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Baby Lock Aventura Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Baby Lock Aventura review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar alternatives such as Janome Memory Craft 500E, Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, and Brother SE1900.
I had been reading about the new line of Baby Lock sewing, embroidery and quilting machines for several months. Finally, on a visit to Laura’s Sew and Vac in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the Baby Lock Aventura, an affordable, user friendly sewing and embroidery machine.
Baby Lock Aventura Overview
The Baby Lock Aventura is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine with a wide range of features. Some of its key features include a large embroidery area of 6-1/4" x 10-1/4", an advanced needle threader that automatically threads the needle, and a large LCD touchscreen display that makes it easy to navigate through various settings and options. The Aventura has built-in tutorials that show you step-by-step how to do different kinds of sewing and embroidery. The machine has a USB port that allows you to import and export designs to and from your computer and comes with an automatic thread cutter that cuts the thread with the touch of a button, saving you time and effort. It features 141 built-in embroidery designs, 300 built-in stitches, including utility stitches, decorative stitches, and alphabets, an automatic fabric sensor system that adjusts the tension and stitch length according to the fabric you're using.
When I first saw the Aventura, I thought it looked very much like the other machines in the new Baby Lock line, the Flourish, which is an embroidery only machine and the Soprano, a sewing and quilting machine. All three machines are white with gold accents.
The Aventura has a detachable embroidery unit and a USB port on the side which can be used to store one embroidery designs and to download software updates. There is also a full color LCD touch screen; an advanced on board automatic needle threader; a knee lift; a drop in bobbin; an on board stitch selection guide; on board threading and bobbin winding guides; and seam guides on the needle plate.
In addition to all these features, the Baby Lock Aventura also comes with a series of function buttons that control start/stop; needle up/down; thread tie off and cut; automatic presser lift; design stop; reverse/lock stitch and a variable speed slider.
What are some alternatives for Baby Lock Aventura?
We have reviewed many embroidery machines like the Baby Lock Aventura and here are some that we recommend.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
The Brother Embroidery Machine, SE1900 is a computerized embroidery machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 138 built-in embroidery designs, including a variety of designs for monogramming, home décor, and clothing. It also has 11 built-in fonts and a 5" x 7" embroidery field.
The SE1900 also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as the touch-screen display and the automatic needle threader. It also has a number of advanced features, such as the My Custom Stitch™ feature, which allows you to create your own custom stitches.
The SE1900 is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for an embroidery machine with a variety of features and a great stitch quality. It is not the most affordable machine on the market, but it is a good value for the price.
What are the features on Baby Lock Aventura?
- 300 Built-in stitches utility and decorative stitches
- 99 Utility stitches
- 10 one-step buttonholes
- 94 Decorative stitches
- 17 Satin stitches
- 18 Decorative satin stitches
- 14 Cross stitches
- 58 Combinable Utility stitches
- Embroidery Designs
- 141 on board embroidery designs
- 90 Baby Lock exclusive designs
- 140 Frame combinations
- 13 font styles including one exclusive script
- 5 Built-in alphanumeric fonts
- Adjustable stitch length and width up to 7mm
- Store personal stitch settings
- Reset key
- Decorative stitch editing capabilities
- Back to the Beginning key, returns to the beginning of a decorative stitch pattern
- Edit and combine Character/ Decorative stitches
- 15 Memory Pockets for Character/ Decorative stitches
- Step Stitch Pattern
- Mirror-image
- Variable needle positions
- Programmable needle up/down
- Lateral and diagonal feeding
- Automatic Fabric Sensor System
- Fully automatic built-in darning
- Twin needle settings
- 8.3″ Workspace to the right of the needle
- 2 LED Enhanced lights that illuminate the needle and work area
- Up to 6-1/4″ x 10-1/4″ (160mm x 260mm) embroidery field
- 1MB memory storage for embroidery
- Reads embroidery designs with a stitch capacity of up to 200,000 stitches per design
- Color LCD Touch Screen shows:
- Estimated embroidery time display and stitch count
- Needle position placement (1,10, or 100 stitch increments)
- Measurements displayed in inches or millimeters (mm)
- Thread color indicator
- On-screen hoop size indicator
- Low bobbin thread indicator o 300 color names
- Embroidery speed up to 850 stitches per minute
- 9-point trial check points
- Color LCD touch screen (3 3⁄4″ X 2 1⁄4″)
- Advanced needle threading system
- Automatic thread tension control
- Automatic thread cutter
- Quick-Set, top loading bobbin
- Automatic Fabric Sensor System
- Advanced pivoting feature
- Quick-Set bobbin winder
- Automatic sensors
- Upper and lower thread sensors
- On-screen hoop sensor
- Combine embroidery designs on screen
- Multi-line text capabilities
- Font editing
- Size and select letters individually
- Ability to split text
- Multi-color text
- Multiple fonts
- Character/Text array function
- Character spacing
- Horizontal and vertical options on Japanese fonts
- 1°, 10°, and 90° Pattern rotation
- Design enlargement and reduction (up to 20% down to 10%)
- Mirror imaging
- Design color selections
- One-touch function buttons
- Start/Stop
- Reverse sewing
- Needle up/down
- Reinforcement key
- Thread cutter
- Automatic presser foot lift
- Ergonomic hands-free presser foot lift
- Low bobbin thread indicator
- Needle plate with scale in inches and centimeters
- Electronic foot control
- Free arm with drop feed lever
- Hard cover carrying case with storage
- Two on board accessory storage compartments
- Programmable needle up/down
- Quick-Set bobbin winder
- On board help messages
- On board animated operational guide
- Ability to convert to 18 different languages
Working on the Baby Lock Aventura
The extremely user friendly on board threading and bobbin winding guides are easy to understand and follow, so much so that I believe a child as young as ten years of age can follow them with ease.
Once the machine is threaded and the bobbin in place, the next step is to determine whether you want to use the Aventura in sewing or embroidery mode.
The main thing to remember is that the Aventura will not operate in the sewing mode if the embroidery unit is attached. To use the sewing mode, it is first necessary to turn the machine off before removing the embroidery unit.
Selecting a stitch option starts with using the menu selection feature, located on the bottom row on the column. After the menu category is selected, use the left and right arrows to move through the stitch options until the stitch you want appears on the screen. Then press ‘OK’.
When a stitch is selected, an image of the stitch appears in the screen along with information about the correct presser foot to use and the default settings for the stitch length, width and tension.
If you find it necessary to adjust the stitch length, width or tension, it is necessary to first touch the icon at the upper right corner of the screen.
This will open a menu that will allow you to make any adjustments to the default settings that you need to in order to achieve any customized stitches you want. Once these settings are adjusted, you can save them for future use.
The Baby Lock Aventura is solidly built and runs smoothly, literally humming as it sews. The stitches produced are sharp, well defined and secure.
When operating in the embroidery mode, the process for selecting and adjusting designs is easier than I have seen in very long time. Again, I am tempted to say that a child in elementary school might be able to operate this machine with ease.
But this is not a toy, and therefore, should not be operated by a child without very close adult supervision. For this review, I decided to combine two designs – a frame and a monogram.
I had never before used this machine and did not take the time to read the manual before attempting to create this design. The easy to use on board tools made the process so uncomplicated, I felt completely at ease. The end result was flawless.
Which fabrics work on the Baby Lock Aventura?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Upholstery Denim | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
What are the accessories that come with Baby Lock Aventura?
Standard accessories:
- 13 Snap-on presser feet
- Buttonhole foot
- Overcasting foot
- Embroidery foot
- Monogramming foot
- Zipper foot
- Zigzag foot
- Blind stitch foot
- Button foot
- Open toe foot
- Teflon foot
- Stitch guide foot
- Adjustable zipper/piping foot
- Free-motion open toe
- Knee lift
- Hard cover
- Embroidery bobbin thread
- Extra bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Twin needle
- Embroidery hoops and grids
- 6-1/4″ x 10-1/4″ (160mm x 260mm)
- 5″ x 7″ (130mm x 180mm)
- Owner’s manual
- Quick reference guide
Optional accessories:
- Embroidery hoops
- 6″ x 6″ (150mm x 150mm)
- 4″ x 4″ (100mm x 100mm)
- 1″ x 2-1/2″ (20mm x 60mm)
- Extension table
- Stylus
How to maintain the Baby Lock Aventura?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Baby Lock Aventura Summary
The Baby Lock Aventura is the first of its kind – at least as far as I am concerned. I have reviewed high end sewing and embroidery machines that do not feel as though they are built as well as the Baby Lock Aventura. This machine is affordable, solid, quiet and extremely user friendly. From threading the machine and winding the bobbin to selecting and executing the stitches, the Baby Lock Aventura is quite possibly the most user friendly affordably priced sewing and embroidery machine.
Although it is definitely easy enough for a child to learn to master, and despite the reasonable price tag, after reviewing, I do not believe a child should be allowed to use the Baby Lock Aventura without constant close adult supervision. There are many things about this machine that would attract the imaginative child and tempt him or her to play with the many embroidery designs.
Like any other computerized sewing machine, however, I feel very strongly that children should not be allowed to operate this machine before first mastering all of the basics of sewing machine operation and care. With this in mind, I think the Baby Lock Aventura is a good machine for the teen, young adult and adult student. It is designed to be user friendly, which is a major pre-requisite for any beginner.
My only hesitation if you will, is the fact that adjusting the stitch length and width involves that extra step of first going into a separate menu. This, however, is a minor inconvenience, especially when taken into consideration with all of the other major advantages associated with working on the Aventura.
To conclude my review, I thoroughly enjoyed working on the Baby Lock Aventura, not only because it is so user friendly, but also because it is so well built. Just by listening to it while it is running, you can tell that this machine is extremely well built and built to last a long, long time. If a new combination sewing and embroidery machine is in your future, you owe it to yourself to visit your local Baby Lock dealer and ask for a demonstration of the Aventura.
Try it out for yourself and compare it to other sewing and embroidery machines before making a final decision as to which one you will take home.
Baby Lock Aventura Review
Summary
The Baby Lock Aventura is a sewing and embroidery machine that was released in 2016. It has a 3.75″ color LCD touch screen, 141 built-in embroidery designs, 13 built-in embroidery fonts, and a large embroidery field of 5″ x 7″. It also has an advanced needle threader, quick-set, top-loading bobbin, push-button features, and two-way USB connectivity.
The Baby Lock Aventura is a good sewing and embroidery machine for beginners and experienced sewers alike. It is easy to use and has a variety of features that make it a versatile machine.
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Happy Stitching.
I just returned home from visiting a sewing shop and had the privilege of ‘driving’ a Baby Lock Aventura. I liked it, but I didn’t think to verify with the salesperson if the machine would be good for quilting. Based on the kinds of materials you list here regarding what to use with this machine, where it indicates that it is not suited for multiple layers would this machine be inappropriate for quilting? Thanks for any input. 😀
What program is recommended for you computer to save embroidery designs for later use?
I use my computer’s File Explorer to save files. I have a PC, not an Apple, but I am sure Apple has a similar set-up. To store my designs, I create a new ‘drawer’ or ‘file’ and then add other files representative of whatever digitizer I’ve purchased from. For example, Embroidery Library, Sweet Pea Embroidery, Kimberbell…they all have their own file. In those files I will have other files segregated for fonts, holiday designs, single issue designs (I usually name them so I know what I’m looking at). If there are different sizes to each design, I will make another file in that particular design and put the sizes in their own row and list the sizes. It sounds complicated but once you get in the habit of doing it, it’s not that bad and, in the end, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for
How much does this machine weigh? Both with and without the embroidery unit.
I have a Babylock Destiny but dragging it to class is rough due to size and weight. I bought the Aventura as it will allow me to attend classes with a machine that operates similar to the Destiny but without the bulk and weight. In an embroidery class I may need to select a smaller project, but that is ok. I recently took a jacket class where I quilted with cotton fabric and batting before sewing together. This little machine handled it flawlessly. You can even program the multi function foot from the Destiny to do one more thing with the heel tap. In my case I selected needle up/down and when hitting the pivot function you can start and stop hands free. I love this little machine!
I have the Soprano (and also the Flourish 1). The Soprano is the sewing part of the Aventura. I tried making an insulated lunch bag for my son to take to work. I used Insulbrite and also that quilted fabric used for making ironing board covers, along with a water-resistant lining. At one point, I had to fold over a part of it for the flap and then stitch it down. My machine locked up! Refused to sew another stitch and it took a bit for it to release the fabric. I ended up using my 1980 Kenmore to finish the project.
In the specs for the Aventura, it states that it cannot sew through extra thick fabrics or multiple layers. I guess ironing board fabric combined with insulbrite is a no-no.
Anyway, the Soprano (and the sewing part of the Aventura 2) is a good machine and even has outstanding stitch-outs for the special characters other than the standard stitches.
Without the embroidery unit it weighs 21.6 #
With embroidery unit it weighs 29.3 #
I have one model lower than the Aventura; the Accord. I also find the secondary menu for adjusting stitch settings a bit cumbersome as it is easy to forget you need to change the settings in between seams when you cannot see the specs.
In regard to the quality of your review, I do not understand the point you’re trying to make about child safety, and I would have liked to see more commentary on this machine rather than backpeddling your point about ease-of-use.
I keep getting the “safety device has been activated, is thread tangled or needle bent?” I have the Aventura, I have changed the needle 5x and rethreaded upper and bobbin thread at least 5 times, I keep getting this message. My needles can’t ALL be bent and my thread ALL tangled, has anyone else had this problem and if so, how did you fix it? I took the plate off also and cleaned it as best as I could.
Without the embroidery unit it weighs 21.6 #
With embroidery unit it weighs 29.3 #