I had never used a serger but sew on a regular basis. I ordered this one as I didn't want to have too large of an investment and reviews were good. So I gave it a try. I have found it to be very easy to use. I have even had to rethread it twice and from what I was told that is the most difficult part of a serger. The guide/numbering made rethreading a snap. I can say that for a beginner this was a great buy!