The Best Sergers of 2024, According to Testing

At $400 for a Baby Lock serger, this machine is an excellent value with great performance. We appreciate this machine's easy-to-follow threading instructions and simple cleanup, thanks to a convenient trim bin that catches scraps as they fall. Offering four-, three- or two-thread serging and rolled hemming, this small, portable serger is up to any sewing challenge.

Note that higher-end Baby Lock machines offer jet-air threading (a touch of a button automatically pulls the threads through the machine), but this affordable model doesn't. If you're a sewer who sews regularly and you want to bring your projects to the next level, this is a great machine to have in your sewing arsenal.

Many sergers cost more than $500 — and even over $1,500 — but this affordable pick from Brother is just $250. The machine features easy-to-follow threading instructions, but it has more steps than higher-end styles and requires oiling to keep it running smoothly. It offers three- and four-thread options, as well as rolled hems and flatlock stitches.

It's versatile and simple to operate, impressing online reviewers who were new to sergers. As a beginner machine, however, it's not well suited for heavy-duty use with thicker fabrics. With more than 10,000 rave Amazon reviews, this trusty machine is beloved by many sewing enthusiasts.

As soon as we started testing this serger, we knew we'd found a luxury machine. This machine's automatic air-threading technology made threading a total breeze — the easiest in our tests The simple color-coded instructions and threading guides on the machine were easy to follow.

The larger workspace with bright LED lighting is ideal when working with apparel pieces. All stitches were clean, with no imperfections, producing excellent results every time with a variety of fabric types. Note that this machine is bigger and heavier than others we tested, so it will take up more space in your sewing area.

If you're looking to upgrade your serger sewing machine, you may want to opt for a luxury pick like the Victory serger from Baby Lock. We were immediately impressed with this machine's powerful performance given its compact size: The knife easily sliced through thicker fabric layers, and the needle-threading system was simple to operate.

The well-labeled and color-coded graphics printed on the machine were helpful when threading for the first time, according to our testers. No need to adjust the tension; just set it to the right stitch and start immediately. The machine's tubular loopers help prevent mistakes during threading too. However, we found the dials a bit tough to grip because of the machine's glossy finish.

Many people learn how to sew on industrial JUKI machines, as they're common in classrooms because of their durable design with simple dials and functions. JUKI sergers have high-end features at a lower price point than most Baby Lock machines.

Compared with other serger styles, it's more portable, as it's lightweight and has a top-grip handle and thinner profile. This two-, three- or four-thread serger offers automatic rolled-hem capabilities and boasts an impressive 1,500 stitches per minute. Lacking color-coded threading instructions, this machine is better suited to sewers who have serger experience.

When you want both overlock and coverstitch capabilities, you usually need two different machines, but this clever device combines both. The luxury Baby Lock Accolade combo machine has a high price tag but unprecedented capabilities: jet-air threading; eight-, seven- or six-thread options for 87 stitches to combine overlock and coverstitching; and tubular loopers, so you can thread in any order.

Plus, it includes the features you'd expect from a high-quality serger, such as a differential feed, a sharp knife and automatic rolled-hem capabilities.

If you already own a serger and want to upgrade your hems, add a coverstitch machine to your sewing toolbox. This affordable coverstitch machine from Brother pairs nicely with a Brother serger, as it has a similar color-coded threading system and tension dials.

The two-needle machine offers two-, three- or four-thread coverstitch functions, great for stretch fabrics, hems and necklines. Online reviewers note that you must manually release the tension before removing the fabric to prevent tears or stitch imperfections.

SINGER's Heavy Duty machine line is designed specifically to handle thicker fabrics. This serger is equipped with a larger knife to cut through denim, upholstery fabrics and multiple layers.

Offering two-, three- or four-thread capacity, it features eight built-in stitches and a speed of 1,300 stitches per minute. There's also a color-coded guide for easier threading and tension adjustments with a built-in rolled-hem plate. Note that this machine is not designed for delicate fabrics and can get quite loud, according to online reviewers.