Brother 1034D Serger Review: A Comprehensive Look For Beginners
The brother 1034D serger is one of the most popular starter serger machines on the market. As a beginner looking to upgrade from a regular sewing machine to a serger, I wanted to learn all about this model to see if it would suit my needs. In this detailed review, I’ll cover everything potential buyers need to know about the Brother 1034D from features to pros and cons.
Serger Basics
Before diving into the specifics of the Brother 1034D, let’s start with a quick overview of what exactly a serger is and why seamstresses use them.
A serger, also known as an overlock machine, is a special type of sewing machine designed to finish raw edges of fabric as you sew. It uses 2-5 threads and 1-2 needles to form a sturdy overlocked stitch that trims away extra fabric.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a serger:
- Creates professional, finished looking seams and hems
- Prevents fabrics from unraveling
- Sew stretchy knit fabrics without wavy seams
- Trims and sews edges in one step
- Much faster than finishing edges by hand
Sergers differ from regular sewing machines in a few ways. They utilize multiple threads and loopers to form the special overlock stitch instead of a single thread and needle. They also incorporate built-in knives to trim fabric edges as you sew. Threading a serger is more complex but it allows for decorative finishes.
The main parts of a serger include:
- Needles – Most have 2 but some use 1 or 3 needles
- Loopers – Form the thread loops on underside of fabric
- Thread guide – Marks path for threading
- Spool pins – Holds threads
- Presser foot – Holds fabric in place as it’s sewn
- Cutting knife – Trims fabric edges
- Stitch plate – Stitch forms over this
- Differential feed – Prevents stretching/puckering
Now that you understand the purpose and parts of a serger, let’s look at how the popular Brother 1034D model stacks up.
Brother 1034D Features
The Brother 1034D serger comes with many beginner-friendly features. Here are some of the highlights:
- Heavy duty metal frame – Provides stability and prevents vibrations for smooth sewing
- 1300 stitches per minute – Allows you to sew faster than regular machines
- Color-coded threading – Easy to follow thread guides for hassle-free setup
- 3 or 4 thread capability – Useful range of stitch options
- 22 built-in stitches – Includes overlock, rolled hem, blind hem, and more
- Removable trim trap – Catches fabric trimmings for a clean workspace
- Snap-on presser feet – Change feet quickly without tools
Some other great features include adjustable stitch length and width, a retractable cutting knife, LED lighting, free arm, and built-in accessory storage.
One of the things that stands out is the easy threading system. The looper thread guides are clearly marked inside the machine, so you can simply follow the color coded paths. The fast lower looper threading system also helps make set up a breeze.
Let’s take a look at the key technical specifications of the Brother 1034D:
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Dimensions | 13 x 15.2 x 13.2 inches |
| Machine Weight | 13.45 pounds |
| Sewing Speed | 1300 stitches per minute |
| Number of Threads | 3-4 |
| Number of Needles | 1-2 |
| Presser Feet Included | Snap-on standard foot, blind hem foot, gathering foot |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Built-in Stitches | 22 stitch functions |
| Manual Thread Tension | Yes |
| LED Lighting | Yes |
As you can see from the table above, the Brother 1034D has a robust feature set for a beginner serger model. Next let’s go over actually using this machine.
Brother 1034D Serger demo
Using the Brother 1034D
One of the biggest draws of the Brother 1034D is the simplicity of use. Here are some tips and advice for getting started with this serger as a beginner:
Read the manual thoroughly – It provides visual guides for threading and key troubleshooting advice. Keep it handy as you learn.
Start with practice fabric – Use spare cotton fabric at first to get a feel for the settings before working on projects.
Thread without needle – First practice threading the loopers without inserting needles to avoid jams.
Utilize threading charts – The color coded charts inside the machine make threading easy. Follow them step-by-step.
Adjust settings slowly – When changing stitch length, width, or differential feed, make small incremental adjustments.
Disengage knife when needed – If you want to keep seam allowances, retract the cutting knife.
Use the free arm – Removing the part of the arm gives easier access for sewing sleeves, cuffs, and leg hems.
Check tension – If you notice loose or tight stitches, refer to the manual troubleshooting guide to adjust tension.
Change needles often – Sergers require needle changes after every 4-8 hours of sewing or project. Use high quality needles.
With some practice threading and getting familiar with the settings, you’ll be finishing projects in no time. Schmetz serger needles work well for smooth sewing.
Here are some tips on choosing threads:
- For lightweight fabrics, use fine Metrosene or Gutermann all-purpose threads.
- Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP is ideal for medium weight wovens and knits.
- Try strong V-69 polyester thread for denim, upholstery, or heavy fabrics.
- Use woolly nylon in the loopers when sewing on fur, fleece, or other fabrics that could get caught in the loops.
The Brother 1034D makes it easy to achieve professional results across a wide variety of fabrics from chiffon to canvas. Take advantage of the free arm to serge curved areas and use the cutting blade for quick seam finishing.
Brother 1034D tips and tricks
Pros and Cons
After covering the features and usage, let’s summarize the key pros and cons of the Brother 1034D serger:
Pros
- Beginner-friendly at an affordable price point
- Color coded threading markings for easy setup
- Up to 1300 stitches per minute for fast sewing
- Three or four thread capability
- Heavy duty metal interior components
- Adjustable settings for stitch length, width, and differential feed
- 22 built-in stitches for versatility
- LED lighting illuminates workspace
Cons
- Manual could have more troubleshooting details
- Tension may need adjustment on thicker fabrics
- Slightly louder operation than regular sewing machines
- No carrying case included
While not perfect, the cons are relatively minor. With proper threading, tension adjustment, and quality needles, the Brother 1034D can handle most sewing projects with ease. The fast stitching speed combined with the threading system makes it a great choice for beginners learning to serge.
Conclusion
For sewers looking to advance from regular sewing machines to sergers, the Brother 1034D offers an affordable starting point. Key benefits like the easy lay-in threading, metal interior, speed control, and adjustable settings make serging projects straightforward.
The wide range of built-in stitches provides flexibility as your skills progress. While the manual could be more comprehensive, there are many online tutorials that supplement the included instructions. With some practice on scrap fabric, new users will be able to achieve professional results.
While more expensive sergers exist, they often have complex features unnecessary for beginners. The Brother 1034D hits a sweet spot of simplicity while still offering versatility. If you’re looking to start serging for seam finishes, hems, and decoratives stitches, it deserves strong consideration.
I hope this detailed overview gives you all the information needed to decide if the Brother 1034D is the right serger for your needs! Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions.