Review of JUKI serger MO-2000 QVP
This article is a detailed review of JUKI serger MO-2000 QVP.
Sewing in the modern world is so much different than 30-50 years ago. Innovative technology constantly brings new ways to our creative lives. When I started to sew I didn’t even know the word “serger” (funny that Google doesn’t know it even now) and learned to finish raw edges by hand or by zigzag stitches.
Now I have changed 3 sergers already and I am looking to buy another one. Technology is changing rapidly and every day there are new techniques and gadgets to learn and use. So, this is a review of JUKI serger MO-2000 QVP.
✅ Related tutorial: Serger vs. sewing machine
First of all, it has an amazing threading feature – so-called Air Threading. You just put upper and lower looper threads in small threading holes – and a strong whoosh of air from a motor will bring threads right to the needle plate. Of course, you need to push a button for this. But it couldn’t be easier, really. It works well with regular polyester and cotton threads, and it works well with Eloflex – an innovative stretchable thread from Coats. Very convenient! No more fear or frustration when changing threads.
I heard from many people that it’s too complicated to change threads in upper and lower looper on sergers without this feature. Some even never changed the threads just to avoid the procedure and because of this didn’t use their serger to its full potential. If you have an old serger you understand what a nightmare it is sometimes to thread loopers.
✅ Related tutorial: The Self-Threading Serger – Yes, it Exists!
Second, JUKI has an auto-threader for both needles – a device for helping to put threads through the eye of a needle! I tested it. It works wonderfully. None of my previous sergers had this feature, even if they were from very high-end, well-known sewing machine companies – Singer, Brother, and Janome.
The Juki MO 2000 serger can be threaded in any sequence!
I love this feature.
With my previous sergers I had to re-thread in the exact given order: upper looper, lower looper, right needle, left needle. I have almost never been able to cheat this threading sequence. When I tried to replace only one broken looper thread I never managed to get the serger to work properly. And it was really hard to remember the sequence without going to the manual.
With Juki I don’t have this problem anymore. The thread is broken? No big deal. I can re-thread the machine fast and easy. So no more worries about the threading order.
✅Related tutorial: Types of Sewing Machine Stitches: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Straight Stitch
Another great feature (and quite unusual to me in sergers) – is the LCD Screen with a lot of necessary information about tension, stitch length, differential feed settings, and the position of needles, knives, and loopers. I don’t need to search through pages and pages of my manual what settings are necessary for the chosen type of stitching. I simply glance on the Screen and see clear instructions for 15 different stitches.
I noticed with my previous sergers that the more stitch types a serger offers the more complicated it is to use. Not the same with Juki. I just press the button, choose a stitch – and all the settings can be found on the LCD Screen! What is the recommended tension? It is on the Screen. Do I use an upper knife? It is on the Screen. What is the stitch length? It is also here. As well as many other necessary instructions for the stitch I choose.
Next wonder – I can use just regular sewing machine needles! Universal or stretch or ballpoint. I don’t need to buy special serger needles anymore.
The Juki serger has a two-step presser foot lifter with an integrated front foot lift. To raise the presser foot I lift the presser foot lever on the rear of the machine until it engages. And I can raise it again to the maximum height and hold it in this position to provide more space between the presser foot and stitch plate. It is a very nice feature for sewing thicker fabric.
A few words about the tension. I don’t need to put it to 0 when changing threads! When the presser foot is raised, all the tensions are released making it easier to thread the machine.
The presser foot has clear marks on it to use as a guide when placing the fabric under the presser foot. I have some marks on the presser foot for the left and right needle position on my Janome serger but Juki has also a mark for a knife position that represents the position at which the fabric is cut.
Juki has a very practical small tool – a needle inserter. Needles can be inserted quickly and easily.
I can easily regulate cutting width. The position of the lower knife determines the width of the seam. If the edges of fine fabric curl up when being sewn I reduce the cutting width. If the loops seem to be too loose I increase the cutting width. And it has 5 settings
- 1 = 3–5 mm seam width
- 2 = 4–6 mm seam width
- 3 = 5–7 mm seam width
- 4 = 6–8 mm seam width
- 5 = 7–9 mm seam width
A very nice feature of Juki serger is its differential feed. Other sergers have it also though. There are two feed dogs – one front and one rear. The two feed dogs move independently and the distance each feed dog travels during one complete movement can be adjusted. The differential feed prevents fluting or waving in knits or stretch fabrics and movements between the layers of fabric. It also ensures pucker-free seams in smooth fabric such as nylon or closely woven fabric.
The differential feed can be adjusted by simply turning the differential feed adjustment dial in the direction desired. The differential feed is infinitely variable and can be adjusted while sewing. Using the differential feed, I can gather a single layer of fabric before sewing it to the garment, for example, sleeve heads and lower edges, yokes, lace edging, or frills.
There is a small part that is very convenient – Upper Looper Converter 2-/3- Thread Conversion.
I can switch to 2-thread stitches just by pushing this attachment to the left. I don’t need to cut the thread from the upper looper, I just move this attachment to the left, and the upper looper thread is not fed and the lower looper thread is fed to form 2-thread stitches.
Another detail that I didn’t see in other sergers – is a thread trimming blade for easy thread cutting. It is useful when removing the fabric after raising the presser foot at the end of sewing.
A standard presser foot of Juki serger is equipped with a tape guide! For example, the tape can be sewn into the shoulder and side seams of garments to prevent the stretching of very stretchy knits and spandex.
The serger has a LED Sewing Light so the sewing area is brightly illuminated. The light is energy-efficient and eco-friendly and will not heat up even after a long period of use.
There is a Waste Collector container that catches cut-off fabric and keeps the working area clean.
The lower and upper knives provide the greatest, most robust cutting force even for thick fabric so all fabric edges can be trimmed professionally. There is an option to deactivate the upper knife to carry out sewing without cutting the fabric.
The serger operates amazingly smooth and quiet.
Juki has a wider working area so the usability of the work space improved infinitely.
Juki MO 2000 serger has some optional presser feet you can buy separately.
With Juki serger, you can master basic serger stitches (like finishing raw edges and at the same time trimming and stitching the seams) and learn advanced techniques to embellish clothes or home decorating projects. It has 15 different types of stitches. All seams made with the serger are stretchable, so you can sew knits, jerseys, spandex, and lace quickly and durably.
I can show you now a few types of stitches I made. All of them look very nice and I am really pleased with how they turned out.
The first setting on the machine is 4 thread overlock stitch with an integrated safety seam. It looks like 3 thread overlock stitch but a second needle thread is added to make seams more secure. The needle threads form straight stitches for stretchy and durable seams. This is an ideal stitch for sewing knits.
3 thread super-stretch overlock stitch is most common for edge finishing. The machine produced very neat beautifully balanced stitches and cut the fabric perfectly. The stitch formation was perfect because both loopers threads meat at the fabric edge. All three treads moved easily and without resistance. The edge of the fabric didn’t curl up or pucker.
The other stitch I want to show you is the rolled hem, and this serger sews a beautiful rolled hem. You just need to remove the left needle and turn a couple of knobs which is very fast. I like to use this stitch, especially for hemming chiffon garments. I don’t need to change either the stitch plate or the presser foot. The roll hemmer is fully integrated into the machine – I simply flip the special switch. The edge of the fabric will be rolled over in a flash. The machine produces a very narrow, fine seam or hem. The Juki serger provides a neat, attractive finish for a variety of fabrics from medium-weight cotton to weightless chiffon.
I hope my hands-on experience with the Juki serger will be useful for my readers; for me, it was a pleasure to use the machine. Is it worth the price? My answer is if you can afford it, yes, Juki is not a cheap machine but to me, it is worth every penny. You will get everything you pay for and then probably some. And if we compare this serger with other high-end air threading sergers (like Baby Lock sergers) the price does not even look very high anymore.
Where to buy this Juki serger?
Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself.
Juki MO-2000QVP Automatic Overlock
This online store Sewing machines plus also sells this model.
Or you can find an Authorized Retailer near you if you want to test it yourself.
Did you find this tutorial helpful? If so, save this pin (see below) on your sewing board so you can come to this tutorial later when you need it, and follow me on Pinterest for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration!
latest posts
- How to Sew VELCRO® the Right Way: 23 Tips That Actually Work
- Presser Feet Storage: Practical Ideas to Keep Them Safe and Organized
- How to Get Rid of Stubborn Wrinkles and Creases
- Pressing Matters: 15 Common Ironing Mistakes to Avoid
- Sewing on a Budget: 19 Smart Ways to Save Money When Times Are Tough
- Basic Sewing Secrets Every Sewist Should Know (But Often Forgets)
- 15 Creative Ways to Mark Fabric for Sewing Projects
- Twin Needle Sewing: My First Try Was a Mess, But Here’s What Worked
- Time-Saving Sewing Shortcuts That Help You Sew Smarter, Not Harder
I just bought this machine yesterday. I went to Tops and the owner was wonderful! I traded my Elena serger and I am very pleased!
Congratulations! I am sure you will love to use it. Did you ask the owner to show you how to work with the machine? I made some mistakes at the beginning while threading but after I learned the steps everything went ok. This serger is the best in my opinion. What do you sew? Clothing? Or home decor?
Yes ma’am I made sure I knew how to work I before I left the store
I liked it in the first 5 minutes of use, and I still like it!
Thank you – just got the same serger from Tops and Greg was wonderful. This info helped as I have not used a serger before.
Oh, I am sure you will love the Juki serger. What do you sew?
I am going to be purchasing a new serger. I have a very old White 534, which has been a little beast, but time to move on. I have it narrowed down to Juki 2000 QVP or BabyLock Enlighten. A Juki dealer within 100 miles of me has a new Juki 2000 QVP that was used as a demo for a weekend class which he will sell to me for $1199. The BabyLock Enlighten is on sale at a local sewing center which I have bought my other machines but is $1900. I would love to hear what you recommend. I just don’t know if the BabyLock is worth $800 more. It is so hard to find reviews on the Juki as everyone seems to have the BabyLock. I do some quilting but love home decorating projects, curtains, Slipcovers, etc….Thank you! A Minnesota sewer.
Dalene, I didn’t try Enlighten myself but heard from my friends that it is an excellent serger. But I tried Juki 2000 QVP and was really impressed by its performance. I would choose Juki over Enlighten. But your situation is a little bit different. What if you buy Juki and you will need to repair it or do some maintenance on it? 100 miles is a great distance to the Juki dealer, and problems can happen even with 10,000 dollars Dream machines, so in my opinion, it’s better for you to buy Enlighten because you can always go with it to your local sewing center and fix any problem. You can also try the machine there and see how you like it, right?
I have a question. I cant find the info anywhere to fix an issue I’m having with the Juki 2000QVP.
When I serge, alot of the cut off portion somehow ends up under the looper threads of my project. My cheaper Juki does not do this and I’m getting really frustrated with how messy it looks on finished garments.
Did I get a lemon. Or is there something I can adjust so that it cleanly cuts the fabric off and leaves it on the floor rather than inside my project?
Thanks, in advance.
I am not sure how this could happen, unless the looper cover is open, and my serger will not even work with the cover open. Perhaps you are using the thread catcher, and that is not installed properly? I myself have not used the thread catcher at all, I don’t see its utility (I am told I am special though). Or perhaps the knife is no longer sharp and it drags the fabric? This should be easy to check, with a new knife, but I have never changed a knife myself because of the adjustments necessary afterwards, I always went to a technician. Sorry, I really have no idea, have never seen this. I will try to ask if I find anything I will update.
Will the JUKI do 4 layers of denim? I make denim quilts
I used this at a class in Arlington,tx. The plastic door is solid with a place for tools. I have a juki qvp quilting machine and love it. This will be my toy next year.
I am glad you agree with me! And it’s really a cheaper option for air-threading sergers! But only dealers sell this machine for now.
Just bought one from Tops today. It was On sale plus I traded in my MO654DE and got a great deal on the trade as well. Just set it up and it was a breeze. Looking forward to using it after Thanksgiving!
Enjoy! I am sure you will love to use it. It’s good that you could get it for a lower price.
I was looking to upgrade my serger. So I traded my babylock Eclipse for this machine because of your review. I always had trouble with threading the machine and getting the tension & stitches right. I also got a great price and get free lessons. My Tops dealer is great.
I bought this machine somewhat impulsively along with the cover stitch machine that is still on order. I’ve been using it only for a few days but I’m loving it. I do not quilt so I started to wonder if I made the right decision for garment sewing & alterations since it has “quilt” in the name. no offense to quilters out there but there are people who do other kinds of sewing so it would be hard to believe that walking into most sewing centers around here! I had done at tremendous amount of research over the years. when I stopped at the sewing store and put it through its paces I was pretty impressed. sometimes I wonder if I should have been shopping for industrial machines. I have two other sergers that I bought used but I never really felt like I was getting refined features, though they trained me in the use and care of sergers so I’m glad for having them. Has anyone tried using a heavier material with this serger, like a mid-weight canvas or denim?
Thank you for commenting and for your question! I am sure you are not going to be disappointed in this machine. It handles heavy fabrics just fine. I even tried to sew real fur – it works! And this serger is not only for quilters of course.
I purchased my JukiMO2000QVP Serger June 2019 without having good sewing practice or ever touching a server. I’m in LOVE with my seger!!! Yes it took me a few days to read the manual and watch the CD and practice. I was comfortable within 4 days!!!! I haven’t stopped sewing since the 19 of June!!! My fears of sergers being complicated went out the window! Only issue I’ve had was forgetting one step while threading. If it’s not sewing right, I shit it off and check every step and of course I forgot a step. It’s still brand spanking new to me but I love it. I 100% recommend this machine!
Wendy, thank you for your detailed comment! I also love this serger! It makes everything so much easier and faster, right? I can’t even imagine sewing clothes without a serger even if it’s possible. We are not professionals but we also want that one step professional finish for our sewing projects.
I bought a Serger, a few years back, I was told by sales person and owner I was getting a machine that sewed the cover stitch,a seam like you see on tee shirts. sleeves and hem. However this machine did not have the feature I asked for. So are you saying the juke does this stitch? I would like to know b4 I go looking to replace this one.
No, this serger (JUKI MO 2000 QVP) doesn’t have the cover stitch. A few years ago I had Singer serger with coverstitch and I hated it – it was too complicated to switch between serger and coverstitch, like really really hard. So I bought a separate coverstitch machine – Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine (affiliate link) and I like it very much. I know that JUKI also has a coverstitch machine (which is also separate from a serger) – Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine but I never tried this one.
Hi. I got the mo-1000 for Christmas. But I think about changing it, to buy the 2000 model instead. I just can’t find any place where I can read about the difference, if the 2000 is much better than number 1000.
Are you guys able to help me to decide :)?
MO-2000 has an LCD screen where you can see all types of stitches serger can do and all the settings for the stitches – tensions, positions of loopers, knives, etc. The LCD screen is so helpful to me! I think this is the difference.
Thank you so much for your information and instruction on the juki serger. I just purchased one a few days ago. I have never used a serger before. I read the manual watched the DVD and successfully sewed my first seams. What I am confused about is how do you calculate seam allowance? Most patterns are 5/8” I don’t understand how to use the guide?
Thank you for your help.
Thank you, Toni! Look at your presser foot – there are marks that are showing the left and right needle position. Align the mark on the presser foot with the seamline – and stitch. I am making a serger course right now and it will be ready in a few weeks. Stay tuned.
@Toni Carreiro, I am having the same problem!
@Olga Balasa, Hello! I am very inexperienced but enjoying my Juki serger and practicing with it. I am confused by seam allowance also. I have a pattern that requires a 1/2 seam allowance. Do I align fabric with left or right needle position? Thank you so much!
Mark the 1/2″ seam allowances using a ruler and a marking pen. Then align the left needle mark on the presser foot with the marked line and stitch. The seam allowances will be cut by serger and the left needle will make the stitch at precisely 1/2″ seam allowances.
Olga: appreciate your input and you sharing your knowledge in this feed. (1). I am interested in your serger course; please tell me more. (2). I likewise am researching the differences between the M-1000 and M-2000QVP. Please clarify —- the ONLY difference is that the M2000 has a LCD screen? (3). Can you explain why M-2000 is labeled QVP and what exactly QVP means? ThanK you!
Yes, the only difference is the LCD screen, but it’s a BIG DIFFERENCE! That screen tells you all the settings for 15 different types of serger stitches. You push the button – and you see what needle(s) you need to use, what loopers you need to thread, what tensions are necessary for that stitch, what is the knife position, what is the length, width, differential feed settings, etc. I use it all the time.
QVP means – Quilt Virtuoso Pro, haha. I am not a big quilter (yet) and I don’t use the serger much for quilting (only for binding), I use it for sewing all the time.
Olga just found your link on another fb page and love your info! I have had my mo 2000 for 3 yrs now and love it! Bought 6 addl feet for mine recently and learning bit by bit what each does but you mention binding your quilts with the serger? How and what foot do you use? Thx again for all this good info and FYI per my dealer the 2000 has a more powerful engine more like a commercial machine? All I know is I can serge through as many layers as I can get under those feet and it cuts it like butter!
Phyllis, I have a video tutorial on quilt binding with a serger at this link
I use just a regular serger foot. I also love my JUKI MO-2000 very much.
Looking to invest into a new overlocker. I am interesting in this one and the Elna 864 air. How would you compare the two machines? There is a £300 price difference and trying to justify paying the extra for the Juki.
I have never used any Elna so I can not directly compare. But I can suggest three basic principles:
1. Test both machines and buy the one you like best.
2. Buy the machine for which you will most likely get service long term locally, if possible buy from the local dealer.
3. Ask the dealer to match the price if you want to buy the more expensive one, perhaps they will, especially in the current environment. Or ask the dealer for free extra parts, for example original feet (Juki has a set which costs over $100 in the USA).
Also because now you are probably limited in what you can do in person, perhaps ask the dealer if he is willing to ship the machine to you and take it back if somehow you don’t like it. Again, with sale numbers tanking, he might be more flexible.
Hello I found this machine on a Facebook for sale page, brand new, according to the seller, for $1400. What’s your thought on this price? I’m having a hard time finding pricing info. Thank you!
I think it is overpriced. Anything sold on Facebook is not new and has probably no warranty, I would rather buy from a reputable dealer new. A dealer would probably sell it for less too in the USA.
What a wonderful article. I have been wanting a Serger but they intimidate me but after reading and watching this I am more confident that I can concur my fears.
I am going to go out and buy one and actually use it…LOL
Thank you so much
Frances, I think if you go out and buy, you should try it at the dealer, see how it fits you. This is a serious purchase, you may like it (probably) or not, who knows. And give them my website address please! If you buy online, make sure the dealer accepts unconditional returns, I only buy online from places that I trust. But I do not believe this is sold online by dealers directly, at least the local dealer in Naples, FL told me he is prohibited from online sales for this particular machine. Beware, an unauthorized sale will not give you any warranty, and while I do not expect the machine to fail, you never know.
I found your article full of great information. I have a Janome Centurion model 3010 which I have had for maybe 6 years. I find the threading and tension issues very frustrating so after reading your review on the Juki MO-2000 QVP. I ordered one at your favorite online shop here in CA.
I’m looking forward to start using this serger.
It is always difficult for me to give good reviews to a sewing machine because inevitably, even if most people love it, there will be some who will never work well with it. So while I am happy that my article convinced you to get a Juki, I am also a little bit afraid in case you will not like it as much as I do. Fingers crossed! But yes, I really like this machine, and all my friends and acquaintances who have the machine also like it.
Hello Olga! Just found your site tonight and was happy to see your review on the Juki MO-2000 MVP. I bought mine back in (April which was serger month) and got it on sale. So happy. I found many of your pointers in this review helpful. I sew on weekends and not begun to explore all of the features of this terrific serger. I do look forward to learning. I make clothes for myself–just made 3 scrub tops with my Juki over the last 6 weeks. I also look forward to more articles on your site. Thank you.
I am glad my article helped; I am also very happy with the serger, I had it a little longer – since November last year, and I still love it!
I just got this machine today. When threading it the lower looper will not thread with my serger Maxi lock thread. It threads fine when i tried my aurifil and other threads. Do you no if it just does not like Maxi lock or if it is picky with what thread you use? Thank you
Oh, really strange problem, I use Maxi lock threads all the time without problems. This serger is not picky at all, it’s a workhorse. Maybe try to put a little bit more thread into the tube using tweezers. How many times did you try to thread it with Maxi lock? If everything fails try to thread with Aurifil and after that just knot Maxilock to Aurifil and pull the thread manually. Please, update how it goes, if possible.
One more thing to add: the serger definitely SHOULD thread well. It is a top-of-the-line machine, if it does not work well, perhaps it should be exchanged or returned. Mine works perfectly, but this doesn’t mean that there are no bad ones out there. Does it have problems with one cone only, or with all Maxi threads? Could you please send me an image of the label on the Maxi lock thread by email ([email protected]) to see if I am using the same type of thread?
I bought the Mo-2000QVP while on vacation. I love this Serger, my other one was very hard to thread. I was serging a double layer of sweatshirt material and the needle jammed and put the air tube out of alignment. I can’t thread the machine manually as it has a tube running up to the looper. Is there an easy fix that I can do or do I have to mail it to the dealer I purchased from? Thank you, Shelley in Michigan
Oh, I don’t think you can easily fix it yourself. It’s better to go to the dealer. But you might find a Juki dealer in your area. Did you keep the receipt? Call first your local dealer and ask if they can fix it. i don’t think you have a warranty for this.
I’ve just bought this fabulous air threaded overlocker/serger. I have little or no feeling in my thumbs and some of my fingers and so I was struggling to thread my old overlocker/serger but now I have no problems at all. Even the needle threader is fantastic as it stays down on its own which makes threading the needle so much easier. Thank you for your recommendation.
Congratulations! It is indeed a very good serger. I have it for a couple of years already and I am still very satisfied with the functionality. Just make sure you maintain it properly, this is one of the machines that needs a very little touch of oil from time to time and of course it will need regular cleaning, mine gets very dusty. ANY serger will need cleaning in fact after each project.
Is there a Cover Stitch presser foot that I can buy for my MO-2000 QVP? I love the machine, but this is the only thing that I am missing. Please advise.
I am sorry but the MO-2000 can not be converted to a coverstitch as far as I know. I do not believe there is any such foot.