Explaining what a serger sewing machine actually does is usually discussed in terms of what kind of seams the machine sews.  The type of seam finished by serger sewing machines is many times found on the side seams of sweat shirts and tee shirts.  Overlock and Merrell are other terms used for this kind of sewn seams.  Merrow is a sewing machine company that makes a large number of machines for various uses including sergers and quilting machines.

There are numerous manufacturers making machines that will serge and overlock including Brother, Bernina, Singer, Feiyue, Juki and more.  On Consumers Guide website there are one hundred ninety four (194) serger and overlock machines listed.  Computerized serger sewing and overlock machines are more than double the price of their mechanical counterparts.  For example a Brother LS-2125 with ten stitches can be found on the internet between $71 and $104 while a Brother LB6770 is between $399 and $499 with seventy computerized stitches, five monogram stitches and over one hundred twenty frame pattern combinations.

Bernina has been at the top of serger, overlock and quilting sewing machines for many years.  They have a great quality reputation and prices to match.  One of the best reviews I have seen for serger sewing machines was on the Bernina 1150 MDA.  Most people use these machines for finishing and regular stitching of fabric.  The next step is to rolled hems which usually requires a change of feet and attachments and takes quite a bit of time on most machines.  You can switch between rolled hems and finishing or regular switching with the switch of a lever.  There are no presser feet or switch plates to change.

One of the most difficult tasks with almost any sewing machines, let alone sergers, is the threading of the needle.  The Bernina 1150MDA uses a lay in threading system with a lower loop threader.  No more sore wrists or tweezers and a magnifying glass to get the thread started in your sewing machine needle.