Baby Lock Lauren Serger Review
Pros
- User Friendly: The Baby Lock Lauren is not overly hard to thread and is a breeze to operate.
- Comprehensive Instructions: A step-by-step threading manual is included with the owner’s manual.
- Quiet Operation: The Lauren’s solid construction keeps noise and vibration to a minimum.
Cons
- Manual Operation: All features on the Lauren are manually operated.
- Cost: The price of this entry-level serger is on the higher end, compared to similar models.
Where to Find the Best Value
| Baby Lock |
|---|
| Lauren
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Review
The Baby Lock Lauren serger (model BL450A) is one of several manual sergers in the company’s A-Line series. This machine is pricey for a manual model, but it offers a good range of stitch options, including the ability to sew blind hems. Other pluses include an extra, in-depth threading manual and the sturdy construction Baby Lock is known for. Once you get comfortable threading the loopers and needles, this serger is very easy to operate.
Stitch Options
The Lauren includes some good stitch options, including 2-, 3- and 4-thread overlock and decorative edging stitches, 2- and 3-thread wide and narrow overlock, and rolled narrow and wide stitches, a blind hem stitch, flatlock stitch options and chain-off stitches for decorative uses. Stitch lengths are adjustable from 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm and seam widths can be set between 6.2 mm and 7.2 mm on the left needle and between 4.0 mm and 5.0 mm on the right needle.
Specifications
Speed: 1,500 stitches per minute
Threads: 2-3-4
Color-Coded: Yes
Light: Bulb
Weight: 15 lbs.
Dimensions: 11.4 inches by 10 inches by 12.6 inches
Product Features
Blind Hem Capability
Purchase of the Baby Lock Lauren serger includes a handy blind hem presser foot. Setting up your machine for this useful stitch option is simply a matter of removing the all-purpose presser foot and snapping on the blind hem foot. You can set the controls for blind hemming by removing the left needles, then setting the stitch option controls to 1-needle, 3-thread overlock. After adjusting the tension settings, you’re ready to roll.
Adjustable Differential Feed
The differential feed is constructed as a single component
to prevent puckers and over-stretched fabrics. Being able to adjust the front
and rear feed dogs gives you excellent control over how the single or multiple
fabric layers move beneath the needles. It also allows you more ease when
gathering fabric or working with very stretchy materials. Whether using the
sheerest fabrics, multiple layers or heavy denims, you’ll be able to keep the
stitches smooth and even. The differential feed ratio is adjustable between 0.7
mm and 2.0 mm.
Free-Arm Feature
This Baby Lock model offers you the option of working on a
flatbed surface or making the easy change to a free arm work space. It’s easy
to disengage the bed extension when you plan to put a sharp, professional
finish on sleeves, cuffs, pants legs, collars, small, intricate projects or
hard-to-reach areas.
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
The Lauren includes the ability to change the amount of
pressure the presser foot places on different types and thicknesses of fabrics.
This feature ensures that fabrics move smoothly under the needles without
slipping, while helping to ensure stitches are uniform in size. Adjustments can
be easily made by turning a screw on top of the machine.
Warranties
The Baby Lock Lauren serger includes a 25-year limited warranty on the machine, a 10-year warranty on mechanical parts, a 5-year warranty on electrical components and a 1-year warranty on labor.
Shop online at Sewing Machines Plus.com, an authorized Baby Lock dealer.
Verdict
Baby Lock’s Lauren doesn’t include the bells and whistles her high-end sisters do, but this model is built to impress any user in ease-of-use, functionality and stitch options. No matter which stitch and fabric you’re using, this machine consistently produces secure, professional stitches. Toss in the ability to use the blind hem function and you realize manual threading isn’t that bad after all. This serger is so easy to use that transitioning from one function to another isn’t difficult or time-consuming. It is a little pricey for a manual model, but it’s a Baby Lock, so it’s well-made and well worth a look.