| Baby Lock:Ellisimo Gold (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1535 time(s) |
2 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 3 people Very Helpful by 16 people | | Reviewed by: | 1975Jumby | 
| About 1975Jumby | | CA USA | | Member since: 8/19/08 | | Reviews written: 6 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 1 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 4 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 3/12/13 3:03 PM | | Approx price paid: | $6800 | | Had this machine for: | 8 months | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Drop-In bobbin
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
- Embroidery Machine
- Differential Feed
- Rolled Hem
- Auto Threading
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What 1975Jumby likes about this machine
This is, by far, the best machine I have ever sewed on or owned. I am so glad I upgraded within my trade-up period at my dealer (previously purchased an Esante) because there are things on this machine that I never thought I would use, but have! My advice is, if you’re looking at the Unity or the Ellegante 3, see if you can stretch your budget just a teency bit more and get an Ellisimo. You will never regret it. Below is my review and I broke it down into sections…..apologies in advance for my long review, but this is a lot of machine! And even with everything I wrote, I still don’t think I scratched the surface.
DESIGN/EASE OF CONTROLS – I love the color touch screen and it is so easy on the eyes! In fact, you can adjust the brightness to your liking. So if you need it brighter or dimmer, you can adjust it. All the buttons (reverse, thread cutter, threader,etc) are laid out extremely well and are convenient to use. The way the menu is laid out on the screen is amazing. It is extremely user friendly and there is a help menu that assists you with troubleshooting, basic functions, when to use which stitch, and even videos you can watch that tell you how to use some of the functions of the machine. This is very convenient so you don’t have to keep looking in the manual to find information. I really didn’t think I’d ever use the on-screen help menu, but it saves me from getting out my book.
USB CAPABILITIES – The Ellisimo Gold has three USB ports. You can use two for your flash drive and the other can be used for a mouse (which is included) and also software updates or connecting to your computer.
BOBBIN WINDING – I love the separate bobbin winder mechanism and the fact you can wind while embroidering or while there is another spool on the machine. This is an often overlooked convenience, but when you run out of bobbin thread and have your machine threaded for embroidery, this comes in VERY HANDY! You don’t have to unthread your machine or take out the spool you’re using. You just flip up the secondary spool holder and wind away.
THREADING/AUTO-THREADER/THREAD CUTTER – One touch threading…..it doesn’t get any easier. Not only that, but threading this machine is literally a 5 second job. There is an easy to follow thread path that is practically fool proof. Once you reach the end of your threading path, you just push a button and your machine is threaded automatically. Allow me to say that my machine has NEVER missed in all the time I’ve had it. It works perfectly. The thread cutter is awesome and I don’t know how I got along without it.
THE STITCHES – The Ellisimo Gold has over 500 stitches and I’m sure I won’t use every single one, but they are fun to scroll through and try out. The stitch quality is simply amazing. The straight stitch on this machine is PERFECT. I have owned some vintage Singer and Kenmores that sewed perfect straight stitches and I never could get that duplicated in any computerized machine up until I discovered Babylock. It isn’t just the Ellisimo Gold, but every Babylock machine I sewed on while purchasing delivered a perfect stitch. I like the way they are laid out and you have tabs for certain groups, such as quilting, heirloom, decorative, satin, etc.
THE EMBROIDERY – I love the embroidery on this machine. VERY simple to set up and the results were beautiful every time. I never had any issues embroidering whatsoever that were not my mistake. You have the ability to rotate, increase, flip your design and combine as well. This is great for the beginner who doesn’t have software to do such actions, but keep in mind, the machine provides VERY basic editing features. But all in all, it performed extremely well and was very quiet too.
NEEDLE EYE CAM – The needle cam feature is, by far, the best feature of this machine. I was new to machine embroidery and I knew I didn’t want to hassle with perfect hooping. By using the little “snowman” stickers, you’ll have perfect placement every time. BUT, the best feature about the camera is how you have the ability to load your design, then scan your fabric and then manipulate your design to go ANYWHERE on the scanned area. This is perfect when doing clothes or when you want to place multiple designs on your fabric.
THE TABLET – I may be alone on this, but I don’t think it’s really that great. It does a good job, but feel you’re better off with a good digitizing program. In fact, for those Ellisimo machines that are not “Gold” and require Upgrade II, I’d say pass and put your money towards a digitizing program. In theory, it’s great that you can trace and freehand draw, but what you can do is limited. I think it’s one of those novelty items that helps sell the machine, but few actually use it for what it was intended. However, I have not fully explored the tablet and only tried it out a few times, so this is just my personal opinion.
THE ACCESSORIES – I think the accessories that come with the Ellisimo are perfect and there is quite a variety of feet to get you going. There is a handy accessory tray in the machine bed to store them and there is room underneath for a variety of other accessories. The additional thread stand is very nice to have and comes in handy if you haven’t bought the 10 thread stand (which I have and recommend everyone get it!). The little box is great that all the accessories are stored in and I also like the fact it came with a nice “soft” cover for the machine instead of the big hard cover case included on the other machines.
What 1975Jumby does not like about this machine
Changing the presser feet, when they need to be screwed on or off, can be a bit of a bear. Fortunately, most of the feet are the snap on/off type that use the adapter. However, if you want to use a walking foot, the embroidery foot or any other type of foot that does not attach like the other snap on feet and requires you to remove the adapter, it is a bit awkward taking the adapter off unless you use a screwdriver with a long handle. Trying to use the little screwdriver type thing that comes with the machine doesn’t work so well. It’s also challenging to remove the needle plate if you want to switch it out.
Another thing, and this is true for all the Babylock machines, is the free arm size is actually pretty big and not really made to sew baby or toddler sized pants or cuffs.
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Thanks for a great review! Sounds like a wonderful machine- I know I have been impressed with the Babylocks when I see them.
3/12/13 3:24 PM
Yes, the Baby Lock engineers have really loaded this machine up, and with as much as is does, it does it all superbly. The camera feature should be on all TOL embroidery machines, and I don't know why it hasn't begun showing up yet. I agree with your comments on changing feet and plate. I also wish the needle were closer to the front edge. Good review, and reads well.
3/12/13 4:20 PM
An excellent review. Often people give the good points and skimp on the negative ones. I think it is important to know the bad points because it might be a non-negotiable for someone. I especially liked hearing about the tablet because that is a new feature.
3/12/13 7:37 PM
Thanks for this review. I wish more Elissimo sm owners would put up reviews. Thanks for the tablet insight. I've put this sm on the top of my list and the tablet is really interesting to me as I have an iPad (first one that came out and I got it on the same day it came out and was NOT on a list) and am really interested in how it operates with the machine - I use my iPad for both home and my profession. So any more insight to the tablet would be appreciated. ELLISIMO SM OWNERS, PLEASE GIVE US MORE REVIEWS!
3/12/13 7:55 PM
You hit the highpoints. I was thinking I need to update mine again but it would be just what you said. Feet and throat plate need to be snap on. Going into year 3 and it still makes me smile. Nothing is hard on this machine. Nothing is confusing. It handles everything thrown at it. It never balks. The needle threader never misses. Its like being with a good friend, always cheers me up to sit and sew on my ElliMo.
3/13/13 4:23 AM
I have the original Ellisimo and have added the Upgrade I to my machine. What I can say after using this machine for 4 years and also a Babylock Ellageo ESG3 for 6 years before that is you will not find a more friendly user interface on the market. The interface is very intuitive, well laid out and simple, simple, simple to follow. As far as how to use an iPad with the machine -- I am not sure how to address that question. I have an iPad and I am not aware of ways to integrate with my sewing machine. If others have done so, I would be interested to hear about it.
3/15/13 11:03 PM
Thank you this is a clear and concise review that gives me a feeling for the machine. I tried the tablet on the Brother machine that is similiar to the Ellismo Gold, and really liked it. I thought is something that I would use.
3/16/13 5:17 AM
oops
3/16/13 5:54 AM