Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger

Brand: Singer ProFinish 14CG754

The 14T968DC handles 2, 3, 4 and 5 thread work, which means safety stitches and a two needle coverstitch from one body. Self adjusting tension removes most of the guesswork on stitch changes, and speed reaches 1,300 stitches per minute. A metal frame, removable trim trap and a kit with extra feet and needles come as standard. There is a chainstitch too, for seams that must hold without an overlocked edge.

The draw here is range: one machine finishes edges and hems a knit T shirt. That range costs setup time. Moving to 5 thread or coverstitch means shifting needles and re threading, with the manual nearby at first. Anyone who only tidies seam allowances pays for functions they will not touch. It is heavier and dearer than the basic Singer sergers.