Duncan’s Thoughts on the Baby Lock Acclaim

The Baby Lock Acclaim sits at the very top of the Baby Lock overlocker range and is, quite simply, one of the most impressive overlockers we demonstrate in-store. It’s the largest model in the range and delivers a fantastic all-round sewing experience, especially for anyone wanting an easy-to-use overlocker with premium features.

If you’re looking for an overlocker that makes threading as simple as possible, then the Baby Lock Acclaim is genuinely best in class. It features air-threading for both the loopers and the needles, meaning you can thread the machine at the touch of a button. The world-renowned Baby Lock looper threading system is already incredibly easy to use, but the Acclaim takes things even further by adding air-threading for the needles as well. In fact, it’s the only overlocker I know of that offers air-threading on both the loopers and the needles.

For anyone who struggles with dexterity, eyesight, or simply finds threading frustrating, this machine can make a massive difference and genuinely helps keep people sewing for longer.

One of the other big advantages of the Acclaim is its larger size and working area. Compared to smaller overlockers, the extra space around the needle area makes sewing garments, thicker fabrics, and larger projects much more comfortable. The machine also features excellent LED lighting, giving you a bright and clear sewing area, which is especially useful when working with darker fabrics or detailed sewing projects.

The automatic tension system is another feature customers absolutely love. The machine automatically adjusts tensions as you sew across different fabric types, which removes a huge amount of guesswork and helps produce beautifully balanced stitches on everything from jersey and knit fabrics through to denim, fleece, sweatshirt fabrics, chiffon, cotton, and thicker materials.

We’ve had a wide range of customers purchase the Baby Lock Acclaim, from professional seamstresses and dressmakers through to hobby sewers sewing at home, and the feedback has been consistently excellent. One of the most common comments we hear is just how easy and enjoyable the machine is to use compared to traditional overlockers.

Another feature I personally really like is the positioning of the presser foot lifter. Unlike many overlockers, where the lever is hidden around the back of the machine, the Acclaim has the presser foot lifter positioned on the right-hand side, making it much easier to reach and use. It also has a higher presser foot lift, which is particularly useful when sewing thicker fabrics, multiple fabric layers, or bulky seams.

Because of the larger build and stronger overall feel of the machine, the Acclaim handles a very wide range of sewing projects comfortably, from lightweight dressmaking fabrics right through to heavier garments and stretch fabrics.

If you want one of the easiest overlockers on the market to thread, use, and live with day-to-day, then the Baby Lock Acclaim is a machine I would highly recommend.

Fabrics the Baby Lock Acclaim Handles Beautifully

One of the biggest strengths of the Baby Lock Acclaim is just how well it handles a wide range of different fabrics. Thanks to the automatic tension system, larger sewing space, and superb feed system, the machine delivers very consistent stitches across both lightweight and heavier materials.

The Acclaim performs beautifully on stretch and knit fabrics such as jersey, Lycra, sweatshirt fabric, and other knit materials where consistent feeding and balanced stitches are important. If you enjoy dressmaking, activewear, children’s clothing, or sewing stretch garments, the Acclaim makes working with these fabrics far less stressful compared to many traditional overlockers.

It also handles thicker fabrics such as fleece and denim extremely well. The higher presser foot lift and larger overall design of the machine make it easier to guide bulkier fabrics and thicker seams through the machine smoothly and comfortably.

For lighter, more delicate fabrics such as chiffon, the automatic tension system helps create clean, balanced stitches without the constant need for manual tension adjustments, which many customers appreciate.

Quilters and patchworkers will also enjoy sewing with quilting cottons and cotton fabrics on the Acclaim, especially when finishing seams neatly and professionally.

One of the things we regularly demonstrate in-store is how the Baby Lock Acclaim can move from lightweight fabrics through to thicker fabrics with very little adjustment needed. It’s one of the reasons so many customers comment on just how enjoyable and confidence-inspiring the machine is to sew with.

• 4-thread overlock: Strong stitch for edge-finishing and joining materials, especially stretchy fabrics     

           3-thread overlock wide: Ideal finishing stitch for all types of fabric

• 3-thread overlock narrow: Thread-saving, edge-finishing stitch for all types of fabric
• 3-thread folded rolled hem: Edge decoration for light- to medium-weight fabrics
• 3-thread flatlock: For edge-finishing and joining medium-weight and stretchy fabrics, and edge decoration
• 2-thread flatlock: For joining and hemming stretchy materials, creating elastic seams ideal for sportswear and underwear
• 2-thread flatlock narrow: For joining and hemming stretchy materials and creating decorative seams
• Wave stitch: Unique wave stitch for decorative edges and hem

Technical data