Customer Reviews

Simplicity SL390 Frontier Serger

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a person who has sewn for a long long LONG time, I always wondered why a serger would be so important. Didn't think I needed one till I helped with a local little theater group and the costume designer showed me hers (an extremely expensive one made by another manufacturer). I was impressed though by the finished look it gave to the items we sewed. After thinking about it, I realized maybe having one wasn't such a bad idea. I couldn't see spending MEGA bucks if I could find one that did exactly the same thing. After checking out pretty much every serger out there around $200.00, I settled on this one. Why? Because it had everything the others had, plus a better warranty and extras the others didn't - like the ability to sew with 2-3-4 threads (most only offer 3-4 threads). The price was right too. After I got it, it took me about 20-30 minutes to learn to thread it (I did not rush thru this process because threading a serger is NOT like threading a sewing machine). I used the manual that came with it and haven't even viewed the video (though I'm sure if it's as thorough as the manual it is good). I'm very happy with this machine. It's easy to use, and (considering the threading pattern, etc) fairly easy to learn to thread. I did buy a serger threader which should help if I ever have to re-thread the loopers (the only really hard one is the lower one). I've already had to change out the needles (warning, if you need to change the right needle, it is easier if you remove the left one, too - and if you're going to do that, you may as well put in two brand new needles). I would recommend this serger. Oh, and btw, I checked out some really expensive sergers ($400+) and their thread patterns were identical to the Simplicity. Proving you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a good serger. One other suggestion I'd like to make, make sure you buy (I made my own) a bag to catch the cuttings and threads that fall out of the machine. They can make a real mess under foot otherwise. Also, keep a can of pressurized air for cleaning out the dust/fabric bits that accumulate inside the machine. This will keep it running in tiptop shape. Don't overdo the air (short bursts, stop when the can heats up) - that'll keep moisture from getting inside the machine.

As someone who sews, I'd considered a serger to help quicken the pace. After some product research, this seemed one of the better machines for the price. I'd looked at more expensive sergers but truly needed something decent at a low price. I have a friend that does professional sewing try it out and she seemed to like it as well. She said that the included additional blade was worthwhile, as they alone can be as high as $60 to $100 for some machines.
Aside from not having coverstitch, I am quite satisfied with the Singer Frontier SL390. You get quite a few accessories, and the additional presser feet are a definite bonus. It has definitely sped up my sewing on some of my projects. As for coverstitch, well that's what having your regular sewing machine nearby is for. And if you want the double stitch look, you can insert a dual needle into your sewing machine.

Update: Although unavailable here for the meantime, it is still being manufactured and available on other sites and at a value slightly higher than what I had originally paid.

Not only is this machine great, it is easy to thread and use but above all I learned that Simplicity has wonderful customer support for any questions or problems that you may encounter, (which I could not get thru Brother,viking or Janome when I bought their machines)They answered my emails the next day and once within 24 hours and I was up and running with my serger from a total beginner to a confident serging maniac!You do not have to spend $1000's for a machine as sales people would have you beleive this does all that a most expensive machine does for a fifth of the price and I am happy I got it and saved myself a bundle.

This was my first serger and I was very excited to finally own one. I have used several brands which were much better, including a BabyLock and a Kenmore. I had a choice between the Simplicity SL390 and a Kenmore and chose this one. I liked the reviews on the Simplicity. Although, I can usually get the job done, I have been disappointed. I have had big problems with the right needle staying threaded although the thread does not actually break. It pulls out as I'm stitching without breaking. At this point, I have had to completely remove the right needle to make the serger work. Also, if you want to change threads or run out of one, you cannot "tie-on" the thread. All four threads have to be completely re-threaded every time or it won't work. I would not buy this machine if I had it to do over again. I would have spent the extra money and been done with it and saved myself the aggravation and frustration. My machine is only 5 months old and I'm already thinking about buying a different one.

I bought my machine Sept 2006 because of the reviews here, the good price, and the name brand. Had never even seen a serger working before, but I love to sew. Thought it would make finishing edge easier.

Even with the video and the manual could not get the thing to work. Finally after fiddling and help from a friend I got it working --April of 2007! 7 months after I bought it!

Even with it properly threaded, I cannot serge more than one seam with out it breaking and having to re-thread the entire thing. I often opt to zigzag with my sewing machine instead of bothering with the serger.

The manual says it has 24-7 technical support. Not exactly true... call 7 days week, leave message and they will call you back within 24 hours! When I needed support, all they did was send me to a website that they thought I could find the information on. Didn't actually work through the problem with me.

Last June (less than a year after I bought it), the petal gave out, just stopped working. The closest service place for simplicity was 4 HOURS AWAY!!! And my local sewing store couldn't even order the parts for my machine. They ended up jerry rigging a pedal for me.

Since I bought it,I have been into my local sewing store at least 12 times trying to get help with this machine... but they don't know anything about it. So I am trading this one in for one in their store. I will get free classes with the machine, free customer support, and will only pay slightly more than I did for this one. Any questions and they are just phone call away. I probably won't buy a machine on line again. Certainly not a simplicity.

I love it when it works, the problem is... most of the time it doesn't.

Being new to serging I wasn't sure what to purchase. This machine has all the features listed in any book I've seen-a very pleasant surprise. It has seam guides, stich width adjustments, narrow and wide serging plates. The diagrams to thread the machine are logical, and large enough to really see. The manual that comes with it is accurate, explicit and written in plain English. (I can only assume the Spanish portion is the same.) It came with a video but I didn't need to look at it. It also came pre-threaded! I think I got really lucky purchasing this machine for my first serger. I should have known Simplicity would know how to build a good machine.

I love this Serger. This was a great buy and I would recommend it to anyone.

I received this serger 3 years ago for Mothers Day. I finally had the courage to sit down and figure this machine out. OMG I can't believe I wasted all of that time! The Simplicity Frontier is going to be a work horse in my sewing room from this point on! Easy to thread and use. I took a class at JoAnn Fabrics right along with the mega bucks serger folks and this little guy had all of the stitches and produced just as beautiful stiches!! I love this machine and so will you!

very happy with this serger. i don' sew a lot, but when i do, this certainly makes sewing more fun!

The price was right, and I have owned mine for 1 1/2years. . . no complaints. It is easy to thread, oil and maintain. I sew for income and this machine is not letting me down. Good workhorse for the price, would recommend.