A detailed comparison between two entry level sergers from Singer and Brother, the Singer 14SH654 and Brother 1034D . Both come with a similar price tag.
Brother 1034D has been the benchmark as far as entry level sergers are concerned. 14SH654 is Singer’s answer for the Brother machine. Both Singer 14SH654 and Brother 1034D come with a very similar price tag. So it will be worth comparing these two sergers and see whether this Singer machine could overpower the Brother stalwart. What I want to know is, which serger offers more in terms of quality and performance. Both sergers have been in the market for some time now. So it is easy to figure out the pros and cons of each machine quite well.
Singer 14SH654 Vs Brother 1034D – Features Comparison
Both Singer 14SH654 and Brother 1034D are 3/4 thread sergers. And both machines are designed specially for beginner sergers.
Stitch Options : The stitch options on Singer 14SH654 are 3 thread overlock, 3 thread wrapped edge overlock, 4 thread mock safety stitch, flatlock, blind hem, rolled hem. Stitch options on Brother 1034D include 4 thread overlock, 3 thread overlock, narrow hem, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches.
If you compare the features, both machines are neck on neck.
| Serger Features | Singer 14SH654 | Brother 1034D |
| Thread Capability | 3/4 thread | 3/4 thread |
| Differential Feed | Yes | Yes |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Rolled Hem | Yes | Yes |
| Color-coded Threading & Lay In Tension | Yes | Yes |
| Motor Speed | 1300 stitches/min | 1300 stitches/min |
| Retractable Knife | Yes | Yes |
| LED Work Light | Yes | Yes |
| Machine Weight | 13.5 lbs | 13.45 lbs |
| Warranty | 25 Year Limited | 25 Year Limited |
Singer 14SH654 Vs Brother 1034D – Performance Comparison
Both sergers use equally powerful motor capable of delivering 1300 stitches/min. But Brother 1034D is way ahead of the Singer serger in terms of ease of use. In fact, 1034D is one of the most user-friendly sergers you will ever find. Threading on Singer 14SH654 is not butter smooth. It requires practice. Tension also needs to be adjusted often. The machine is not that very stable at high speeds. On the other hand, the Brother machine is easy to thread and use. The stitch quality of the Singer machine is similar to that of Brother machine. However, I think 1034D still has the best stitch quality in the segment.
Verdict
Brother 1034D keeps its benchmark status. The Brother machine is at least a level above the Singer 14SH654 in terms of usability, quality and performance.