BabyLock Imagine Review: Is this serger worth the price?
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
- BabyLock Imagine is a premium overlock/serger that costs twice as much as most regular domestic sergers. But how good is it and is it worth the price? And how do we set-up and use this machine?
In this review, I go into the pros and cons of this popular and expensive serger.
Topics covered
Air treading/auto threading
Automatic tension, pros and cons
Settings
Tips for threading
Stitches, such as overlock, rolled hem, flatlock and more
The needle threading function
Price and if it is worth investing in
And lots more
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I’ve had my BabyLock Imagine about 3 years. It’s my first serger and I’m still getting to know it. So far I love all that I’ve seen and tried. I feared it in the beginning but like most things the more you use it the more you’ll love it!
I have this machine, have actually had it many years and think the price paid is totally worth it. I have had many sergers over a 40 year span and the automatic tensions would be enough to convince me, fine tuning tension on other machines has put me of off getting them out. The airthreading is unbeatable, and I had forgotten about the needle treating (thanks for the reminder) mine has been in storage for 4 years, just took it. Out and instantly worked as well as ever no fiddling required.
I bought mine 10 years ago and it was worth every penny! She just got a check-up and a clean bill of health!
Great video. I received a BabyLock Imagine from my mother-in-law when she retired from sewing (I'm so lucky!!!) She used it daily for many years and it still works beautifully. I just started to sew knits and love it ... and not at all intimidated by it. Like you, I have never had a 'new' machine, mine have all been used/vintage. If working with a smaller budget, I agree with you the better option is an older but quality machine (considering the environment). It takes a little research but well worth the effort so you can enjoy sewing.
I have had one for many years now, and I've not regretted the purchase at all. Well worth the price. Where it was purchased also services it as necessary and gives me lots of lessons, as well as helps if I'm ever stuck with a project. I've not used all the feet at all, but I like to explore them now and again. Air threading is amazing and the needle threader is super.
I have had this machine for nearly twenty years . I bought one from a trade show because I fell in love with it . I love this machine but everything you expressed about this machine is what I feel about it too . I sometimes miss the tension dials but overall I am very happy with it . It was worth the money .
Cool calm collected evaluation. Just got a used imagine wave and my learning curve is straight up. Got a lot of tips from you! You’re a natural communicator and hope you’l continue with new posts…❤
Bought my BL Imagine in 2016. It's my first and only overlock serger and I can't imagine having any other. Love it!
Sew Happy what was the price?
I’m glad you pointed out the lack of tension control in flatlocking because my favorite quilt I actually made completely by serger doing a flatlock-had bought a vintage Bernina while on vacation, did a beautiful job. That ruled out this machine for me.
Which one? The Bernina
Great review of this wonderful Serger/Overlocker.
I love love this machine. I had it 10 years when I updated till an Evolution. Hubby bought it for me 16 years ago Mother's Day when I wad making my daughter's wedding dress. I gave it to a friend and it still a work horse.
That speaks volumes on how worthy this investment is. The price is high, but I have not regretted it one second, has made my serger life so much more stress free
Have had my serger since late 90s. WONDERFUL serger. No repairs and i use it every day about 9 months of the year.
I have been wanting to get a new serger for at least a year now... I have a Babylock Melody sewing machine and I love it. I have been thinking about getting the Imagine and almost bought it. I even found a used one for half price with all the extras. Now I’m thinking of getting the Janome 2000D. It has the tension adjustment and air threading and needle threader. Plus it has more feet than the Imagine. I sew my own dresses and would like to make napkins and wired ribbons. I have a Janome Compulock 888 Serger/cover stitch, currently.
I currently own TWO Kenmore sergers, one with dark thread, one with light, that's how much I hate threading! LOL I see one for sale on an auction and I've alwasy wanted one with auto threader. I can sell both mine for this one, thank you so much for the amazingly helpful review.
Ty. Just got one of these machines. I appreciate your review
I have just put a down payment on an BL Imagine. So it was nice to see this review right now because I’ve been wondering if I should really be spending so much more on a serger. It was nice to hear that you found the stitching to be nicer because that’s what I was looking for. I had traded in my Janome Cover Stitch about a year ago and bought a BL Cover Stitch and because the BLCS is so very nice to work with, I it stared to think about buying a BL Imagine too...so now I’m excited about getting it. Thanks.
I can say with confidence that you will not be disappointed, but yeah it''s a huge investment that is not something that we can do at the drop of a hat. I just wish they were slightly bit lower priced! But I have not regretted my decision 1 second, and afterwards, we do tend to forget all the $$$ if the product delivers
27kjh hey. I know they don’t make those machines anymore so is it a good idea to buy one? I never had a serger but I saw one someone was selling in my area for $400. Should I get it?
thank you for the review. I have been trying to talk myself into spending the money on this machine. My Bernina is getting old and I hate threading it. My needle threaders broke and can't be fixed, apparently so that is really frustrating.
Thank you for the great review. Every time I talk to a sales person about sergers, they want to sell me the most expensive one! I am a beginner and don't want to invest much without getting quality first in a machine. Thank you again.
Invest in a quality machine and you will sew more.
Thanks for this review. Had already watched it back then, but come back to it today as i finally am decided to take the step and buy a serger. I have been recommended to go Babylock too ;-) and am currently considering buying this model. As you maybe know it has, in the meantime, evolved a little and is now called VICTORY. Same features apparently, probably something different with the lighting, and maybe the pressure foot height (but not sure on that one). Did you know that the VICTORY has a little sister, called the ENSPIRE, that would actually be the same but with manual tension dials. So what you could, at some point, regret not having on your current machine, is actually available in the equivalent machine (that is sold were i went 300 EUR less).
I love my Imagine BabyLock. I am a home sewer and made the investment. As with all machines when I am reflecting on when the price suggests top of the line one might consider going into the commercial machines and comparing the offerings there.
I bought my Baby Lock Evolve used about 9 years ago now. Never have had an issue with it. I have used several higher end sergers but will only invest in Baby Lock. I do want to upgrade to the Ovation because it has speed control.
Good to hear! It's hearing feedback like this that is so reassuring when pondering to fork all this money on a machine. I too am craving the Ovation, it's another machine that everyone is raving about. But it cost sooooo much in Sweden!
I wish I could buy a new server. I feel like trashing mine because I have so much trouble and waste so much time threading it. I’m so glad you do reviews because if you go to the sewing machine stores they only want to sell you the high end new technology machine. Yes I have a dated White Speedy Lock but it has sewn so many garments. Next one will be air threaded. Yes!
Yeah, it can be hard to know who to trust when entering a sewing machine shop, plus they all have particular brands that they represent, so that also plays into the bias. And when you finally get a new one, you will love the air-threading, that I can guarantee, I'm still shocked everytime seeing how the threads just push through all those holes and thread guides automatically!
Thank you so much for the details.
Great review. thank you.
Excellent explanation. Thank you....!
My juki has the air threading. Makes it easier to just thread the first 2 and it isn't daunting anymore
What a beautiful machine, but only a dream machine for me.
Hi Johanna, As you know I am constantly sewing on one project or another and when my Juki serger kept going out of time, decided it was time for me to think about a new serger for my sewing arsenal....I decided on the Bernina L450 since I'm in love with my Bernina machines....it's fairly easy to thread, as far as sergers go, but the one feature I really love it that it does not get all jammed up with fuzz on the inside loopers as other machines do...when I open the door to clean it out, there is almost nothing inside to brush out...very well designed & very powerful.......
That is great, since cleaning a serger is kinda cumbersome. At least my old Pfaff was so messy, on the BabyLock one used a special tool (like a pipecleaner) to clean the slots where the looper air threading goes.
Excellent review 👍
I also have the evolve...threads itself...would not trade it for anything. I bought it used, but the lady had babied it and she put little tabs of what things did....big help! Love it.
So good that you found a used one, I think that is like the best deal one could possible get!
I’m just about to buy one myself 2nd hand, just serviced. £250 asking price….. can’t complain about that bargain I feel
@@cherieh5296 I got a hard (not paperbacked) three-ringed binder that came with mine, “The Workbook.” It shows you how to do the 50 million stitches that this machine does. I paid 350.00 for my used machine. Keep my email and if you need to ask me something, I would be glad to help you if I can.
I am new to serging. I just purchased a pre-owned Imagine (one of the original models I believe) and was reading the manual. It says on page 13 that the fine tuning screw affects the loopers. In fact it’s referred to as Looper Thread Fine-tuning screw. Since you have a newer model it might be different. I couldn’t help but wonder if it would assist you in achieving the flat lock seam you desire. I was amazed that this old machine still threaded the loopers with ease and seems to be making beautiful stitches. Lots more testing to do though. Your videos are so helpful. Thanks so much.
Eclipse babylock surgery
Thank you for this very much.
My experience with Baby lock started 8 years ago with an Evolve. I was sold on it right away but couldn’t justify it at the time. But I found a used Imagine for half the new price so I snapped it up immediately.
It’s been faultless and stitches beautifully. The only thing I’ve changed are the needles but have spare blades and use a clear presser foot most of the time and have a blind hem and bead food that came with the machine.
Wanting a coverstitch machine for the last year I finally snapped up an Ovation again at half price. They are around but you just have to keep looking. They get snapped up fast when they come up for sale.
These are investments as they keep their value despite my luck of finding the right price. But in saving time and frustration with speed of use they are fantastic.
So I can endorse your review though I have found the flatlock tension issue you found to be a problem. Maybe a service might resolve this.
It does speak volumes that a company like BabyLock is so universally liked, even among us very discerning sewists. I'm very envious that you managed to find a used one, that is probably one of the best buys one can do 👍
Thanks for this
I recently bought a second hand Baby Lock overlocker from eBay that is about 20 plus years old, I am yet to use it but it has been well cared for by its previous owner. I am pleased that I bought this instead of a new Brother/ Elna / Singer etc as it is a great machine that I am sure will give me years of great service. I have bought another Bernina sewing machine a 11630 model it is computerized and made in Switzerland
That sounds like an awesome find! I love buying used high-quality sewing machines, and I think getting a used BabyLock is probably one of the best finds one can do when it comes to machines.
Last Stitch I have found on Gumtree the same Bernina sewing machine that you have it is a great price and I am very tempted.........
Allison Smith I have the Bernina 1230, too. I say buy it if you can. It will serve you well for life!
Just do it!!
Love your show...keep them coming! Thank you for the honest review of the Babylock Imagine. Frankly, the only reason why I think I would buy this machine is because of the auto-threading. Like you, I like my thread to match the fabric. I am pretty happy with my sergers other than the threading issue, so, for me, the huge investment in the Imagine may not be worth it. If I could find another less expensive serger that has the auto-threading feature, I might be tempted to purchase one.
Great points, I can't say that a BL would be worthwhile for everyone. I know that Janome has sergers with auto-threading, and I think others too that cost less than the BL sergers.
I'm thinking the exact same thing.
Have it and love it ❤
Yay!
Thanks for your detailed review! Have you seen Janome's AirThread 2000D? They kept the individual tension disks in their newly released machine design.
No I haven't, but that sounds very intriguing. I think my dream job would be getting paid testing and reviewing sewing machine reviews all day :-)
i have this machine also. well worth the price paid.
Great video. What's the difference between the imagine and the Victory please? They both look very similar models. Also do these models not include a free arm, or thread catcher? Do you feel this is important? Thanks
Hi
I just bought this one used, and I have a little trouble controlling it, the speed especially . Does anyone have this problem ?
thank you for the video. I am thinking of starting a home sewing business and i was wondering whether this serger is suitable for this or should I buy an industrial one. What do you think? thanks!
I'm not sure I would spill for a premium serger because the only thing I use both of mine for is finishing seams. I have a 25 year old Bernina Bernette, and a three year old entry level Brother. Both serve me very well and are problem free. If I ever get to where I'm actually using them for construction, I might be able to better say whether I'd upgrade. Thanks for the info!
Yes, you bring up a great point. It will not be worth it for everyone, it all depends on what and how much one will use it. I sew loads and loads of knit garments, and want the finishing to be reliable and look good. But I had a Pfaff for almost 15 years before that, before I made this huge investment.
I intend to increase my knit garment game, which won't be hard since I'm currently sitting on the bench! I'll pick up your book when I'm ready for that, but right now, I'm still sewing up a work & casual wardrobe and wearing RTW workout wear. I remember when I bought the Bernina, it was $500 25 years ago. That was A LOT of money, especially for a young family. I think I've gotten my money's worth, though!
Great review! Which Baby Lock Imagine model do you have?
Thanks Johanna. I bought a BL Enlighten two years ago after being frustrated with constant looper breaks with my old Janome. I find the BL a lot noisier than the Janome but I don't care, as with the auto threading is so worth it. I will happily change thread colours now because it is so easy. Would I buy another? Well I would first check out the Juki and Janome air threaders that I have recently become aware of. They are substantially cheaper, but I haven't used them so can't compare.
Yes the noise, I forgot to address that. I too was a bit surprised by it, maybe I had expected it be to be more quite due to the price tag. I am also really curious how the Janome and Juki compares, they make great machines so maybe they are a more price worthy purchase?
Anne H 7
Hello Johanna. So glad you have the Baby Lock; it is such a reliable machine. You might want to Google Gail Yellan (spelling?) She is a whiz with the Ovation which has many of the same functions. Also, check out J. Sterns ....both have many you tube video tutorials and if you have any challenges they will answer your query. Both are educators.
I have the Ovation (over 2 years now) and the only reason I chose it over the Imagine was because it has a larger deck which I was looking for.. Both machines are great. Love, love, love my machine.
Cheers and happy sewing. JoAn
Good to know, thank you! The Ovation is what I lusted after the most, but the price was not doable for my budget. But one can dream, and everyone who owns an Ovation seems to praise it like no other!
I have been using baby lock imagine for more than a year now. Air threading is superb. The only disappointment I have is that there isn't any bin or tray to collect the waste fabric strips so I always have to put a piece of paper underneath the machine directly below the cutter while overlocking the fabric to keep my table clean.
schnittenliebe.com/shop/collecting-container-for-baby-lock-imagine-victory/?lang=en
They do 3D Print Containers..
@@jalippo3786 , thank you for the info.
I have an Imagine and an Ovation. I like the Imagine better!
I have a Baby Lock Imagine and I love it. I had a Bernina prior to that and we didn't get along and that is an understatement. I think one of the tensions just didn't hold. I bought my Imagine for $1300. Canadian at a sewing festival where they used it for 3 days so I got a deal. Was it worth my money? Of course I think it's a lot to spend, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat :-)
Good to get price info from another country, that sounds like a good deal!
Where can buy it, if I’m from Mexico?
I got mine used. I would not be using any serger without the air threading. Less than a minute to thread loopers. I have used it on all sorts of fabrics without adjustments. The instructions are so clear that I never needed lessons. I do wish a clear foot or shorter foot for curves was available for this model. Seems Babylock would not force you to upgrade models for certain attachments.
Will it do denim? I alter clothes for a living and when I am taking in the backs of jeans I need to serge the yoke crossover when I come up.
Yes, I have serged several layers of denim with no issues, Now these have not been the heaviest denim, but regular jeans fabric it can handle
Very nice video, as usual. I've been wanting to hear your more detailed impressions of your BabyLock serger for a while now and this answered most of my questions. Like a lot of people who have been sewing for a while I dream of owning a legendary BabyLock! Although I do have a very nice White 228 which is nearly 30 years old, relatively easy to thread, very quiet and coveted by my machine service expert so that's all good!
One question I have is did you compare different BabyLock models and how did you decide on the imagine? They have so many sergers I am just overwhelmed at the thought of choosing one, beside the budget question, of course. Do they have a few in the same price range as the Imagine?
Also, I too have been skeptical about not having control of the individual thread tensions, but your stitches do look quite beautiful. But I also like the flat lock stitch so I'm wondering if they have addressed the requirements for achieving the stitch in the manual, besides putting the needle thread through the looper tension disc as you mentioned.
Finally, I'm very curious about what the actual cost of the machine is. There is no way to find it online and my local dealer is not a business I am interested in supporting so subjecting myself to a face-to-face hard sell experience just to satisfy my curiosity isn't worth it. Thanks, Johanna for another fun video!
Here are some answers!
Flatlock, no they don't address it in the manual, which is disappointing. But experimenting with the screw has helped a bit.
Price: In Sweden, I paid the equivalent of around USD 1300:- which included loads of different presser feet too, I'm not sure they are always included. I also think that the price could vary from country to country.
Imagine: I asked around and everyone I know and trust raved about this one, and all the extra features. And after always being a very scrappy sewist I was also curious to try a premium product and see if there was a big difference.
So yeah, this is a very big investment that won't make sense for everyone, but people who have bought seem to universally love it!
Thanks!!
Uts completely worth it
I love my Baby Lock Imagine serger, but I'm ashamed to admit that I haven't used it to its full capacity. I was first introduced to the brand 16 years ago when I bought my Decorator's Choice, which was my first electronic machine. I loved that so much that six years later I went back to the same dealer to get a serger and refused to look at anything except Baby Lock. Both have served me well. My Decorator's Choice is in for repairs right now - a broken gear - and I can hardly wait to get it back! I was fortunate to have gotten both machines while on sale and I have truly gotten my investment back many times over - and I don't even sew as a business. I barter with friends for things I need or want, make gifts, and I used to make all of my own clothes. When our daughter was born preemie, 35 years ago (I don't recall what machine I had back then) I had to make her diapers, rubber pants, clothes, and outfit the corner of our room as a nursery. Sewing = survival for me since I was in junior high school, and I still enjoy it at 66.
What is the price of this machine? It would have been fun to see the Air Threading in action! Thanks for your review!😃
I paid the equivalent of 1300 USD, but it was a special deal which included lots of presser feet too. Also a big reservation about currency and local pricing, I have no idea what it costs in other countries. And yes I should have shown the air threading, it's a beautiful thing!
Thanks for your super quick reply! I think this is a gorgeous machine, maybe even a little frightening for someone like me who has owned the basic Brother 1034D for less than a year. I always do the exact same thing on it. I want to branch out. Would love to see you demo the various stitch applications - a rolled hem, or that lettuce edge. Maybe you’ve done so in a precious video - if so, I will go find it!! Love your presentations.
I might do a tutorial video at some point, this video only meant as a review. But those instructional videos take forever to film, so I can't give any promises!
Vivmom Sews I'm getting ready to buy the Brother after visiting my local sewing machine dealer and trying the BabyLock. I've never used a Serger so to go from nothing to a serious investment of over a thousand dollars is scary. I think I'll start with a $200 investment and see how much I will really use it. I've heard good things about the Brother for the price.
Kathy Azzari The Brother is a solid little machine! I think you’re going to love it!👍
Do you miss having a removable table for sewing sleeves?
My last serger had a big bed too with no sleeve arm, so I have nothing to compare with, but I don't find it a hindrance at all!
I don't know of any serger that has a removable table.
Kat hie singer, janome and brother
Also when it comes to attaching sleeves on knits, they are always done flat (at least I do). So the only time I serge closed sleeve opening is when overcasting already sewn sleeves, such as on a shirt. And I don't find that cumbersome.
I have a very cheap singer serger (there are no baby locks machines in Poland :o ) and I have the removable table but I never use it. I just never use the free arm. No matter the machine. You can get used to sewing that way. Ps I love the review. Congrats on such a great machine :)
Where can we order this?
I know exactly what you mean about the difficulty in getting the flattest flatlock where the edges of the fabrics butt up against each other. This is near impossible with the auto tension Babylocks. But I found a jewel of a video by Jennifer Stern. She removes the needle thread from the tension disk by using scotch tape to block the path. I've tried this and it really works. Here's the link to the video: ruclips.net/video/-xbEkQ0BtWg/видео.html. Watch from 5:00 minutes in.
Thank you, that is the advice I’ve been looking for!
@@Thelaststitch. Pleasure. I hope it works for you. It worked perfectly for me.
I found one for $400 do you think is wort it?
That's a great price if it's well kept
MissSunshine ,yes I paid 1,200 for one. 400 is a great buy!
have you tried a Husqvarnavking serger?
No I have not unfortunately, only Pfaff and BabyLock
marguerite atwell I have a Viking 936 and HATE threading it. I often can’t get it threaded right and have to take it to the shop for them to thread it, and this after over 20 of owning and using it! Thinking of the Victory even though I’m 70 and not sewing much anymore. Even at half price- $1500, that’s a lot of premade clothes you can buy.
I had a Husqvarna serger. Auto tension. It worked well, excellent work area but the lower looper threading did my head in. Bought a Babylock Enlighten . I love it. The stitch quality is amazing. Air threading makes changing colour thread quick and easy. Works every time. Babylock has a unique thread feeding system, different to other brands. It measures the amount of thread needed for the thickness of fabric which is why the stitching is perfect on every fabric.
What is the price in US $?
in UK its £1,195 this machine so US could be something similar maybe?
I wonder whether you could do a flat lock like this video? She has a different model Baby Lock, but it’s also a “no tension” one: ruclips.net/video/y1SPdcXF2vY/видео.html
The Babylock Air Thread is the best ever. Your comments on the price and setting for Flatlock is incorrect,,,you pay for what you get. You criticized then recommended,,,I sold dozens of these ,,never a problem,,never. Must use the recommended needles,, THE FLATLOCK NEEDS TO BE SET UP PROPERLY,,,THIS MACHINE HAVE THE BEST SEWING QUALITY EVER. AND THE ROLLHEM IS THE BEST ,,,,Now JANOME MAKES THE AIR THREADER MACHINE. VERY GOOD,,TOO, BUY THIS ,,YOU ENJOY IT.
මිලදැනුම්දෙන්න
talk too much not enough demonstrate sewing