Monday, May 30, 2011

Serger Review: JC Penney Model 7015


Price paid:  $250

How long have you had this machine?  Since 1987

Would you recommend this machine to others?  Yes. 

What do you like about this machine?  This was my very first serger and first sewing machine purchase.  At the time I bought it, the dominant brand was Babylock, which was going for twice as much.  A fellow student in my Fashion Production class had bought this model and recommended it to me.  Over the years, I’ve bought many other sergers, which were more expensive and sophisticated, but I’ve always gone back to this one.  I like its compact size and the streamlined functions.

It has mostly metal parts yet is very lightweight.  The stitches are wonderful, and I can adjust the tension knobs all I want.  It also has adjustable presser foot pressure, but I haven’t found a need to adjust that.  What I like most on this serger is the narrow presser foot.
Most newer sergers have a much wider foot, which I find difficult to maneuver, especially around curves.

Things you DON'T like about this machine:  The only thing it’s lacking is a tray to catch the scraps.

17 comments:

  1. I have a JC Penny Model 25 - Can you suggest a needle for this machine. I do not have manual and cannot find it online. Or on Ebay. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  2. My manual states "This machine is designed to use the type DB x 1 or BL x 1 needle which is most popular." Hope that helps!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have this serger also...it was my very first!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was given a very similar machine recently. It's a 7015A. The previous owner took good care of it, but the user manual has been lost. Any idea where I might find one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. did you ever find the manual for your machine?

      Delete
    2. No, I did not. Any suggestions of where to find one would be appreciated. I'm still looking for one. I got the machine to work but I don't believe it was threaded correctly and it's in need of a good cleaning.

      Delete
    3. I have the manual I would be happy to copy and send. The route for threading the 2 lower threads should be printed inside the door in the lower left of the machine case

      Delete
    4. I am also looking for a copy! I inherited this machine.

      Delete
  5. I have a JC Penney serger model 7008. Can anyone tell me what needle it takes?

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have this serger also. My manual indicates BL X 2N #14, DB X 1 #11 thru 14, and BL X 1 #11 thru 14 can be used. The needle is round at the top, no flat area on one side. When installing the needle, the groove goes to the front side. Do you have any idea how old the machine is or what it's worth?

    ReplyDelete
  7. This looks good, not so heavy and easy to use. Thank you for sharing the review, need to get it for home use.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can you share the owners manual? i can't find it anywhere!! carolarojo@yahoo.com
    Thanks in advance

    ReplyDelete
  9. I just got the JC model 7015 from my mothers estate. Does anyone know how the tension should be set?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually set mine on 4-4-5 adjust accordingly.

      Delete
  10. I don't have a manual either but I enlarged the photo from seams like paradise and set mine the same it's better than it was before

    ReplyDelete
  11. looking for manual jc penney 7015a
    i need thread holder(plastic)broken also pressure foot.
    anyone know who made this for penneys ?

    ReplyDelete
  12. This type of machine can be used to do many different sewing jobs, both professional and hobby-related, from the home. best serger for a beginner

    ReplyDelete