JUKI MO-114d Serger Review: Is This The Overlock Machine For You?

The Juki MO-114D is a recent model serger with a new look and a raft of convenience features. If that’s not enough, it comes at a budget-pleasing price. And it’s the star of the Netflix show Next in Fashion. Is this model all it’s cracked up to be? More importantly, is it the right serger for you? Let’s find out as we work our way through this JUKI MO-114D review. [1]

About Juki and the Juki MO-114D

Juki is a prominent name in industrial equipment manufacture, but the company started as a producer of home sewing machines. Specifically, they were founded with the intention to build domestic overlockers, and they did bring some of the first home overlockers to market.

Some of Juki’s other innovations include:

• The first rotary needle thread uptake system (1954)
• First automatic thread trimmer (1978)
• The first automatic needle threader (1978)
• First auto thread tensioning system (1985)

The MO-100 series was Juki’s first series of home overlock sergers, and the legendary durability and performance carries over to today’s models, as well.

What’s Different About the Juki MO-114D?

The first thing you might notice is how different the MO-114D looks from many of Juki’s other home sergers.

Many sergers have lay-in thread tension with tension adjustment dials. Most Juki models have disc tension with knobs to adjust them.

The Juki MO-114D doesn’t have either of those systems. Instead, it combines lay-in tension with vertical sliders.

This doesn’t affect the function of the tensioning system. However, it definitely gives the machine a distinctive profile. Also, some users may find the sliders easier to use than knobs or dials.

Like many things, it’s a matter of taste.

Other than this, however, the Juki MO-114D is a straightforward 2/3/4 serger with two built-in rolled hems and a compact footprint.

Who is the Juki MO-114 For?

First-time serger users will love the Juki MO-114’s simple, clear interface. The handy chart on the faceplate gives valuable information about threading and stitch construction. There’s also an easy-to-read thread guide map inside the cover.

In addition to color-coded thread guides, this model also opens fully in front to make it easier to access that often-difficult lower looper. If that’s not enough, it comes with a lower looper threader. 

Threading is the bane of many novice serger users, and the Juki MO-114D bends over backward to make it easier.

At the same time, the Juki MO-114D is feature-rich enough to appeal to experienced serger users.

It has nine built-in stitches, which isn’t excessive, but it is respectable. It also has two built-in rolled hems. [2]

Do You Need a Home Serger?

Do you need a home serger?

That’s an important question to ask yourself.

Sergers, or overlockers, are specialized equipment for specific types of sewing. They can be complicated to set up and difficult to keep running smoothly. On top of that, they’re generally more expensive than regular sewing machines.

But for some types of sewing, they’re exactly the right tool. 

If you:

• Sew a lot of garments
• Like to sew decorative edges
• Do a lot of work with knits and stretch fabrics

Then a serger can make your work faster, stronger, and better.

So, how do you choose the best one for your needs?

The Features That Matter Most

There are a lot of sergers on the market, and each comes with a slightly different complement of features. Here are some of the features that we think are important.

Stitch Selection

Most sergers, at the very least, come with three- and four thread overlock stitches built in. Other stitches that you might find include:

• Two-thread flatlock
• Three-thread flatlock (narrow and wide)
• Four-thread flatlock (narrow and wide)
• Two- and three-thread rolled hem
• Mock flatlock
• Safety stitch
• Mock safety stitch
• Blind hem
• Picot edge

Which stitches do you think you’ll use most often? Because different serger models will come with different stitches built in, make sure to choose a model that comes with the ones you need. Not sure? Check out our overlock stitch post, where we explain the many different stitches you can perform with a serger.

Number of Threads

The most common type of home serger is a 2/3/4 serger, that is, one that sews with two, three, and four threads.

Some budget models, however, sew with only three and four threads. And some premium models can sew with as many as eight!

In general, the heavier your fabric, the more threads you will need. For heavier-than average fabric, look for a minimum of four threads. And, if you’re planning on working primarily with light fabrics, make sure any model you consider has two-thread stitching capabilities.

Differential Feed Range

Regular sewing machines have one set of feed dogs, which move the fabric through the machine while you sew. Sergers have two sets. 

For most types of sewing, it’s fine for the two sets of feed dogs to move at the same speed. However, there are some occasions, such as sewing stretchy fabrics or doing special effects like ruffles or lettuce edges, when you’ll want them to move at different speeds.

The differential feed mechanism adjusts the speed of the sets of feed dogs relative to one another. A higher setting increases the stretch of the fabric. A lower setting compresses the fabric while you sew.

Most sergers have a differential feed range of between 0.7 and 2.0. Others, however, may have a larger range, for example 0.5 to 2.25.

Convenience Features

Operating a serger can be complicated and fiddly. For this reason, some manufacturers have developed labor-saving features to make it easier. These may include:

• Self-threading
• Color-coded threading
• An adjustable lower looper
• Automatic tension adjustments
• Built-in needle threader
• Retractable thread cutter
• Retractable cutting blade
• Built-in rolled hem
• Stitch width selector

And more.

Free Arm

Some sergers have a free arm, which makes it a lot easier to work on small, circular projects like cuffs and collars.

Accessories

Compared to the packages of accessories that you find with many regular sewing machines, those that accompany sergers tend to be minimalistic.

However, there are a few accessories that many manufacturers include with their sergers, which can make your sewing easier and more fun. You can, of course, buy these separately, but it’s always nice to see them included with your machine:

Serger tweezers can help you to reach thread guides and loopers, which are often located in difficult-to-reach places.

Cone adapters hold your thread cones securely on the thread stand to enable better stitching.

Thread nets slip over the thread cones when the cones are not in use. They help to keep the thread from coming off of the cone and becoming tangled.

Screwdrivers and hex wrenches can help you to make necessary adjustments (I love this set of two stubby screwdrivers).

If your serger requires special needles, many manufacturers will include some.

Sergers that have two-thread sewing capabilities often need an upper looper converter. This is a small, inexpensive device that disables the upper looper so that you can sew with one needle and the lower looper.

Features and Benefits Review of the Juki MO-114D

In addition to it’s unique look the Juki MO-114D has quite a lot to recommend it. Here are the features that we like the best.

2/3/4 Thread Stitching

The Juki MO-114D is a 2/3/4 serger. This means that you can use it on a wide variety of fabrics, from delicates like chiffon to heavier fabrics like denim.

Decent Stitch Selection

Nine built-in stitches is about par for the course. Some models have more, and others have less, but the Juki MO-114D has many of the stitches serger users choose most often, including:

• Two-thread wrapped overlock
• Three-thread overlock
• Four-thread overlock
• Two-thread rolled hem
• Three-thread rolled hem
• Three-thread flatlock
• Two-thread flatlock

Built-in Rolled Hems

And speaking of rolled hems…

A rolled hem is an elegant way to finish off a seam edge. On some models, you’ll need to move, remove, or replace the stitch finger, and either remove or disable the cutting blade.

Sergers with a built-in rolled hem make all of the adjustments for you, with the flip of a switch. The Juki MO-114D has not just one rolled hem built in, but two.

Regular Sewing Machine Needles

Some sergers use special needles. They’re not expensive or difficult to find. However, it’s a bit easier and more convenient if your machine uses regular sewing machine needles.

First, it’s nice to only have to keep track of one type of needle. Also, it’s very convenient to be able to borrow a needle from your regular sewing machine in a pinch.

The Juki MO-114D uses regular sewing machine needles.

High Speed Sewing

Sergers stitch at a speed that’s almost twice that of a regular sewing machine. On average, you’ll find speeds around 1,300 stitches per minute (though they can go as low as 1,000 or as high as 1,500 stitches per minute.) 

High stitching speed can help you to make fast work of your projects. Especially if you have a lot to do.

The Juki MO-114D sews at an impressive 1,500 stitches per minute.

Simplified Threading

The Juki MO-114D addresses the issue of threading complexity in a couple of different ways.

First, there’s a color-coded system of thread guides.

Next, you can open the front cover all the way, which makes the lower looper a lot easier to get to than on some other models. There’s also a switch that moves the lower looper into position for easy threading.

Finally, Juki also includes a pair of serger tweezers.

Value for Money

There are definitely less expensive overlock sergers on the market. However, you’d be hard pressed to find a less expensive serger with the same combination of features, durability, and Juki’s industrial sensibilities.

Alternatives to the Juki MO-114D

The field of home sergers is a crowded one. There are a lot of models on the market, and a lot of different combinations of available features. 

Here are some other models that we consider worthy competition to the Juki MO-114D

Singer Making the Cut SO230

Like the Juki MO-114D, the Singer Making the Cut SO230 is a video star. That’s right. This model features in the Amazon original series, Making the Cut, which is free to watch for Prime members. (Not a Prime member? Try Amazon Prime 30-day FREE trial)

The Singer Making the Cut SO230 is a budget 2/3/4 serger. It’s a straightforward model with the features that serger users use most, including color-coded threading and a built-in free arm.

This model costs quite a bit less than the Juki MO-114D, but it also lacks some of the MO-114D’s convenience features.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use serger, but have a limited equipment budget, this could be one to check out.

Brother ST4031HD

Brother also makes budget sewing machines and sergers. What’s more, they like to pack their budget machines with features that you don’t often see.

The “ST” in the Brother ST4031HD’s model number stands for “strong and tough.” This model comes with a heavy duty metal frame, which makes it better able to handle heavier-than-average work.

This model also comes with a handy extension table. 

Although it’s a bit slower than the Juki MO-114D, its 1,300 stitches per minute stitching speed is still quite fast.

This model is also a bit less expensive than the Juki MO-114D.

Singer Professional 14T968DC

The Singer Professional 14T968DC is one of our favorite models for its combination of full features and affordability.

This is a 2/3/4/5 serger, which means that it’s capable of getting you through the most delicate jobs, as well as the heaviest ones. It also has four built-in rolled hems coverstitch capabilities.

On top of that, it costs quite a bit less than the Juki MO-114D.

If you’re interested in maximizing features, this could be one for your list.

JUKI MO-114D Review: Final Thoughts

The Juki MO-114D is a solid, easy-to-use 2/3/4 serger with some nifty convenience features. It’s simple enough for a serger novice to hit the ground running, and feature-rich enough for the needs of experienced users.

There are cheaper machines on the market. There are also sergers with more and different features.

However, for a winning combination of features, price, and ease of use, the Juki MO-114D is difficult to beat.

REFERENCES

1. IMDb | Next In Fashion: Episode Guide | https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10394770/
2. Juki Corporation Technical Writers | MO-114D User Instruction Manual |https://www.jukihome.com/media/catalog/product/m/o/mo-114d_instruction_manual.pdf