Bernina 580 or Babylock ellageo Plus?
#22
Very interesting that there are such price differences....now I feel I wasn't being offered a very good deal even though I was told I was getting a better deal than general public....so next question then is......what Babylocks have y'all bought in this past year and how much did you spend? I had no idea there were such differences. I am glad now that I have held off.
#23
I have not made a decision. The baby lock Ellageo Plus does not have stitch regulation and to get that I have to go up to a more expensive model. I can get the Bernina 580 for $5800 and the Babylock would be in the $7000 range. I missed the window for the Bernina sale but the dealer said another will arrive in the fall. I really wanted the Ellageo because of some cool features and it was cheaper than the 580 but my main criteria was stitch regulation.....
so I am torn and don't know what to do!
so I am torn and don't know what to do!
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Oxford, CT
Posts: 126
The Bernina 580 is an awesome sewing machine, but the BL Ellageo has more throat space, larger decorative stitches which can be used for quilting & is easier to master, as long as you're happy with the straight stitch quality & tension. Either way, you're getting a great machine. Best of luck with your new toy!
#25
The Bernina 580 is an awesome sewing machine, but the BL Ellageo has more throat space, larger decorative stitches which can be used for quilting & is easier to master, as long as you're happy with the straight stitch quality & tension. Either way, you're getting a great machine. Best of luck with your new toy!
#26
Snipforfun, an add on stitch regulator? That would be awesome! I don't think my local dealer knows that. I will check it out. Thanks for letting me know.
#27
#28
Dealer support is a good thing. I have a Bernina though not the new 580. I have taken an embroidery class with the 580 though, and I liked it very much. The BSR that Bernina has is also fantastic. We have a really good, full service quilting shop here in town that sells, services and supports Berninas. I have not owned or used a Babylock.
Steve
Steve
#29
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Oxford, CT
Posts: 126
Hi Cognito. I actually work at a multi-brand sewing machine dealership. I personally own both BabyLock and Bernina (among other) brand of machines, but...as a quilter, I'm a real stickler for tension & pure straight stitch quality. Probably pickier than most. I truly believe that machines with a vertical bobbin give better stitch quality when sewing. also, it's easier to reach underneath your work & pull out a bobbin case than remove your quilt from under the needle to change the bobbin. I'm not sure why you're stuck between these two models. you should have access to others. At my shop, for example, the prices of these two would be very different. The BL Ellegante (one step up) is closer in price to a B580, but still a little cheaper. Neither model comes with the stitch regulator. They are expensive (around $1000+) add-ons to either model. Has your dealer given you an opportunity to take both for a "test run"? Both systems work -- I've used them. I think the Bernina BSR is more "integrated" with the machine, but the Tru-Stitch Baby Lock does the job as well. It's a matter of personal preference. Same thing with stitch quality. I like the ability to fine tune my stitches on a Bernina, but think the Baby Lock's embroidery is much easier. Truth be known, though, my "go to" machine is a Baby Lock Quilter's Professional (now called the Jane) that does nothing more than straight stitch. I'm a quilter. It's all I need. You should sit & sew on both models with their base accessories AND try the optional stitch regulators. You'll know which is right. You'll feel it. trust your instincts & good luck. And...if your local dealer won't help you, find a dealer who will. Customer service is super important. Best, franklindixie
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03-06-2012 09:52 AM