Is the Babylock Cover Stitch Worth the Sticker Price?

In the past I have owned and operated the Janome 1000cpx, the Brother CV3440 and now my coverstitch journey continues with the Babylock Euphoria. These are all dedicated coverstitch machines and they do vary greatly in price.

In my previous post about the Brother CV3440, I describe coverstitch machines in general and how their functionality relates to other sewing machines. I also review the Brother CV3440 in depth from thread to needles to settings. Have a look if you want to know a bit more about cover stitches machines in general.

So, first lets get this out of the way: The Babylock Euphoria coverstitch machine is pricey.

Price Detail

Currently, the Janome CPX1000 is listed just under $1,000 CAD+ tax on Amazon.ca. A more recent model, the CPX2000, is listed just over $1,000 CAD+ tax. I should note that as of 2022, the new CPX3000 model has been released and is listed on Amazon.ca for $1,700 CAD+ tax.

The Brother CV3550 can be purchased about $800.00 CAD + tax. The Brother CV3440 is generally about $200 less than the CV3550.

The Babylock I purchased from a local dealership was about $2,400 CAD + tax (summer 2022).

Background

My first coverstitch (Janome CPX1000) ultimately got a thumbs down from me because I just never used it. My second coverstitch was better, just, but I usually chose to skip it. It seemed such a hassle to fiddle about with it all the tension knobs. Also, I rarely used it for necklines since I didn’t want to mess it up in such a noticeable spot. The Brother is, in my opinion, better than the Janome. Unfortunately, we parted when it was thrown across the room*.

*Ah, but let me explain that. I have my serger on a table next to my coverstitch machine. I “roll” myself over on my chair to serge and then roll back to my main sewing table when finished. As I pushed off from the serger table, I heard a loud crash and caught sight of my coverstitch machine flying through the air. It landed inches from a sleeping dog! Fffffffffffffffudge!!!!

The coverstitch cord had got wrapped around my chair as I was using the serger and in my hurry to finish the project, I didn’t realize it. I usually move around my sewing space much more sedately and dignified (what?? I can do sedately!). But for some reason I decided to fling myself with a flourish and accidentally took the machine along for the ride. So I was down a coverstitch machine ….Again.

Third time a charm with the Babylock? Here’s hoping.

The Babylock Euphoria

Listen, this machine is glorious. First off, it is huge! Which is wonderful, but also means it takes up space in your sewing room. It is high as well as wide and deep. The stitch is perfection – so far every time. And the most, most wonderful part is that you can chain off! Yes, just like a serger, you can keep sewing even with no fabric under the needles! OMG, it is heaven. I’m now making things just so I can use the coverstitch!

It’s the Little Things

When I say little things I mean HUGE things. Chaining off is the best, but also the air threading and automatic threader for the needles really work! Best needle threader ever. The automatic threaders in my other machines expect you to hold the threader down with one hand while manoeuvring the thread into the channel with the other hand. With the Babylock, you pull down the needle threader and it stays there. So much easier. Also, no fussing around with getting the needles positioned correctly (this is done automatically when you switch to threading mode). Best needle threader ever!

Air threading for the looper. Enough said.

I love the little compartment on the side and it also has a magnetic surface on the top for needles. At the bottom of the machine is a little tray that catches your needle should you drop one when changing them (like THAT could even happen…).

Automatic tension. I know! No tweaking the dials for each different project.

Conclusion

I feel like I went from a Ford to Rolls Royce. I am now cover stitching in the lap of luxury. I use it for every clothing project I make. In fact, I’m going back to remake certain patterns just so I can use my coverstitch machine. No more gathering dust.

I admit that the price is high. From my research online I actually assumed it was more – like in the $3,200 range. Then, I saw it quoted as being on sale at $2,700 on a Canadian website. After much thought about that price, I went into an actual store where I was told $2,399. I jumped at it thinking it a great deal. And it was, is, but I also think I got there by having the initial price expectations so high. Well played Babylock. So it is an unspecified number of birthdays and Christmases for me, but I’m okay with that.

So is the Babylock worth the sticker price? For me the answer is clearly yes. A Coverstitch finish is decorative and noticeable. Kinda the point here. But, if I can’t trust it to do a decent job, I just won’t use it. My previous machines were not as expensive, but I was never able to get consistent results, so I just didn’t use them.

So far, I am loving the Babylock Euphoria.