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Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II review was originally written in 2014, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since this product is now discontinued, we have added alternatives such as Janome Memory Craft 500E, Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, and Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850.
One day I received a request from a site visitor that I review the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold. Luckily, I was able to find an Ellisimo Gold II at Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics in Tamarac, Florida.
It’s not always possible for me to fulfill requests for reviews of specific machines so quickly, so I want to express my sincere thanks to Cynthia and her staff for helping make this possible.
Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II Overview
Baby Lock Ellisimo is a high end commercial sewing machine that has all the features you can possibly think of in one place. It comes with over 600 stitching options, 15 buttonhole styles, adjustable stitch length up to 30mm, 20 memory pockets, and a lot more. There are five memory settings for each utility stitch, a stitch lock key, and diagonal feeding. Additionally, this has another 600+ embroidery designs. You can edit everything you want, and the brightly lit, large touch sensitive screen only makes it easier. In a nutshell, this is everything a professional could possibly need in a single sewing machine.
It’s been a long, long time since I came across a sewing machine that has as many standard and optional features and accessories as the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II… so many, in fact, that it’s hard to even decide where to start.
In addition to the on board function buttons that you would expect to find on an advanced sewing, embroidery and quilting machine: start/stop; reverse; thread cut; presser foot up/down; needle up/down; and a variable speed slider, there is an oversized full color touch screen, an on board stylus and three USB ports on the right hand side, a large embroidery unit that allows you to sew with it in place; and a see through bobbin cover along with a sensor that lets you know when your bobbin thread is low.
The easy to follow threading guide is a major advantage as well as the automatic needle threading system and the bright LED lighting that illuminates your work without creating shadows.
This is not a small sewing machine. Its footprint is larger than most machines of this type, and that’s a good thing.
The Ellisimo Gold II has one of the largest work areas available on a home sewing machine. This is especially helpful when working on large sewing projects, especially those big quilting or embroidery jobs.
What are some alternatives for Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II?
We have mentioned in this review that the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II is now a discontinued product. However, we have reviewed several sewing machines similar to the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II and here are some we highly 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.
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
What are the features on Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II?
Among the almost countless advanced features available on the Ellisimo Gold II are the downloadable software; on board Nancy Zieman embroidery designs; oversized alphanumeric characters; and print and stitch capabilities.
Sewing Features
- 683 On board utility and decorative stitches
- 149 utility stitches
- 15 automatic one-step buttonholes
- 1 four-step manual buttonhole
- 355 decorative stitches
- 79 Decorative satin
- 20 Satin
- 17 Cross
- 63 Combinable Utility stitches
- 4 On board alphanumeric fonts
- 29 Quilting stitches
- 57 needle positions
- Adjustable stitch length up to 30mm
- Stitch width up to 7mm
- Utility stitch editing capabilities
- 5 memory settings for each utility stitch
- Decorative stitch editing
- Ability to edit and combine character and decorative stitches
- 20 memory pockets
- Ability to sew with embroidery unit attached
- Automatic drop feed
- Mirror-image
- Stitch lock key
- Lateral and diagonal feeding
- Variable needle positions
- Built-in darning
- Twin needle settings
- Large workspace – 50 square inches
- Function buttons
- Start/Stop
- Reverse stitch
- Needle up/down
- Thread cutter
- Automatic presser foot lift
- Automatic needle threading
- Speed control slider
- 3-position adjustable knee lift
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Programmable 3-step needle up/down
- Needle plate with seam guide in inches and centimeters
- Multi-Function Foot control
- Free arm
- Two accessory storage compartments (one on board and one separate accessories box)
- On board operation guide includes 11 instructional videos
- On board application guide
- On board help menu
- (SCS) Embroidery Stitch Count System
- Ability to save on screen images
- Downloadable Software via USB connection
Embroidery Features
- On board embroidery design library
- 617 on board embroidery designs:
- 302 Baby Lock exclusive designs including
- 39 Nancy Zieman designs
- 14 bobbin work embroidery designs
- 15 Buttonhole embroidery designs in 3 sizes
- 15 Buttonhole embroidery frame designs
- 120 Frame combinations
- 21 Font styles including:
- Extra large striped alphabet and characters
- Extra large block alphabet and characters
- Script alphabet and characters
- Large floral alphabet
- Greek alphabet
- Embroidery field up to 8” x 12” (200mm x 300mm)
- Memory capacity 2MB
- Embroidery design capacity up to 500,000 stitches per design
- Touch screen measurements displayed in inches or centimeters
- Color separation
- Thread color indicator
- On screen hoop size indicator
- Low bobbin thread indicator
- 300 Color names
- Customizable screen saver
- Thumbnail images up to 150% of the normal size
- 8-Point trial check points
- Starting point key for instant alignment of characters or patterns
- Resume feature
- On screen grid
- Ability to combine embroidery designs
- Rotate patterns at 1°, 10°, and 90°
- Enlarge designs up to 200% and reduce to 60%
- Automatic appliqué
- Automatic basting
- Mirror imaging
- Print and stitch capabilities
Technology Features:
- TruView™ ASV® LCD Color Touch Screen measures 8.5” diagonally
- NeedleCam™ digital camera assures the user of perfect embroidery and sewing positioning
- Needle laser beam for precise alignment
- OnScreen™ designer
- SketchPad™ tablet and electronic pen
- Enhanced LED Stadium Lighting
- 3 USB drives
- NeverMiss™ automatic threading system
- advanced pivoting feature
- Automatic fabric sensor system
- Automatic thread cutter (with on/off capability)
- Quick-set, top-loading bobbin with sensor
- Quick-set independent bobbin winding system with variable speed
- Automatic upper and lower thread sensors on/off
- On screen hoop sensor recommends best hoop size for your selected project
- Embroidery and sewing speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute
Working on the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II
Before ever attempting to work on the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II you get the feeling that working on this machine is going to be a pleasure. When you first turn it on, you have the option of choosing the sewing, quilting or embroidery mode.
Regardless of the mode you select, following the on board threading and bobbin winding guides are only the first steps in what for me turned out to be a very enjoyable experience.
At first, I was a bit concerned that with more than 600 stitch options from which to choose making a selection might be a challenge without a stitch selection guide inside the top lid.
As it turned out, however, the full color touch screen makes navigating through the stitch selection process seem like child’s play. There are two major stitch modes – utility and character/decorative.
For this review, I sampled several utility and decorative stitches. Just for the fun of it, I also toyed around with the alphanumeric fonts and decided to program the machine to write my name out in one of the large script fonts.
Whether using the programmable design function or sewing decorative and utility stitches one at a time or in a programmed sequence, I found that the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II is solid, silent and produced great stitches no matter which option I chose.
With some sewing machines, it is necessary to raise the volume level if you are listening to music or watching television while sewing. Not so with the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II.
This fully computerized sewing, quilting and embroidery machine is so quiet, it is entirely possible that you could hold a telephone conversation while sewing and the party on the other end of the call would never even suspect that a machine was running in the background.
Which fabrics work on the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II?
| 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) | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
What are the accessories that come with Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II?
Standard accessories
- 18 snap on presser feet
- Zigzag
- Monogram
- Buttonhole
- Embroidery (with needle beam)
- Narrow hemmer
- Cording
- Blind stitch
- Vertical stitch alignment
- Blind stitch
- Walking
- Side cutter
- Straight stitch
- Free motion quilting
- Free motion echo quilting
- Free motion open toe
- Cording
- Blind hem
- Overcasting
- Eyelet punch
- Screwdrivers
- 3 Spool caps (1 large/1 medium/1 small)
- Alternate bobbin case for pre-wound bobbins
- USB tablet
- Cordless pen
- Adjustable 3 position knee lifter
- Digital USB mouse
- Stylus
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- USB cable
- Case for storing presser feet
- Multi-Function Foot Control
- Soft canvas cover with 3 storage pockets
- Embroidery unit carrying case
- Cone thread stand
- Straight stitch needle plate
- Bobbin case and cover for embroidery and bobbin work
- Bobbin case for pre-wound bobbins
- Bobbin center pin
- Embroidery bobbin thread
- Bobbins
- Needles
- Scissors
- Lint brush
- Cord guide bobbin cover
- Seam ripper
- Twin needle
- 4 Embroidery hoops
- 8” x 12” (200mm x 300mm)
- 8” x 8” (200mm x 200mm)
- 4” x 4” (100mm x 100mm)
- 1” x 2 ½ ” (20mm x 60mm)
- Ability to work in 12 different languages
- Owner’s manual and reference guides
Owner’s manual and reference guides
Optional Accessories
- Embroidery hoops
- 6 ¼ ” x 10 ¼ ” (160mm x 260mm)
- 5” x 7” (130mm x 180mm)
- Continuous border (100mm X 180mm)
- 1GB Flash Drive
- 10 Spool thread stand
- 16” x 23 ¾ ” Extension table and grip
- Embroidery card reader
- TruStitch quilting stitch regulator
- Stabilizers
- Instructional DVD
How to maintain the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II?
| 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 Ellisimo Gold II Summary
To conclude my review, the Baby lock Ellisimo Gold II is certainly one of the most well-appointed sewing, quilting and embroidery machines I have reviewed to date. It is user friendly – which is major advantage over many other machines in its class – and it is easy to learn to operate.
The on board tutorials and guides are ideal for those home sewers who are not as familiar with basic sewing techniques and functions as I believe they should be before taking on such an awesome machine.
If you are familiar with my reviews, you already know that I firmly believe beginners should not take on too much at the onset of their sewing experience.
I do, however, recognize that lots of people with little or no sewing experience purchase machines far above their skill levels and then try to learn everything at once.
This may work for some people. However, the majority of them are so overwhelmed they end up either selling the machine and giving up on sewing altogether or leaving them to rot in the bottom of a closet.
In my opinion, it is best for beginners, no matter how young or old, to start with a basic machine and then moving up to more complicated machines, capable of rendering hundreds of stitches and loaded with top of the line optional features and accessories.
After reviewing, I think the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II might be an exception to that rule. A beginner who invests in this machine must, however, not only be dedicated to learning sewing techniques, they must also be willing to make a solid commitment to themselves to stick with their new hobby in the process.
Anyone who purchases a Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II from an authorized dealer is entitled to free classes. In order to get the best out of the Ellisimo Gold II, I recommend these classes for everybody who makes an investment in this machine. It’s the only way to be certain that you will be able to benefit from everything it has to offer.
The good news is the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II is an excellent sewing, quilting and embroidery machine. The stitch quality is excellent. It is extremely user friendly and the standard and optional features and accessories are mind boggling.
The bad news is this machine will be discontinued in April 2014. That, too, however, could be very good news because authorized local Baby lock dealers will be looking to sell off their current stock in order to make room for the new models to be released later this summer.
With the pending discontinuation of the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II, there will be lots of sales and opportunities for people to get a great deal on this great machine.
If you are one of those people, I suggest you contact the nearest authorized Baby Lock dealer and ask for a demonstration. Do not attempt to purchase this or any other Baby Lock sewing machine on the internet.
Baby Lock does not authorize the online sale of any of its machines. If you acquire a Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II through any source other than an authorized Baby Lock dealer, you forfeit all rights to warranties, factory service if it ever becomes necessary and all other benefits offered by the manufacturer.
Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II Review
Summary
The Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II is an embroidery and sewing machine that is packed with features. It has a 4.3″ color LCD touch screen, 683 built-in stitches, 4 built-in alphabets, 29 quilting stitches, and 100 embroidery designs. It also has a variety of advanced features, such as Baby Lock IQ Technology, OnScreen Designer, and SketchPad Digital Tablet. The Ellisimo Gold II is a great machine for both beginners and experienced sewers who want a machine that can do it all.
The Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II is a versatile machine that can be used for a variety of projects, from basic sewing to intricate embroidery. It is a great choice for sewers who want a machine that can do it all.
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Happy Stitching.
Machine discontinued in April 2014? So production has already stopped?
So what machine are you talking about that has been discontinued?? Thank you.
Ladies –
First of all – Thank you all for visiting Sewing Insight.
I owe you an apology. The Ellisimo Gold II will be discontinued in AUGUST 2014. Please forgive my typo.
🙁
I understand the replacement is going to be wonderful. I’ll be posting a review as soon as I can get my hot little hands on one.
I’m surprised at this. By the way the sales person talked at the store I visited they eye the latest big thing and were just out. :/
I used an Ellisimo Gold at Nancy’s Notions weekend a year ago. What features were added/improved in the Gold II machine?
What is replacing the Ellisimo Gold !!?
How does top of the line Babylock compare with Janome 15000?
I am interested in both the Elllisimo Gold 2 and the Janome 15000. I prefer to sew, embroider and learn tapestry over quilting g. Please help! Ineed to decide soon.
Hello, Dee –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Both the Baby Lock Ellisimo Gold II and the Janome Memory Craft 15000 are excellent machines. I feel that you would be very happy with either one. When compared side by side, however, I think the Janome 15000 offers more creative options.
Be aware that the folks at Baby Lock are bringing out a new machine in late September or early October – the Destiny – which you may want to take a look at before making a final decision.
I am currently awaiting its arrival and will be writing a review as soon as it is available.
Happy stitching.
I am looking at the babylock ellisimo gold II and the new destiny. Which would you suggest and what are the differences.
Hello, Margaret –
The Ellisimo Gold II is the predecessor to the Destiny. The Destiny, in my opinion, has so many new untested features that you might want to consider the Ellisimo Gold II for now. This does not mean that the Destiny is not a good machine. However, with so many new features, you may want to wait a little while to make sure any adjustments that need to be made to assure the machine’s peak performance have already been installed.
Happy stitching.
Can this machine be purchased today? And how much does it cost?
I am looking at a used Elisimo. I am not sure of the age of the machine but it has a lot of stitches, close to a million. Do you think I need to be concerned about the number of stitches?
I am looking to replace my current machine- I have found an Ellismo gold ll at very good price. My question is, what software do I have to have to get to use the embroidery disk that I have. The old software on my computer will not work with this machine. Do I have to purchase new software?
I have the Ellisimo gold 2. You do not need additional software with a Windows computer if you want to send pes downloaded designs to the machine. You can increase or decrease on the machine but you cannot digitize or change the design as you can with some software. I love this machine……..it was easy to learn to use it with minimum dealer support. I had a Bernina before this with a dishonest dealer and minimal support from Bernina so I had some exposure to machine embroidery. This machine has a wonderful manual also but it is good good to have a dealer who can answer your questions.
Hello, Sarah –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
It should not be necessary for you to purchase new software. You should check with an authorized Baby Lock dealer in your area for the most recent information as to how to solve the problem of your computer not recognizing the disc.
Happy stitching.
Sarah, I have an Ellisimo Gold machine. Note: I am a novice at this. When I stitched a flower design, the stitches seem to pile up on the back of the piece creating a bump. I used water soluble stabilizer. What am I doing wrong?
I have an Ellisimo…………..love her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My guess is that you used a stabilizer that isn’t strong enough for the density of the stiches
Is over 2 million stitches on an Ellisimo considered high? What value would you put on it considered it has been very well maintained?
I’m researching what type of thread to use in my Ellisimo Gold for quilting a baby quilt on the machine. I’ve used it for machine embroidery and sewing and I am confused as to what type of thread for the quilting application would be best? Thank you for any info