Anyone have an Elna 344 serger/overlocker?
I know this doesn't really fit the category, but couldn't think where else to post it. Spotlight has the Elna 344 on sale right now ($200 reduction). Does anyone know anything about this model -- how easy is it to use/thread/ what it can do in relation to other models/brands? I've never used an overlocker (serger) and don't know much about them, other than the research I've been doing on the net. I've checked the Pattern Review website and there are no reviews for the 344. I've read the comments posted in the forum about sergers in the past and know that self threading is an important feature. The description in the catalogue says: "3 or 4 thread overlocking or flatlocking, instant rolled hem, self threading lower looper and differential feed"
BTW This is just so weird, because I already posted this new thread and I know it was there because I clicked on it in the forum. Then I went to post on other forum topics and when I scrolled down again I noticed it wasn't there. Now I know what people mean about disappearing threads.)
Hey - I dont have an overlocker so cant really help, however I have been thinking of buying one too and am within 10 minutes of a Spotlight! Just out of interest, how much is it selling for?
Hi Jellybean! I don't have this overlocker, but I bought a Bernina low-end one a few years ago. You know what? Self threading isn't THAT much of an essential. It IS sort of a pain at first to learn to thread them but I promise you, once you get it down it will take you under a minute- prolly even 30 seconds- to do it. The lower looper is the hardest to kinda get at, so if this part is self-threading, sounds like it has taken out the most pain-in-the-neck part. Really high-end models have 'jet-air' threading for each of the 4 threads and they get mixed reviews, cos I think the jet-air system fairly frequently just stops working.
You could always try threading this model in the spotlight store- I should think they would let you. In my experience the staff at Spotty don't really try to do any hard sell on their machines, I have had a play with them before and was pretty much left alone, in fact I ogt the feeling they didn't know too much about the machines and hoped I wouldn't ask anything they wouldn't be a ble to answer!
Hi MJB14, the VIP (Spotlight Club Member) price is $399 - reg. $599. The catalogue ends this Sunday 12th October. (If you're not already a member, it is free to join).
Thanks EmilyKate. I think I will take it for a "test drive" if they'll let me at Spotlight. Is there anything in particular I should look out for. I really don't know much at all about overlockers, except that I really want to get one after being so inspired by everybody, and just wanting to sew more.
That sounds like a good price- very difficult for find any overlocker under $400.
If I were you Jellybean I'd take a selection of fabric swatches with you to try out- see if you like the feel of how it handles the different fabrics. bring along some knits and wovens.
Can u do that? My God, I never knew you could even do that. I would be too scared to ask given that I wouldnt even know how to turn an overlocker on!! I have been looking at them on ebay (Yeah I know, probably not the best way to buy one) but given that I have never used one before I am too scared to buy a new one in case I wreck it.
MJB14 they are very laissez-faire as regards customer service for the sewing machines at spotlight- it think most of the staff don't know much about them and hope noone will ask! But don't be scared, or maybe even just call ahead and ask if you're worried, they might get someone to at least show you how to turn one on :o)
I bought an Elna 614DE about 10 years ago. It's easy to thread, easy to adjust and hasn't skipped a beat for the whole time I've had it. When I bought it, the shop included free classes to learn how to use it properly. I highly recommend Elna and I suggest purchasing through a sewing machine store who will show you how it's done if you've never used one.
Hope that helps.
I have an elna 704 DEX that I bought from ebay and so far its been great. I have never used a serger before and I think Elna does a great job with their manuals. The first time I threaded it, it was a pain but it doesn't take any time now. The most annoying for me is switching from coverhem to serger stitch.
POSTS (8)
Hey - I dont have an overlocker so cant really help, however I have been thinking of buying one too and am within 10 minutes of a Spotlight! Just out of interest, how much is it selling for?
Hi Jellybean! I don't have this overlocker, but I bought a Bernina low-end one a few years ago. You know what? Self threading isn't THAT much of an essential. It IS sort of a pain at first to learn to thread them but I promise you, once you get it down it will take you under a minute- prolly even 30 seconds- to do it. The lower looper is the hardest to kinda get at, so if this part is self-threading, sounds like it has taken out the most pain-in-the-neck part. Really high-end models have 'jet-air' threading for each of the 4 threads and they get mixed reviews, cos I think the jet-air system fairly frequently just stops working. You could always try threading this model in the spotlight store- I should think they would let you. In my experience the staff at Spotty don't really try to do any hard sell on their machines, I have had a play with them before and was pretty much left alone, in fact I ogt the feeling they didn't know too much about the machines and hoped I wouldn't ask anything they wouldn't be a ble to answer!
Hi MJB14, the VIP (Spotlight Club Member) price is $399 - reg. $599. The catalogue ends this Sunday 12th October. (If you're not already a member, it is free to join). Thanks EmilyKate. I think I will take it for a "test drive" if they'll let me at Spotlight. Is there anything in particular I should look out for. I really don't know much at all about overlockers, except that I really want to get one after being so inspired by everybody, and just wanting to sew more.
That sounds like a good price- very difficult for find any overlocker under $400. If I were you Jellybean I'd take a selection of fabric swatches with you to try out- see if you like the feel of how it handles the different fabrics. bring along some knits and wovens.
Can u do that? My God, I never knew you could even do that. I would be too scared to ask given that I wouldnt even know how to turn an overlocker on!! I have been looking at them on ebay (Yeah I know, probably not the best way to buy one) but given that I have never used one before I am too scared to buy a new one in case I wreck it.
MJB14 they are very laissez-faire as regards customer service for the sewing machines at spotlight- it think most of the staff don't know much about them and hope noone will ask! But don't be scared, or maybe even just call ahead and ask if you're worried, they might get someone to at least show you how to turn one on :o)
I bought an Elna 614DE about 10 years ago. It's easy to thread, easy to adjust and hasn't skipped a beat for the whole time I've had it. When I bought it, the shop included free classes to learn how to use it properly. I highly recommend Elna and I suggest purchasing through a sewing machine store who will show you how it's done if you've never used one. Hope that helps.
I have an elna 704 DEX that I bought from ebay and so far its been great. I have never used a serger before and I think Elna does a great job with their manuals. The first time I threaded it, it was a pain but it doesn't take any time now. The most annoying for me is switching from coverhem to serger stitch.