, and the front of the machine doesn't always close perfectly the first time. All pretty minor things, and probably only bug me because I am used to working with higher quality sergers.It does come threaded and the tensions should be set appropriately to start using right out of the box. I used mine once before my 2 year old found it and changed all my settings. I'd suggest taking a picture of the tension dials when it's set properly. It took me about 5 months before I had time to sit down and readjust mine because I didn't do that. I'd recommend threading the machine with different colors so you can easily see which threads need to be adjusted. The manual has pictures as to what is wrong with the tension for each thread, so use the manual if you are trying to figure out your tensions for the first time.I have only used the 4 thread overlock so far, but it does a good job once the machine is properly threaded and the tensions are correct. I recently used this to sew a christening gown with delicate lace and crepe satin and it looked lovely. If you just want a serger for home sewing and edge finishing this a good one for the money. I know a lot of people buy the brother that is a similar price, but I think this one is a lot easier to thread since you can open it completely. Since I plan on sewing professionally I will not use this forever, but it will get the job done until I can get a more professional quality machine.