Singer Elite SE017 Serger Machine Review: Features, Pros & Cons, and Expert Maintenance Tips

In this Singer Elite SE017 review, we explore a reliable serger machine that can simplify your sewing tasks, ensuring professional-quality results. Singer SE017 is packed with innovative features designed to elevate your sewing experience. Its 2, 3, and 4 thread capability and 6 different stitch types at your fingertips give you the possibility to have the perfect stitch for any sewing project that you have in mind. The lower looper LED light shines directly on your work, making threading effortless. A maximum speed of 1300 stitches per minute gives you confidence when working with even large projects. In addition convenient free arm lets you tackle tricky cuffs and hems. Weighing in at a sturdy yet manageable 16.5 lbs, this machine is ready to become your reliable sewing partner. Let’s dive into this detailed Singer Elite SE017 review.

Unique Features of the Singer Elite SE017 Review:

Easy View Threading™ LED

Bright LED lights illuminate the thread paths, helping you clearly see each step and making threading the loopers much easier.

Multiple Stitching Options (2, 3, or 4 Threads)

2, 3, or 4-thread stitches allow you to create a variety of finishes, providing you extra versatility. Each one is used for particular task, let it be strong, secure seams or delicate edges suitable for decorative stitching or lightweight fabrics.

Enhanced Motor Power

This serger includes a robust motor that’s significantly stronger (by about 20%) compared to standard sergers. That lets you handle thick materials like denim, canvas, or multiple fabric layers without any effort.

Differential Feed System

Adjustable differential feed lets you achieve perfectly flat and smooth seams even on stretchy or lightweight fabrics, preventing puckering or stretching.

Convenient Free Arm

Removing the accessory storage converts the sewing area into a free arm for sewing cylindrical items such as cuffs, sleeves, and pants.

Adjustable Cutting Width and Movable Upper Knife

You can quickly adjust the width of the fabric edge you’re cutting, and the upper knife can be conveniently detached for specific sewing techniques that don’t require fabric trimming.

Built-in Waste Tray

A practical scrap catcher comes included to collect fabric scraps and threads as you work, keeping your workspace clean and tidy.

Color-Coded Thread Paths

Clearly labeled and color-coded threading paths make threading and setup each.

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment

Depending on fabric type, you may need different pressure of the presser foot, therefore ability to adjust it quickly makes the process much simpler, ensuring even stitch quality for delicate silks as well as heavy fabrics.

Sturdy, Durable Design

This machine combines a solid metal frame with well-designed components to withstand heavy and continuous use, providing stability during all your sewing tasks.

EASY VIEW THREADING™

Innovative Easy View Threading™ system uses LED illumination to brighten the threading paths, significantly reducing eye strain and threading time. Both threading paths and tension dials are color-coded, ensuring easy setup.

POWERFUL AND DELICATE WITH FABRICS

Singer SE017 provides powerful motor, that’s 20% stronger than standard models, offering up to 1,300 stitches per minute. Therefore it’s able to pierce through thick layers of denim, canvas, or upholstery fabric with no effort.

Despite its power, this serger is gentle enough, to create perfect stitches on delicate fabrics like silk and lightweight knits. That’s because of its 2, 3, and 4 thread capability and adjustable presser foot pressure that allow you to fine-tune it depending on material, you’re working with.

DIAL YOUR PREFERENCES

Intuitive dial wheels make adjusting settings simple. It allows you customize stitch length, differential feed, and presser foot pressure to suit various fabric types and sewing techniques.

That way Singer SE017 lets you dial in narrow hems, chic 3-thread blanket borders, and perfectly stretched seams on even the trickiest fabrics.

Included free arm helps with fiddly cuffs and sleeves, while movable upper knife lets you explore more specialized techniques. Additionally handy scrap bag helps you keep your workspace tidy from stray threads. Useful accessories included let you be ready to tackle just about any sewing task right out of the box.

EXPLORE DIFFERENT SEWING TECHNIQUES

The Singer SE017 lets you experiment with techniques like customized blind hems, high-quality rolled hems, durable flatlocking, beautifully finished raw edges, with just a flick of a level – and no event plate changing needed. This 2, 3, and 4 thread stitching capability serger machine can become like a whole toolbox of finishing techniques, all in one.

Sewing Techniques and Recommended Settings

Overlock Stitching

Ideal for creating strong and professional-looking edges, preventing fraying on all fabric types. Set thread count to 4 threads, adjust the differential feed to neutral, and stitch length to medium.

Rolled Hemming

Useful for lightweight and delicate materials to achieve neat, narrow hems. Switch to 3 threads, lower stitch length, and use a higher tension.

Flatlocking

Create decorative flat seams and edges. Choose 2 or 3 threads, adjust tensions evenly, and set differential feed slightly negative.

Blind Hems

Sew invisible hems on pants, skirts, and curtains and get professional finish without visible stitching from the outside. Use 3 threads with moderate tension, slightly longer stitch length, and differential feed set to neutral.

Gathering

Create ruffles and gathers for skirts, sleeves, or decorative accents. Set to 4 threads, longer stitch length, and adjust differential feed positively to create gathers.

Free Arm Sewing

Simplifies sewing of circular or small openings, useful for sewing cuffs, sleeves, pant hems, and other tubular projects. Remove accessory compartment to use free arm mode.

Decorative Edges

Customize decorative edge finishes on blankets, throws, garments and experiment with different thread colors, stitch patterns for unique style. Opt for 3 or 4 threads, standard stitch length, and neutral differential feed for decorative finishes.

Two-Thread Overlocking

Perfect for lighter weight fabrics and delicate materials. Use the provided converter, moderate tension settings, and neutral differential feed.

Singer Elite SE017 Included Accessories Review:

• 2-thread Overlock Converter: Enables sewing with two threads, useful for lightweight and delicate fabric projects that require fewer threads.
• Needle Pack (#14/90): Includes extra needles in size #14/90, suitable for various fabric weights from medium to heavy, ensuring you’re always prepared for possible accidents like needle breaks or when it simply becomes dull.
• Screwdriver: Helps easily remove or secure needles and presser feet, and makes adjustments or maintenance tasks, such as changing the stationary cutter blade, more convenient.
• Tweezers: Essential for threading loopers and needles with precision, especially useful in tight areas within the machine.
• Lint Brush: Useful for regularly cleaning dust, lint, and fabric particles from hard-to-reach areas around the cutters, feed dogs, and loopers.
• Spare Lower Knife: Offers a quick replacement when the existing blade becomes dull, ensuring clean, accurate fabric cutting.
• Waste Tray: Collects trimmed fabric and thread scraps neatly, keeping your workspace clean and organized.

Maintenance Tips for Your Singer Elite SE017 Serger Machine

1. Regular Cleaning

   • Always disconnect the machine from power before cleaning.
   • Use the lint brush provided to remove lint, dust, and fabric scraps from the knife area, looper, feed dogs, and needle plate regularly.
   • Ensure the area under the needle plate remains lint-free to maintain smooth operation.

1. Lubrication

1. • Periodically apply sewing machine oil (only use oil specifically formulated for sewing machines).
   • Refer to your manual to identify exact oiling points to ensure the machine runs smoothly without excessive noise.

1. Changing Needles

1. • Regularly inspect needles for signs of damage or dullness.
   • Replace needles frequently, especially when working with thicker materials to prevent skipping stitches or fabric damage.

1. Blade Maintenance

1. • Keep the upper and lower blades sharp and clean.
   • Replace blades when they become dull or damaged, ensuring precise fabric cutting and clean edges.

1. Tension Disks

1. • Regularly clean between tension disks to remove lint and thread build-up, ensuring even and consistent thread tension.

1. Machine Cover

1. • Always use the dust cover when your machine is not in use to protect it from dust, dirt, and potential damage.

Pros and Cons of the Singer Elite SE017 Serger Machine

ProsCons

Easy View Threading™ system	Slight learning curve for beginners
Powerful motor for thick fabrics	Not ideal for highly intricate embroidery
Color-coded threading system	Some may prefer computerized controls
Versatile stitching options	Relatively heavy for portability
Durable and sturdy construction

Singer Elite SE017 SIMILAR MODELS COMPARISON TABLE:

Singer Elite SE017 Video Review:

How Singer Elite SE017 Customers review it:

• “Love the price and the shipping” – February 9, 2024 by Linda M. (United States)
• “This is my experience ordering so will advise when shpmt” – February 9, 2024 by Louise E. (United States)
• “If I can use this shopping site at 74 with ease then anyone can. I highly recommend shopping with SewingMachinesPlus” – February 8, 2024 by KATHY H. (CA, United States)
• “Love the machine. Just finished a crib quilt No, it won’t work with Gracie but doesn’t need to! I can free motion quilt with this nice wide throat. Thanks for the fast delivery.” – February 8, 2024 by Dorothy R. (Arizona, United States)
• “Great experience” – February 8, 2024 by Lisa M. (South Carolina , United States)
• “Love this machine!” – February 8, 2024 by Dora B. (MO, United States)
• “Wonderful resource.” – February 8, 2024 by Effie C. (Ontario, Canada)
• The safety switch was stuck in the lock position. I had to return the serger. The serger was received 5 days ago but I have not received my refund. I will not recommend.
• easy to use, good product

Read more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

Is the Singer SE017 suitable for beginners?

Yes, Singer SE017’s Easy View Threading™ and color-coded guides make the learning process simple, even for beginners.

Can it handle heavy-duty sewing?

Its powerful motor and durable construction make it suitable for heavy-duty fabrics and large sewing projects.

How do you maintain the Singer SE017 Serger?

Regular cleaning and occasional oiling, as recommended in the Singer SE017 Serger manual, will keep your serger in top shape.

Does it support free-arm sewing?

Yes, the machine includes a removable flatbed extension to provide easy access for sleeves, cuffs, and other circular sewing projects.

What fabrics can it handle?

This serger efficiently sews through a wide variety of fabrics, from delicate silks and chiffons to heavy denim and canvas.