Here is a Brother serger 1034DX review. In my opinion, one of the four best entry line serger machines based on the price and features. Brother makes great machines, and it won’t let you down.
The Brother serger 1034DX is the latest addition to the family of Brother sergers. It’s one of of the recommended sergers. It still has some great features and benefits who want a reliable serger but don’t want to spend a fortune. It has numerous benefits, but it does not have a built-in rolled hem. It also only has 3 or 4 threads.
Brother Serger 1034DX Review: A Tough Cookie of a Serger Sewing Machine
Brother 1034DX vs. 1034D
The Brother serger 1034DX is the newest model in their line up of sergers. This machine is updated from the Brother 1034D model, but there are several improvements that make this new model even better than its predecessor, including a new LED light that is brighter than the old model’s incandescent lightbulb.
The biggest difference (in my opinion) from the previous version is that the differential feed and controls are on the right side, rather than the left side. This makes it easier for right-handed people (the majority of us) … sorry, left-handers!
It has a few more stitches from the previous model, including some roll stitches, but it still doesn’t have a cover stitch or chain stitch.
Some Cool Features of the Brother 1034DX
One of the 1034DX’s nifty features is the thread tension release. It does not have release buttons. Instead, raising the presser foot releases the tension on all the threads. This feature is super helpful to make your life easier to free your work from the machine.
Also, threading the lower looper can be such a pain (as serger sewists know all too well), and the 1034DX has a lever that moves the lower looper into a position for easier threading.
Another nice feature is the removable trim trap. I’m having to swipe away all my thread bits and pieces. Now, I can just toss them into the trim trap and then into the pillow case for the dog (all my scraps, even the thread, goes into that pillow case).
The arm can be removed so you can put a nice finish on collars, cuffs, sleeves, and pant legs (or other circular-type things).
Also, a serger has two feed dogs. A feed dog is the little plates at the bottom (underneath the needle) that “locks” the material in place.
It’s easy to thread (unlike many other sergers). And I’ll mention this again: things are color-coded, too, which is great. I like the guides printed directly on the machine. Also, I like the pink color thread they chose for the model haha.
The Brother 1034D model is very cost-effective. It has a good quality and can be used for many years. But the affordability of this model means that you cannot do two-thread sewing, or heavier work like a five-threader.
Keep in mind that it is only like $300. Sewists tend to pay for professional-heavy-duty quality. But if you are a hobbyist, such as myself, then you will enjoy this machine.
Stitches
For stitching, another super awesome convenience is that the Brother 1034DX makes stitch width adjustments for you with a turn of a knob.
This model has 22 built-in stitch functions such as a 4-thread overlock, a 3-thread overlock, a ribbon overlock, and a rolled hem.
Retractable Knife Blade
One of the main differences (other than the number of threads) between a household sewing machine and a serger is the knife blade. For a lot of trim work, you can use a serger or overlocker foot, using two threads. But, it does not cut the material for you.
The 1034DX has a nice retractable knife blade that cuts the material for you, then “goes away.” So if you are clumsy, like me, you won’t cut yourself. This feature is not exclusive to the Brother, but it is uncommon enough for me to mention.
Some Negatives of the Brother 1034DX
The Brother 1034DX has a 3 or 4 thread option. That, again, translates into you cannot do 2 threads or 5 threads. This limits what kind of stitching you can do. But, you are going to have to pay for that feature.
A note of warning: this machine needs to be oiled prior to using it for the first time. Several people have complained that it isn’t anywhere in the user manual.
It’s generally a good idea to keep your sewing machines in tip top shape by oiling them on a frequent basis, although this got me too the first time around as I don’t oil my regular sewing machine all that often. (I probably should … am I killing my poor machine?)
I would recommend this overlocker to anyone who wishes to get started!
However, this serging sewing machine is not for “heavy-duty” use. When I say heavy-duty, I mean constant use as for a professional shop or a business.
You may want to buy a lot of t-shirts at the Goodwill or Salvation Army (on half-price days) to practice with this baby. I find that cutting t-shirts in strips is a good way to practice different stitches, new techniques, etc.
Warranty
The 1034DX comes with a 25-year warranty with phone tech support.
I will also say that, even though this isn’t a warranty thing … there are tons (and I mean TONS) of instructional YouTube videos on the Brother machines.
Conclusion
Which serger do you like the best? If you’re looking for a basic starter serger machine, this is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for something more advanced, this might not be the best option.
However, if you’re just getting into serging, this is a great place to start. You won’t regret buying this machine. Brother makes excellent machines, and the Brother 1034DX will last many years to come.
