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Juki MO-654 DE Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Juki MO-654 DE review was originally writtenn in 2014 and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar alternatives such as SINGER | S0230, Janome 8002D, and JUKI MO644D.
When it comes to sergers for home use, the Juki MO-654 DE is one of the most user friendly machines we have encountered.
It is easy to thread, easy to use and easy to maintain. In addition, the Juki MO-654 DE is fast, and most of all, functional. This is a no frills serger that does precisely what it was designed to do and does it very well.
Juki MO-654 DE Overview
The Juki MO654DE is a 2/3/4 thread serger that has an automatic rolled hem feature and a powerful knife system with a dedicated drive mechanism. It sews both light and heavy fabrics equally well and can work on multiple layers at the same time with ease. A color coded threading system is provided to make multiple threading more convenient. The tension dials on this model are on the face of the machine. A dial in front of the presser foot helps you adjust the width of your seams, and seam allowances are even marked on the case to help with measurements. An optional light is also provided onboard, and sewing speed goes up to 1500 SPM. The model frame is quite durable, and regular routine maintenance can make it last for multiple years.
The first thing you notice when approaching the Juki MO-654 DE is the clearly marked color coded threading guide with clearly defined tension guide graphics on each of its four tension dials.
While many sergers on the market also feature color coded thread guides and thread tension graphics, these features seem to be more prominent on this model.
The MO-654 DE is not only easy to use it is also easy on the eyes. Its lines are clean and sleek, sending a subliminal “try me” message to anyone who loves sewing.
What are some alternatives for Juki MO-654 DE?
We have reviewed several other sergers similar to the Juki MO-654 DE and here are some that we recommend.
The Singer S0230 HD Serger transforms sewing with its time-saving capabilities. Seam and seam finish are effortlessly combined and trimmed simultaneously, streamlining your projects. With the flexibility of using 2, 3, or 4 threads and a Color-Coded Threading System, this serger caters to various stitch combinations. The Differential Feed ensures smooth sewing on stretchy fabrics without distortion, while the Built-in Free Arm facilitates precise work on small sleeves and cuffs. Operating at 1,300 stitches per minute, this serger ensures professional results, making it an ideal choice for garments, children's clothing, and more.
The Janome 8002D serger is an easy-to-use serger device with the ability to perform really fast. With its high-speed and precision, you can create professional-looking edges and seams in minutes. The machine features a 3 or 4 thread overlock stitching capability, allowing you to finish raw edges, create rolled hems, and add decorative edges to your projects.
The Janome 8002D also has a differential feed system, which helps prevent puckering and stretching of the fabric. It allows you to adjust the ratio of the differential feed to suit different types of fabrics. The machine also has an adjustable cutting width and stitch length, allowing you to customize your sewing to fit your project.
The Janome 8002D is also easy to use, with color-coded threading guides and a built-in thread cutter. The machine comes with a range of accessories, such as spare needles, screwdrivers, and tweezers, making it a complete package for your sewing needs.
Overall, the Janome 8002D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile serger that can handle a wide range of sewing projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewer, this machine is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
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.
What are the features of Juki MO-654 DE?
This Juki serger is a workhorse. Each and every one of its features is designed to make overall the serging experience as pleasant and user-friendly as possible, while simultaneously producing superior-quality stitches.
They include:
- Color-coded threading
- Easy looper threading
- Built in seam guides
- Heavy duty knife system
- Easy cutting width adjustment
- Differential feed
- Super bright LED lighting
- Adjustable stitch length
- Flip and roll hemming
Working on the Juki MO-654 DE
In addition to the easy to follow, color coded upper thread guides an even more significant feature is the fact that threading the lower loopers on the Juki MO-654 DE is literally a snap.
The state of the art lower looper threading system snaps out enabling the user to simply slide the thread into place and snaps back into position, ready to go to work.
As if that were not enough, we were impressed by the amount of space we had to work with while threading the lower loopers.
Our fingers are average size and although or fingernails are a bit longer than some, they are not excessively long. We have found that in many cases, it is necessary to use tweezers to thread lower loopers.
However, the design of the Juki MO-654 DE makes it possible for us to thread the lower loopers without ever having to touch the tweezers or needle threader, although a pair of long tweezers and a needle threader are included in the accessories kit.
It is nice to have them available, but with this machine they are really not necessary… at least not necessary to thread the lower loopers.
Adjusting and setting the tension on a serger is sometimes a challenge, causing even the most seasoned of home sewers to refer to the owner’s manual in order to identify and set the proper tension setting.
With the Juki MO-654 DE, adjusting tension is made easy. The numbered tension dials feature highlights identifying the most commonly used tension settings.
Changing the knife position to accommodate different cutting preferences is equally as uncomplicated. All that is necessary is to simply turn a dial located inside the lower looper housing.
For this Juki MO-654 DE serger review, we chose to test the 3 thread/1 needle overlock stitch. Threading the machine, removing the extra needle and executing a perfect overlock stitch was a breeze.
In order to test the manufacturer’s claims, we also chose to test the highly touted flip and roll hemming feature.
After just a few minutes of reading instructions and only two attempts, we were successful in accomplishing that task as well.
It was indeed a pleasure to be able to get a perfect rolled hem without having to change out the throat plate or the presser foot.
When we tried the three thread rolled hem, we were pleased to discover that it came out just as perfectly as the 3 thread overlock stitch.
Which fabrics work on the Juki MO-654 DE?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Leather/suede | Fur Reptile skin |
What are the accessories on Juki MO-654 DE?
The Juki MO-654 DE is a no-frills serger. In keeping with Juki’s traditional standard of excellence that is featured on all its machines, the accessories that accompany the MO-654 DE are functional and essential for the operation of any home serger.
The accessories included with the Juki MO-654 DE are:
- Multi-purpose presser foot
- 2/3 thread converter
- Spool nets
- Spool caps
- Screwdrivers (2 – 1 large/1 small)
- Oil dispenser
- Lint brush
- Tweezers
- Needle threader
- Extra needles
- Extra lower blade
- Dust cover
- Soft zippered accessories case
How to maintain the Juki MO-654 DE?
| 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 | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Juki MO-654 DE Summary
One pf the best things that I noticed during reviewing is that the Juki MO-654 DE is so fast, it reminds us of the great industrial machines made by the folks at Juki.
Although this model is small and weighs only 15 pounds, it certainly acts like a serger that is much larger and heavier.
It is so powerful, in fact, that we would not hesitate in recommending its use for the fledgling or long established home sewing business.
The differential feed, ease of changing the cutting position and switching to and from the blind hemming option make the Juki MO-654 DE one of the sturdiest, fastest and most user friendly sergers on the market.
It may not be capable of rendering some of the stitch options other, more costly sergers may provide, but that is part of the charm of the Juki MO-654 DE.
The very best serger that offers a variety of stitch options often require up to 20 minutes for rethreading and repositioning of needles with every stitch change.
The fact that users can flip from overlock or chain stitching to blind hemming and back by simply flipping a lever gives the Juki MO-654 DE a major advantage over all its competitors.
We normally reserve the recommendation of any serger for intermediate and advanced home sewers.
This is primarily because most sergers are complicated to thread and operate, and the chances of a novice cutting themselves or damaging the machine are relatively high.
We stand firm in that caution for people who are considering the Juki MO-654 DE as well; however, we note here that this is an excellent choice for someone who is adept at operating a sewing machine and in the market for their first serger.
This machine is so user friendly that we believe someone with limited sewing experience will be able to master the operation of the MO-654 DE much faster and with much less frustration or angst than with many other sergers on the market.
We, do not, however, recommend the use of this or any serger by a child younger than 12 to 16 years of age.
To conclude our review, the speed, precision and durability of the Juki MO-654 DE is so far superior to other sergers in its class that we believe it is an excellent for the advanced home sewer as well as for the home based sewing business.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $1320 certainly makes it a good deal. (It’s less than $500 on Amazon.com at the moment of this writing.)
Whether this machine is purchased for use in a home based business, or simply for making a dazzling new wardrobe, gifts for family and friends, accessories such as purses, scarves and tote bags or home décor accents, it will no doubt pay for itself in just a short period of time.
Juki MO-654 DE Review
Summary
The Juki MO-654 DE is a four-thread overlocker that is perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers. It features a variety of features that make it easy to use, such as an automatic needle threader, a differential feed system, and a built-in blind hem stitch. The MO-654 DE also has a variety of stitches to choose from, including overlock, flatlock, and rolled hem stitches. It is a versatile overlocker that can be used for a variety of projects, including hems, seams, and decorative stitching.
The Juki MO-654 DE is a great option for those who are looking for a four-thread overlocker that is easy to use and produces professional results. It is perfect for beginners and experienced sewers who want a machine that can handle a variety of projects.
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Happy Stitching.
Hi, great review! In fact it was a big factor in helping me chose this machine. I would like to say that I am complete beginner with serger. This is my first machine and pretty much right out of the box I was able to change my thread and start serging box cushions for my camper. Same day. I just wanted to mention this in case other beginners are thinking about this machine and maybe are intimidated because it says intermediates and advance.
I did a lot of research and bought from a sewing center with lots of floor models, hands down this was one of the easiest sergers to thread.
Nice and detailed review! Thank you! How does this serger perform with curves? And does it have free arm? I sew a lot of children clothes so free arm is important. Thank you!
How heavy duty is this machine? Will it sew canvass or leather?