I have just started using the machine, but I am happy with it so far. Threading was tricky until I retreaded the needles after threading the loopers. Then it worked fine. I didn't see anything in the directions saying you must rethread the needles even if only the looper ran out of thread. The online videos from Brother were also helpful.
Good machine for sewing heavy fabrics like denim and sweater knits. All it takes is the turn of the dial to get the various stitches. I would give it five stars except threads pull a little tight when sewing.
I purchased my Brother 1034D on Amazon in summer 2017. It sat there, intimidating me for a few months before I got the guts to use it. Now I don't know what I was waiting for. It came threaded, so I got the hang of it by just turning it on and doing some samples. I think I was nervous about rethreading it with new cones of a neutral color, but if you just follow the threading instructions and the color coding it is totally doable. It worked the first time and then I was serging again immediately. I can make knit clothing now that looks so professional!
I was very pleased with my purchase of this machine. The instructional CD was easy to follow and made using this type of sewing machine easy and less scary. I had never used a serger before, and was pleasantly surprised that I could thread the machine and change a needle with little effort. I am extremely happy that I purchased this serger.
I haven't had the time to learn everything this machine is capable of. But the time I have been able to spend with it has been a joy. A very versatile machine that appears to have endless possibilities. Smooth running and virtually silent operation. Easy too thread and the needles are easy to get to to change. Love my purchase.