My first efforts at sewing stretch fabrics were a disaster. I wanted to sew adorable jersey baby clothes for my first child, you know the fabric you can’t resist because “it’s so cute!” So, I’d spend all evening making a long-sleeved romper, thinking how adorable she’d look in it. But no matter what I did, the stitches popped five minutes after putting it on her and I’d be staring at a big hole. So, I gave up. Until about 6 years later…
I started sewing active wear and dance costumes again because I couldn’t find ballet leotards I liked in my small town. I figured “how hard could it be?” This time I was armed with a Kwik-Sew book on sewing active wear, and this time–success! I started a lifelong love of sewing with stretch fabrics. It was just too much fun. Naturally, I needed to have a serger ASAP!
At the time, I was a young stay at home mom of 2 with lots of time for sewing but not a lot of disposable income. The combination serger/coverstitch machines called out to me, but I settled for a plain serger to save a few hundred dollars. I figured I’d buy a coverhemmer later. Had I known how much I would use that machine in the 10 years to come, I totally would have splurged and gotten the combo. Coverstitch hems just look so much more professional. And since I was selling my creations at the time, it would have been a worthwhile investment.
Fortunately, combination sergers and coverhem machines are more reasonably priced now. So, really, there’s no reason to buy two machines when you can have one great combo.
The Juki MO735 combines the best professional features like high speed (1,500 stitches per minute), chain stitch, 5-thread safety stitch and 2 or 3 needle cover stitch. In fact, there are a whole host of stitches possible with this machine. You can achieve virtually every serger stitch imaginable with 2/3/4/5 thread configurations. Complete thread functions include:
- 4-Thread Overlock with integrated safety seam
- 3-Thread super stretch
- 3-Thread Overlock
- 3-Thread Flatlock
- 3-Thread Narrow Seam
- 3-Thread Rolled Hem
- 2-Thread Wrapped Overlock
- 2-Thread Flatlock
- 2-Thread Rolled hem
- 2-Thread Chain Stitch
- 3-Thread Overlock (left or right needle) + Chain Stitch
- 2-Thread Overlock (left or right needle) + Chain Stitch
- 4-Thread Cover Stitch
- 3-Thread Cover Stitch (Wide L, R)
- 3-Thread Cover Stitch (Narrow L, C)
- 3-Thread Cover Stitch (Narrow C, R)
How’s the warranty on Juki sergers?
The standard Juki US warranty is 5 years mechanical, 2 years for electrical, and 90 days for adjustments on defects in material or workmanship.
So, do other users like this machine?
Online reviews and blog posts are extremely favorable for this model, averaging 4 or 5 stars (out of 5).
One reviewer from New England said this on Amazon:
“I researched for nearly two years before deciding on getting the Juki MO735 5 thread two needle serger with coverstitch. What I found with the Juki is a solidly build mechanical machine that has all the stitches I wanted in a serger but most importantly, the quality of stitches that are superb, balanced and even. It is easy to thread compared to other brands.”
“The quality/craftsmanship of this machine is outstanding.
This machine is identical to a high-end Bernina, just without the LCD display (& perhaps MTC feature and swing out presser foot, not deal breakers for me at all)
This is my second serger, my first was a very basic 3/4 machine, but I really wanted a machine with a coverstich & 5 thread/chainstich abilities.
I don’t mind switching back and forth between coverstich and other stiches — there’s no needle plate change for this, only a needle position change and re-threading which I enjoy doing 🙂
The thread paths are clearly marked and you get familiar with your favorite stiches and they become second nature. I also like having tension dials — it gives me complete control over the stich & thus far, they have behaved flawlessly.
The quality of the stich? Breathtaking. The rolled hem is amazing; also with no needle plate change, just flick a switch !
I liked the fact that I could buy this machine on the internet; and it takes a standard needle system (schmetz 130/705H) which is all available online or local stores.
I typically don’t enjoy going to dealers. I find them very “high-pressure”. So, the buying experience online for me was great and relaxing. I could do all the research I wanted in the comfort of my own home — and there was alot of information online about this machine with comparisons.
Perhaps I took a risk not trying before I buy, but knowing how sergers work and having used one before; I didn’t feel this was that necessary for me. There was not alot of indecision, but I did spend a good 2 months or so researching this machine and understanding exactly what I was getting with my purchase.
Finally — THE PRICE! This machine is THOUSANDS less than other “high end dealer” machines. You just can’t beat that for the feature set it offers! Worth every single penny.
I have found a new favorite brand — Juki, and when you consider their experience as a company in the industrial garment sector; they obviously know what makes a good machine great.”
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