Baby Lock Enlighten: Overlock unboxing and review

The Baby Lock Enlighten overlock machine is a fantastic machine for both beginners and advanced users. Read the review and unboxing now.

The most important facts at a glance

• In this post, I will take you through the unboxing of the Baby Lock Enlighten
• You will find out which accessories are included
• ...and get information on the machine's operation and functions
• We compare the Baby Lock Enlighten with the Baby Lock Enspire and the Baby Lock Gloria
• You will receive all the information and links to buy an overlocker in this post

YouTube Video Baby Lock Enlighten Unboxing & Review

Why should I buy an overlocker?

An overlocker makes your life easier: it sews, trims, and finishes elastic fabrics efficiently, quickly, and neatly. But it is also perfect for finishing and stabilizing fabric edges on woven goods.

With a stitching frequency of up to 1,500 stitches per minute, the Baby Lock Enlighten is fast, but you can also sew a bit more slowly by not pressing the foot pedal as hard.

In any case, an overlocker is a worthwhile investment if you enjoy sewing clothes for yourself and your loved ones.

Are you looking for more features? Then keep reading here: Baby Lock Gloria Unboxing and Review

How does an overlocker differ from a household sewing machine?

An overlocker is a true engineering marvel. Unlike a "normal" household sewing machine, the overlocker "only" sews on the fabric edge. However, it performs several functions simultaneously:

• Cutting: The knives trim the fabric edges to a uniform width
• Finishing: The looper threads loop over the freshly cut fabric edge, preventing fraying
• Joining: The needle threads hold the looper threads in position and connect the fabric layers together

But an overlocker can do much more: with the right overlock foot, you can

• Sew on beads and ribbons
• Sew on elastic bands
• Gather fabric edges (and, if desired, sew on a second layer of fabric at the same time)
• Decoratively finish fabric edges
• Create wavy hems
• Make and sew on piping
• Sew pintucks
• Sew blind hems and much more

The Baby Lock Enlighten has the special ability to sew a wavy hem as well. Don't know what a wavy hem is yet? It's a particularly beautiful, decorative edge finish for clothing, decorations, blankets, and countless other sewing ideas. So: pinning hems is a thing of the past. This is what the wavy hem looks like on Baby Lock machines:

Extra cool: You can adjust the width of the stitch to make it more subtle or more prominent. And with woolly nylon thread or other thicker types of thread, you can achieve additional effects.

Book tip: Näh doch einfach OVERLOCK^* – the SewSimple bestseller on the topic of overlocking!

Where can I get more information on buying an overlocker?

If you would like to find out which overlock features are important and necessary for you (or what you want for your future "ovi"), read my blog post on "Buying an overlock sewing machine". In it, I introduce features, machines, and tips that are guaranteed to help you.

Why a Baby Lock overlocker?

When I first faced the decision to buy an overlocker, it quickly became clear to me that practically every sewing machine manufacturer has overlockers in their range. So what should you choose? It was important to me that my new ovi be durable and robust. That the thread tension be automatic. And: that it be easy to thread and rethread.

That is why I decided on a Baby Lock. The looper system consists of metal tubes, which makes this made-in-Japan machine particularly robust. The air threading system works very easily at the push of a button. This makes switching to a different thread color child's play. And the thread tension is set automatically.

After my first experience with Baby Lock—my first machine was the Baby Lock Enlighten, which lived (and worked) with me for a long time—I have stuck with it. The Enlighten has all the functions that were important to me.

What is special about Baby Lock machines?

Baby Lock machines are real workhorses. They don't just sew, cut, and finish at lightning speed, but also with lightning precision. For me, these are the most beautiful overlock seams of all. Thanks to the special design in the looper area, they are extremely robust and produce no skipped stitches. They are very easy to thread and adjust. Plus: they are quiet.

Baby Lock specializes in overlock and coverstitch machines, as well as coverlocks—combo machines that consist of both overlock and coverstitch. They are constantly further developing their machines. You can tell by the fact that sometimes "New Model" appears in the store (or online shop). It is important to me that the manufacturer really knows the machine type inside and out and that their focus is on quality and functionality.

Comparing Baby Lock machines

In this table, you can see the functions of the Baby Lock Enlighten and the Baby Lock Gloria.

The Enlighten is a classic overlocker; the Gloria is a combo machine that combines the functions of an overlocker and a coverstitch machine in one. If you also own a coverstitch machine, the Enlighten is a super-great machine.

If you don't yet own a coverstitch machine but want beautiful hem seams for shirts and trousers, the Gloria is an highly recommended device.

Comparison: Baby Lock Enspire and Baby Lock Enlighten

The Baby Lock Enspire is the affordable entry-level model from Baby Lock. It is an overlocker that does a fantastic job and is currently available for just under 900 euros. In contrast to the Enlighten, the Enspire does not have automatic thread tension.

That's not a problem, as everything can be learned. But it is important to know that the machine is not as intuitive to use as the Enlighten. The Enspire also has an air threading system for the loopers and a needle threader:

Baby Lock Enlighten Unboxing and first impression

The packaging of the Baby Lock Enlighten is secure, robust, and efficient. And it has to be, because you should definitely keep the packaging, including the Styrofoam molding inside. This allows you to send the machine in for maintenance and/or transport it safely to your dealer. So clear a little space in the attic (or basement). The box stays!

This is what it looks like when the Baby Lock Enlighten arrives at your place:

The foot pedal and accessories are stored in the upper indentations of the packaging:

When you remove the upper Styrofoam cover, it looks like this:

Now you can lift the machine out of the packaging by the handle and set it up. You will notice: the machine is already threaded. That will surely ease your initial worries. But they are unfounded anyway, because threading is so child's play. At the push of a button, after all.

This is what it looks like when you look at the machine from above:

If you like, you can now simply place your favorite threads on the spool holders and thread them using the knotting method (I explain it in my blog post "Overlock threading").

What makes the Baby Lock Enlighten so special?

I was totally hooked by the combination of simplicity, robustness, and beautiful seams. The threading system is absolutely foolproof. And that's a good thing, because you are nervous at first when dealing with a new ovi. Inside the cover flap, the threading path is even explained again:

The machine itself comes with a very clear booklet made of sturdy paper that explains the quick-threading paths for all possible seams. Plus, of course, the stitch settings and everything you need. I always keep it right next to the machine so that I can really make full use of the ovi's functions.

My tip: At Nähwelt Flach, you can now also order waste collector bins that fit your Baby Lock perfectly. And they come in several super-beautiful colors. The highlight: The waste collector has an insert, e.g., for fabric clips, and a magnet for pins. Super practical!

Which thread for the Baby Lock Enlighten?

I use almost exclusively Mettler threads on my Baby Lock machines. And there are various options that all work great:

• Mettler Trojalock^*: High-quality standard overlock thread for all seams
• Mettler Seraflock^*: Woolly nylon thread, especially great for sportswear and functional clothing
• Mettler Seralene^*: particularly fine overlock thread, perfect for delicate fabrics such as viscose, batiste, or silk

But Baby Lock itself also offers beautiful, fluffy decorative thread^*, which naturally harmonizes perfectly with Baby Lock machines.

Where can I get scrap bins for the Baby Lock Enlighten?

The scraps from overlocking have to go somewhere. Baby Lock offers a "Trim Bin," which is a tray you place the machine on that includes a slot for a plastic bag. Personally, I prefer solid containers that clip onto the machine.

You can not only choose them in your favorite color but also to match your specific overlocker.

This is what it looks like:

What is the difference between Baby Lock and overlock?

In short: Baby Lock is the brand name. Overlock is the type of machine. Baby Lock manufactures overlockers. But in addition, they also make coverstitch machines and "coverlocks," which are combination devices that offer the functions of both overlockers and coverstitch machines.

There is a sewing machine from Baby Lock that can sew Sashiko stitches – very attractive for patchwork and quilt fans.

Furthermore, in the USA, there are also Baby Lock sewing machines.

Baby Lock Enlighten experiences

My colleague Eve uses the Enlighten and writes:

What can the Baby Lock Enlighten do?

The Baby Lock Enlighten has great features that will help you create perfect seams, even as a beginner:

• automatic thread tension: you don't have to adjust anything manually
• needle threads: threading with a mechanical threading system
• looper threads: air threading system for looper threads
• differential feed: perfect for elastic or fine fabrics and for gathering
• sew quickly: 1500 stitches per minute speak for themselves
• wave stitch: great hem finishes in a single step

^*

Where is Baby Lock manufactured?

The Baby Lock factory is located in Yamagata, Japan. There is also a Baby Lock headquarters in Chemnitz. There, you can, for example, take wonderful sewing courses on topics such as "overlocking" or "coverstitching."

Why Baby Lock?

The advantages of Baby Lock machines are literally clear. The machines are

• robust
• quiet
• efficient
• easy to thread
• reliable

and create fantastic seams with many variation possibilities.

For whom is the Baby Lock Enlighten the right overlocker?

If you are just starting to sew and don't have much experience with overlocking, then the Enlighten is a machine you are guaranteed to enjoy, because threading is child's play.

The threading process is precisely what causes the most headaches for many beginners. You don't have to worry about that with the Enlighten. Because threading works automatically and at the touch of a button.

But even if you already have sewing experience, the Baby Lock Enlighten is a brilliant machine that helps you take your creativity to the next level.

Is it worth purchasing a Baby Lock Enlighten?

In my view, the Enlighten is the best overlocker in this price segment. I have been sewing on various Baby Lock machines for over 10 years now and am always amazed at how great the seams turn out – and how easy it is to handle even the most difficult fabrics.

Conclusion: The right overlocker is fun

Of course, it's important that your overlocker has all the important functions you desire. Besides that, however, I believe it is also crucial that you can further expand your creativity. The Enlighten is a machine that allows you to do exactly that. And at the same time, it takes the fear out of sewing adventures because it is so absolutely uncomplicated to operate.

My tip: If you want to buy an overlocker, you should look out for feet that provide additional sewing fun. And that help you put your ideas into practice.

For the Enlighten, there is a wonderful presser foot set^*, with which you can, for example, sew on beads and sequins, create piping, and attach ribbons.

The fact that the Baby Lock Enlighten is so incredibly easy to thread makes it a fantastic beginner machine. You can sit down at the Enlighten comfortably and barely give a thought to threading or re-threading. There is a helpful insert that shows the quick-threading paths. I always keep that next to the machine.

With the Enlighten, you suddenly dare to try things like gathers, ruffles, or rolled hems. Simply a thoroughly well-thought-out, practical, rock-solid, quiet, and mature overlocker that is fun to use.

Well, did my review of the Baby Lock Enlighten help shed some light on the overlock jungle? Perhaps you have even found a machine that suits you. Feel free to let me know in the comments and tell me about your experiences with Baby Lock machines. Are you as enthusiastic as I am? I look forward to reading from you!

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine