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Juki MO 644D Review (2023 update)
Note from the Editor: This post was originally written in 2014, revised and updated in 2023 with a list of alternative bestselling sergers that you might want to look at, such as the Brother 1034D and the Janome CoverPro 900CPX.
While visiting the Gold Coast Sewing and Vacuum Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the Juki MO 644D serger. A little while ago, I reviewed its companion machine, the Juki MO 654DE.
Juki MO 644D – Overview
Juki MO644D is a 2/3/4 thread serger with auto-rolled hem and a color coded threading breakaway looper adjustment for stitch length and differential feed. It does not sew very heavy fabrics but can work with lightweight and medium weighing fabrics really well. Stitching speed rides up to a good 1500SPM and working with this is rather easy. This device is really quiet while working on fabrics is very smooth. It is a really good device for beginners and people who dont do heavy sewing.
- Quiet, Smooth and Realiable
- Threading can be difficult for beginner
At A Glance
When you first look at them, there is little discernable difference between the Juki MO 644D and the MO 654DE. However, upon closer examination, you discover that the placement of two very important controls are completely different. The differential feed dial on the MO 644D is located on the left hand side and inside the door is the stitch length control. On the MO 654DE, both these controls are located outside the machine on the right hand side. The presser foot pressure adjustment dial is situated on top of the Juki MO 644D above the needle housing. There is also a seam guide etched on the looper door and the four color coded tension dials make threading the MO 644D as easy as possible and each dial as a diagram showing exactly what a perfectly executed stitch should look like. With this feature, people who are new to serging are able to instantly see whether the tension settings are correct or if they should be adjusted. Inside the looper door is a decal that shows each step of the threading process in clear detail. There is, however, no space inside the looper door to store essential accessories to make threading easier. With this in mind, it is necessary to keep the accessory storage bag, containing your needle threader, looper threader and tweezers close a hand at all times.
Features
- Sew with three or four threads
- Differential feed
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Snap on presser foot
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Janome a reliable sewing machine brand?
Ans. Many seasoned crafters and seamstresses use Janome sewing machines because of their reputation for dependability and quality. Janome is a fantastic choice if you’re searching for a high-quality sewing machine.
Q. Which is the best Janome machine for thick textiles?
Ans. The Janome 4120QDC is an excellent sewing machine for the typical home quilter and seamstress. It can frequently handle tougher textiles and yet endure for years because of its durable, heavy-duty aluminum construction and robust, snap-on cover.
Working on the Juki MO 644D
Following the color coded threading guide inside the looper door and on front of the machine make threading the Juki MO 644D as easy as it could possibly be. Once it is threaded, setting the stitch length and differential feed controls might be a little tricky for those who are familiar with using sergers with these controls on the right hand side. On the Juki MO 644D, both these controls are located on the left side instead. To adjust the stitch length, it is actually necessary to open the door on the left. Adjusting the presser foot pressure is as easy as turning the knob on top of the Juki MO 644D. For this review, multiple layers of denim were used to demonstrate how easily this serger works with multiple layers of fabric.
Regardless of the thickness, the Juki MO 644D sliced through the fabric as easily as a hot knife through butter as the old saying goes. The stitches are consistently even, well-formed and sturdy.
It didn’t matter whether I sewed through one layer of fabric or four, the Juki MO 644D was quiet and solid. There was no vibration whatsoever. The Juki MO 644D went through four layers of heavy denim so easily, I have no doubt it could handle twice the thickness or more just as smoothly.
Juki MO 644D: Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
Juki MO 644D: Accessories
- 2/3 thread converter
- 4 Thread Nets
- 4 Spool caps
- Tweezers
- Lint brush
- Needle threader
- Extra needles
- 2 Screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
- Oil dispenser
- Accessory storage bag
- Dust cover
- Looper threader
- Owner’s manual
Maintenance
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Alternatives to the Juki MO 644D
The Brother 1034D and the Janome CoverPro 900CPX are great alternatives to the Juki 644D and listed below
The Brother 1034D Serger stands out as a high-performance companion for beginner sewing enthusiasts. With a robust metal frame, it effortlessly handles multiple layers of denim and other heavy materials. Offering a 3/4 lay-in thread system and versatile stitch options, including overlock, narrow hem, and more, this serger provides professional finishes. Operating at 1,300 stitches per minute, it ensures efficiency without compromising precision. The F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system simplifies thread changes, while the color-coded guides make threading a breeze. Equipped with three snap-on feet, including standard, gathering, and blind stitch, the 1034D offers versatility and ease of use.
- Easy to thread
- Fast and efficient
- Sturdy and well-made
- Can perform seam repairs, alterations, and hems
- The machine may suddenly break down after using it for a short time
A coverstitch sewing machine with several features that are ideal for at-home sewers is the Janome CoverPro 900CPX. The unusually broad flat bed and free arm capabilities give the machine plenty of room to accommodate projects of any size. One feature of this machine is its unique seam tightening system (STS). In order to provide the user with stronger, tighter, and more flat stitches, the STS works to minimize the amount of slack that is often present in looper threads.
The 900CPX includes a chart for easy reference printed on the front panel of the machine, which is one of its good features and makes choosing your preferred stitch easier. You can discover all of the machine's settings and options right here. There is no need to read the instruction manual because they are clearly labeled.
The Janome 900CPX is unique in that it combines strength with utility. This device is the outcome of creative design that was inspired by a home sewing machine and an industrial-strength cover hem. Despite having the appearance of a typical sewing machine, it performs like a powerful workhorse for cover hems and can help you to an impressive stitch speed.
- Excellent quality for speciality stitches
- Quiet
- Can be used on woven fabrics
- Ideal for stretch fabrics such as knits
- Has only two kinds of stitches
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Juki MO 644D is an excellent serger for the home sewer who has never used a serger before as well as the person who has been sewing and serging for many years. The solid construction and superior stitch quality – especially when working with multiple thicknesses of fabric – are excellent features that enhance the sewing experience for any home sewer.
I love the way the Juki MO 644D feels while working on it. It is easy to thread and fun to use. This machine is by far one of the most solidly built sergers for home use I have reviewed.
It doesn’t have a free arm, but any experienced home sewer can work around that without any problem at all, and an inexperienced user will be able to make the adjustment in no time at all. The one feature that kind of bothers me, however, is the placement of the stitch length adjustment control. I am one of those people who likes to take the fewest steps possible to get a job done in the sewing room. This means I like having everything as easily accessible as possible. The fact that it is necessary to open the side door of the Juki MO 644D in order to change the length of the stitches is for me a letdown.
In my opinion, this is an inconvenient feature, but one that users can become accustomed to. The problem comes in if you have a serger table like mine with a raised a shelf that rests against the left side of the serger. All in all, however, I like the Juki MO 644D very much. Let’s face it. Being able to open that door on the left is a definite advantage when it comes to cleaning the loopers.
Besides, when you consider the advantages of having a well-built serger that can handle everything from the finest of silks and delicate fabrics to the thickest, toughest of fabrics, taking a few extra seconds to adjust the stitch length and the lack of a free are very small inconveniences to say the least.
The Juki MO 644D is portable, lightweight and best of all, it has all of the great workmanship and reliability that Juki industrial sewing machines have been known for through the years.
With an MSRP of less than $500, the MO 644D is affordable and its compact size makes it easy to store if space is a concern.
The Juki MO 644D is an excellent choice for anyone over the age of 12 who already knows the basics of sewing machine operation and is ready to step up to using a serger. I do not recommend that children younger than 12 use this or any serger because of the possibility of little fingers finding their way in the path of the upper knife.
The features and durability of this machine are not only good for the beginner. They are also features that experienced home sewers would appreciate. This is one of those machines that doesn’t cost a fortune, but is capable of providing many, many years of reliable service. If you are in the market for a new serger and budget is a concern, I strongly urge you to take a long hard look at the Juki MO 644D. This is quite probably the most dependable serger in its price range.
While you may be able to find a serger that costs less, you will not find a low cost serger that will give you better service. See it for yourself. Visit your local Juki dealer and ask for a demonstration.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Juki MO 644D Review
Summary
The Juki MO 644D is possibly the most dependable, reliable serger in its price range. It is affordable and easy to use. Its features include a differential feed and adjustable stitch length and width controls as well as adjustable presser foot adjustment. While these features are available on every new serger, they stand out on the MO 644D because of its excellent stitch quality. There is no free arm, but that is a very minor inconvenience when you take into account the quality of the stitches and the great way it sews through all types and thicknesses of fabric.
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If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Up to now I did not even know there is a stitch length adjustment. So now my Juki turned from a great one into a fabulous one!
Can I use my Juki 644D/644 to sew a vinyl tote bag?
Thanks for such a thorough review! You really helped me with my buying decision. May I ask why this machine would not be suitable for canvas or twill if it can handle 4 layers of denim? I was hoping to use it on lightweight canvas. Thanks much!
Hi having an issue with the third looper it will not stay threaded I have treaded the machine several per directions but the third looper thread either breaks or comes undone somehow. Any suggestions would be appreciated