The Brother 1034D Serger model is highly recommended for beginners, thanks to its built-in features, and a price that is amazingly affordable. Click to see today’s price on Amazon.
A serger – sometimes called an overlocker – is a type of machine which is particularly designed to finish the hems and edges of various fabrics. Learn further about its advantages and disadvantages through this review.
How Easy Is It to Use?
First things first. Unlike other models, the Brother 1034D model does not really thread itself. This means that it might be frustrating on your first try, but if you just follow the instructions carefully, you can find out that doing so is actually very easy to do.
For one, this unit comes with a color-coded, easy to follow, lay-in threading that comes with pictures for each of the steps. All you have to do is to follow carefully the steps and be patient in order to get it right.
If the pictures do not guide you at all, you can simply search for videos in order to assist you with the step-by-step procedure. Once you finally get the hang of it, you will realize that it is very easy to do after all. At the same time, this model comes with a built-in guide which will show you where to thread the threads.
Even though there are several steps involved in threading, especially the 3rd and 4th thread lines, the easy guide will allow you to complete everything easily. For me, I had to try two times at first before finally getting it right. Just keep in mind that you need to thread according to proper order as stated in the instruction manual.
How Well Does the Brother 1034D Serger Work?
Determining how well the Brother 1034D works depend on how we understand the nature of a serger. Rather than viewing it as a complicated machine, it is best to look at it as a time-saving machine which can make tedious sewing job become lighter, thus producing professional quality projects and garments.
This serger allows you, or any seamster to sew linens that come with rolled hems, or workout clothes that are made of stretchy or even sheer fabrics without damaging the decorative trims, lace and detail of the clothes. The ¾ in its name basically means that you can either use it for a 3 or a 4 thread serger.
It also comes with 22 stitches, interchangeable feet, as well as a 3 and 4 thread overlock. This means that it easily does the basics of the process. It also does decorative sewing, and seaming, including several finishing techniques on different kinds of fabrics.
At the same time, it is also user-friendly in a way that it is highly intuitive. As a matter of fact, it comes pre-threaded the moment you get it out of the box, and is also color-coded which makes it easier to use and setup. Among the advantages of this unit is that it uses the standard type of sewing machine needles.
It also works really well because it produces high precision stitching for the output. It provides stitch width control, as well as outside differential feed control. If you are interested in using a free arm convertible surface, or snap-on presser feet which will allow you to easily switch on your projects and stitches, this model is perfect for you.
Accessories/Tools Included
- Needle set
- Tweezers
- 4 spool nets
- Cleaning brush
- Trim trap
- Hexl wrench
Features and Specifications
- Product Dimension: 15.3 x 13.1 x 12.6 inches
- Weight: 17.8 pounds
- Inclusions: 3 and 4 thread overlock, rolled hemming, narrow hemming and ribbon lock
- ¾ lay-in thread serger equipped with 22 built-in stitches and interchangeable feet
- F.A.S.T lower looper threading system
- Foot pedal speed control
- Free arm/flatbed convertible sewing surface
- 5 year limited warranty
Who It is Best For?
The Brother 1034D model is best for beginners in using machines of this kind. First of all, it is affordable, which means that you can start learning the basics without having to spend a lot of money. Also, it is very easy to use, with built-in features that can guide beginners through every step of the process.
What we like
- Easy to set up tension
- Everything is marked, color-coded and numbered making threading easy
- Great automatic thread cutter
- Simple but nice built-in features
What we don’t like
- Better for lighter, thin materials
- A bit noisy
- No cover or chain stitch
Editor’s Comments
For an entry-level machine, I would give this at 4.4 out of 5 star rating. Brother has been really thoughtful with introducing a relatively affordable machine that has the capability to produce high-quality output within its range. It’s not a top tier embroidery machine, but you can’t expect much for its very low price point.
Surprisingly, I like the color coding which serves as a guide for beginners in completing the threading process. I thought it would be confusing and annoying (which it is at first) but it is actually very helpful. Even though there may be no display unlike others, the numbers and the colors serve as good guide.
On the other hand, I would give the other remaining star as an area for improvement opportunity. While the machine is reliable, overall, it could have done better by reducing the noise during the operation. However, this is just a simple matter as the noise can be gotten adjusted to in the long run.
Wrapping up the Brother 1034D Serger Review
I would recommend this model highly especially for beginners. However, you might have to note that because it is relatively affordable compared to other brands, you do not get to have access to cover stitch. However, this is just one feature that is missing out of the several that are available as built-in.
Also, other reviews say that it is noisy, and may be challenging to thread. However, based on experience, the noise is actually tolerable, and pretty normal for any machine of this kind. At the same time, you will only find the threading part challenging on the first tries, but you will eventually get the hang of it and enjoy it the next time.
All in all, these issues are not really dealbreakers because of its ease of use and simplicity is what makes this model loveable. See what other reviewers on Amazon think.
If you have some experience with embroidery then this will not be a great choice for you. The quality is decent for the price, but you’ll probably want a different brother embroidery machine that will deliver higher quality work.
