Baby Lock Rachel Review

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Baby Lock Rachel Rezension (Update 2023)

Editor’s Note: This Baby Lock Rachel review was written in 2014, revised and updated in 2022. We have listed machines from other brands similar to Baby Lock Rachel that you might want to look at. In order of increasing price, we recommend the Brother CS600i, Janome MOD-50 und das Singer 9960.

Baby Lock Rachel is a computerized sewing machine designed to replace the Baby Lock Grace, which has been on the market for a long time. The main difference is that the Rachel has a few additional stitch options as well as some enhancements to the under the cover technology.

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    Baby Lock Rachel – Overview

    Baby Lock Rachel Sewing Machine

    Baby Lock Rachel falls among the leveled-up lot of mechanical sewing machines. It comes with 50 stitching styles, five one-step buttonholes, a speed control slider, an automatic thread cutter, a free arm, drop feed, etc., and much more. This device defines convenience and is very easy to get the hang of. You can customize stitch length and width settings. When a stitch is made, a bright LCD window with backlighting shows the stitch number, the best foot for the presser, and the default length and width settings for the stitch.

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    Auf einen Blick

    Baby Lock Rachel
    Baby Lock Rachel

    The Baby Lock Rachel has a sleek rounded design with an on board stitch guide, a bright back-lit LCD display screen, a variable speed control slider, start/stop button, easy to follow threading guides, and a huge dial that is used to select stitches. There are also buttons to adjust the stitch length and width as well as buttons to set the machine for working with a double needle and a reverse stitch locking button. There is also a drop in bobbin with a see through cover which allows you to see exactly how much thread is left on the bobbin, an on board thread cutter, an automatic Nadeleinfädler and an on board accessories case that reveals the free arm when it is removed.

    Merkmale

    • 50 Built-in stitches
    • 5 one-step buttonholes
    • Einsteckspule
    • Integrierter Nadeleinfädler
    • Quick-set bobbin
    • Free-arm
    • Drop-Feed
    • Nadel hoch/runter
    • Schieberegler zur variablen Geschwindigkeitsregelung
    • Start-/Stopp-Taste
    • Einstellbare Stichlänge und -breite
    • Variable needle positions
    • Automatischer Fadenschneider

    Working on the Baby Lock Rachel

    On board stitch selection guide and dial
    On board stitch selection guide and dial

    Following the easy to use thread guide and bobbin winder are easy enough for any beginner to master after just one attempt. The on board stitch selection guide and dial are equally as easy to use.

    In my opinion, the only stitch selection process that might be easier than this dial is a keypad that allows you to simply choose the desired stitch by touching the corresponding numbers with your fingertips. Once a stitch is identified, the bright back-lit LCD window displays the stitch number, the presser ideal foot and the default length and width settings. If you want to change the settings for length or width, just use the plus and minus keys on the right side of the screen to move the settings up or down until you get the stitch size you want. There is also a button that allows you to set the machine for sewing with a double needle. When the Baby Lock Rachel is set to use a double needle, that setting is also shown on the display screen. After sampling several different utility and decorative stitch options, I came to the conclusion that each stitch came out with perfection.

    Perfectly formed, stable, secure and well defined stitches
    Perfectly formed, stable, secure and well defined stitches

    The stitches made by the Baby Lock Rachel are as precise as stitches made by computerized sewing machines that cost a lot more. Every stitch I sampled was perfectly formed, stable, secure and well defined. However, there was one difficulty in working on the Baby Lock Rachel. There was a lot of vibration, especially when I moved the speed slider from slow to fast. The faster I attempted to sew, the more the machine vibrated. At the very highest speed, I was concerned that it might vibrate so much that it could possibly fall off of certain sewing tables.

    Alternatives to the Baby Lock Rachel

    There are many newer and better alternatives to the Baby Lock Rachel now available in the market. In order of increasing price, we recommend the Brother CS600i, Janome MOD-50 und das Singer 9960. Details below:

    Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine
    4.7
    $349.99

    Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine is more of a small long-arm quilt machine that is pretty affordable and offers you multiple features. Here, you can enjoy using 60 built-in stitches, including both decorative and quilting stitches, and a wide table for larger quilting tasks. Apart from that, the quilting device is designed with an LCD screen for stitch selection, a sewing speed that you can adjust, and an automatic needle threader. 

    Vorteile:
    • Threading guides make it easy to use
    • Great amount of buttonhole styles, foot accessories, and thread options
    • Cheap
    • Massive range of built-in stitches
    • Easy-to-use LCD screen
    Nachteile:
    • The overall amount of stitch settings might be less than what other models offer
    • Not enough space for huge quilts
    • Advanced stitch instructions
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    03/23/2025 01:06 am GMT

    Janome MOD-50 Computergesteuerte Nähmaschine
    4.5
    $299.00

    Die Janome MOD-50, Teil der vielfältigen Mod-Linie, bietet 50 integrierte Stiche, darunter 3 einstufige Knopflöcher. Es ist ideal, um der Kreativität freien Lauf zu lassen und vereinfacht das Nähen moderner Kleidungsstücke, Heimdekorationen und Steppdecken. Mit benutzerfreundlichen Funktionen wie dem einfachen Einfädeln, dem Beladen der Spule von oben und praktischen Knöpfen eignet sich diese Maschine sowohl für Anfänger als auch für Fortgeschrittene. Seine Präzision und Zuverlässigkeit machen es zu einem unverzichtbaren Werkzeug, um Nähprojekte souverän anzugehen. Der MOD-50 vereint Innovation und Funktionalität nahtlos für ein zufriedenstellendes Näherlebnis.

    Vorteile:
    • Extensive Built-in Stitches
    • Easy Reverse Button
    Nachteile:
    • Can be a little noisy
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    03/23/2025 08:22 am GMT

    Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Näh- und Quiltmaschine
    4.6

    Vielseitigkeit, Premium-Funktionen und Präzision zeichnen die Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 aus. Die Nähmaschine punktet mit 600 integrierten Stichen, darunter Stretch-, Zier- und Steppstiche, die Ihren inneren Nähtalent verwöhnen. Außerdem verfügt das Gerät über einen Nadeleinfädler und einen automatischen Fadenabschneider, um Ihnen Zeit zu sparen. Sie werden sogar einen Geschwindigkeitsregler finden, der sowohl für Profis als auch für Anfänger konzipiert ist. Die Maschine überrascht Sie außerdem mit 13 vollautomatischen Knopflöchern und einer großen Auswahl an Nähfüßen, um den Wert zu steigern, sodass Sie verschiedene Projekte nähen können. 

    Vorteile:
    • Various stitching options
    • Intuitive, easy-to-read LCD screen
    • Allows 850 stitches per minute with a robust motor
    • You get an additional table and wide presser feet.
    Nachteile:
    • Heavy structure.
    • Limited throat space for massive quilting projects.
    Bereiche für Verbesserungen: Design a larger throat area and brighter lighting for easier sewing.
    Our Overall Thought: The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a flexible, feature-packed machine that is really well known for its wide range of capabilities.
    With 600 built-in stitches, including stretch, decorative, and quilting options, users appreciate its creative potential. The automatic needle threader, thread cutter, and speed control slider are highly valued for their convenience, especially for beginners. The motor itself can handle up to 850 stitches per minute.
    However, if you’re focused on larger quilting projects, it may not be ideal because users have stated that it has a heavy structure and limited throat space.
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    Baby Lock Rachel: Fabrics

    Stoffe, die funktionierenStoffe, die nicht funktionieren

    Naturfasern/Baumwolle-Leinen-Wolle
    Feine Stoffe/Seide-Satin-Taft/Samt
    Strick
    Synthetische Stoffe/Mischungen aus Viskose und Polyester

    Extra dicke Stoffe oder mehrere Lagen
    Leder und Wildleder
    Fell
    Polster
    Reptilienhaut
    Canvas/Twill
    Kunststoff/Gummi

    Zubehör

    Zubehör
    Zubehör
    • 7 Snap-on presser feet
      • Unsichtbare Naht
      • Knopfverschluss
      • Knopfloch
      • Bedeckt
      • Satin stitch
      • Standard/zig zag
      • Reißverschluss
    • Weiche Abdeckung
    • 2 Schraubendreher (1 groß/1 klein)
    • 4 Spulen
    • Zusätzliche Nadeln
    • Zwillingsnadel
    • Plastic accessories pouch
    • 3 Spool caps (1 large/1 medium/1 small)
    • Kurzanleitung
    • Bedienungsanleitung

    BabyLock Rachel: Maintenance

    WartungstätigkeitenNach jedem GebrauchMonatlichEinmal im JahrWie benötigt
    Rennhaken und Futterhunde reinigenJaNEINNEINNEIN
    Wischen Sie den Kopf mit einem weichen, trockenen Tuch abNEINNEINNEINJa
    Wischen Sie den Kopf mit einem weichen, feuchten Tuch abNEINNEINNEINJa
    SchmierenNEINNEINNEINNEIN
    Service durch einen Nähmaschinen-ReparaturprofiNEINNEINJaNEIN

    Nicht verpassen: Beste mechanische Nähmaschinen

    Die losen Enden abbinden

    The Baby Lock Rachel is one of those sewing machines that you either love or hate. I love the stitch quality and the easy stitch selection process. I hate the fact that it vibrates so badly that it could very easily fall off of a table when sewing at higher speed levels. Once I moved the speed slider beyond the halfway point, the machine started vibrating. The faster it went, the more violently it vibrated. This is a huge no-no for someone like me who is accustomed to sewing at high speeds. I love the ease of threading the Baby Lock Rachel and winding the bobbin, but I am not at all pleased with the location of the drop feed control.
    Before you can get to the control lever, you have to remove the accessories case and then reach around to the rear of the free arm. In my opinion, the placement of the drop feed control was determined by someone who really doesn’t understand sewing. They may have a great understanding about what it takes to make a good quality sewing machine, but when it comes to efficiency, they fall short. Anyone who places a function control where it is not easy to access clearly doesn’t understand what it is to be a person who actually sews.
    If you have been reading reviews on this site for any length of time, you already know this is my pet peeve about many of the newer sewing machine models. If you do a lot of freehand sewing, daring, attaching buttons or bartacking, you know exactly what I’m talking about.

    When I consider the vibration problem – which is far more troublesome to me than the placement of the drop feed control – I cannot give the Baby Lock Rachel the high rating that the stitch quality would normally dictate. I think anyone who is comfortable sewing at reduced speeds, then the Rachel might just be for you.

    When you take into account the ease with which you can thread this sewing machine and how easy it is to select the various decorative and utility stitch options, this could be a good choice for someone who is just beginning to sew and is intimidated by sewing at high speeds. The problem, however, comes about when that person gets accustomed to working on the Rachel and decides they are ready to literally put their sewing into high gear. Without the vibration problem, I would not hesitate to give the Baby Lock Rachel an overall rating of 5 stars.

    If the Baby Lock Rachel didn’t shake so much, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to use a computerized sewing machine, no matter how old or skilled they are. I was greatly disappointed when I realized just how unstable the Baby Lock Rachel is and sincerely hope the manufacturer goes back to the drawing board on this one to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the problem with the vibration as quickly as possible. Until then, I cannot in good conscience recommend that anyone purchase this sewing machine.

    I think the Baby Lock Rachel will be a great addition to any sewing room once the vibration problem is fixed. Until then, however, I must advise anyone in the market for a beginner level computerized sewing machine that they continue to shop around. There are plenty of other computerized sewing machines on the market in this price range that do not vibrate nearly as much as this one if at all.


    Wenn Sie ein fortgeschrittener Näher sind, schauen Sie sich unsere an beste Nähmaschinen, beste Nähbücher Und beste Nähzeitschriften Beiträge und wenn Sie auf der Suche nach einem sind mechanischSchwerlast, Quilten oder IndustrienähmaschineSchauen Sie sich einige unserer tollen Artikel an. Wenn Sie ein Nähanfänger sind, sehen Sie sich unsere an Die besten Nähbücher für Anfänger, beste Nähmaschinen für Anfänger Und beste Nähmaschinen unter $200 um loszulegen.

    Für markenbezogene Artikel klicken Sie hier Beste Bernette | Bestes Bernina | Bestes Brother | Beste Husqvarna Viking | Bestes Janome | Bestes Juki | Bestes Singer |

    Das beste Zubehör finden Sie hier Beste Stühle | Beste Tische | Bestes Transparentpapier | Beste Maschinenöle | Beste Scheren und Scheren | Beste Nähfüße | Beste Nadeln | Beste Nähsets |

    Viel Spaß beim Nähen.

    Other Baby Lock reviews you may like

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    Die Baby Lock Enlighten ist keine gewöhnliche Overlock-Nähmaschine. Es handelt sich um eine 2/3/4-Faden-Maschine, die nicht nur alle Aufgaben einer einfachen Overlock-Nähmaschine ausführen kann, sondern auch viele andere Stichoptionen bietet. Als ich sie zum ersten Mal sah, dachte ich, ich hätte eine Baby Lock Imagine vor mir, aber bei näherer Betrachtung entdeckte ich einige sehr bedeutende Unterschiede. Die Enlighten hat alle großartigen Funktionen der Imagine und noch ein paar weitere Funktionen, die der Hobbynäher, der bereits ein Experte im Umgang mit einer einfachen Overlock-Nähmaschine ist, sicherlich zu schätzen wissen wird.

    Babylock Imagine Testbericht
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    Wie oft hat man schon die Gelegenheit, dem Besitzer eines Nähmaschinenladens dabei zuzusehen, wie er eine brandneue Overlock-Nähmaschine auspackt und testet? Ich hatte das Glück, den gesamten Vorgang mitzuerleben, als Cynthia's Fine Fabrics eine neue Baby Lock Imagine auspackte. Zuzusehen, wie diese Overlock-Nähmaschine der dritten Generation auf Herz und Nieren geprüft wurde, war wirklich ein Vergnügen. Sie ist einfach genug, damit ein Anfänger sie bedienen kann, und doch kann sie so viele Dinge und das mit einer solchen Präzision, dass ich keinen Zweifel daran habe, dass auch ein erfahrener Hobbynäher begeistert daran arbeiten würde.

    Baby Lock Evolution Review (Update 2023)
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    The exclusive Baby Lock ExtraordinAir threading system, tubular loopers and easy thread needles are easy enough for a beginner, but I think this eight thread serger should be used by the intermediate or advanced home sewer. There are far too many choices for the novice. In my opinion, if you get too many options before learning the basics of using a serger at home, you run the dangerous risk of getting frustrated and leaving the serger in the closet just collecting dust. A seasoned home sewer, however, could truly appreciate all that the Baby Lock Evolution brings and be very happy with it.


    Baby Lock Rachel Review

    Vernelle von SewingInsight

    Vibration
    Stichauswahl
    Einfach zu verwenden
    Anfängerfreundlich

    Zusammenfassung

    The Baby Lock Rachel is one of those sewing machines that you either love or hate. I love the stitch quality and the easy stitch selection process. I hate the fact that it vibrates so badly that it could very easily fall off of a table when sewing at higher speed levels. For this price range, I recommend looking at other alternatives from Singer, Brother or Janome

    3


    Wenn Sie ein fortgeschrittener Näher sind, schauen Sie sich unsere an beste Nähmaschinen, beste Nähbücher Und beste Nähzeitschriften Beiträge und wenn Sie auf der Suche nach einem sind mechanischSchwerlast, Quilten oder IndustrienähmaschineSchauen Sie sich einige unserer tollen Artikel an. Wenn Sie ein Nähanfänger sind, sehen Sie sich unsere an Die besten Nähbücher für Anfänger, beste Nähmaschinen für Anfänger Und beste Nähmaschinen unter $200 um loszulegen.

    Für markenbezogene Artikel klicken Sie hier Beste Bernette | Bestes Bernina | Bestes Brother | Beste Husqvarna Viking | Bestes Janome | Bestes Juki | Bestes Singer |

    Das beste Zubehör finden Sie hier Beste Stühle | Beste Tische | Bestes Transparentpapier | Beste Maschinenöle | Beste Scheren und Scheren | Beste Nähfüße | Beste Nadeln | Beste Nähsets |

    Viel Spaß beim Nähen.


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    16 Kommentare

      1. I’m a quilting guy. I need a machine that is a speed demon! I have a sewing table that takes two people to move, so if I can attach it to the drop shelf I’m good..Does it have bolt holes on the bottom? How does the straight stitch look?

    1. Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Joyce and thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.

      No doubt, you are working on a table built and designed for stability. As with most reviews, this machine was reviewed in a store. Some sewing machines and sergers I review are mounted on actual sewing tables. Others are not. This particular machine was not on a sewing table, but rather on one of those long conference type tables. I will definitely share this insight with the store owner.

      Viel Spaß beim Nähen.

    2. I have been sewing on the Baby Lock Rachel for 2 weeks. I prefer to use the foot pedal as opposed to the start/stop button on the machine. I really like being able to press a button and the machine automatically back stitches at the beginning and end of the seam. I love the stitch dial selector and that the display tells you what foot to use for each stitch. No having to pull out manual to see which foot to use. This may sound silly but I love the instruction guide because it is all written in English. The Singer machine I have the instruction guide has directions in English, Spanish,German,and French. It is so confusing the way they have it payed out. So far so good I like the machine.

    3. I own a Baby Lock Symphony and just purchased a Rachael. I make fabric wrapped baskets so I needed a tough machine. I love the Rachael’s curved top, as it makes a wonderful addition to my Baby Lock family for what I do. I am very hard on my machines, and these machines are tough. I am using them as commercial machines and they have never let me down. Perfect for sewing anything, and tough, tough, tough!!! I also teach quilting and sewing classes. The Rachael is very light weight, again, just exactly what I needed.

    4. I purchased Rachel for my son with high functioning autism. He was attending a sewing camp, and I needed something safe and not frustrating. The speed control is great for kids. The slowest speed crawls. I’ve never seen any machine on the market that can run that slow. Also the error message will ring if your presser foot is up and will not run the machine. After 30 hours for the week long sewing camp, no accidents at all or meltdowns. He calls it his machine and loves it. As for vibrating, there was none at my home on top of my dining room table. At camp, they used the cheap yard sale tables. Every child’s machine which were Janomes and Singers including Rachel vibrated somewhat but not dangerously. The straight stitch is super nice and may give my featherweight some competition. It can also be stored easily in one of the Joann’s rolling bags. Only thing I don’t like is that the default stitch is left of center. I prefer that sewing machines turn on and be in the center position. Also if you put the whole assessory bag in the storage compartment, it does not fit well. You have to take it out for the compartment to close. I would still give it 4 stars only because the center needle position is a must for safety. Center should always be the default especially if you are a quilter and like using piecing feet which are often single holed. I have tons of different brand machines that start in center needle position so I will need to train this old brain to not forget to move the stitch to #2.

      1. You can change the default needle position to be either in the center position, or left of center. The procedure is in the manual on page 36: “While pressing the needle mode selection key, turn on the sewing machine. When the machine beeps twice, release the needle mode selection key”

        This was something we also wanted to change, and were very happy to find the option in the manual.

        1. Thank you for the reference. However, I firmly believe it should come to the customer in center needle position. I have no idea what they were thinking. As an avid sewer and quilter, I want it the way I’ve traditionally done in the past without having to change something. It’s a small change for Babylock to do, but I think it would be wise for them to do this. This was a class machine for me so I expected to sew with it right out of the box and, honestly, without reading the manual. There are other quilters in my guild complaining of the same thing so thank you, Joe, for the information so I can share with them.

        2. Thank you, thank you. I have broken so many needles since buying this machine a year ago. I was ready to give up on it. I love everything else about the machine. It sews evenly, is light weight to take to sewing groups, has a great choice of stitches, love that it tells you which pressure foot to use and the light is bright. What more could hobby seamstress want!

    5. I have very expensive machines that vibrate on those conference tables. I had a Grace and could sew full out on the tables I have at home. I think in this case the problem is the table and not the machine.

    6. I have to disagree with some of your observations.

      Vibration: I replaced my old Grace Baby Lock with a Rachel. I have absolutely NO problem with vibration. I see no difference between the two machines in regards to vibration, and you gave the Grace 5 out of 5. I sew on a heavy oak kitchen table, but have used the lunch room style table, and both machines vibrate more on the light weight tables.

      Fabrics: Based on actual sewing projects,I would rate the fabrics as:
      yes – Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool [up to 6 layers any speed]
      yes – Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet [up to 6 layers any speed]
      yes- Knits [up to 5 layers any speed]
      yes – Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester [up to 6 layers any speed]
      yes – Upholstery [up to 3 layers for flat felled seams any speed]
      yes – Leather/suede [2 layers of lambskin, calf skin, or suede, slow or medium          speed]
      yes – Canvas/Twill [up to 5 layers for 9 oz. canvas, any speed]
      yes – Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers [see notes above]

    7. Have had my machine 3 years now. I am frustrated with the poor stitch and ability of this on heavy material . I tried to sew a zipper in my winter coat and the stitch was uneven and the needle kept pulling out. I changed the needle to a heavy denim needle and no difference. Longer stitch as well. Not impressed. I need a heavy duty machine. This is fine for dress making only.. Also the girl I bought it from at the store could not figure out how to demonstrate the needle threader and I was never able to figure it out as well. Just threaded it by hand it was much easier. Other than that issue with sewing heavy things it works great. Stitch quality is perfect unless you try and sew heavy things.

      1. I’m so disappointed in this machine. I bought it specifically with quilting in mind and the sales lady who sold it to me swore it would be fine. She was really really wrong . The second you sew anything with a thickness it’s stitch lengths go right out the window and a walking foot doesn’t help.
        This was my first “nice” machine and it’s been anything but. I was stupid and left it in the box for a year before trying to use it it. I’ve owned it for three years but only really recently tried to use it. I’m not able to afford to replace it but maybe I can at least get this piece of crap out of my house.

    8. I know this is an older review and comments but I’m surprised. I own a Grace and a Rachel and have never had vibration issues with either one. I have used them in a classroom setting on super cheap molded plastic, long folding tables, and I use them in my shop on 1950s kitchen dinette tables. I had an old inexpensive Brother machine that bounced so badly I’d have to chase after it and move it back across the table every few minutes. I also should point out that I sew exclusively on the highest speed setting, I never turn down the speed and the pedal is always to the floor. Also, I disagree with this machine (or previous “Grace” model) being unable to sew thicker fabrics or multiple layers. I have sewn suede, garment leather, denim, etc. It’s not a commercial grade by any means, but it will go through heavier materials. I would not try to sew tooling leather or finish denim with a tripled rolled hem of course, but it will certainly go through two layers of denim. One final note… I LOVE that the default stitch is to the left! I think that is brilliant and makes it much easier to see and calculate seam allowance. The Rachel’s motor is noticeably smoother than the previous Grace was, in fact I think overall the Rachel vibrates even less than Grace and is quieter. The only complaint I had with the Rachel is they changed the hook that holds the thread against the top of the needle (marked step 6 in threading sequence). The Rachel version is just a little slip of metal with a second “hook” of metal to hold it in place and that second hook is like a paper thin piece of mylar and will quickly pull out of place and hang down like it’s broken if you pull the thread out of the machine from the front or if the thread gets caught mid-stitch. Took forever to figure out how to get it back in place and almost ripped off completely. It’s very flimsy and disappointing that Baby Lock would change the design from the Grace which was a sturdy proper metal curved hook that held the thread in place and does not flex. Just this past weekend, my original Grace from 2012 finally gave out and I replaced it with a Jubilant which is the equivalent current model. It sews as well as the Rachel right out of the box, super smooth stitches. The default stitch does look wider than the Grace/Rachel but it could be my imagination. The flimsy thread hooks are still there like on the Rachel and that’s disappointing. The main disappointment is they changed the default needle setting to the center! Ugh! Now the left position is set to stitch number 3, which means a lot of messed up garments because I’m used to starting on stitch 1 when I turn on the machine. I have yet to check the manual to see if it can be re-programmed.

    9. Since buying a Babylock Rachel 3 years & 3 months ago I have experienced major, major frustrations with that machine. It constantly loops from the bobbin thread. I’ve made six trips back to the store where I purchased it. After each trip it would work fine for a little while then gradually get worse and start looping again. It has been to the service technician twice in the last three weeks. The owner of the store claims she just heard about the problem yesterday. Sounds like she and her staff do not communicate very well. I am thoroughly disgusted and discouraged with that machine. I purchased a big expensive lemon apparently!