One of Singer’s hallmarks is value for money. They tend to turn out well-made, feature-rich sewing machines at a fair price. The Singer Stylist 14SH764 is a no-frills 2-3-4 serger. Where does it stand in Singer’s current overlocker lineup? And could it be the right overlock machine for your sewing room? Find out the answers here as we explore this popular choice in our Singer Stylist Serger review.
About Singer and the Singer Stylist 14SH764
LIKES
- Straightforward design
- Adjustable stitch width
- Color-coded threading
- Heavy-duty metal frame
DISLIKES
- Inexplicably high price
- Somewhat stingy accessories pack
Since 1851, Singer has been America’s sewing machine company, pioneering affordable, well-made equipment for home sewists.
Singer released their first home serger, the Quantumlock 4, in 1990, an extremely basic 2-3-4 serger with seven built-in stitches and no differential feed.
With the exception of the now-ubiquitous differential feed mechanism, serger design hasn’t changed considerably since then. Though the number of models and available features on the market have increased exponentially.
Singer’s Serger Lineup
Singer’s current serger lineup includes several straightforward 2-3-4 models — that is, sergers that sew with two, three, and four threads. There are a few budget models, and a really nifty premium machine, as well.
On the budget end of the spectrum, you’ll find the Making the Cut SO2030, a plucky 2-3-4 serger model with an eye-catchingly low price. Other budget models include the ProFinish 14CG754 and the stripped-down X5004HD heavy-duty serger.
On the other end of the spectrum is their premium model, the Singer Professional 14T968DC. We say premium because this is a five-thread serger and coverstitch combo, and those don’t come cheaply. In true Singer fashion, though, this model manages to be both feature rich and quite reasonably priced.
The Singer Stylist 14SH764 is a bit of a head-scratcher. It’s almost identical to the ProFinish 14CG754, but, depending on your retailer, it can be quite a bit more expensive.
Both of these models can sew with two, three, and four threads, for example. They both have a heavy-duty metal frame and a free arm. They have the same number and types of built-in stitches, and also a rolled hem. Actually, the lower-priced ProFinish has four built in rolled hems (as opposed to the Stylist’s one).
So, why can the Stylist cost nearly twice as much as the ProFinish?
We’d like to know, too.
Who is the Singer Stylist 14SH764 For?
This is a straightforward, easy to use 2-3-4 serger.
Its limited number of stitch designs, combined with convenience features like color-coded threading (see image above) and stitch width adjuster knob, would make it an excellent first serger.
At the same time, this is a solid serger that would serve an experienced general purpose user well.
I know we keep mentioning the price. It’s worth noting, however, that while the price can be high relative to other very similar Singer sergers, it’s not out of line for the greater market for this type of machine.
What’s in the box?
Accessories that come with the SINGER Serger 14SH764, include:
- Serger tweezers
- Needle set
- Thread spreader
- Screwdriver
Technical Specifications
What Makes A Great Serger?
A serger doesn’t replace a regular sewing machine. Rather, it complements it. A serger, or overlocker, sews a straight seam while simultaneously casting threads over the fabric edges to seal them. This is a great way to create strong, flexible, professional-looking seams.
The best sergers can make easy work of temperamental knits and stretch fabrics. You can also use your serger to make decorative edges on single layers of fabric.
These specialized tasks require specialized features.
Like what?
We’re glad you asked.
Differential Feed
Feed dogs sit beneath your fabric and move it through the machine, underneath the needles. Regular sewing machines have one set of feed dogs. Sergers have two sets. For many types of sewing, it works best for both sets of feed dogs to move the fabric at the same speed. However, there are other types of sewing when you want them to move at different speeds.
A serger’s differential feed mechanism adjusts the speed of the feed dog sets relative to one another.
A greater difference in speed means that the fabric is stretched during sewing. This can help you to sew knit and stretchy fabrics without bunching. It can also help you to make a pretty lacy edge on your fabric.
A smaller difference in speed compresses the fabric during sewing. This can help you to do certain kinds of special effects, such as ruffles.
Just about every modern serger has a differential feed mechanism, but you may encounter an older model that doesn’t. So always double check.
Stitch Width Adjustment
Like a regular mechanical sewing machine, a serger adjusts stitch length with a knob or dial. However, changing the stitch width on a serger is a different matter. Depending on your machine, there are a few different ways you might adjust your serger’s stitch width:
- Moving, removing, or replacing the stitch finger
- Moving or removing the cutting knife
- Sewing with either the right or left needle
A few serger models have a stitch width adjustment knob similar to what you might see on a regular mechanical sewing machine. This knob makes all of the necessary adjustments for you.
Simplified Threading
Threading a serger is complicated, and it has to be done exactly right. It’s not uncommon, when you’re just starting out, to find yourself spending more time threading and rethreading than actually sewing.
That’s why manufacturers have come up with different ways to make threading easier.
Most sergers color-code the thread guides and have a map of the paths that each thread must take.
Some machines allow you to move the lower looper into a position that’s easier to thread.
The majority of manufacturers will provide serger tweezers as part of the accessory pack. These can help you to reach those hard-to-access thread guides.
A very few premium models are self-threading. These generally use tubes and pressurized air to thread the loopers for you.
Threading can be a real chore, so when you’re shopping for a serger, look for conveniences in this area.
Number of Threads
Most home sergers can sew with two, three, or four threads. Some budget models only use three and four (or, occasionally two and three) threads. There are premium models that can sew with up to eight threads.
How many do you need?
For most home serging tasks, a 3-4 serger, that is, a serger that can sew with three or four threads, is sufficient. However, for decorative edgings and working with ultralight fabrics, you’ll need that two-thread capability. And, if you’re anticipating heavy work with heavyweight fabrics and multiple layers, you’ll want four threads minimum.
Stitch Selection
Your regular sewing machine comes with a selection of stitches built in. So does a serger, and, like a regular sewing machine, different sergers come with different built-in stitches.
Almost every serger will be able to do a three- and four-thread overlock stitch. Other stitches you might want to look for include:
- Flatlock (two, three, and four thread varieties; narrow and wide)
- Mock safety stitch
- Rolled hem (two and three thread varieties; narrow and wide)
- Decorative edging stitches
High Speed Sewing
A serger is a high-speed instrument, which sews between 50 and 100 percent faster than a regular sewing machine. The average speed of a home serger is 1,300 stitches per minute. Some can go as fast as 1,500 stitches per minute, while a few chug along at around 1,000.
Features and Benefits of the Singer Stylist 14SH764
By and large, Singer’s sergers are all very similar. Specific features may vary, but generally, not by much.
Although the Singer Stylist 14SH764 doesn’t stand out from this lineup, it definitely stands on its own when it comes to features and performance.
Adjustable Stitch Width
As we mentioned before, there are a few different ways to adjust the width of your stitches on a serger. The Singer Stylist 14SH764 has a small lever at the front of the machine that moves your stitch finger for you. This is very convenient, as some machines require you to move or remove the stitch finger manually.
Simplified Threading
The Singer Stylist 14SH764 comes with color-coded threading. This means that each thread guide is marked with the color that corresponds to the thread that goes through it. There’s also a full-color thread map and the manufacturer kindly includes a pair of serger tweezers, as well.
Heavy Duty Metal Frame
Although a 2/3/4 serger typically works best on light and medium weight fabric, a heavy duty metal frame can give a machine added stability that can help with some heavier work.
Many of Singer’s sewing machines come with a heavy duty frame, including the Singer Stylist 14SH764.
Free Arm
Sergers are built to sew long, straight rows of stitches, and to sew them fast. A free arm, however, is a feature that helps with sewing small, circular work like cuffs, collars, and trouser legs. Will you use your serger for this type of work? It’s very possible.
Regardless of whether or not you end up making use of your machine’s free arm, it’s always nice to have the choice.
Alternatives to the Singer Stylist 14SH764
There are a lot of entry-level sergers on the market, so it pays to have a wider view of available models. Here are a few others that we consider worthy competitors to the Singer Stylist 14SH764.
Singer ProFinish 14CG754
We mentioned the Singer ProFinish 14CG754 earlier. It’s an almost identical model to the Stylist 14SH764, save for the fact that it has a few more built-in rolled hems. This model has:
- Two, three, and four-thread serging
- A free arm
- A heavy-duty metal frame
- Six built-in stitches
Another difference is that this model is made to be portable, and has a specially-made carry handle.
Functionally, this is a very similar machine to the Stylist 14SH764. Depending on your retailer, it may cost around the same as the Stylist, or significantly less.
Brother ST 4031HD
Brother makes some excellent budget-level and entry-level machinery. While on the upper edge of the budget price range, the Brother ST4031HD has some fun and unique features to recommend it.
This is a 3-4 serger. That is, it sews with three or four threads only. If you’re looking for a machine to do decorative edgings on ultralight fabrics, this might not be the best choice.
On the other hand, if you’re anticipating heavier work, and you’re on a budget, this could be one to consider.
The ST in the model name stands for “strong and tough,” and the HD means “heavy duty.” Brother has designed this machine for heavy work, and kitted it out with features accordingly. You’ll find, for starters, a heavy duty metal frame and an industrial-grade carbon steel cutting blade.
It also comes with a removable extension table, which can help to support larger pieces of work, and it has that ever-so-convenient stitch width adjustment knob.
For heavier work on a budget, this could definitely be one to consider.
Juki MO644D Portable Serger
The Juki MO644D is part of Juki’s Garnet line. The Garnet line of home sergers is designed to provide high-quality home overlocking at an affordable price. And, depending on your retailer, you can find the Juki MO644D for quite a bit less than the Singer Stylist 14SH764.
Some of this model’s features include:
- Two, three, and four-thread stitching
- Built-in rolled hem
- 1,500 stitches per minute stitching speed
- Dedicated cutting knife power drive
- Tough integrated carry handle
This is a lot of machine for a small price, which makes it excellent value for money.
Final Thoughts
The Singer Stylist 14SH764 is a well-made, easy-to-use, straightforward entry-level serger. Its limited functionality is balanced nicely by a few really neat convenience features. It would make an excellent first serger, and a fine addition to any sewing room.
At the same time, this model does appear to be a tad overpriced. While the MSRP is in line with the market for similar machines, one often finds the almost identical Singer ProFinish 14CG754 priced significantly lower.
That being said, prices can vary widely, depending on your retailer, so make sure you do your research and find the model that best fits your needs and budget.
