Great overlock serger - but there are some things it won't do
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.
More detail ...
