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Baby Lock Crescendo Review
Note from the Editor: This Baby Lock Crescendo review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since the Baby Lock Crescendo is now discontinued, we have added alternatives such as Brother SE2000, and Janome MOD-50.
You seldom get a chance to review a sewing machine that is so new, the dealer doesn’t even have any promotional materials yet, but that’s exactly what happened on a recent visit to Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics in South Florida. The Crescendo from Baby Lock is promoted as the Maestro of Quilting, and it very well might be just that.
Baby Lock Crescendo Overview
The Baby Lock Crescendo is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 573 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. The machine also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a needle threader, a top-loading bobbin, a free arm, and a sensor pen. The Baby Lock Crescendo also has a built-in embroidery module, which allows you to embroider a variety of designs.
Baby Lock Crescendo is now discontinued. We recommend trying out alternatives that we have listed in this post.
The first thing I noticed was the brilliant full color LED screen. Mind you, I’ve seen many, many color LED screens before this one but for some reason, the screen on the Crescendo is far more eye catching than many others I’ve seen.
Then there are the laser pen attached to the side of the column and the over sized digital dual feed attached to the presser foot. A sewing machine with laser technology is definitely a first.
So is this particular dual feed attachment. More on both these innovative features and how they work below.
What are some alternatives for Baby Lock Crescendo?
We have already mentioned in this review that the Baby Lock Crescendo is now discontinued. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.
The Brother SE2000 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine is a versatile and powerful machine that is perfect for both sewing and embroidery enthusiasts. With 138 built-in embroidery designs and 240 built-in stitches, including 10 buttonhole styles, this machine offers a wide range of options for all types of sewing projects. The SE2000 also features a large 3.2" color LCD touch screen, which allows for easy navigation and access to a wide range of stitch options and settings. With a maximum embroidery area of 5" x 7", the SE2000 can handle large and complex embroidery designs with ease. The machine also features a built-in USB port, allowing you to import and save your own embroidery designs. The SE2000's automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin system make it easy to get started on your next project, while the machine's automatic thread cutter and programmable foot control allow for hands-free operation and more precise control over the sewing process. Additionally, the SE2000 comes with a wide range of accessories, including seven presser feet, to help you tackle any sewing or embroidery project with ease. With its advanced features and high-quality construction, the Brother SE2000 Computerized Sewing and Embroidery Machine is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile machine that can handle a wide range of sewing and embroidery tasks.
The Janome MOD-50, part of the diverse Mod line, offers 50 built-in stitches, including 3 one-step buttonholes. Ideal for unleashing creativity, it simplifies sewing modern garments, home decor, and quilts. With user-friendly features like easy threading, top-loading bobbin, and convenient buttons, this machine caters to both beginners and intermediate sewists. Its precision and reliability make it a go-to tool for tackling sewing projects with confidence. The MOD-50 seamlessly blends innovation and functionality for a satisfying sewing experience.
What are the features on Baby Lock Crescendo?
This machine is so new Cynthia had not yet even received promotional material for it on the day I visited. According to information found on the Baby Lock website, the Crescendo possibly has more features than any other home sewing machine on the market.
The impressive list of technological, sewing, quilting and machine features that appears below is taken directly from the Baby Lock website:
Technology Features
- LCD Color Touch Screen with touch pen
- Shows 260,000 colors
- Measures 7” diagonally
- Clock and Date
- Guide Beam for precision alignment of stitches
- Sensor Pen allows you to set preferences on your fabric to:
- Set a guideline for sewing
- Select the needle position location
- Select custom zigzag widths
- Choose an ending point on the fabric for stitches to stop sewing
- Enhanced Stadium Lighting™ for brighter true color LED lighting of 10” around the needle
- Digital Dual-Feed System ensures utmost fabric control when feeding layers or difficult fabric types
Key Quilting and Sewing Features
- 573 Built-in stitches including
- 137 Utility with 14 one-step buttonhole styles
- 283 Decorative
- 20 Satin
- 61 Decorative satin
- 14 Cross
- 58 Combinable Utility stitches
- 5 Built-in alphabets
- Maximum utility stitch width: 7mm
- Stitch length 0.0mm – 5.0mm
- Digital Dual-Feed System ensures all layers feed evenly
- NeverMiss™ needle threader
- Automatic thread cutter
- Independent bobbin winder motor and Quick-Set, top-loading bobbin
- Advanced Pivoting Feature
- Automatic Fabric Sensor System adjusts presser foot pressure and tension to deliver perfect stitch
- Ergonomic hands-free presser foot lift with extra high setting 10mm automatic and 13mm manual
- 11.25” Workspace to the right of the needle
- Sewing speed up to 1,050 spm
- Automatic drop feed
Convenient Machine Features
- Convenient one-touch buttons for
- Start/Stop
- Reverse sewing
- Reinforcement stitch
- Needle up/down
- Thread cutter
- Automatic presser foot lift
- Auto threading
- Quick-Set bobbin winder
- Needle plate with scale in inches and centimeters
- Additional seam markings on bobbin cover for needle position preference
- Quilting extension table for larger work area
- Free arm
- Two accessory storage compartments
Advanced Machine Features
- 2 USB drives: 1 (Type A) drive, connects with a mouse and flash drives and 1 (Type B) USB direct connect to a PC
- Utility stitch editing capabilities
- Store personal stitch settings for each Utility stitch on machine
- Decorative stitch editing capabilities
- Back to the Beginning key, returns to the beginning of a decorative stitch pattern
- Edit and combine Character/Decorative stitches
- 24 Memory Pockets for Character/Decorative stitches equaling 1 MG
- Store additional stitch combinations on your PC using the 2 USB ports
- Mirror-image capability for stitches
- Lock key for stitches keeps current settings
- Variable needle positions
- Programmable needle up/down
- Upper and lower thread sensors to alert when threads are broken
- Lateral and diagonal feeding
- Fully automatic built-in darning
- Twin needle settings
- Language conversion capabilities (13 languages)
- Warranty (25-year limited, 10-year parts, 5-year computer circuit, 5-year electrical, 1-year labor)
- Optional Gold Standard Comprehensive Care Program
Instructional and Help Resources
- Built-in Help Messages
- Built-in Operational Guide
- Built-in Sewing Application Guide
Working on the Baby Lock Crescendo
In addition to its new technological features on the Baby Lock Crescendo, the top cover comes completely off to allow you to mount large thread cones directly onto the machine.
For years, I’ve used stationary or portable cone thread stands. With this subtle change, those stands are not necessary when using the Crescendo. Possibly the simplest thing about this multifunction sewing and quilting machine is the threading process and winding the drop in bobbin. The good news here is an independent motor enables you to wind bobbins while you are sewing.
Thread guides make threading the Crescendo so easy, even a rank beginner can master the task. However, once you get pass those steps, almost everything you ever knew about operating a sewing machine pretty much goes out the window. If you have ever had difficulty using a seam guide – either attached to the machine or etched onto the needle plate, then this one may be for you.
The Baby Lock Crescendo is equipped with a tiny red laser beam that literally lights the way, guiding you along the exact stitch line. This feature is not only a great advantage when stitching in the ditch and quilting, when traditional seam guides may not be visible it is also useful in performing many other sewing tasks as well.
Then there’s the touch pen. Not only can it be used to guide you through the functions of stitch selection, adjusting stitch length and width and other tasks that are performed by accessing the many options on the touch screen, this one can also be used to set stop points on your sewing project.
In other words, if you are creating pintucks, for instance, you can simply touch the pen to the point on your fabric where you want your stitch line to stop and it will work with the Crescendo’s built in laser technology to stop at the precise point you identify. No more measuring and marking or pinning. I watched as Cynthia zipped through a series of stitches using this feature and I was almost literally dumbstruck by the way the machine made a perfectly straight row of stitches and stopped at an invisible end point each and every time.
The detachable digital dual feed is possibly the most innovative feature for the home quilter yet. Like nearly all dual feed systems, the new Baby Lock digital dual feed system is designed to assist you feed ‘difficult fabric or multiple thick layers’ with ease.
The primary difference, it seems, is that the Baby Lock digital dual feed system is a cut above all other existing dual feed systems to date.
This new feature seems like a great idea that has the potential for making thick coats, working on heavy quilts and other very heavy or thick sewing projects possible on the Crescendo.
It’s so new, however, that it must be put to the test in actual home situations before I can attest to its true usefulness.
Which fabrics work on the Baby Lock Crescendo?
| 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 Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What accessories come with Baby Lock Crescendo?
As one would expect, a machine this innovative comes with an equally impressive list of standard accessories. They include:
- Sensor Pen and holder
- Touch pen (stylus)
- USB cable
- Knee lift
- 17 Presser Feet
- Digital Dual-Feed System Foot
- 1/4” Quilting foot with a guide
- Buttonhole
- Overcasting
- Monogramming
- Zipper
- Zigzag
- Blind stitch
- Button fitting
- Free-motion quilting
- Free-motion open toe quilting
- Free-motion echo quilting
- Straight stitch foot
- Specialty bobbin case for bobbin work
- Cord guide bobbin cover
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Soft cover for machine
- Bobbins
- Seam ripper
- Twin needle
How to maintain the Baby Lock Crescendo?
| 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 Crescendo Summary
Watching this machine go through its paces, reading about it and learning about all the new features is at times mind boggling. To be honest, watching the laser light, sensor pen and digital dual feed in action might lead one to be a bit wary about stepping up to the Baby Lock Crescendo.
This machine hasn’t been on the market long enough for anyone to say that these brand new features will stand the test of time or even work the way they are supposed to when you get the machine home. The Crescendo is definitely not for the beginner or even the intermediate home sewer. Nor do I recommend it for anyone who may be the least bit intimidated by 21st Century technology. Working with new technology is sometimes challenging for the most adventurous of people.
My concern is that if someone who is not adventurous would be so intimidated by all the new bells and whistles on the Crescendo from Baby Lock that they might give up on trying to use it before giving it the time it deserves to prove itself in a home sewing room. If, however, you are the type of home sewer who is looking for a machine that is definitely state of the art, then the Crescendo from Baby Lock might be just the machine for you. I give it three stars for ease of operation because of all the new technology.
There is a definite learning curve here. If you expect to take the Crescendo home and sit right down and get to work, then you will be disappointed. I believe that if you take time to learn this machine from stem to stern before attempting to use it, you could be very happy with your choice.
Baby Lock Crescendo Review
Summary
The Baby Lock Crescendo is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 573 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. The machine also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a needle threader, a top-loading bobbin, a free arm, and a sensor pen. The Baby Lock Crescendo also has a built-in embroidery module, which allows you to embroider a variety of designs.
Overall, the Baby Lock Crescendo is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It is a good option for those who are looking for a machine with a lot of features and that is easy to use.
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Happy Stitching.
I just discovered your reviews when googling for a new machine. Based on this review I went to Cynthia’s and test drove the Crescendo and fell in love. Cynthia spent over an hour going over the machine with me. It’s all you wrote about and more. When my Viking Designer 1 died and would cost $$$ to fix I knew it was time for a new one. This will be my first Babylock and all because I read your review. This is a great site! Thank you!
I have a 17 year old Viking Designer II which is still working perfectly, but I wanted a machine with more harp space to be able to quilt larger quilts. I traded in a Bernina 550QE that I’ve had for about 5 years at my local dealer (who sells both Bernina and Babylock) I was never happy with the Bernina, try as I might. I told the dealer that I do most of my sewing on my Viking because of the features and he suggested the Crescendo – I love it! This is by far the best machine I’ve ever owned and the first one I’ve ever been truly excited about and not afraid of! lol
Lucky you. I bought my Babylock Crescendo in Oct. 2022. I have had many questions on use of this machine and have called Babylock for help. The service received through them has been nothing short of being rude and condensending. So I’m trying to learn on my own using the manuals that I purchased to use with this machine. I also bought the deluxe walking foot at the same I purchased the machine. I tried straight-line quilting using both the dual feed and deluxe foot to accomplish this. All I end up with is tightly sewn stitches that make it almost impossible to pick out. With either foot, I’m getting my quilt sandwich wedged between the foot and the bed of the sewing machine. It doesn’t feed the quilt evenly-I’m constantly have to pull/stretch my quilt to be fed through. I finally gave up on this process and I am now teaching myself how to hand quilt. I am not happy at all with this new purchase and only wish it was returnable.
Thanks for visiting Sewing Insight.
So glad Cynthia and I were able to help you out. In case you didn’t already do so, I’ll be sure to let her know how much you appreciated her excellent service. Perhaps we’ll run into each other over there one day.
Happy Stitching.
I am torn between the Viking Sapphire 875 and the BL Crescendo. I also cannot find a consistent price for these two machines. I would like to hear from those who can give me an idea of what to pay that I can show the dealers in my area and to also help me decide which one I should buy, as both are large investments for me. Thanks so much! connietaylor01@gmail.com
Connie, I live in Ca. I am going to purchase the Crescendo tomorrow (God willing). The sale at Redlands Sewing Center is for no sales tax, Gold standard warranty included, $4500. Other prices I found were $4000.00 plus tax Bag and Bobbins in Claremont. Moore’s sewing offered 4000.00 with trade-in (running or not). But these are seminar machines. Moores is offering 24m 0% financing. I’ll try bartering with the other store as it is offering 6.5%. I am sooooo excited about this machine as I am both a quilter and clothing sewer. The speed control and 11.25 opening are huge assets (also the automatic cutter and bobbin winder) Wish me luck! Leanne
I am soooo excited for you! you are one lucky girl! I want to hear how you like it. They say there is a huge learning curve. I am going to wait until I get back from San Fran – which would give you some time to practice and learn. I’m serious about wanting you ton report back! We are looking forward to hearing what you think. I sure am rooting for you! Enjoy!
I would also love hearing more reviews of this machine. I can’t find much on the net so far. I was planning on buying a Symphony this coming year, but the Crescendo is pulling at me – even though the price is near double. I’m 66 and figure maybe this would be my last machine (I currently have 9 various machines)
I had the Espire that was the machine the Symphony replaced. I loved it and I was not looking for a new machine but I came home with the Cresendo. The extra lighting and the large throat space sold me… moral of the story I am in love again!!! I also own a Pfaff as does my mom and the throat is not as large or the lights as extensive.
I also had the espire – but did the trade-in. I LOVE MY CRESENDO – I received a workbook with it, and have gone through most of the examples. I even had to have my husband build me a extra table for my books, and I did reference both manuals. I am now working on a quilt, the laser pen is great for binding – and working with points on flying geese/. I know the price shock, but after my husband seen the actual retail price, he was ok. This is my last sewing machine to purcase – and will treasure it.
I have a Crescendo and love it. I was stressed out about the price until I realized at my age this will probably be my last sewing machine. It sews beautifully. I love the decorative stitches. I have quilted one quilt on it and the space and lightening are wonderful. I love the needle threader with my older eyes it is a blessing. Hope this helps you.
Hi Leanne
Was wondering if you purchased the Baby Loc Crescendo? Do you like it? I am torn between
this machine and a PFAFF. Any tips you can give me regarding the Crescendo. Likes dislikes
Thanks
Becky
I have been pricing the Crescendo and got prices from 4.500 down. My Fort Worth TX dealer is letting me have the floor model for $3000, I will pick it up tomorrow. 15 miles away they quoted me $4.950 so keep checking. Hope this helps
I bought my Crescendo in August and I absolutely LOVE it. Don’t know what I ever did without it. I am however having a little trouble with skipped stitches while free motion quilting. This is something that has just happened. I have quilted two quilts with no problem. I am taking it in to the dealer to see if they can help me. I know it is something that can be easily fixed, or that’s what I’m hoping for.
Neva, I love mine too but am having a problem with skipped stitches also. It is always when I am quilting, just straight line or zig zagging the binding on. I have tried numerous things, like slow down, change needle, which helps but still does it. Have you figured anything out yet?
I own the crescendo and love most of the features on this machine. However there is one issue that has me totally perplexed. The throat plate removal is a royal pain. Getting the throat plate back on properly is awful. Takes me 3 and 4 tries to get it done properly. Also dropping screw down into the cavity while playing with the throat plate is awful. I just dread changing the throat plate and cleaning the machine. The screw drivers that came with the machine are too tall to get a full grip on the screws. This has become a true source of aggravation with this machine. Any comments would be appreciated.
Brinda, after I purchased my BL Aria I decided to switch to the single needle throat plate. As I was changing it out, one of the screws fell into the machine and I couldn’t get it out. This required a trip to the dealer. They took over an hour but after diligent trying, finally found the screw and removed it. Now keep in mind I hadn’t even sewn a stitch yet. Long story short, I feel your pain. My dealer had a very short handled screw driver set which I purchased and has made a big difference in switching out the plates. But I agree, for a nice machine such as this I would have put a little more thought into the plate situation. Overall, I have a tremendous love of this machine. It’s quiet, stitches wonderfully, has fantastic lighting, and a huge harp area.
I had a Bernina 750 for only 6 months and because of issues changing the bobbins, due to my carpal tunnel I traded it in on a Babylock Crescendo (much easier drop in bobbin.) The Bernina was more expensive and I took a big loss; but have never regretted one minute of purchasing my Crescendo. In my opinion it wins hands down over the Bernina 750. I had five previous Berninas and was a die hard Bernina user. However, I would never go back after sewing on my Crescendo. Many more useful features and the manual is very easy to understand. If there is ever a question, I can go to the Babylock website and go to contact us; send my question and it is usually answered by e-mail within 24 hours by a tech. Babylock you are the greatest!!! I am not young (almost 80 yrs. old) and did not grow up with computers.
Im taking back my 750 today for a Crescendo. Should have bought the BL first. My threads keep breaking on the Bernina, and frankly the needle threader is HORRIBLE. among other technical issues ive had with the 750. I had a melody (well still do) from BL, i should have just stuck with them in the first place!
I have A LOT of sewing machines including many Baby Lock machines. I have to say that I LOVE my Crescendo. After I bought it, I thought I might regret buying another machine, especially at the price point. I can tell you it is the best machine I have ever purchased. It is not a machine to take to any type of class or retreat, just based on the size etc. I have never used a machine as much as I do this one. My other machines will have to sulk. Do use good quality thread, as that is one thing that I have noticed, as well as other users I know. I have no regrets for buying this machine.
Great review! I love the Crescendo and was planning on upgrading to it from the BL Symphony. Since I know this will be my final machine purchase, I chose to go with the BL Unity since it also has 7×12 embroidery capabilities for what little bit of embroidery I do. Plus with the large hoop I can see some quilting via embroidery! :-). I’m a very BIG Baby Lock fan!
I purchased my Crescendo in July of 2014. I love it. I have found the instructions excellent. Smooth, quiet stitching. Have sewn for Years but am just getting into quilting. The extension table and dual feed foot are fabulous. I put on my dual feed foot and away I went with no trouble the first time.
I was all set to purchase the Aria and then started reading about the Crescendo. The big difference is the sensor pen And the laser beam guide. I am a quilter. For those of you who have the Crescendo, how often do you use the sensor pen. The price difference in the machines is around $500.00. Trying to decide if the pen and laser beam is worth the extra price. Would love some users to weigh in on this. Thanks.
I was all set to purchase the Aria, then reviewed the Crescendo. The price difference is about $500. I’m torn due to the sensor pen & laser guide beam. I am a quilter. Would love the opinion of those who own the machine on how useful they find the sensor pen in particular. Thanks.
I have had my Crescendo for about a year now. I have a lot of trouble with my machine when i use it to free motion quilt. I have had the machine in for repair two times now and it still is not working well enough for me to machine quilt. At this point i don’t know what to do with it. The dealer keeps telling me there is nothing wrong with it when they use it.
I free motion on my Crescendo and have had no problems at all. I thought I would have to play with the tension like I do on my Janome, but I don’t. I do lower the feed dogs & my stitch length. I use Superoirs Bottom line thread in the bobbin, I usually use a heavier top thread with a 90/14 needle. Works great. Love the large throat space for quilting.
I have only been sewing for 3-4 years, and quilting for half of that… My local dealer had an incredible deal for 5 years no interest as long as you make monthly payments… I was sewing on an old sewing/embroidery machine of my moms and decided to take the plunge… I have NEVER once regretted it! This machine is so amazing. I can’t say that I am super experienced with all kinds of different machines, but the Baby Lock Crescendo sewing machine makes me “not afraid” of FMQ. I use the laser beam ALL THE TIME. I LOVE it. I haven’t taken any classes yet-I work full time and it’s hard to get in on a class that doesn’t occur during the work day, but I sat down with my manual and read and sewed and just love it. I still would like to take a class at some point-I’m sure there are cool features I’m missing out on. I really really love the machine and wouldn’t ever want any other.
I just got my Crescendo a week or so ago. Can you privately e-mail me or give me your phone number and I will call you. Thanks, Frankie
I have been a long time Bernina fan but after lots a trouble with a new machine I am considering a Babylock Aria or Crescendo. Does anyone know the size and weight of these 2 machines?
Hi Judy. I was also a long time Bernina user. I never really fell in love with my machines and only used them because people told me that’s what I was supposed to use if I wanted to be a “real” sewer. I played with an Aria at the Houston Quilt festival three years ago and fell in love with it. I didn’t get the Crescendo as I thought I’d never use the laser feature. I went to my dealer about 6 months later and worked with the Crescendo. I kicked myself for not getting it initially as I ended up loving the laser feature. So I bought the Crescendo as well and keep the Aria as back up. They both weigh about 40 pounds and while that is awesome at home because they are so sturdy, they get a bit heavy when taking them to classes. You also get 11.25 inches in the harp area which is HUGE and gives you lots of room for bigger projects. You can also look up the full line of machines at babylock.com. Hope this helps.
If you are a quilter, then definitely the crescendo. It took me awhile to use the laser but great for HST. Jerry or anyone else, do you ever use the sensor pen for anything. I have not even taken it out of the bag. I can’t quite figure out why I want to use it. The dealer didn’t really seem to have any good ideas either.
Judy, I too, was a long time Bernina user. Had the 1630, 1090, 440, 640, 730 , and then the 750. I loved them all until the 750. I won’t go into details, but I hated that machine. I only had it for 6 months, but took a big loss and traded it in on the Babylock Crescendo. It was the best decision I ever made. I love the Crescendo. It is heavy, but I also have the Sophia2 (another Babylock machine) that I use if I need to take a machine with me, I also have the Ellisimo Gold which I use for embroidery. In my opinion you cannot go wrong with a Babylock. If you ever have any questions, you can e-mail Babylock and usually have a reply the same day by a tech.
I am thinking of buying the Baby Lock Crescendo. I can’t seem to get a straight answer as to how many decorative lateral stitches there are, the ones that sew very wide. can anyone help?
thanks!
I just gave a quick count and I believe there are at least 160. You will not be sorry if you purchase the Babylock Crescendo. I love mine.
Anna Mae, thank you for taking time to count them. I was told that only certain decorative stitches go 1 3/8 inch wide, like 56 of them. can you change any of the decorative stitches to go that wide? or can you download new ones?
thanks again,
The wide decorative stitches cannot be altered in length or width. My count may not have been exact, but I know there are many of them. If you are a quilter, there are quite a few that can be used to quilt. I have used a couple of them to quilt borders and they do a lovely job. I previously owned six Berninas and I am just as happy with my Babylock Crescendo. If you are near a dealer you should really go and do a test drive on the Crescendo.
yes I did sew on the Crescendo last week and a year ago and will see it again this weekend at a quilt show in Kansas City. can’t wait to get it! thanks!
Thank you for all the comments about the Crescendo. I am shopping and have narrowed the search down to a Janome 8900 QCP or Babylock Crescendo. There is, of course, a price difference there, but I just want to get the “right” machine for me, regardless of price. This will be my final machine, I’m sure, and as I am partly retired now, will have lots of time for quilting and sewing projects. I do not do embroidery, so don’t care about that — just clothes, household projects, and quilts. Has anyone directly compared these 2 machines, and if so, do you find 1 better?
Jill,
I just bought the Crescendo and it is still in the box, but I did sew on it 3 times in the stores and saw all the features, of which there are many. I looked at all the brands and researched for months. the Crescendo has the sensor pen that will stop sewing automatically where you touch the pen. one of my favorite features is the diagonal and lateral sewing which makes wide decorative stitches possible, many are 11-15 mm wide. There are a few stitches that are automatic that are 1 3/8 inch wide for quilting. That is about 32mm. I saw a wide difference in price of the Crescendo between the different stores. I just saw the Janome 8900 for 3,999 on the Janome site, and I only paid 4,500 plus tax for the Crescendo. One store wanted 6,000 ! They both had the same warranty.
Good Luck,
Patty
I have been comparing the same two models you asked about and finally decided to go with the Crescendo. The difference in the two machines I feel is worth the difference in the price. The Janome 8900QCP which was a floor model, I was quoted $2400 plus tax and the Crescendo $3000 new. One of the features I was looking for was the laser light and the big harp for quilting. I went initially for the Janome but when I saw the Crescendo it was all over.
I love my Crescendo! Only have had it for one day, but it has been so much fun learning about all that it does.
wow, $3,000 for a new Crescendo. I paid 4,500 and one store in Kansas City wanted $6,000! did that come with the Gold Standard Warranty?
Patty, I paid $150 for the Gold Standard Warranty which the owner gave me a big discount on the warranty as well. I love my Crescendo and I am so happy I decided to go with the Crescendo over the one I originally went for which was the Janome.
I have finally completed 2 FMQ quilts I have been waiting to do with a new machine as my old singer harp space was only 4.5 inches to the right of the needle and trying to tug and get the fabric through the harp was a nightmare. The Crescendo is easy to use and its so quiet.
The wide arm space was one of the main reasons why I chose the Crescendo too. when I sew on it, I feel like I am driving a Lincoln Town Car…(big, roomy, high quality)
have fun with your new Crescendo. it does a lot of unusual things.
How did the FMQ feature work for you? I’ve heard multiple complaints about this feature – that it doesn’t look good at all on the back.
I have had the Credcendo since May 2014, love love all the features! No problem with free motion at all! It is the best machine I’ve ever owned!
I really lucked up when I purchased my BL Crescendo last year. Fortunately the owner had a machine that she had used for 2 weeks for a project she was working on and she sold me that machine for $2600.00 plus tax. I definitely couldn’t pass that up. I absolutely love my Crescendo!!!!! Best sewing machine ever!
I purchased the crescendo this week. It has exceeded my expectations. I too was taken back by the price tag, but I have sewn on it a few days now and it’s worth every penny. A and a white dealership in holiday fl. Is wonderful to their customers and that means a lot. I sewed for 8 hours straight with zero back or neck pain. This is a first. Needless to say I am thrilled with rtf h the machine and I am I only scratching the surface. 5 stars!!!!!!!!!
How much should I pay for a used Crescendo? from the dealer who said the owner only had it for 6 months. also warrranties transferable and he will serivce for a year if need be. previous owner went to the destiny 2
My warning alarm keeps telling me my thread is tangled or upper thread is wrong or bent needle redid all several times , but I sew a few inches and it comes on again ,
Dear Baby Lock devotees – Please don’t send me any hate mail after reading this. I don’t mean to offend because the Baby Lock Crescendo is one FABULOUS machine! I have a twenty-plus year old semi-electronic Baby Lock that still works beautifully but is too small for quilting so I went looking for a larger machine. I tested the Crescendo, LOVED it and wanted to buy one very badly but after pricing it I knew it was way above my budget as a retiree. So, I kept looking around. Last year when I was researching on the internet I learned that most sewing machine companies have close relationships, for example, Baby Lock and Brother, they actually produce some of their machines in the same factories. And they’re not alone. Viking makes some Singer machines, Pfaff and Viking are “father”-“son” companies (although I’m not sure which is which), and Brother makes some Baby Locks and vice-versa. There are more, but you get the idea. So what’s the point? The point is I found and bought a Brother Dream Weaver Innovis VQ3000 from a dealer for $2500. It’s virtually the EXACT same machine as the marvelous Crescendo but it costs less. It may have a few less stitch patterns – I don’t really know for sure but it has more than I need. It has that incredible belt-driven walking foot just like the Baby Lock, the laser guide, the pen, the 11.25″ throat space, and all the other fabulous features. I think the Crescendo will stitch Disney figures (does it?) and the VQ3000 doesn’t but there are three models in the VQ3000 series and one of them does although it’s a bit more expensive. I make quilts, crafts, and clothing so the embroidery function wasn’t important to me. But don’t believe me. Go online and compare features of these two machines, you’ll see for yourself that they’re virtually one and the same. ANYWAY, if you’ve put up with me long enough to read all of this you should also know that I LOVE this machine. It’s quiet, solid & heavy (46 lbs.) and came with lots of extras including its own set of luggage (which seems silly as it’s really not a portable). I registered it so I get regular software updates from Brother, download them to a flash drive and then into the machine – easy peasy. I found the machine easy to learn but of course that’s subjective, plus I’ve had many machines over the years and I worked in the technology industry for 25 years so I didn’t find it intimidating. Even so, with a little instruction, I believe anyone could learn it easily. Plus the manual is very well organized and you can always call Brother directly for help.
If you’re still looking at this type of machine, I wish you the best of luck in finding the one that best fits your needs and your budget. I believe either the Brother or the Baby Lock would suit you, they’re both incredible. It’s simply that the Brother is so much less expensive. Happy sewing!
Here is a cool idea to keep kids safe at home.
I’ve had my Crescendo since June and today the needle threader wouldn’t work. I’ve tried installing 3 new needles and triple checked they were correctly installed, so don’t think the needle is the problem. I can’t find any info on fixing this needle threader. As it is automatic it is hard to examine the needle threader unit itself as it retracks and I can’t easily see how to manually lower it. Can anyone help??
Thanks in advance
Maree
What the price or guesstimate price on screen placement on the crescendo baby lock