This machine has and extension table that is removable to sew as a free arm. This feature makes it easy to sew small necklines, hems and armholes to attach knit collars and cuffs. This is even a feature that one of my much more expensive sergers lacks. As a bonus feature, the extension table has storage inside to keep your accessories.
This may be a feature you’ve heard of or read about, but didn’t really know what it was. Simply put, this machine has a dual feeding system which is adjusted by a lever on the right side of the machine. Differential feed is a system which “stretches” or “gather” the fabric, when the amount of feed in the front feed dog is changed in relation to the rear feed dog. When the lever is set to “1.0”, the feed is 1:1 or has an even feed for creating smooth seams or edges. When the lever is set at a higher number range or the lever in the lower area of the dial, the fabric will gather. If the lever is set at lower number range or in the upper area of the dial, the fabric will stretch. This feature allows you to create ruffles and rolled hem lettuce edging and works in conjunction with your stitch length to create different effects.
Stitch length adjustment is made easily with the upper dial on the right side of the machine. This will enable the stitches to be closer together for a clean rolled hem. The stitches can be adjusted to a moderate length for use with the Ultra Mock 4 thread Safety Stitch for seaming fabrics. The stitch length can also be adjusted in it’s longest length for gathering fabrics easily. The stitch width is adjusted by switching the needle positions. Using the left needle enables the machine to stitch a wider stitch or 5.7 mm and using the right needle enables the machine to stitch a narrower stitch or 3.5 mm. The stitch width has another adjustment also. The stitch finger will modify either more or less in the width. Pushing the finger forward will engage the stitch finger allowing the looper thread to pass over it to create a slightly wider stitch. With the stitch finger backward or disengaged, the stitch width will be narrower for creating perfect rolled hems.
This is a feature that I truly think is ingenious! This enables the machine to switch from sewing a regular serger stitch width to a clean finished narrow rolled hem stitch by pushing the seam width finger forward or backward. One of my other sergers does a beautiful rolled hem stitch, however it involves changing the throat plate and presser foot. This machine does it all without changing a foot or throat plate. Super time saver!! The two pictures below show the 2 positions of the stitch width finger. The first shows the stitch width finger engaged or pushed towards the needle of the machine. The second shows the stitch width finger disengaged or pulled away from the needle. Notice also on the machine the “R” and the “S” designations. The “S” stands for “TO SEW STANDARD OVEREDGE” and the “R” “TO SEW ROLLED HEM.
The Spreader is a small plastic accessory that converts and bypasses the upper looper enabling the machine to sew with 2 threads. This is a feature that will allow the machine to stitch 2 different rolled hem stitches at 2 different widths depending on which needle position is selected. To install the spreader, insert the post on the spreader into the large hole on the upper looper. Then insert the “L” shaped wire into the small hole in the looper by gently pushing it back until it’s inserted.
The onboard cutter has the capability of being moved out of the sewing area easily. Simply push the cutter lever to the right while twisting upward towards you to move it out of the sewing area. This enables the machine to sew without cutting to clean finish edges for construction later.
Great pictures! I have a serger, but been thinking of upgrading! This one has a lot of great features!
I've never ventured past a basic sewing machine. A serger looks super complicated, what types of tailoring is it used for?
Hi Eden! A serger is the perfect machine for sewing with knit's or finishing off the edges of an unruly woven. Makes sewing so much faster, as it cuts, sews and finishes the edges all in one sewing operation.
Thanks inchworming! This is a great serger for a beginner with lot's of room for growth.
I'm planning on buying a serger once we move into a different place, so this review was really helpful. Is this a good option for a beginner? Should I take a class once I buy one? I'm relatively new to sewing, just started in 2012.
Hi Anita! This serger is a great investment and is perfect for a beginner. It offers a variety of stitching options with plenty of room for growth. Good luck!!
I wish I had the patience to learn how to use a sewing machine. I usually just finger stitch anything that needs to be patched up.
I have not used a sewing machine since I was a kid but I was just in a conversation about this exact machine recently.
Hi Krystal! A serger makes the sewing process so much faster and no ouchies to the fingers.
That's interesting Christi! What were they saying about it? Do tell?
Hello. what do you mean by this serger is a great one for beginners? Is there a step up serger for one who become more advanced? What would the difference be between such sergers?
HI Sharon. The Singer Pro Finish is user friendly machine. Great for a beginner who isn’t familiar with threading a serger. A more advanced machine might be a combo serger/coverstitch machine. They’re a little more complicated and offer a wider range of stitches. Much easier to use if you’re somewhat familiar with a basic serger. Hope this answers your question.
Thank you so much for all the clear information. I came upon this site while I was looking for information on the ‘seam width finger’. I hadn’t a clue what it was or the purpose of it. But with your explanation I can happily get on with my sewing project. And luckily it is the very model in your illustration that I am working on. Many thanks again. S
Hi Sally! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a kind comment. Glad it was helpful to your project!
I just love your clear and concise directions and photos, I have the Singer Stylist Serger almost the same identical model and was searching for what, why and how to use the spreader, this made it very clear in every aspect. Love my serger and just never really explored everything it is capable of but this is one of my New Years Resolutions is to use it more than just one type of stitch. Thank You Again.
Hi Tamra! Sounds like a GREAT New Year Resolution!! Happy Sewing!!