Janome MyLock 204D Serger By The Each

I love my serger Janome MyLock 204D. Never had a janome before but after reading lots and lots of reviews I went ahead and purchased one and found that I am really a big fan. I sew A LOT and this little machine is easy to use, great size, decent price and is a work horse. Would recommend to all.

I have to admit, I work my 204D like a demon, and put everything through it. Sometimes I use sheer fabrics and suit fabrics, but mostly I run spandex and fur through it. In two years, I threw the timing once and had to have it reset. Other than that, it's broken needles that are my battle, but as much as I abuse this thing, I'm not surprised. My only complaint is about the needles the machine needs. If you don't use exactly the right needle, you're going to break a lot of them----and the easy-to-find Universal needles at Walmart do NOT work reliably!As far as the re-threading complaints.... I've NEVER found any overlock fun to thread, domestic or industrial. They are all a bear! Be very sure you are using the correct needle! If you find the machine skipping stitches and/or your upper looper thread (the one running back and forth under the plate) breaking a lot, the problem is probably from using a needle that is not quite right. The machine is very picky about making sure it gets its preferred needle!

I've had the machine over 10 years and paid abt $500 on sale at the time. From day one I had problems with thread breaking, jamming and uneven stitches. I took classes bought books had it worked on and it sits unused. My Viking has an overlock I can use. Threading is ridiculous unless you have small thin fingers which I did at the time and even then it was hard. That's why long tweezers are included. Arthritis has fixed it so when I DO finally get it threaded I can manage most of a project before the thread breaks again. Sewing is supposed to be fun. This isn't. i can't believe they are still getting $300 for this useless machine.

I'll begin by saying that admittedly I am not an expert seamstress, and this IS my first serger. I've had it for several years now. I bought this one because reviews were favorable at the time and the brand, Janome, has a stellar reputation, and in its price range, it seemed like the best value.Using this machine, however, is an exercise in frustration. The bottom thread breaks repeatedly, seemingly for no reason, and it takes MORE than a dozen times rethreading the exact same way to get it to NOT break again, and then it will just break again ten minutes later anyway, also for no known reason.I am someone who keeps my sewing machine manuals close for troubleshooting, I oil when it calls for oiling regularly, I change the needles, I take care of my equipment. I cannot see a reason for this breakage to continually occur. I've read the manual to exhaustion, I am doing something as simple as serging a washcloth and it breaks, again and again.When it DOES work, it works, but really, for the amount of frustration this darn machine has caused me, I REALLY would have done better to spend the extra money to get a better one. It isn't worth the time it takes and the constant frustration and the cursing to get the darn thing to work with any kind of consistency.As I said, I've had this machine for years, and when I first bought it, I thought well, as I'm new to sergers, it must be user error. But after so many reads and re-reads of the manual and constant trying of different methods of troubleshooting, I think no, it's just a piece of junk, really. I really really wish I hadn't waster my money on this source of pain and frustration.

Sergers are amazing, frustrating machines. This is the only one I have ever used, but I am assuming that such a complex machine, regardless of manufacturer, is difficult to learn to use. I am not an everyday sewist, and I would say this machine sees about 5 projects a year.This machine is kind of built for a beginner. It is relatively easy to change from seams to rolled edges. It is easy to remember how to thread, however the provided thread was not high quality and I replaced it soon after learning to thread. Troubleshooting problems was a pain in the neck because after you re-thread the lower looper 5 times and the thread breaks AGAIN, you just want to go back to your little regular machine and zigzag your edges. Then you remember the differental feed, which is a pretty sweet deal, and you re-thread the lower looper after adjusting the tension.Honestly, this is alot more machine than I need as it is just a toy for me. I would not recommend a serger if you are a hobby sew-er, unless you have alot of patience, and are bored with the 24 stitches your regular machine can achieve. That being said, if you are into knitwear or quilting, a serger (this serger) could be a dream come true.

I had a 134D serger and needed to replace it. This one is a close match except the plate doesn’t have to be changed to do the rolled hem stitch. Definitely love this machine!

I have had my MyLock 204D for over a year now. I am not new to sewing and have used sergers in the past. This is the 1st one that I have owned though. All sergers can be a headache and are not for novice sewers. There is a learning curve (as with any machine) but once you get the hang of it, it is easy peazy. Yes sometimes threads break and sometimes you have no idea why, but that also happens with my regular sewing machine. For the price it is a good quality machine. I bought mine from a local sewing and vacuum shop and they give it a 10 year warranty. I love that if there is any problem at all I can take it in and they fix it free of charge. I would recommend this machine.