Brother 1034D Serger Review: The Best Beginner Serger on the Market?

I've owned the Brother 1034D for over a year, and it has been a reliable little workhorse in my sewing room. I've used it for projects for my kids and myself, and I reach for it constantly. If you're considering buying a serger and wondering if the 1034D is worth it, here's my honest take.

Short answer: yes. It's a good buy.

About the Brother 1034D

The 1034D is Brother's most affordable serger model, and as of my experience, one of the most affordable sergers on the market period. It beats most competitors by $50 or more, which matters when you're investing in a new machine.

Product Features

• 3-thread and 4-thread serging options

• 22 built-in stitches, including regular overlock, ruffles, gathers, narrow serge, and ribbon lock

• Color-coded thread guides for easier threading

• Speeds up to 1,300 stitches per minute

• Differential fabric feed control

• Durable metal frame

• Built-in carrying handle

• Removable trim trap

• 3 snap-on feet

• Instructional video and manual included

• 25-year limited warranty

Pros

Affordable price. The 1034D is the most budget-friendly serger available, and it doesn't feel cheap. You're getting a metal frame and solid build quality at an entry-level price.

Surprisingly easy to thread. Threading is the number one reason people are intimidated by sergers, and I won't pretend it's effortless. You do have to thread two upper needles and two bottom loopers in the correct order. But the color-coded thread guides make a real difference, and once you learn the sequence, it becomes second nature. There are also plenty of good YouTube tutorials to help you get comfortable.

Bottom looper sliding guide. This is one of my favorite features. To thread the bottom looper, you pull out a slide guide that helps you snag the thread. Older serger models require a lot more fiddling, so this is a genuinely useful improvement.

Instructional video included. There's a learning curve to using a serger, but the included video is a helpful starting point. If you want more guided instruction, Amy Alan's Beginner Serging class on Craftsy is excellent for getting comfortable with the machine.

Cons

Thread tangles when storing. The carrying handle is positioned between the threads, so when you lower the thread bar to move or store the machine, the threads can easily get tangled. It's a minor annoyance but worth knowing about.

Both needles fall out when changing one. When you loosen the needle screw to swap a needle, both needles drop out at once. I wish each needle had its own separate screw. It's a small design flaw that adds a little frustration.

It's loud. I'm sure all sergers are noisy, but everyone in my house definitely knows when I'm using the 1034D. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of if you sew while others are sleeping or working nearby.

Is It Worth Buying?

Yes. The Brother 1034D is an excellent entry-level serger that is easy to thread, easy to use, and priced below almost everything comparable on the market. You could spend twice as much on an air-threading serger, and honestly, I don't think it's necessary when you're starting out.

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The one machine I'd eventually suggest adding alongside a serger is a coverstitch machine, which handles stretchy hems in a way a serger can't. But the 1034D alone will handle the majority of your garment finishing needs.

I don't plan on replacing mine anytime soon.

Have you tried the Brother 1034D? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments!