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Baby Lock Ovation Review (Update 2023)
Anmerkung des Herausgebers: This review was originally written in 2013 and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Brother 1034D, JUKI MO644D, Und Janome CoverPro 900CPX.
When I first heard about a serger that is threaded by a puff of air, I couldn’t wait to review one. That opportunity came with I reviewed the Ovation by Baby Lock at Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics in Tamarac, Florida.
Baby Lock Ovation Overview
The Baby Lock Ovation is a high-quality serger sewing machine that delivers advanced stitching capabilities and user-friendly features. It comes with a color-coded threading system that makes it easy to thread, and a differential feed that ensures even stitching on all types of fabrics. With the Ovation, users can choose from a wide range of stitch options, including rolled hemming, cover stitching, and flatlocking. The machine also has adjustable stitch length and width, giving users greater control over their projects. Additionally, the Ovation comes equipped with a bright LED lighting system to enhance visibility and make it easier to work on intricate projects.
Built to last, the Baby Lock Ovation is a sturdy and reliable machine that delivers quiet operation. Its heavy-duty construction and precision engineering ensure that it can handle even the toughest sewing jobs. The machine is also designed with user comfort in mind, featuring a comfortable grip and ergonomic design. With its advanced stitching capabilities, easy-to-use features, and sturdy construction, the Baby Lock Ovation is a top-of-the-line serger sewing machine that is perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers.
Even before getting a chance to look inside the looper door, the thing I noticed first was the thread stand. The Baby Lock Ovation can sew with up to eight cones of thread.
I am accustomed to seeing a variable speed control slider on sewing machines. The Ovation, however, is the first serger I’ve reviewed that also has a variable speed control slider that lets you sew up to 1500 stitches per minute.
The Ovation has no tension dials or controls because the tension is adjusted automatically. With all this, the one thing that took me completely by surprise is the placement of the presser foot lifter.
Instead of placing it behind the needle bar, the presser foot lifter on the Baby Lock Ovation is located on the front right side.
What are the features on Baby Lock Ovation?
- 87 stitch options
- 2-8 threads
- 1-3 Nadeln
- Presser foot lifter on front of the machine
- Schieberegler zur variablen Geschwindigkeitsregelung
- 2x as much lighting as conventional sergers
- Built-in thread cutter
- Presser foot lever in front
- Integrierter Zubehörspeicher
- Built-in ribbon/tape guides
- On board color threading chart
- Color-coded single antennae with thread guides
- Wide Nähtisch
- Needle drop tray with magnet
- Needle clamp safety plate
- Safety switch on front door cover
Working on the Baby Lock Ovation
Threading any serger can be a daunting task. The very idea of threading an eight thread serger can be downright intimidating. The Extraordinaire air threading system is fascinating to watch.
All you have to do is pull off a length of thread – the owner’s manual specifies 22 inches or 56 centimeters for those who prefer metric measurements – then insert the end into the appropriate opening inside the looper door and push the button.
The thread actually automatically goes all the way through the machine and out the other end without you having to do anything at all.
The instructions tell you that if the thread doesn’t go all the way through on the first try, to push the button again.
With up to eight threads to work with, the Extraordinair threading system certainly makes the threading process much less taxing. For your convenience, a graphic color coded threading guide is affixed to the inside of the looper door.
For this review, I sampled the flatlock hem stitch. while working at the slow and intermediate speed settings, the Baby Lock Ovation ran smoothly and without any perceptible vibration.
When I set the variable speed control slider to the highest setting, however, there was definite vibration – not so much as to affect the work, but definitely vibration, nonetheless. The stitch quality was neat, secure and the stitches were well formed.
What are some alternatives for Baby Lock Ovation?
We have reviewed several sergers similar to the Baby Lock Ovation and here are some alternatives we recommend.
If you want a sewing machine that does not fray your projects, the Brother 1034D Serger is the one. This machine will assist you in managing tough projects and thick fabrics. Then, you will come across a ¾ lay-in thread system. Plus, the model offers you multiple stitch options and three snap-on feet features. Hence, it is the best in this category.
Juki MO644D ist eine 2/3/4-Faden-Overlockmaschine mit automatisch gerolltem Saum und einer farbcodierten Fadentrenngreifereinstellung für Stichlänge und Differenzialtransport. Sie näht keine sehr schweren Stoffe, kann aber sehr gut mit leichten und mittelschweren Stoffen arbeiten. Die Nähgeschwindigkeit steigt auf gute 1500 SPM und die Arbeit damit ist ziemlich einfach. Dieses Gerät ist sehr leise, während die Bearbeitung von Stoffen sehr reibungslos verläuft. Es ist ein wirklich gutes Gerät für Anfänger und Leute, die nicht schwer nähen.
Eine Coverstich-Nähmaschine mit mehreren Funktionen, die sich ideal für die Näherei zu Hause eignet, ist die Janome CoverPro 900CPX. Das ungewöhnlich breite Flachbett und die Freiarmfähigkeit geben der Maschine viel Platz für Projekte jeder Größe. Ein Merkmal dieser Maschine ist ihr einzigartiges Nahtfestigungssystem (STS). Um dem Benutzer stärkere, festere und flachere Stiche zu bieten, minimiert der STS den Durchhang, der häufig in Greiferfäden auftritt.
Die 900CPX verfügt über eine auf der Vorderseite der Maschine aufgedruckte Tabelle zum einfachen Nachschlagen. Dies ist eine ihrer guten Eigenschaften und erleichtert die Auswahl Ihres bevorzugten Stichs. Hier können Sie alle Einstellungen und Optionen der Maschine entdecken. Es ist nicht erforderlich, die Bedienungsanleitung zu lesen, da sie eindeutig beschriftet ist.
Der Janome 900CPX ist insofern einzigartig, als er Stärke mit Nützlichkeit verbindet. Dieses Gerät ist das Ergebnis eines kreativen Designs, das von einer Heimnähmaschine und einem industrietauglichen Abdecksaum inspiriert wurde. Auch wenn sie wie eine typische Nähmaschine aussieht, ist sie ein leistungsstarkes Arbeitstier für Coversäume und kann Ihnen zu einer beeindruckenden Stichgeschwindigkeit verhelfen.
Which fabrics work on the Baby Lock Ovation?
| Stoffe, die funktionieren | Stoffe, die nicht funktionieren |
|---|---|
| Naturfasern/Baumwolle-Leinen-Wolle Feine Stoffe/Seide-Satin-Taft/Samt Synthetische Stoffe/Mischungen aus Viskose und Polyester Strick (nur mittelschwer bis schwer) Polster | Fell Reptilienhaut Canvas/Twill Kunststoff/Gummi Extra dicke Stoffe oder mehrere Lagen Leder und Wildleder |
What are the accessories that come with Baby Lock Ovation?
Standardzubehör
- Nähfuß einrasten
- Extension table for chain stitching
- Lint brush/needle threader
- Nadeleinfädler
- Pinzette
- Looper threader tool
- Fadennetze
- Spulenkappen
- Knieheber
- Cone holders
- Weiche Abdeckung
- Schraubendreher
Optionales Zubehör
- Optional snap on Nähfüße
- Perlenstickerei
- Blindsaum
- Elastisch
- Spitze
- Rohrleitungen
- Ruffling
- Curving
- Klar
- Cover/chain
- Biesen
- Optional chain/cover stitch accessories
- 2 Belt loop binders (3/4” and 1 ½”)
- 2 double fold bias tape binders (28mm and 36mm)
- Stoffführer
- 2 Plain hemmers (1/4” and ½”)
- 3 Single downturn fellers (1/4” 5/8” and 1”)
- 2 Single fold bias tape binders (28mm and 40mm)
How to maintain the Baby Lock Ovation?
| Wartungstätigkeiten | Nach jedem Gebrauch | Monatlich | Einmal im Jahr | Wie benötigt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rennhaken und Futterhunde reinigen | Ja | NEIN | NEIN | NEIN |
| Wischen Sie den Kopf mit einem weichen, trockenen Tuch ab | NEIN | NEIN | NEIN | Ja |
| Wischen Sie den Kopf mit einem weichen, feuchten Tuch ab | NEIN | NEIN | NEIN | Ja |
| Schmieren | NEIN | NEIN | NEIN | NEIN |
| Service von Nähmaschine Reparaturprofi | NEIN | NEIN | Ja | NEIN |
Baby Lock Ovation Summary
After my review, I spoke with a woman who owns an Ovation, and she shared with me that she had a little bit of a learning curve since she moved from a traditional serger to the Ovation.
She went on to add that once she got the hang of it, she absolutely loves her Ovation and all that it is capable of.
I made a point of asking about the Extraordinair threading system and whether or not it works as well as it did for me during the review.
She answered that she has had her Ovation for a couple of months now and that, in addition to loving the fact that she can just push a button to thread the Ovation, she would never go back to working with a serger that required manual threading or one that required her to manually adjust thread tension.
The Ovation was only introduced to the public in August. Now, just a few short months later, it seems to be the next best thing in home serging. One thing is certain.
If the Baby Lock Ovation stands the test of time, it definitely will change the way everyone looks at the traditional home serger and overlock machine.
Baby Lock Ovation Review
Zusammenfassung
Die Baby Lock Aria ist eine computergesteuerte Näh- und Overlockmaschine, die für fortgeschrittene und erfahrene Näherinnen konzipiert ist. Sie verfügt über eine Vielzahl von Funktionen, die sie zu einer großartigen Wahl für eine Vielzahl von Nähprojekten machen, darunter 87 integrierte Stiche, 7 Ein-Schritt-Knopflöcher, automatischer Nadeleinfädler, Drop-in-Spule, Geschwindigkeitsregler, LED-Licht und großes LCD Display, ExtraordinAir™-Einfädeln, automatische Fadenzufuhr, Versäubern von 2 bis 8 Fäden, Pure Lighting – 6 LED-Leuchten, Kniehebel, variable Geschwindigkeitsregelung und praktischer Nähfußhebel. Es ist einfach zu bedienen und liefert professionell aussehende Ergebnisse. Allerdings ist es teuer und nicht so tragbar wie einige andere Maschinen.
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Viel Spaß beim Nähen.
Find UL needs several tries for threading port. Find subisdiary looper not easy to remove from UL. Sometimes a little friction on cutter knife. R and L overlock needle threads not easy to hold on place sometimes. Deplore the fact there is not video for self review and teaching. Am visual. Had great time with Evolution. A real jewel. Hoping to be same once completely used to Ovation. Long life to your wonderful machines.
I have the same problem. If you are still having this problem, let me know. I will tell you what my tech told me, to make it work.
Referring to subisidiary looper. Had it removed after second one put in. Have eye problems. Too bad I can’t use with 2-thread flat lock on wave/ovlck stitches. Wish they would give and option like old days with a sperated subisidiary easy to to up on U/L. Went through various brands in my life and Baby Lock jet air deifnitely the best. Still am waiting for Baby lock to come out with a thorough DVD on tutorial and projects. Cheers. Jean.
Actually when I took the serger into the tech for 3rd time, he had finally found out how to fix it. At least he said it was the best fix he could do. So far it hasnt separated since then. I hold my breath every time. If I were you I would have had them replace the whole serger. It is a great serger, but if I had my druthers I would have an elna 5 threadDC, but I have no idea where to get one.
Have had this machine for one month. Was not my first serger. I found it easy to thread and change stitches. The instructions were well writen and the accompanying card with quick threading info is great! The extra lighting and additional space to the right of the needles are wonderful for large projects! It has been well worth the money. Shop around before buying for the best price and additional equipment like feet, trolly, and inspiration books.
I was told a very easy machine to use for beginners. this machine IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS I wasted my money on this machine will never use it again it has brought me to tears. it will become a closet serger.
If anyone wants this machine think again if you are a beginner.
I am considering buying an Ovation.
Dorothy, I am so sorry you are not happy with your very expensive serger. I’ve had a Babylock eclipse for about 30 years and it still works like new, but certainly doesn’t look new. If you also have the Inspiration Guide, I would encourage you to play around with your machine and do some fun projects with it.
I wanted to upgrade my Babylock eclipse and bought a top of the line Pfaff which I hated. I finally sold the Pfaff and I’m so glad I kept my Babylock. I would really hate for you to have to go through the same thing I did. Please be patient with yourself and with your machine. The Ovation and Evolution are the 2 top of the line Babylocks, and truly, you can’t find a better machine.
Are you interested in selling it
I know these comments are a few years old, but I am looking to sell my Ovation and would love to chat about it! Let me know!
Can you tell me why you don’t want it, why you want to sell it?
Have you sold your Ovation – I would consider buying
I know these comments are a few years old, but I am looking to sell my Ovation and would love to chat about it! Let me know!
Sarah, I’m looking for a used Babylock Ovation. Where are you located?
Hi! We are in the Seattle area. What about you?
Dorothy, have you gone back to your dealer for classes? This machine with the air threading gives you much easier threading than any serger
pull out the threading guide, its the 3 fold with the pictures of the serger in different threading methods. once you get the basic intro to the machine, you should be able to use that guide to do all the threading as long as you walk through every step (since you may have been doing chain stitching and have to reset the loopers)
Look to see if there is a serger 3 day class at your dealer. Sara Gallegos does a 3 day that goes through a lot of the features on that serger.
I would love to buy yours! I am in the market now.
I was just wondering if you ever had a serger before this one? What do you consider a beginner?
Would love to purchase the machine if you want to sell it.
Would you like to sell it?
I have the Evolve and I love it. I am experienced but the old type sergers frustrate me to no end. I could not endure the looper threading and trying to get the tension right on every thread. I love this machine because it adjusts the tension automatically no matter which thread you are using. I use three regular threads and a wooley nylon many times and this machine makes it a breeze and sews beautiful. I have only used about 6 of the 87 stitches on mine but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I bought a used Elna Lock and I hate it. It seems like the person that sold you the Evolve would also teach you how to use it.
Oh my goodness, I love love love this serger! I only wish I had this when I was a beginner because it is so much easier than that first one I had that was a nightmare to thread and it would take hours to get the tension as right as it could be, and this was an every time use nightmare! The ovation is the greatest thing since sliced bread as far as I’m concerned! Any serger has a learning curve, if you haven’t used one before please go take a class or two, and just play with it! Watch some of the wonderful YouTube videos and just have fun with it! It is not a take out of the box and do a project machine but if you give just a little time and practice, you will love it, I promise you will!
Did you ever learn to use it? If not do you still have it?
Hello all.
I sincerely appreciate your taking the time to visit Sewing Insight and engage in the type of dialog that is taking place here. It is one of the reasons Sewing Insight even exists.
The Ovation is definitely NOT a machine for beginners. Although some dealers say it’s easy to learn, I disagree. If you are not already familiar with working on a serger and some of the intricacies of what a serger can and cannot do, I think the Ovation can be quite overwhelming.
If, however, you are adept at working on a basic serger, the Ovation can be a wonderful experience. If you invested in an Ovation and it is your very first serger, don’t give up. I do, however, encourage you to take as many serger classes as you can possibly get in and then play around with the Ovation Inspiration book. It might take you a little while to get up to speed, but in time, you will really appreciate your Ovation.
Happy Stitching to you all.
I’m glad you said it. The ovation surely is not for beginners. The machine is built for people that have been very familiar with their sergers. People whom spend much of their time going from one setting to another and just get tired of rethreading or trying to anyway. For those people and I am one of them, it is a timesaver.
On the other hand, for a person that may be just jumping into serging, it can be very intimidating. There is a beautiful notebook that is available but most dealers don’t want to spend the money to include it with the purchase. They should be able to order it though, and sell it along with the serger. It would stop a lot of frustrations.
And then there are people such as myself, whom have been serging for 30 years, used to threading and using decorative threads. We buy this ovation and it is so far beyond what we have been doing to serge, that we find it almost too easy, hard to accept the ease. But! Good news…….we get used to the ease.
I would encourage babylock to pay someone like Sue Green to put a video together. She has the best serger teaching skills that I have ever encountered. It surely would be worth their time and money.
Hi Vernelle! I hope you don’t think I am trying to spam your blog! 🙁 It’s been an awesome resource of knowledge for me. If you know anyone that is looking to purchase an Ovation serger, please let me know! We (like many) bought it for its great features and was told it would do everything we asked, however, that ended up not being the case in the end. We have the machine, trolley, inspo book, and 22 foot kit as a full package deal (or individually!). This is the first place I’ve seen with interested people! We love the machine overall but our projects now don’t require it! THANKS SO MUCH! Sew long for now!
What kind of projects are you doing that don’t require serger? Is this your first serger, have you had experience with using a serger I the past? I am looking to replace my singer serger, updating the one my husband bought for me for xmas years ago.
Hi! We’ve been working on athletic wear and stretch knits and we’re told we would be able to flat lock knits but our fabric was too stretchy. We also love the cover stitch capabilities for hemming and can do double or triple needle stitches. I personally have an elna serger but it doesn’t have all the other cool features of the Ovation and is only for overlocking.
If you still have it I would be interested in contacting you to discuss my interest in purchasing an Ovation. If you would allow Vernelle to share your contact information with me. with me.
I so thoroughly disagree with the comment the Ovation is not for beginners. I was fairly new to serging having bought an Evolution after trying unsuccessfully with a Viking 936 I hated. The Evolution was easy for a very impatient person like me. Only trouble I had was when tired I could tangle threads trying to raise and lower the presser foot. Along came the Ovation and oh my goodness, presser foot in front, knee lift and more space. Even though I have small hands I found the evolution cramped. I love my Ovation. It is the easiest serger ever. If I find it easy just about anyone would. If I had had this serger when I first started I wouldn’t have given up on sergers until the evolution came along. If you just remember you have two machines, cover and regular serger and treat them separately its a breeze. The Viking 936 nearly ruined me forever on sergers. I had to be convinced and this one is wonderful.
Kommentar
I taught myself to serge and coverstitch using the Brother 1034 serger and the companion Brother cover stitch machine. When my husband saw the Evolution on sale locally, he encouraged me to try it. We bought it on the spot. It was a huge improvement, especially the looper threading. However, I felt a bit overwhelmed with all the features, so I always refer to the threading chart and keep the PDF of the manual open on my computer so that it is easy to reference. I came across a Nancy Zieman workbook that follows closely with the serger workshop videos she has done with Pam Nahshie. Between the videos and very well organized workbook, I feel that I have more than mastered Evolution basics. So sorry that I did not know the Ovation was being released right after we bought the Evolution. The increased space to the right of the needles is very appealing to me since needle threading has become a challenge as my eyesight declines and my hands are less steady. The Ovation presser foot lever on the side rather than behind the needles would be frosting on the cake. I encourage you to keep your Ovation and take advantage of online tutorials and workbooks if you are unable to attend classes.
Hi Vernelle, just a quick note to let you know that you have mistaken millimetres for centimetres when discussing the air threading.
“22 inches or 56 millimeters” should read “22 inches or 56 centimetres”
Cheers, Sarah
Sarah –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight… and many thanks for the catch. In case it wasn’t already obvious, I almost never use metric measurements.
Viel Spaß beim Nähen.
I’ve had my ovation for over a year. From the beginning, I have had trouble getting the air to shoot thread thru the upper looper. Finally took it back into the service fellow. He said there was nothing I could do about it, the tube that the thread shoots thru is not aligned with the tube it I supposed to aligne with. A real pain because I like to use decorative threads and trying to get any one of them thru is a real hassle. I finally have resorting to tying threads and pulling it thru, however, thick knots won’t got thru the tubes. The serger is a bit of a pain at this point.
Mary – I think you might find the Babylock video at this link helpful:
http://babylock.com/sergers/decorative-serging/
I use the “thread cradle” method to use pearl cotton in the lower, upper or chain looper.
Hope you find this helpful.
Oh I do use the thread cradle, but the problem is that the two tubes that meet, after locking the machine, don’t meet. So, the air shoots out into thin air, not the connecting(supposedly) tube that carries it to the upper looper. The thread that is being shot to the upper looper, just hangs there at the end of the first tube. It’s frustrating as all get out. Thank you for your suggestion though….if only it were that easy.
Hallo Mary -
Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch bei Sewing Insight.
You invested a lot of money in this machine. You deserve to have it working properly.
I have a few questions.
Did you take classes on how to use and maintain your Ovation at the store where it was purchased? Did you share your concerns about the threading issue during these classes? Did you ask the dealer to take a look at it when you first noticed the problem? Sometimes issues like this can be rectified by a minor adjustment by an authorized service repair professional. Nearly all authorized Pfaff dealers have a service expert on the premises either full time or part time.
You said that you have had it for more than a year. Have you taken your Ovation back for servicing? All computerized machines should be serviced at once every 12 months in order for them to maintain peak performance levels.
Viel Spaß beim Nähen.
I thought that I answered your questions yesterday, but I don’t see the comment so will send it again.
I did take the new owners class. I’m had the UL problem while in the class. The instructor whom was also the dealer, was impatient with it and said I just wasn’t doing it right. Well, I accepted her words, and continued trying to thread the UL. She would not try to thread it herself…..my mistake for not insisting. After a couple of months with this problem, I took it into the tech. He knew right away what it was….and showed me right there. I was stunned. The UL tube connector was hanging to the right of the first tube. He told me to use curved tweezers to pull/push it to connect with the first tube. That’s what I have been doing, but now I just tie the threads together and pull it thru……just like old times.
I just read another instance, at the top of these comments, where the gal was having the same problem with hers. She doesn’t know it, but that’s why she has problems with the UL. I’m wondering if these machines were machines that dealers were trained on, and then bought at cheaper prices. Dealers can mess up a machine at those training classes.
I’m taking it in on Wednesday, and I’m going to insist that it be fixed. This is ridiculous!
I talked to the Babylock dealer in Sturgis and he showed me how the tubes are easily aligned. Yours should be able to be aligned very easily. It was the only concern I had before I buy one. He actually showed me how to align the tubes. Were you able to get this fixed yet?
Not sure what I’m rating there!
Have finally found a place that can fix it. In Eustis Fl., Sew Mini Things. I just purchased a fantastic Elna 900 from Timm, the owner of the shop. He assured me that they would be able to fix the ovation. When the I go back for my elna class with him, I will take the ovation. They sell babylock as well as Ellna, Janome, singer and probably others. They also have 3000 bolts of great fabrics. I was impressed. Wished I had found them before I bought my Bernina, which I now have for sale. I’ll let you know when the ovation is finally fixed.
Decorative threads need to be pulled through on all these jet air sergers. Read the manual there is another way to thread these threads but with out an illustration I hate to try to explain. I love this machine. However I have been using a serger for probably 15 years. If there is a misalignment you should insist it be fixed, as it is still under warranty. I have a very good shop I go to and they would correct it for me. Once I was using wooly nylon and it broke and I could not get it out of the tube. I drove to the dealer and they got it out for me the same day!
Thanks for the info Joyce. I was surprised about the woolly nylon getting stuck in the tube….wonders never cease. Since I acquainted myself with Sew Mini Things at Mt Dora Fl., I have felt confident that should I have problems with the serger again, I will take it to them. They are great! As far as threading now, when I hit the thread button, if the tube misaligned itself, I just take my Closed tweezers, with the bend at the points, and gently nudge the tube into alignment. I have given up on Paulas Fine Fabrics……have had terrible luck with them. She always wants to blame the customer, and won’t zaccept that there is actually a problem with the machine.
Thanks again for the tips!
Why hasn’t your dealer sent it back to the manufacture? If I were you I would call babylock directly about this problem!
I agree that you should demand that your Ovation be fixed and that it should operate properly. If you do not get satisfaction from the dealer, you might consider contacting the folks at Baby Lock directly and lodging an official complaint. To my knowledge, this is one company that still takes customer service very seriously. They need to know when their dealers are not upholding that same commitment.
Why to you have an X for thick or multiple fabric layers…I thought that is what these machines are supposed to work with. Other baby locks have this marked with a Check mark.
Would you suggest getting the insurance policy when buying it new from the dealer?
I just bought an Ovation about two weeks ago and I LOVE IT! I have only been sewing for less than a year and also own a Sophia2. The primary reason I bought the Ovation was due to the fact that it has speed control and automatic threading. This is life changing for a beginner! I spent a few hours watching YouTube videos learning how to thread the 8-thread configuration. When I went to my class, I asked my instructor to watch me thread it and she corrected two of my threads. After that, I was a whiz at it and have since sewn a nice tshirt in an afternoon which included 4 thread overlock and 3 thread cover stitch. I’m super slow but it was a big achievement for me to do this in one afternoon. It was so easy to fit because I just kept shaving off the sides 🙂 🙂 til I got it to fit correctly. I’m so happy with this machine, I would almost be willing to side line my Sophia, but I know I still need her. I bought two books: Serge with Confidence by Nancy Z. and The Complete Serger by Chris James. Between those two books, I have what I need to understand construction order on the serger vs. what is in the pattern instructions. I also purchased a couple Kwik Serge patterns just so I had the instructions for a newbie like me. What impresses me most about Babylock is the features they incorporated into this model. I watched their launch video and it struck me (as a software development project manager) that they listened to what the customer wanted and incorporated the features that make sewing more pleasurable. Speed control, ease in which to raise the presser foot, air threading, laminated threading cards (still need YouTube to get started!), lighting, wider deck, etc. They get it. I wish more companies would get it too. Babylock should be a case study in usability! I’m so happy I bought this machine and will spend my summer playing around with it experimenting.
Forgot to add one more thing about the price. It is expensive! But if you do your research, you can get a very good deal. My dealer let it slip and told me their cost. Believe me, they have a lot of padding built into the price. The lowest price I found was Patternreview.com which was the leverage I needed to get my price. When I added up the cost of an Imagine plus a Cover Stitch machine, I could get the Ovation for the same price but with many more features, and the coveted speed control, which is essential for a beginner like me! Thanks for listening to me…I’m off to start my next project!
Look for some Sue Green u tubes”…..you will love her.
Thanks! I will look it up.
Drug DH down to look at the Ovation today. He’s thinking of getting it for me for my Christmas gift (I’m thrilled!). However, I’m wondering if any of you feel it’s worth the significant price differential vs. an Evolution? Seems like a pretty big jump for what I perceive as just a few enhancements. (Not much dealer competition in this town to really shop around.)
I’m an experienced serger, having self-trained on a Bernina 2000 DCE and a separate Bernette cover stitch/chain stitch machine. So to me, the key reasons to upgrade would be the air threading system, the wider workspace to the right, and more decorative stitching options. (I always thought the older Bernina switch-over to cover stitch was such a pain, which is why I got a separate cover stitch machine.)
In my estimation…….the ovation can be an annoyance, especially if you like to use decorative threads in the loopers. The tiniest of knots maaaay get thru the looper tubes, but it was way easier with the Elna and even the Bernina sergers that I had. If I had it to do over, I would take the decorative threads in and try them. My ovation has been a problem, but I have a dealer that really doesn’t help much. The looper tubes don’t meet, thus the threads don’t go thru. It’s a struggle to get around it. The tech says there is no way to fix it…..
Yes it is worth the price difference! I got mine a few months ago and love love love it!
Hi, Mary
You’re suppose skip air threading and do manual threading when using decorative threads. 🙂
Yes, I am aware of that. As simple as it sounds, it is still very tricky to get the heavy threads working properly. Do you use the decorative threads often?
My ovation has a tricky upper looper quirk…..that the tech at the shop I bought it from says he can’t fix. I am thinking there is some type of misalignment in the works.
Hi, Mary. No, I haven’t used decorative threads yet, just got my Ovation about 1.5 weeks ago! I think I read that we should choose upper looper or lower, but only one per operation, not both in one operation. In other words choose one looper or the other 🙂 I look forward to using my Ovation a lot more.
Well that was news to me, about not being able to use two deco threads at a time. Odd! I am an old time serger gal, started out at Palmer pletch serger class at Oregon in 1985. They taught us to use any and everything on sergers. I’m missing my Elna 5 thread…..the ovation is quite a machine, but! I’m sorry to say I would trade it in a flash for the 5 thread. What would be the use of 8 thread machine,when you can only use one deco thread?
Thanks for the responses so far. Well, looks like I’ll find out within a couple of weeks because we called in the next day and gave them a down payment to hold it for us. I justified it because they gave me a decent trade-in allowance on my ’98 Bernina 2000 DCE and the Bernina cover stitch.
Mary, I sure hope I don’t have issues with the decorative thread in the loopers as you did because I love decorative serging. The dealer told me if I have a difficult thread I can tie off and pull it through that way, or I assume that’s part of the reason for the bypass port for special thread. Also, this dealer seemed to be very helpful and the manager who sold it to me also teaches the free classes. Although I consider myself experienced, I’ll probably take the classes anyway to understand any nuances. I’m hoping it won’t take too long to come up to speed since I self-taught myself on the old machine that I had to painstakingly thread and adjust tensions. But time will tell! 🙂
Thanks for posting such a great review! We love our Ovation and all of its awesome features! Sadly for us, the in-house development of our product was short-lived and we are actually hoping to sell it. We have the travel trolley, foot kit, and inspiration guide to go with it. If you’re interested in it, let me know!
You’d have success on eBay!
Yeah! We created a post and have some viewers and watchers, but haven’t had any true hits. The price is intimidating but the value is really great if you know how awesome the machine is, and we are open to negotiate offers. 🙂
Hi! We did a lot of preliminary development using the machine. But the one feature we needed was not workable for our fabric in the end, and actually requires a special machine for bulk production.
Hi! We have no sold it yet and are hoping to find a buyer. Right now we have it on eBay. I’ve put the link below if you want to check it out!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/282274364096
Includes: BabyLock Ovation Serger sewing machine, Trolley Bag, 22 piece Foot Kit, Inspiration Guide
I have an almost unused Babylock Ovation, unused because I bought it on impulse and find that serging does not fit with my true passion of embroidery, lace making etc on my Viking Epic. I want to sell the total package of serger and accessories, rolling carrying cart, case with 14 unused feet and accessories, e.g. binding makers, The Ovation Inspiration binder, 48 spools of serger thread, many unopened and 3 binders from a three day course, teaching how to use the serger, the many feet and cover stitch.
How would I go about selling this? I would be most grateful for a response.
Danke
My Ovation has new cutting blades but the edges are ragged and appears that the upper and lower loopers are not pulling together….what to do?