Juki MO-735 Serger Review: A Versatile And Powerful Sewing Machine

The Juki MO-735 is a feature-rich 5-thread serger and coverstitch machine perfect for advanced home sewers and small business owners. With adjustable stitch length and width, differential feed, a retractable knife system, and 24 built-in stitches, this machine can handle a wide variety of sewing projects.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll examine the key features and performance of the Juki MO-735 to help you determine if it’s the right serger for your needs.

Overview of the Juki MO-735 Serger

The Juki MO-735 is a 2-3-4-5 thread serger and coverstitch machine. Here are the key specs:

• Type: Mechanical serger
• Number of Needles: 3
• Number of Threads: 2-3-4-5
• Stitch Length: Up to 4mm
• Stitch Width: Left Needle: 7mm, Right Needle: 5mm
• Max Sewing Speed: 1500 spm
• Presser Foot Lift: 6mm
• Retractable Knife: Yes
• Weight: 23.1 pounds

This serger is packed with features, including:

• 24 Built-In Stitches: Includes overlock, coverstitch, rolled hem, blanket stitch, flatlock, and more
• Color-Coded Threading: For simplified set-up
• Lay-In Threading: Easy threading system
• Chain Looper Threading: Quick positioning with snap-in threads
• Extra High Presser Foot: Provides clearance for thick fabrics
• Adjustable Stitch Length and Width: For versatility
• Adjustable Cutting Width: Serge seams or roll edges
• Retractable Upper Knife: Move out of the way for coverstitch
• Differential Feed: Prevent stretching or puckering
• Multi-Function Presser Foot: Adds ribbon, tape, elastic, etc.
• Built-In Rolled Hem: Eliminates part changes

With excellent performance and ease of use features, the Juki MO-735 allows sewers to create professional finishes and tackle a wide range of projects.

Detailed Review of Features and Benefits

Let’s take a closer look at some of the key features and benefits of the Juki MO-735 serger.

Stitch Selection

The MO-735 comes with 24 built-in stitch options accessible by turning a dial. This includes:

• Overlock stitches: 2, 3, and 4 thread, both wide and narrow
• Coverstitches: Wide and narrow
• Chainstitch: 2 thread chainstitch seam
• Flatlock stitches: 2 and 3 thread wide and narrow
• Rolled hem: 2 and 3 thread
• Blanket stitch
• Super stretch seam

With this variety, you can sew seams, hems, decorative edges, pintucks, and more. The machine converts easily from a 3-thread overlock to a 2-thread chainstitch with the flip of a lever for flexible stitching.

Threading System

Threading any serger can be challenging, but the MO-735 has several features to simplify the process:

• Color-coded threading: Follow the guides matching thread colors to numbers
• Lay-in threading slots: Threads easily snap into place
• Chain looper positioning: Set thread in holder and snap looper in place
• Numbered upper looper: Indicates thread order

While not completely effortless, most users can master threading this machine with some practice. Watching online video tutorials can also help provide visual guidance.

Presser Foot System

One unique feature of the Juki MO-735 is the extra high presser foot lift. At 6mm, it provides ample space to accommodate multiple fabric layers or thick materials underneath.

The included multi-function foot also allows techniques like attaching ribbon or elastic while serging. Snap it on and off for different settings and operations as needed.

Adjustability

A hallmark of advanced sergers is the ability to customize settings for optimal results on different fabrics and projects. The MO-735 offers plenty of adjustability:

• Stitch length from 2.5mm up to 4mm
• Cutting width adjusts lower knife from 1mm to 9mm
• Differential feed prevents stretching or puckering from 0.7-2.0
• Presser foot pressure dial adapts for fabric thickness

You can even retract the upper cutting knife when doing specialty techniques like coverstitching or flatlock seams.

Quick Facts

• Maximum sewing speed: 1500 stitches per minute
• Number of threads: 2-3-4-5
• Number of needles: 3
• Presser foot lift: 6mm
• Weight: 23.1 pounds
• Included accessories: Foot controller, needles, tweezers, oiler, dust brush, vinyl cover, spool caps, screwdriver, spreader, trimmings bin, and more

Performance and Ease of Use

With its excellent build quality and thoughtful engineering, the Juki MO-735 delivers professional results and intuitive operation. Here’s an overview of its performance.

Sewing Speed

The MO-735 can sew up to 1500 stitches per minutes, far surpassing standard sergers. This high speed allows you to serge projects rapidly. Users mention the machine operates quietly even at top speeds.

Serging All Fabrics

This serger can handle light silks and chiffon just as adeptly as multiple layers of denim thanks to the strong knife system and adjustable presser foot pressure. The differential feed prevents stretching on knits. Serge anything from fine garments to home decor items.

Intuitive Operation

Despite its sophistication, most users find the MO-735 easy to operate after reading the manual and watching a few video tutorials. Key features that simplify use include:

• Easy-to-follow stitch selection dial
• Pre-set optimal tension settings
• Retractable knife for quick conversion between serging and coverstitch modes
• Presser foot pressure and stitch length dials eliminate guesswork

Professional Results

From perfectly balanced 4-thread overlock stitches to precise 2-thread rolled hems, the Juki MO-735 produces flawless results on all types of projects. The strong knife system cuts edges cleanly and evenly. With a bit of practice, you can achieve professional-level serged seams and hems.

Real Owner Reviews

Here are excerpts from a few reviews from sewers who have used the Juki MO-735:

“I love this machine and am very glad I chose it. Threading isn’t hard at all…Having fun with this machine and can’t wait to try embroidery. Very very happy with it!”

“This is my first serger. I did quite a bit of research and knew I wanted coverstitch and serger together…I took an hour to get to know it, watched some YouTube videos. Threaded it up and it was amazing.”

“Love this machine! The manual is not good at all, but videos on YouTube make it all clear. You get a lot of features for minimal money.”

“I LOOOVE this machine and am so happy I decided to get it. It opened up completely new possibilities that were not available with a sewing machine.”

“Very satisfied with the purchase so far! I dreamed of an overlock for a long time, but I didn’t know for sure whether it would justify the money spent, because I don’t sew that much.”

The common thread is that most users agree the MO-735 delivers excellent performance, produces professional results, and offers great value. While there is a learning curve, many find it easy to use with some practice.

Drawbacks to Consider

The Juki MO-735 Serger is a versatile powerhouse, but there are a few potential drawbacks to weigh:

• Manual not beginner friendly: Directions may be unclear for threading and operation. Watching videos helps.
• Steep learning curve: Like all sergers, expect a period of learning to master set-up and use.
• No speed control: The pedal is all-or-nothing with no ability to slow stitching speed.
• No free arm: May make serging tubular items like sleeves more difficult.
• Changing modes takes time: Switching between overlock and coverstitch isn’t instantaneous.

For advanced sewers, these limitations are minor. But for total beginners, the price along with the learning curve may be prohibitive. Patience and practice does pay off in mastery of this feature-packed serger though.

Alternatives to Consider

The Juki MO-735 combines proven quality with excellent value. But it’s not the only option. Here are two other highly rated sergers to consider:

Brother 1034DX

• 3/4 thread serger
• Lower price point around $200
• Easy color-coded threading
• Ideal for beginners
• Limited specialty stitches

Bernina 1300MDC

• Self-threading
• 2/3/4/5 thread serger and coverstitch
• Higher price around $2,500
• Lots of specialty stitches
• Compact size

The Brother is a basic, affordable model good for learning. The Bernina competes directly with the Juki but costs considerably more. The MO-735 hits a nice sweet spot between features and price.

Juki 735 pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent stitch quality	Manual not beginner friendly
Professional results	Steep learning curve
Very high 1500 spm speed	No variable speed control
Numerous specialty stitches	Changing modes time consuming
Heavy-duty performance	No free arm
Easy threading aids
Good value for price

Read: Juki TL-2010Q Review: A Straight Stitch Quilting Workhorse

Juki MO-735 Serger Review Conclusion

Our overall assessment is that the Juki MO-735 is a versatile and powerful serger packed with features at a reasonable price. Expect a period of learning, but most users find the effort pays off in the ability to create professional finishes, sew high-quality seams, and take on a wide range of projects from garments to decor.

While not quite as refined as ultra-high-end sergers, it outperforms basic entry-level models. The Juki MO-735 earns its reputation as a workhorse sewing machine ready to tackle heavy use and challenging fabrics while providing versatility for both serging, coverstitching, and decorative techniques.

For advanced sewing enthusiasts, small business owners, or dedicated hobbyists willing to invest time to master it, the MO-735 represents excellent value. We can confidently recommend it as a high-performance serger sure to take your sewing skills to the next level.