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Baby Lock Tiara II Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Baby Lock Tiara II review was originally written in 2014 and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added other alternatives such as Handi Quilter Long Arm Quilter, Baby Lock Coronet, and King Quilter Elite II.
On a trip to Port St. Lucie, Florida, I dropped in to visit my friends at the northern location of Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum.
While there, I couldn’t help but notice a Baby Lock Tiara II freehand quilting machine near the entrance, and of course, there was nothing else for me to do but to get permission to review it.
Baby Lock Tiara II Overview
The Baby Lock Tiara II is a mid-arm quilting machine with a variety of beneficial features for quilters of all skill levels. It boasts a 16-inch neck area, an adjustable LED light, a comfortable ergonomic handlebar, a stitch regulator, and an easy-to-use 6-inch LCD touch screen display. In addition, the machine has a needle up/down function, an automated thread cutter, and a speed control slider. The Tiara II, with a maximum stitching speed of 1,800 stitches per minute, is ideal for free-motion quilting and enables for speedy and efficient quilting. It also boasts a solid, high-quality structure and a 25-year limited guarantee, making it a dependable and long-lasting alternative for individuals looking to invest in a long-term quilting machine.
The Baby Lock Tiara II is one of those compact home quilting machines that has a footprint just a little larger than a large sewing and embroidery machine.
In fact, its footprint might actually be a little smaller than some of them. The one I reviewed was mounted on a beautiful wood grain table made by US based Koala.
I understand from discussion with the sales associate that the Tiara II is also available with a different table, a white one, not made by Koala. Without having even seen it, I doubt it is as attractive or as solidly built as this one… just my humble opinion.
The Tiara II has a large cone thread stand with a telescoping wand as well as a smaller optional horizontal spool pin. I must admit, I really don’t see much need for a spool pin this small for a machine that is obviously designed and built for very large quilting jobs.
It does come in handy, however, for certain jobs when you might want to embellish a large quilt with a tiny bit of metallic of specialty tread. There is also an oversized bobbin mounted beneath the needle and a color LCD touch screen which helps make working on the Tiara II the most pleasant home quilting experience possible.
Although the Tiara II is compact, it has a large workspace that makes working with even a king size quilt in a small space as comfortable and easy as possible.
There is also a separate bobbin winder and the machine I reviewed has an optional TruStitch stitch regulatorwhich assures you of balanced, well-defined stitches each and every time you sit down to work on a quilting project.
What are some alternatives for Baby Lock Tiara II?
We have reviewed several long-arm machines similar to the Baby Lock Tiara II. Here are some alternatives that we highly recommend.
The Juki HZL-NX7 is an epitome of sewing excellence, combining cutting-edge technology with remarkable performance. With an extensive array of 351 stitches, 4 fonts, and a wide sewing area, this machine caters to diverse projects. Its advanced box feed system ensures impeccable fabric handling, while the precise stitch guide allows for intricate work. The dual-feed function, touchscreen interface, automatic thread trimming, and powerful needle-penetrating capabilities elevate sewing efficiency. Moreover, the Juki HZL-NX7's exceptional quilting features, combined with its unmatched stitch quality, make it a coveted choice for sewing and quilting enthusiasts aiming for perfection.
The Baby Lock Coronet Long Arm Quilting Machine is a high-quality machine designed for quilters who need extra space and power to complete their projects. It features a 16 inch throat space, which provides plenty of room to maneuver large quilts, and a maximum stitching speed of 1,500 stitches per minute. The machine also includes a built-in stitch regulator that ensures consistent stitch length and control, as well as an adjustable LED lighting system that illuminates the work area. The Baby Lock Coronet Long Arm Quilting Machine has an easy-to-use touchscreen display that allows users to select and adjust stitch settings, and also includes an automatic thread cutter and a large capacity bobbin. With its sturdy construction and advanced features, the Baby Lock Coronet Long Arm Quilting Machine is an excellent choice for quilters who want a machine that is powerful, versatile, and easy to use.
The King Quilter II ELITE Long Arm Quilting Machine is a high-performance, industrial-grade machine designed for quilting enthusiasts and professionals. It features a 18 inch throat space, a maximum stitching speed of 3,000 stitches per minute, and a built-in stitch regulator that ensures precise stitch control. The machine also includes an adjustable LED lighting system, an easy-to-use touch screen display, and a built-in bobbin winder. Other features include automatic thread tension, a large 21 inch color touchscreen display, and a convenient USB port for easy firmware updates. With its powerful motor and durable construction, the King Quilter II ELITE Long Arm Quilting Machine is a top-of-the-line option for quilters who demand the very best in performance and functionality.
What are the features on Baby Lock Tiara II?
- 16” Throat space between the needle and the arm
- Vertical and horizontal spool pins
- ¼” Hopping foot
- Holds down the fabric while the needle completes the stitch
- Hopping foot stroke/lift – 5mm
- Compatible with standard ¼” thick rulers and templates
- Customizable speed control
- Save your preferred speed settings with three customizable pre-sets
- Use half-stitch for basting or walking stitch
- Large, adjustable color LCD touch screen shows:
- Hardware and software information
- LED lighting options
- Stitch counters
- Diagnostics
- Volume control
- Calculator
- Stitch regulator and manual modes when using TruStitch™ Stitch Regulator
- Programmable Needle Positioning: Needle Up/Down
- Needle bar stroke – 35.3mm
- Uses 134r system, slight ball point needle
- Change needles easily with large needle thumb screw
Working on the Baby Lock Enlighten
I have enough sense and respect for machines that I have absolutely no knowledge of to seek assistance with reviews of machines I am completely unfamiliar with. I am grateful to Sandy, the sales associate at Laura’s Sewing and Vacuum for taking the time to allow me to photograph her as she put the Baby Lock Tiara II through its paces while I watched and learned.
The threadpath is one that is very easy to follow and learn. No doubt, I could have done that with no instruction or assistance at all. Watching her set the machine up and go through the necessary steps on the LCD screen to make sure she achieved the results she wanted was not only an interesting and educational experience, I must admit, I believe I could handle it just fine in little or no time at all.
Once she started sewing, it was crystal clear that the freehand motion of the Baby Lock Tiara II is as smooth as silk. The TruStitch stitch regulator and the fluid motion of the freehand action make the fabric literally glide beneath the needle.
You can adjust the stitch length as well as the speed. When working with very small, delicate stitches or intricate freehand patterns, you have the ability to adjust the speed so that you can sew as slowly as you need to in order to get perfect results. When working with larger stitches or completely freehand patterns, you can adjust the speed level so that the Tiara II sews as fast as 1500 stitches per minute and zip through your work with ease.
The quality of the stitches produced by the Baby Lock Tiara II, regardless of how long or short the stitches, is excellent.
I watched Sandy make stitches of varying sizes and they all came out perfectly. The only thing she needed to do to adjust the stitch length or the speed with which she sewed was to change the settings on the LCD screen.
Which fabrics work on the Baby Lock Tiara 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) Denim Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery | n/a |
What are some accessories that come with Baby Lock Tiara II?
According to the Baby Lock, the available accessories that are compatible with the Tiara II include:
- Tiara bundle
- 1/4″ Mini Straight Line Tool
- 5″ Easy Squeeze Scissors
- Groz Beckert, size 18 needles
- Signature Cone and Bobbin Pack : Includes (1) 3,000 yd cone & 1 package of prewound bobbins with 3,000 yds (about 30 bobbins)
- 3 metal bobbins & polybag
- Free Motion Gloves – medium/large
- Storm at Sea in a Day Quilt Patterns
- Needle Driver and Threader
- Pathways to Better Quilting – 1st choice for book : Sally Terry
- Quilting bundle
- Free Motion Gloves – medium/large
- Sew Slip
- Braid in a Day Quilt Patterns
- Klasse 80/12 Quilt Needles or Klasse 90/14 Quilt Needles
- Klasse 80/12 TopStitch Needles or Klasse 90/14 TopStitch Needles
- Aerofil #120, 400M, off-white
- Aerofil #120, 400M, gray khaki
- Aerofil #120, 400M, gray
- Aerofil #120, 400M, light gray
- Aerofil #120, 400M, gray
- TruStitch stitch regulator
- Tru-grip hoop enhance operation of TruStitch stitch regulator
- M class bobbins
- Pattern boards
- Stylus
How to maintain the Baby Lock Tiara 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Baby Lock Tiara II Review
After careful reviewing, I have no doubt there is a learning curve for anyone who purchases the Baby Lock Tiara II if they have never used a home quilting machine before. The good news is this is an easy to learn machine. Regardless of what machine you purchase, you will always have to go through a period of getting to know your machine. There is no difference here.
I do not believe anyone who has never used a sewing machine should attempt to start out on the Tiara II or any other quilting machine. Call me old school, but I am affirm believer that if you are going to do anything with a machine that sews, you should first be very familiar with the operation of a basic sewing machine.
The Baby Lock Tiara II is ideal for anyone who wants to expand their home quilting capabilities, but does not have enough space for a large quilting frame. If you have already been making quilts on a sewing and quilting machine, this is an excellent option for expanding your repertoire without crowding yourself out of your sewing room altogether. This machine takes up about the same amount of space as a sewing and quilting machine.
The table might require a little more space, but when you consider how much space it takes to have a decent sewing area even with a traditional sewing machine, you know that bring in a home quilting machine like the Baby Lock Tiara II is not going to make a huge difference in the amount of space required. If a freehand straight stitch only home quilting machine is on your wish list, I not only recommend that you make space for it, I also urge you to visit your nearest Baby Lock dealer and take a long hard look at the Tiara II.
Baby Lock Tiara II Review
Summary
The Baby Lock Tiara II is a computerized sewing machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 60 built-in stitches, 7 one-step buttonholes, and an adjustable stitch length and width. It also features a 7-point feed dog system, a free-motion sewing mode, and a built-in needle threader. The Tiara II is a portable machine with a lightweight metal frame and a soft cover. It is a versatile and easy-to-use machine that is a good choice for sewists of all levels.
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Happy Stitching.
I have owned my Baby Lock Tiara for six months and have had it into the shop and had the shop owner in my home and never does the bottom stitching come out right. I either get nesting, eye lashes, or loops. It’s a mess. I do a dozen or more test strips before beginning a quilt and it is never perfect, but when I get to the best it seems to be able to be after adjusting the bobbin and/or the tension, I begin on the quilt and sure enough, I get nests, eye lashes, and loops. It is the MOST frustrating machine I’ve ever used and I’ve been sewing for many years.
You may want to consider purchasing a Towa bobbin tension gauge and the top tension pro. I am considering purchasing the baby lock Tiara and if I do, I will also order these tension tools. Sounds like they really help efficiently get the correct tension dialed in so I can be spending my time sewing and not testing.
I do have the tiara, and love it. I go out to my sewing shed and just freemotion stitch for hours. It does love oil, and if a bobbin is dropped, throw it away, it seems to get out of round.
Unfortunately, I have gotten really bad arthritis in my fingers and cannot free motion anymore. I am going to sell it, but not happy about that. It’s my favorite thing to do!
I have a Tiara I bought in March. I was having problems with the bobbin thread as you describe. Someone at the shop recommended I call their machine man (sorry I don’t remember his title). I put the phone on speaker and he walked me through the steps of setting up the tension. I didn’t realize how tight the tensions had to be. It’s been great ever since. First we worked with the top thread. The thread goes from the tension guide above the tension disks almost straight down into the disks. Once the thread is threaded all the way through the needle without going under the presser foot pull the thread to the back, the needle should bend slightly and the thread be tight to pull. If the needle doesn’t bend tighten it until it does. Next go to the bobbin. The bobbin should rotate clockwise when the open side is facing you. Let it lay on your hand and pull on the thread, if the thread comes out easily or the bobbin stands but doesn’t lift off your hand it’s too loose. (I know everyone says it should stay on your hand, but not according to him and not according to my results.) Check the manual to be sure you are turning the correct screw. Using small tool turn in very small increments to the right. When you pull on the thread and it lifts off your hand and when you make a yo-yo movement with your hand it drops 2 to 4 inches, that’s where you want it. Now try to sew. I was amazed at how wonderful it worked. You have to recheck each time you change thread brands and keep bobbin case clean and oiled. Hope the helps. Happy quilting.
Hi Rita,
I just bought my Tiara II and have the same problem as you. I am very disappointed in the quality of the bottom stitch.
Maribeth Benedict
Babylock has a website called Sew at home and the classes are possibly free if your dealer will give you some certificate. Otherwise the classes are $20.00 and the first one just deals with setting up the machine. The second video will be the most helpful. Look for classes online for free on Handyquilter or on tube. There are also sit down quilt groups on yahoo.
Your tension is incorrectly set. Make sure the top thread is sitting in the tension discs. This is the main reason for problems
That is a great lesson……
Hi Mary,
I’m interested in perhaps buying a used Tiara. I live in CA. If you do decide to sell, please get in touch with me. I’d also like to get the Koala Studio table, and some other accessories. I really don’t even quilt much,but I think this is the way to go.
Thanks,
Sharon
Sharon,
I have a used Tiara II for sale, with the Koala table. Both in showroom condition. In Southern Calif.
Marilyn
Thank you. I bought a Tiara from my dealer. Wish I’d waited.
Sharon
Do you still have the Tiara II for sale?
do you still have the Tiara sewing machine for sale?
I bought a Tiara lll. Thank you anyway
I would like to sell my Tiara I live in Ca.
Thank you but I bought the Tiara III
I’m interested in buying a Tiara II. Why are you selling yours? Where are you located and what are you asking? I live in the Chula Vista area.
Do you still have the Tiara for sale?
I have a Tiara II for sale in SoCal. See post below. Only used about a dozen times. Moved and have no room. 🙁
i am interested in buying the Tiara.
I have an Ovation serger that I bought last year; only used for a weekend class. Also bought all the feed dogs. Feed dogs cost me 1000.0. Paid 4500.00 for Ovation. Will sell all for 5000.00. Want to buy the Tiara instead.
I have a Tiara I would like to sell if anyone is interested please send me a note.
How much? What comes with it
Dana,
Mine is still for sale, in SoCalif. The price is $3,200 and it comes with the stitch regulator and Koala table. In showroom condition with less than 100 hours on it.
Marilyn
marilynprouty@gmail.com
562-421-5302
Is your tiara still for sale? Where are you located?
Kathy
I am in NC and have a BabyLock Tiara that I would like to sell. It has a table with an extra leaf, bobbin winder, all the accessories and also has a stitch regulator. I would like to sell it for 4500. It is only 1.5 years old and I’ve barely had time to use it due to two new grandchildren that I’ve helped with. Also I have discovered I like putting the quilts together but want to let someone else do the quilting.
Where in N.C. are you located? I’m about 30 miles north of Charlotte.
Is your Tiara still available? I’m VERY interested.
Are you still looking for a Tiara II? I have one with very very low stitch count. In SE Pa.
Beverly,
My Tiara II is still for sale. I’m in SoCalif.
Marilyn
marilynprouty@gmail.com
I have a Tiara and I’m looking for a trustitch stitch regulator. Does anyone have one they would like to sell?
I am selling a TruStitch for the Tiara. It’s in original packaging, used less than two hours. Asking $550.00.
I am interested in your try stitch regulator. Is it still for sale?
Tiara II for sale in Southern CA. ALL the bells and whistles plus some including Koala table, thread, quilting guides, Towa bobbin gauge, bobbin winder, stitch regulator and more. Contact me at crowhillhouse@gmail.com Asking $4000.
What did you originally pay?
Jen,
Is your Tiara II still for sale? Where in Southern CA are you located?
I am on my 2nd Tiara. The first one was working fine but would shut down erratically. I would push down the pedal and it would do nothing. If I turned off the machine and waited about 20 minutes it would maybe work for a little while but the same thing would happen. So the store where I bought my tiara replaced it with a new one and guess what! the same problem! Except this time it works for about 30 minutes then it beeps three times on regular intervals. I have to turn it off and on and it works for just a little while but then the same thing happens. What in the world? I am going to try a different repair man but I don’t know what is going on. The machine is working beautifully, it just shuts off.
I can’t find anywhere in the manualwhat the three beeps mean and the store where I bought it didn’t seem to know either. Help!
Can a Tru-stitch regulator from my Ellissimo be used on a Tiara III?
I have a Tiera 11 for sale. Never used it. I have the white table, extra leaf, added extra slide top for table, bobbin winder and extra feet, plus the accessories it cane with. $3500.00. I live in Pa, will send pics if you are interested.
I have a Tiara II for sale. I live in Harrisburg PA. I used it for 3 years and hope to upgrade.