Enjoy your free 7 day trial of our premium ratings.
Home»Home»Appliances»Sergers»Brother 1034D Serger

Brother 1034D Serger REVIEW, RATINGS & COUPONS

Behind this research
Sarah Shaw - Senior Editor
jared shaw
Sarah is in charge of making sure that the research we create lives up to our editorial standards. She is also responsible for making sure that our research stays unbiased.
Adam Sepulveda - Editor
adam russel
Adam is in charge of putting together all the data that our researchers and their assistants gather and putting everything into easy to read formats.
Karen Millen - Researcher
kevin richter
Karen is one of our senior researchers and testers. She has a real knack for going all out with her research, leaving no stone unturned. Her main focus is on household appliances.
Kate Walsh - RESEARCHER ASST
kate walsh
Kate is one of our research assistants. Her job is to compile complete feature lists and customer reviews for the products we test.Her main areas of expertise are household appliances and electronics.
 
PRODUCT Smart Ranking Price (SHIPPED) CUSTOMER RATINGS FEATURES PURCHASE
Brother 1034D Brother 1034D
92
$179.32
4.52
217 RATINGS [+]
11
of 20
Navigation
Brother 1034D REVIEW
Summary

The Brother 1034D serger is the machine you buy when you are on a budget or if you are just a casual user who plans to use a serger once or twice a year. This serger is ridicliously cheap, after discounts, you'll pay less than $200 for one. In fact, this is the cheapest serger on the market.

 

Obviously at this price it has fairly limited features. Unlike most sergers that can do a laundry list of stitches, this one just does a 3/4 thread overlock, a 3 thread overlock, a rolled hem, a flatlock stitch and a blind hem. That's it.

 

It also comes with a slightly weaker motor...just 1,300 stitches per minute...compared to 1,500 spm you'd find in the better sergers(not really that noticeable). And you can't adjust the stitch length or the knife. It also doesn't have automatic looper threading or rolled hemming.

 

The build quality isn't the greatest either. It has nothing to do with reliability, but as an example, this machine is quite a bit louder than the more expensive options. It also just feels cheap...more like a kid's toy. This has no effect on the performance...but if you need that mental feedback that you are doing serious work...it just isn't there.

 

Overall it's a bare bones machine...but the price makes it pretty competitive for the budget shopper and the more casual user.

Price Value

Brother 1034D sergers are extremely cheap. They don't do much...but at the price they are a serious contender for anyone who is a budget shopper or a casual user. For example, you'll need to pay almost double($325) to get a limited mid-range model like a Juki MO-644D...and if you want the more popular features, you'll need to pay $100 more on top of that($433) for a Juki MO-654DE. If your budget is under $300...you'll be hard pressed to find a better serger.

Reliability

It's a cheap machine...so you can't expect Juki or Janome reliability from it. But if you are a casual user, it should last you a long time with no problems.

 

And for your peace of mind, the system comes with the industry standard 5 year mechanical and 2 year electrical warranty. By industry standard, we do mean industry standard...you'll be hard pressed to find a manufacturer who offers more or less.

Product Awards

There aren't a lot of awards for sergers. Here are some of the few that we found.

  • Editor's Pick - Best Budget Serger
  • Top Ten Bestseller in Sergers

Product's Pros

  • Cheap

Product's Cons

  • Limited features
  • Loud

Conclusion

Overall the Brother 1034D is a great deal for what you get. If you are a budget shopper, then this is the one to get.

Brother 1034D FEATURE LIST
Sewing Speed(spm)
1300spm

2-Thread Stitch

3-Thread Stitch

4-Thread Stitch

5-Thread Stitch

Adjustible Stitch Length

Stitch Length Max
4mm
Stitch Length Min
4mm

Adjustible Width

Color Coded Threading

Adjustible Thread Tension

Heavy Duty Knife

Adjustible Knife

Built in Sewing Light
Automatic Looper Threading

Automatic Rolled Hemming

Chainstitch

Rolled Hem

Coverstitch

Differential Feed

Weight
15.0 lbs
Brother 1034D CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS (add yours)

Submit Review

Combined Ratings(217)
Price Value:
Performance:
Features:
Reliability:
Overall Rating:

Erin: I enjoy using it. I would certaily recommend it for economy and performance. It doesn't have all the features, but it also doesn't cost as much. And you can do most things with it.

Value:
Performance:
Features:
Reliability:
Overall:

Anne C: This machine is basic but does a decent job. It's a bit hard to thread, it must be done precisely and any little misstep and the threads will snap. It also bounces a bit when you sew. But for the money it works pretty decent.

Value:
Performance:
Features:
Reliability:
Overall:

Jackie: This serger is a great deal. I was skeptical because it was so cheap, but I read a lot of good reviews so I gave it a try. Obviously it's not fancy and shakes a bit when you use it(mostly plastic, not a lot of metal parts). But for the price, can't complain....definitely a great machine for the money.

Value:
Performance:
Features:
Reliability:
Overall:
Brother 1034D COUPON Codes
Brother 1034DSUMMARY
Brother 1034D Brother 1034D
92
$179.32
4.52
217 RATINGS [+]
11
of 20

Best of SERGERS

Our Purpose

The purpose of this section is to help you pick the right serger machine for you. Different people have different needs(and budgets), so this section is to help you narrow things down to fit your specific needs.

BUDGET SHOPPERS & Casual USERS

If you are new to serging, or someone who is just looking for a cheap serger...then you don't need much. If that's the case, a Brother Lock 1034D model is the one for you. It's by far the cheapest serger we've tested. In fact it costs more than 40% less than the next cheapest model in our top ten and is actually considered the cheapest model on the market...and the savings are even bigger compared to some of the higher end models out there. Obviously, the savings come at a price. The serger doesn't have many of the features you'd find in other models(i.e. it's only limited to a 3 or 4 thread pattern). But that's because it's a basic model. This is the system for those of you who just want to have a cheap serger machine at home, that you might use once or twice times a year.

Brother 1034D Brother Lock 1034D
92
$179.32
4.52
217 RATINGS [+]
11
of 20
Read Review ›
Students, Hobbyists and Serging Enthusiasts

If you are a student or a hobbyist, then you need a slightly more powerful serger to keep up with your needs. You need one that provides 2, 3, 4 and 5 thread patterns, adjustible stitch length and it helps to have automatic looper threading so you don't waste precious time. Once you add the 5 thread option to your requirement list, you eliminate 90% of the sergers on the market. In fact, under $1,000 you are just left with two options. The Juki Pearl MO-655 and the Juki MO-735 models. They are fairly similar models(the only difference is that the MO-735 also does coverhem stitches), but there is a pretty big difference in price. The MO-655 model will run you $549(MSRP of $1,723) and the MO-735 model will run you $999(MSRP of $1,993). As you can see...there is a very small difference at MSRP...but the MO-655 model has much bigger discounts...making it a much better deal. So is the $450 difference worth it? Well that depends on one question...do you need to make coverhem stitches? If the answer is yes, then you have no choice but to pay the premium...if the answer is no, then you should save your money and stick with the MO-655 model.

Juki Pearl Line MO-655 Juki Pearl Line MO-655
96
$549.00
4.81
166 RATINGS [+]
19
of 20
Read Review ›
Juki MO-735 Juki Pearl Line MO-735
93
$999.00
4.87
54 RATINGS [+]
20
of 20
Read Review ›
Budget Students & Hobbyists

Not all students/hobbysts can afford to pay $549 for the Juki MO-655...yet the $187 Brother Lock 1034D is just too bare bones for serious work. Luckily, there are a few decent mid-range alternatives...the Juki MO-644D and the MO-654DE models. These have almost all the features of the more expensive sergers(minus the 5 thread stitching)...but cost quite a bit less. The MO-644D sells for $325 and the MO-654DE sells for $433...which is 40% and 20% less than the MO-655 model. So which is the one for you? Well you'll need to decide if the extra features of the MO-654DE serger is worth the $100+ premium. The MO-654DE model comes with a 2/3 thread converter, an automatic self-threading lower looper and a safety feature that keeps the machine from running unless all the doors are safely closed. The automatic threading is obviously the main feature you are paying for here...and it's definitely worth the premium...but it's not the end of the world if you don't have it. So if you are budget conscious, yet don't want to buy the cheapest thing on the market, the MO-644D is a very decent choice.

Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE Juki Pearl Line MO-654DE
94
$433.48
4.73
54 RATINGS [+]
17
of 20
Read Review ›
Juki Garnett MO-644D Juki Garnett MO-644D
88
$325.36
4.53
69 RATINGS [+]
16
of 20
Read Review ›

Buying a Serger

Introduction
Buying a serger can get complicated. So we've created this serger buying guide to help you make your decision. Don't forget to check the Top Picks tab where we recommend the best sergers for each particular buying demographic.

Serger sewing machines cut and finish the raw edges of your materials These machines combine a number of functions into a simple process - they can stitch a seam, trim the excess allowances and overcast the edge of your fabric...which in turn allows you to use your serger to achieve professional quality stitching in a very short time, at least compared to manual methods. That's because unlike a straight stitch machine, sergers use loopers to make the stitch and they also come with special knives to cut the fabric. This lets you make great looking fabric, in much less time(compared to a normal stitching machine).

Essentially, adding a serger sewing machine to your sewing room completes it and allows you to give your projects a finished and professional look. These compact machines can stitch at twice the speed of normal machines and can help you create those ravel-free seams, tight overlock stitches and even let you make custom decorative edging...all in a fraction of the time it'd take you to do it without a serger.

Buying a serger can be a difficult process. There are serger machines for all levels of sewers. From beginner sergers that might cost a few hundred dollars, to professional sergers that can cost thousands. No matter the price, adding even a base model serger to your room will take your skill to the next level.

To help you decide on which serger is right for you, we've analyzed all the different sergers on the market to find the best ones for you to buy.

Our process is pretty extensive...with each serger we've examined the machine and tested to make sure that all the dials/switches are easily accessible. We've also checked the resistance in the foot pedal as well as the lighting and other features. Finally we've tested each serger by making different stitches. This included the 2-thread(overedged, rolled hem), 3-thread(flatlock, overlock, rolled hem), 4-thread(with overlock), 5-thread(with overlock and safety chain stitch) and finally we tested a cover stitch. As you can see, this allows us to create great serger reviews that can help you make your decision in finding the best serger for you.
How it works
When a serger is used, it essentially goes through six steps.
  • When the needle enters your fabric, a loop gets formed in the thread at the back of the needle.
  • The needle then continues its downward motion and goes into the fabric, at which point the lower looper begins the movement from left to right. The tip of the lower looper then passes behind the needle and then through the loop of the thread that was formed behind the needle.
  • The lower looper then continues along the path moving toward the irght of the serger. As the looper moves to the right, the lower thread gets carried through the needle thread.
  • While the lower looper moves left to right, the upper looper moves right to left. The tip of the upper looper than passes behind the lower looper and picks up the lower looper thread as well as the needle thread.
  • The lower looper then begins its move back into the far left position and as the upper looper goes left, it holds hte lower looper thread and needle thread securely in place.
  • The needle then begins its downward path...passing behind the upper looper and securing the upper looper thread. This finishes the overstock stitch creation process and the cycle starts all over again.
Features Explained
There are a lot of different features when it comes to the different serger machines...but what do they mean?

  • Sewing Speed - serger's speed...how many stitches it can make per minute(spm). Usually this number varies between 1,000 spm and 1,500 spm for most sergers. A job that takes 30 minutes on a 1,000 spm machine...will only take you 20 minutes on the 1,500 spm machine.
  • 2-Thread Stitch - This means that the serging machine can make 2-thread stitches such as 2-thread chainstitch, 2-thread rolled hem, 2-thread overcast, 2-thread flatlock. Chainstich only available on those sergers that can do chain
  • 3-Thread Stitch - This means that the serging machine makes 3-thread stitches such as 3-thread flatlock, 3-thread overlock, 3-thread narrow overlock, 3-thread rolledhem, 3-thread coverstitch, 3-thread super stretch, 3-thread narrow seam. Coverstitch only available on those sergers that can do coverstitches.
  • 4-Thread Stitch - This means that the serger can make 4-thread stitches, such as a 4-thread overlock, 4-thread coverstitch and a 2-thread overlock + chain stitch. Coverstitch/chainstich only available on those sergers that can do coverstitches.
  • 5-Thread Stitch - This means that the serger can handle a 5-thread stitch. Usually this means that it's a 3-thread Overlock with a 2-thread chainstitch which make a professional and a very secure seam. Chainstich only available on those sergers that can do chainstitches.
  • Adjustible Stitch Length - means that the serger has a dial to change the stitch length for specialty thread or overlock techniques. Pretty much any decent serger should have this feature.
  • Stitch Length Max - what's the max length for the stitch length from this serger(please note, if the stitch length max and the stitch length min have the same values, that it just means that the serger isn't adjustible)
  • Stitch Length Min - what's the min length for the stitch length from this serger.
  • Adjustible Width - can you adjust the knife cutting width to easily create perfect seams and rolled edges.
  • Color Coded Threading - this is pretty standard in most sergers. This means that there are color coded dots on the serger to help you thread correctly. Without these threading becomes a complicated task.
  • Adjustible Thread Tension - means that the serger allows you to adjust the thread tension
  • Heavy Duty Knife - a powered system that makes it easy to cut off both light and heavy fabrics. Pretty much all sergers will have this feature, and it's usually run on a dedicated drive to assure it doesn't interfere with the rest of the workload.
  • Adjustible Knife - can you adjust the knife to change the width of the fabric in the seam allowance?
  • Built-in Sewing Light - does the serger have a built in light? Pretty much all sergers have this feature, except for a few bare bones models.
  • Automatic Looper Threading - this one is very important. The looper threader allows for easy threading in seconds...just slide the thread into a slot and snap the looper back into place. This means you don't need to waste time doing this manually.
  • Automatic Rolled Hemming - means that you can switch to rolled hemming quickly...without needing to change out the needle plate or the foot.
  • Chainstitch - means that the serger can do a chainstitch.
  • Rolled Hem - means that the serger can do a rolled hem.
  • Coverstitch - means that the serger can do a coverstitch.
  • Differential Feed - means that the serger has an adjustible differential feed.
  • Dimensions - sergers come in all shapes and sizes...we list dimensions(width, height, depth) in millimeters (same as the manufacturers)...to convert this to inches, simply divide each number by 25.4.
  • Weight - Here we list how much each serger weighs in pounds. Most systems are pretty light...and they tend to vary by manufacturer. Juki/Brother tend to prefer smaller/lighter units...while Janome opts out for bigger/heavier ones.
  • Warranty - Warranties for sergers are pretty similar. It didn't use to be the case, but now pretty much all companies offer 5 years for mechanical problems and 2 years for electrical ones. The mechanical one is the one to look at...since sergers are mechanical in nature. The electrical coverage mostly focuses on power supply to drive your serging functionality and the bulb to light your way. Pretty much everything else is mechanical.
  • Pricing - we go to great lengths to find the best prices on the web. And we realize that you always require shipping when shopping on the internet...so when we do our research, we always make sure to list the price with shipping included. There is no sense in "saving" $10 on a machine, if you get to pay $60 to have it shipped. Please note, the pricing we get is for shipping in the 48 contiguous states...if you are in Alaska, Hawaii or outside the United States, your final price might be higher...although the actual ranking for prices should remain the same since most sergers would cost the same for a vendor to ship. Essentially if it costs $5 more to ship something for Alaska, that would be the same for all sergers.
Summary

Overall, when buying a serger, there are 3 things to focus on. The sewing speed, the # of threads it can handle and the ease of use features it has(i.e. automatic looper threading). And of course the price...after all, if you don't plan to use some features...there is absolutely no reason to pay a premium.

 

Essentially your choice boils down to 3 categories...and the difference between each is a few hundred dollars.

 

The low budget limited sergers that have very few features..and cost next to nothing(~$200).

 

The mid budget sergers that can do pretty much everything you can throw at them...minus a few limited use features(~$400)

 

And the top end pricey sergers, that can do anything you need(~$500-$1,000).

 

It's up to you to decide what works within your budget. Overall, we can say that the jump between a low budget and a mid-budget serger is worth the premium for anyone(the low budget ones are that limited). But the jump between mid to high end is pretty hard to justify...unless you already planning to use that extra functionality.