A serger can be a necessary machine for people who do a lot of sewing, either for personal use or small business. If you’re in the market for a serger to make your overlocking simpler, then Brother is a brand name that is highly trusted. And they come in a wide variety of models, making it easy to choose the best Brother serger for your needs.
We reviewed the top 5 models of Brother sergers among 11 available on the market, and our Editor’s Choice is the Brother 2340CV. It comes with three different feet included and can create up to 1300 stitches per minute, making this a high performing machine that is also great for those newer to using a serger. But we also gathered four other models to give you a variety of choice as not all sergers are created for the same purposes.
We spent 69 hours doing our research and testing those machines. We carefully scanned through the official website, checked customers’ reviews and asked the experts to help us determine the features that are important. These include the number of threads, stitch width, speed, dimensions and weight. We broke down our findings in a table for a quick overview as well as detailed reviews of each product for those who are looking for more information. Finally, we have a buying guide for anyone ready to purchase their own best Brother serger.
More features: cover and chain stitching, color-coded threading guide, presser foot pressure adjustment, snap-on pressure foot, eliminates the wavy or stretched appearance of stitches on fabrics
This model is an advanced serger, built to let you create a wide variety of cover stitches on a range of fabric types. It has a color-coded threading guide to make precise stitching and a quality finish.
It comes with an adjustable dial to alter the speed of the material that runs through the serger, letting you choose the stitch length. It also has a fast and easy looper threading system to take the time and hassle out of threading and providing you with up to 1100 stitches per minute. This serger comes with a collection of accessories, including the blind stitch foot, a gather foot, needle set, 4 thread sets, tweezers, 4 spool caps, 4 spool mats, cleaning brush, hexagonal wrench, operating manual, and a soft storage cover.
The Brother 2340CV offers 3-6 millimeter width and 2-4 millimeter stitch length. It also has tri-stitch capabilities. There are a presser foot dial and snap-on feet, and three needles that allow users to create professional hems and edges. It’s important to note, though, that this model does not come with free arm capability, so if you’re someone who needs to hem narrow wrist sleeves, you may find it difficult on this machine. And some users stated that they had issues with thread bunching or breaking when using this model, though even users who had trouble with this machine stated that it was easy to thread. Finally, this model comes with a 1-year limited warranty.
More features: free arm, differential fabric feed, 22 built-in stitches, uses most standard home sewing machine needles
Get a clean exquisite look to your next project with serged seam finishes. Your seams will lie flatter and look greater with an overlock stitch.
When working on home decor projects and fabrics, a serger is often suggested for rolled hems, secured seams and differential feeds. Try out a 3 or 4 thread look. Enjoy the new and easy threading method. The Brother 1034D features two needles and 3/4 thread with differential feed.
It can create stitches from 2.0 to 4.0 mm in length. The Brother 1034D 3/4 thread serger’s differential feed has a ratio of 0.7 – 2.0 which offers improved stitch quality. The free arm makes it easier to sew sleeves, trouser legs and other hard to reach places.
It has Free arm/flat bed convertible sewing surface and great for sleeves and cuffs. The differential feed improves results when sewing stretch, knitted or thin fabrics. It can eliminate the wavy or stretch appearance of stitches on some fabrics. It has an instant rolled hem that is suitable for scarves, napkins, and apparel. Its tension disc release assures thread placement into tension discs.
It also has a Maximum Sewing Speed: 1300 spm (stitches per minute), Stitch Length: 4 mm, and Stitch Width: 7 mm. It is important to note its machine dimensions of 13.2″ x 10.9″ x 11.8″ and machine weight of 15.4 lbs.
More features: free arm/flat bed convertible surface, metal frame interior and metal thread antenna, three different feet included
If you’re searching for a durable, heavy-duty serger, then this model is the one for you. This model is manufactured with a heavy-duty frame specifically to be tough and strong and to remain stable on your surface even when operating at fast speeds.
This high-performance machine can use 3 or 4 threads and can handle thick, difficult fabrics, like multiple layers of denim, easily. This model comes with a large extension table, making it a great choice for larger projects. The sturdy heavy-duty blade is made from extra hard carbon steel to provide smoother cuts for a more professional finish. This blade material is often used in industrial sergers for cutting through heavy fabrics, though some users stated they had difficulties finding replacements if their blades broke. Even when they could, the replacement blades were expensive.
It can tackle up to 1300 stitches per minute and allows you to control the stitching speed with a foot presser, leaving your hands free to work. Like other models, it comes with an accessory bag that includes needles, threads, trim traps, and other things, such as an instructional DVD. And there’s the 1-year limited warranty, too. It has dials to select the differential feed ratio, from 0.7 millimeters to 2.0 millimeters, and the stitch width control, which can be set between 3/16 inch and 9/32 inches. Unfortunately, some people stated that the light on this serger is not bright enough to help with threading, but this is a minor issue.
More features: free arm, differential fabric feed, easy to follow lay-in threading, adjustable presser foot pressure
The Brother CV3440 is a coverstitch machine that has a one-touch lever tension release for easy and simple removal of fabric. It comes with a free arm, which is great for users who need a machine to sew necklines and cuffs, and the color-coded threading makes it easier to thread this model. The dial adjustments for stitch length are found on the right side, making it more convenient for right-handed users, and it comes with an adjustable pressure foot presser. There is also a user manual and DVD included in the bundle.
Some users complained that the machine was overly loud and didn’t work well, but almost everyone agreed that it had a great working space. Many people state that this model may chew your fabric if you don’t know how to properly use it, especially for stretchy or lightweight knits. However, if you watch the videos and operate it correctly, it works well, though it still may take a bit of practice to really understand how best to use this model.
This model features wide cover stitches, chain stitch, narrow cover stitches, and tri-cover stitches. It has a looper threader and can do up to 1000 stitches per minute. The stitch length can run from 2.0-4.0 millimeters and the width from 3.0-6.0 millimeters while the differential feed spans 0.7-2 millimeters. But this model does not come with specialty feet except clear foot.
More features: free arm/flat bed convertible surface, retractable blade, uses standard sewing machine needles, three different feet included
The Brother Designio DZ1234 offers easy, color-coded threading to take the struggle out of threading your serger. Not only that, it comes with three different feet options: blind hem stitch foot, gathering foot, and piping foot, as well as 2 sets of starter threads. This serger sets you up with everything you need to create high-end and custom finishes on your design products.
This serger can sew up to 1300 threads per minute, and the stitch width can easily be adjusted between 3.0 millimeters and 7.0 millimeters. It uses standard sewing machine needles, though, which means replacements can be easy to find. Its retractable blades are triggered with a simple switch, and it comes with a free arm/flat bed convertible surface.
Many customers have stated that it’s easy to thread, and it comes with clear instructions. It also comes with two different manuals, one for operation and one for different stitches, but some users had issues with thicker fabrics.
Brother is a reliable brand, though, and many users stated this was a great choice for beginner sewers or sergers. The four threaders come pre-threaded with white threads, so users may need to switch it out when it first arrives if they need to use a different color.
A serger can be an important machine for people who spend a lot of time sewing, and Brother has long been a name brand that professionals trust. It’s essential to know the different options and capabilities of the models available on the market, though, to make sure you purchase a machine that works for you and your needs. Not all models come with cutting blades or free arms for sewing cuffs, so potential users should learn more about different options of the Brother models.
One need only watch a season of Project Runway to be reminded of the capabilities of Brother machines. Brother sergers allow you to create professional, high-quality products with minimum effort. Since they’ve been providing machines for years, they also offer an extensive warranty and technical help for their products. Brother focuses on commercial sewing, for those users who either have a sewing business or for people who want to take their sewing to the next level. They pride themselves on their ability to help businesses get ahead by using their machines, but they also offer models that work well for more novice sewers or people who haven’t used a serger before. Brother has a little bit of everything for any customer.
How to choose the best serger?Sergers can perform a variety of tasks, everything from different stitches, finishing hems, design projects, and cover stitches. Some machines are called sergers, though, when they’re not technically a serger. In order for a machine to be a true serger, it must contain a blade that will cut off the extra fabric as you sew. If the machine does not have a blade, it’s more often referred to as a coverstitch machine. But whether you need a true serger or not, Brother has a model available for you. So, make sure you know what you need in a machine to meet your needs and choose accordingly.
Brother sergers come with a variety of thread options, anywhere from 2 threads to 4. But they’re not all the same. Some models that have 3 or 4 thread options don’t have the capability to do 2 threads, so it’s important to know what you need for the projects you have planned.
Using 2 threads with your machine will allow you to create a standard stitch, whereas 3-4 threads will give you a seam with some stretch capabilities, or you can even complete a rolled hem. A 4 thread is often called a “mock safety stitch” because while it has much of the strength as a true safety stitch or separate seam, it’s still not quite as strong.
Depending on the types of stitches you need to complete, you can find out how many threads you need your serger to handle.
If you need a machine that can handle 2, 3, and 4 threads, then check out the Brother ST4031HD or the Brother 2340CV.
Brother sergers come with different stitching capabilities. You can choose settings from stitch length and width, to different stitches like the cover and chain stitching. A chain stitch is a stitch that looks like a regular straight stitch on top but has a series of loops on the bottom. This stitch is both stretchy and strong. Most Brother sergers come with dials that allow you to adjust the width and length of the stitch itself.
For a model that has the largest range options, check out our Editor’s Choice, the Brother Designio DZ1234, which has an impressive stitch width of 3.0 millimeter – 7.0 millimeter.
And some machines will also perform a coverstitching, which is a hem that looks professional with two rows of stitching on the top and a serger-like stitch on the bottom. If you’re looking for a machine that can handle a coverstitching, look at the Brother 2340CV, which also comes with a variety of accessories.
If you have a lot of sewing to complete, especially if you sew for more commercial purposes, then the speed of your Brother serger can matter a great deal. The faster the machine, the more things you can create. Though sometimes a fast machine may be hard to control, especially if you’re not used to working at higher speeds. The easiest way to tell the speed of a serger is to understand how many stitches per minute they can produce. For the high-end of 1300 stitches per minute, check out the Brother 1034D or the Brother ST4031HD. But if you’re not concerned about speed, than the 1000 stitches per minute of the Brother CV3440 may be a great choice for you.
Brother sergers and overlock machines come with many different convenient options—everything from lights to make it easier to work to removable arms, and dials and controls. Most Brother machines come standard with an LED light. This can make threading the machine easier due to the illumination.
If you’re someone who works with a lot of cuffs or necklines, then a removable free arm is a necessity. The free arm lets you more easily sew cuffs and other stitches on cylindrical projects.
If you’re looking for a model that comes with convenient controls and convertible free arm/flat bed surface, then our Editor’s Choice, the Brother Designio DZ1234, may be the best option for you.
Dimensions matter when it comes to sergers because you’ll need to know if the serger can handle the projects you’re tackling, especially if you’re working on bigger items like quilts, but you’ll also need to know if your workplace is large enough to accommodate the machine itself. If you’re someone who wants a large serger for large products, look no further than the heavy-duty Brother ST4031HD, which is built to handle large projects thanks to its extendable table. But if you need something smaller, the Brother 1034D is a compact serger that may work for you and your needs.
Another consideration that can be important for a serger is the weight.
If you’re someone who has the space to operate your serger without ever moving it, then a heavy model may not be an issue for you. If you’re working out of a smaller space and are required to move, or occasionally store, your serger to complete other tasks, then the more lightweight the serger, the easier it will be for you to move.
One of the best features of choosing Brother as a brand name over other serger and overlook machines is the included warranty. Brother sergers come with a spectacular 25-year limited warranty for the Chassis Casting, 1-year for parts and labor and additional warranty for some electronic components. And not only that, they offer a lifetime phone technical support, too. This is a machine that the company expects to work for decades, which means it can be a great choice for users who are serious about longer-term serger and who want a machine that will last for years.
Some Brother serger models come with color-coded threading. Machines that have this capability, such as the Brother Designio DZ1234 and Brother 2340CV, make it so easier to thread the machine because the color-coding prevents you from mixing up the threads occasionally.
Some models also come with extra, specialized feet, which can allow you to tackle blind hems, gathering, and even piping. If you’re looking for more features, some models also come with a pressure foot pedal, allowing you to control the speed of the machine with your foot, freeing up your hands to continue working elsewhere.
PricesSince Brother is a well-known, well-respected brand, the prices tend to be on the higher end. But like almost every appliance, you get what you pay for. That doesn’t mean that you automatically have to choose the most expensive Brother serger if you want to complete projects. No. It’s more important to choose a Brother serger based on your needs and requirements. If you don’t need a machine that has a free arm, or different feet or 2, 3, and 4 thread options, then it’s possible there’s a cheaper option available for you that will still tackle all the capabilities you’re asking of it, and more, while not impacting your wallet.
If you’re looking for a Brother serger that won’t cost the earth, check out the Brother 1034D. We think this overlocking model is amazing because it costs only $154 and may be a great choice as a serger for beginners or for someone searching for less expensive products. But if you want a higher-end model and have the money to spend, then look no further than the Brother Designio DZ1234. This model will run you about $300, but it comes with a free arm convertible surface, and three different feet included.
Then, when you’re ready to finish threading, make sure you always thread in this order: upper looper, lower looper, right needle, left needle.
Brother serger or overlock machines are a great way to take your sewing business or projects to the next level, and if you’re shopping for a serger, chances are there’s a Brother model that fits your needs.
Our Editor’s Choice is the Brother 2340CV. It can sew up to 1100 stitches per minute and is also the lightest weight model on this list. At under 17 pounds, it’s a great choice for users who have smaller crafting spaces and may need to move or periodically store their serger.
If you’re interested in affordable models, look no further than the Brother 1034D. It can stitch at a fantastic 1300 stitches per minute and is compact, which means it will fit into smaller spaces more easily as well.
If you’re searching for a durable, heavy-duty serger, the Brother ST431HD is the one for you. It is manufactured with a heavy-duty frame specifically to be tough and strong and to remain stable on your surface even when operating at fast speeds.
We hope that this information was useful, and now you are able to find the best Brother serger for your needs!
