JUKI MO-623 Garnet Series Serger 2/3 Thread Overlock With Rolled Hem

About the JUKI MO-623

This simple-to-operate machine is a great starter for home and professional sewers alike. With color-coded thread guides, just match up the threads from the stand into the machine.

The upper/lower knife system has a dedicated drive with an easy dial adjustment to ensure clean, consistent cutting every time.

In addition to fast seaming, the built-in rolled hem function makes completing projects faster and easier. There’s no need to change a foot or any of the settings.

Although we carry larger Juki serger machines like the industrial model MO-6843S that can handle six threads at once, the MO-623 is smaller, easier to operate, and only uses three threads. At a cost that’s hundreds less than the six-thread industrial model, Juki’s MO-623 is a more compact and affordable model for both home and shop sewers.

What is a Serger?

A serger is a specialized type of machine that sews fabric together with a unique overlocking stitch, sewing and finishing the seam in one take. It’s particularly useful for stitching knit fabrics.

While many home sewing machines have “stretch stitches,” they may not be as strong as an overlocking stitch. This finishing stitch, when added to a seam, also overlocks the seam, preventing it from fraying. The serger’s stitches move and stretch in the right places to ensure there are no gaps as the fabric moves.

Industrial sewing machines tend to be “one-trick ponies,” meaning, they have only one function, such as creating stitches, buttonholes, bar-tacking, zippers, or other single functionalities.

Sergers make the job of seaming, seam trimming, and rolled hems much faster and easier than using a standard home or industrial machine. Its quick motion gets through even the longest seams quickly.

Juki’s MO series is a great starter machine for both home and hobby sewers as well as professionals. With a top sewing speed of 1,500 spm, you can up your seam speed considerably.

Threading the Serger

While it looks intimidating, threading the Juki MO-623 isn’t difficult.

The color-coded thread guides tell you which thread goes where—needle, upper, and lower. From the thread stand, you’ll follow the blue, red, and green dots for the upper, lower, and needle thread. The MO-623 holds three cones, the larger of which holds about 3,000 yards of thread.

If you’ve threaded the machine incorrectly, it’s best to take out all the threads and start over, following the instructions.

What Can I Do with the MO-623 That My Regular Machine Can’t?

Seams are easy and fast—you sew the seam, trim the seam allowance, and overcast the edge all at once and be done with it. Your seam won’t unravel as it might with a standard domestic or industrial sewing machine.

Additionally, you can also overcast a raw edge of fabric before hemming or other stitching work. Adjust the machine for this type of overcast (see the instruction manual), and the knife trims a neat, clean edge. Then finish the hem on your regular sewing machine.

Tips for Using the JUKI MO-623

One thing to remember is that the MO-623 (and any serger) only sews in one direction: forwards. It doesn’t backstitch like a domestic machine and has a limited number of options compared to a home machine. The serger also has no bobbin, since the machine works to intertwine threads from the top.

In an industrial setting, each machine has a single function: coverstitch, lockstitch, buttonhole, zipper, bar-tacking, etc. A home machine has many of these functions built in, or uses a series of cams to produce them.

A serger stitches seams along with an overlock stitch, trims seam allowances, and encases a seam to prevent fraying in one stitching action. There’s no need to use pinking shears or re-stitch seams with a zigzag edge.

The Juki MO-623 comes with long tweezers to allow you to get to thread that goes into or comes out of difficult-to-reach spots. Once you become comfortable with the machine, you’ll use them with ease.

Don’t want to trim seams? You can disengage the heavy-duty knife as needed.

Unlike a regular sewing machine, you’ll also start and end your seams with “chaining,” or leaving a short “chain” on both ends of the fabric. You’ll then secure the “chaining” with some additional stitching or other method to prevent unraveling.

DOWNLOADS:

• Instruction Manual - JUKI MO-623
• Catalog - JUKI MO-623

FAQ

Q: How difficult is this serger to use?
A: Once you master the threading and use of the MO-623, it will become as easy as using your regular sewing machine. We suggest reading the manual and practicing before you use it on a project.

Q: What are the advantages of having a serger?
A: With its overlocking stitching and ability to cut seams as they’re being sewn, it takes care of two or more functions at once. This saves you (or your workers) time and allows them to make or complete garments much faster than with just a regular sewing machine.

Rolled hems are also quick, since it’s a built-in function, and there’s no need to change a presser foot.

It also allows your garments to have a more finished, professional look than using a standard sewing machine, with seams that are even and won’t unravel or pop.

Q: Can a serger completely replace a sewing machine?
A: No, but it can speed up many of your sewing machine tasks. You will still need a standard sewing machine for buttonholes, zipper installation, embellishment, and other functions.