Serger & Knitting Machine Buying Checklist

A serger trims, sews and overcasts a seam in one pass, which is why store-bought knits look finished inside. A knitting machine produces stockinette fabric many times faster than hand knitting, within the yarn weights its needle spacing allows. Neither replaces a regular sewing machine or hand knitting; each takes over one job. Check the features below against the projects you make.

Serger buying checklist

Feature	What to know	Model A	Model B
Model name
Thread configurations	4-thread overlock is the standard seam; 3-thread for lighter seams and edges; 2-thread on some models
5-thread or safety stitch	Adds a chain stitch beside the overlock for woven seams
Coverstitch	Hem finish for knits; on combo machines, switching takes time
Differential feed	Essential for knits and gathering; check the ratio range
Threading system	Air or jet threading saves a great deal of time
Rolled hem	Built-in lever vs changing the plate
Knife disengage	Lets you serge without cutting
Stitch width and length ranges
Free arm	Sleeves and cuffs
Feet included
Dealer lessons	Threading and tension are easier to learn in person

Knitting machine chooser

Needle spacing, the gauge of the machine, sets which yarns it can knit.

Machine gauge	Needle spacing	Yarn it suits	Suits projects
Fine gauge	About 3.6 mm	Lace and thin fingering	Fine garments
Standard gauge	About 4.5 mm	Fingering to sport	Sweaters, socks, fine fabric
Mid gauge	About 6.5 to 7 mm	Sport to worsted	Everyday garments
Bulky or chunky gauge	About 8 to 9 mm	Worsted to bulky	Blankets, outerwear
Circular hobby machine	Small fixed needle count	Usually worsted	Tubes: hats, scarves, simple toys

Many classic flatbed machines are no longer manufactured and are bought used. Check parts availability, and ask whether the sponge bar has been replaced, since it deteriorates with age on many older machines.

Knitting machine feature checklist

Gauge matches the yarn you use most
Patterning: none, punchcard or electronic
Ribber available or included, for ribbing and double-bed fabrics
Lace and intarsia carriages available if wanted
Manual and replacement parts available
Table or stand to clamp it to, and the room to work at it
Used: all needles straight and latches moving freely
Local group, dealer or online community for learning

Sergers and knitting machines

Air threading is the feature serger owners most often say they wish they had paid for. For knitting machines, match the gauge to your yarn before anything else.

Janome AirThread 2000D Serger: One-push air threading of the loopers, 2, 3 or 4 thread stitches and an 8-piece feed dog: air threading is the checklist line owners regret skipping.
Juki MO-735 5-Thread Serger and Cover Hem Machine: Up to 5 threads with cover hem in one machine, the answer to the combo question on this checklist if bench space is short.
Janome CoverPro 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine: One, two or three needle chain, cover and triple cover stitch over a 4 x 5.5 in bed at up to 1,000 SPM, the dedicated hem machine.
addi Express Kingsize Knitting Machine, 46 needles: 46 needles giving 13.8 in circular and 17.7 in flat, so match the gauge to the yarn weight on this checklist before ordering.

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