
baby lock Acclaim Product Review
The baby lock Acclaim is an ideal choice for sewers who have experienced issues in the past with threading overlockers or had tension frustrations - this machine eliminates both. RevolutionAir™ Threading handles both loopers and needles at the touch of a button with no tweezers or frustration while the Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) System automatically delivers the correct thread amount for every stitch and fabric type. It is one of the first overlockers to air-thread both needles and loopers, setup is now a matter of seconds. The built-in bypass port allows you to use thicker decorative threads (like woolly nylon, metallics or thicker topstitch-style threads) that sometimes struggle to pass through the air-threading system. This opens up more creative possibilities without compromising performance.
ATD is a game changer for dressmakers working with different fabric types delivering the correct thread amount automatically for consistent stitch quality across 2/3/4-thread configurations. The machine handles everything from silk to denim without adjustment. The lay-in tension dials are there when you want them.
This is a premium build machine with a robust industrial-grade looper system that is mechanically precise and capable of handling even heavy decorative threads. It includes the beautiful Wave Stitch, baby lock's patented seam option that produces a distinctive wave-shaped edge. The rolled hem function is accessible via a single dial turn, with stitch length adjustable between 0.75 and 4.0mm and seam widths from 1.5 to 7.5mm across 2/3/4-thread combinations.
The vertical needle system ensures needles pierce the fabric straight down for precision stitching while 3 LED lights keep the needle area clearly lit. The automatic safety cut-outs activate when the foot is raised or covers are opened and the magnetic needle tray with built-in accessory compartment keeps everything within reach. This is a long-term investment for intermediate and advanced sewers who want baby lock's premium build with maximum automation.

Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
2/3/4-thread overlocker, medium size
Thread Options
2, 3 and 4-thread configurations
Control Type
Mechanical Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) System
Stitch Length
0.75–4.0mm adjustable stitch length
Seam Width
1.5–7.5mm adjustable seam width
Threading System
RevolutionAir™ air threading; needles and loopers
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced sewers
Machine Weight
11kg

This machine is perfect for
- For sewers who frequently change thread colours when working with varied fabrics - threading takes seconds and tension adjusts automatically
- Garment makers processing different fabric weights in one session - the ATD handles everything from silk to denim without adjustment
- Sewers who had given up on overlockers because of threading or tension frustration - this model eliminates both concerns!
- Ideal for makers who use thicker decorative threads like woolly nylon, metallics or thicker topstitch-style threads - the bypass port easily handles threads that are too thick to travel through the standard air-threading path
Can sew but not ideal for
- Sewers who prefer manual tension control for precise adjustments
Not suitable for
- Sewers wanting a combination overlocker and coverstitch - this is overlocker only
Materials and Build Quality
The Acclaim offers speed, precision and convenience in one sleek package with a stable footprint. The mechanical control system uses lay-in tension dials that are clearly positioned and straightforward to operate when manual adjustment is needed. Safety cut-outs disengage the machine automatically when the presser foot is raised or the covers are open, which protects both the sewer and the machine during threading and maintenance.
The vertical needle system delivers precision and power on thicker fabrics. The looper system is designed to work in conjunction with the air-threading compressor, with an industrial-grade mechanical specification capable of handling decorative threads as well as standard overlock weights. Two needles are fitted as standard, supporting all 2/3/4-thread configurations.
The two-stage presser foot lift reaches up to 8mm - fabric layers that would jam a single-stage lifter pass through without difficulty. Adjustable foot pressure lets you match the feed to the weight of the fabric you are working with. The differential feed system controls the ratio of front to rear feed dog movement, which means you can prevent stretch fabrics from distorting and create gathering effects on lighter materials.
The Difference is in the Details
Running at 1,500 stitches per minute, the Acclaim moves through garment construction and finishing work at pace. The Automatic Thread Delivery system removes tension-adjustment stops from your workflow, so you can move between fabric weights and stitch configurations without interrupting a session to recalibrate.
The 11kg mechanical build gives the Acclaim stability for sustained use without shifting at high speed. The lay-in tension dials and well-positioned controls are designed for repeated daily use. baby lock backs the Acclaim with a 2-year parts and labour warranty extendable to 4 years when you register your machine, which reflects the standard they set for their machines at this level.
The quick-reference threading guide included with the machine covers the RevolutionAir™ threading step by step for those getting started. The looper threading tool is included for situations where manual access is needed. Our team at The Sewing Studio are authorised baby lock retailers. Call, chat or email for advice before and after purchase.
The side-mounted presser foot lifter gives easy access without awkward repositioning of your hands or the fabric. The magnetic needle tray sits conveniently under the thread spool holder, with a separate accessory compartment keeping tools close to hand. The two-stage foot lift of up to 8mm handles bulkier layers without forcing them through.
baby lock Acclaim: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
No Threading Delays
Air threading for both needles and loopers means the Acclaim is ready to sew in seconds. The Acclaim threads both needles and loopers at a press of a button, so setup time is no longer a barrier to getting started.
Tension That Takes Care of Itself
The ATD system sets the correct thread delivery for each stitch type and fabric automatically, which means confident overlocking across a full range of weights without stopping to adjust.
More Than a Seam Finisher
The Wave Stitch, rolled hem, and subsidiary looper converter give the Acclaim a stitch range that goes well beyond basic overlocking, so it works as a creative tool as well as a practical one.
Inside the baby lock Acclaim
RevolutionAir™ Threading
Thread both loopers and needles at the touch of a button — no tweezers, no frustration.
Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) System
ATD calculates and delivers the correct thread amount for each stitch type continuously, removing the need for manual tension adjustment. Fine-tuning is still possible to the automatic system should small corrections be necessary for specific specialty threads or fabrics.
Wave Stitch and Subsidiary Looper Converter
The Wave Stitch produces baby lock's patented decorative wave seam, exclusive to the brand. The subsidiary looper converter enables 2-thread overlocking - it attaches to the upper looper so it cannot be misplaced.
Vertical Needle System and Advanced Knife System
The vertical needle system keeps needles perpendicular to the fabric, reducing deflection on delicate materials. The advanced knife system provides a larger cutting bite, improving visibility and handling on heavier layers.
One-Dial Rolled Hem and Differential Feed
A single dial switches the machine from overlocking to rolled hem mode, with no extra steps. Differential feed adjusts the feed dog ratio to manage stretch and gathering across different fabric weights.


Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Instruction manual
- 1 x Quick reference threading guide
- 1 x Foot Control/Power cord
- 1 x Lint brush/needle insert tool
- 1 x Package of assorted sized needles
- 1 x Allen screwdriver
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Tweezers
- 1 x Upper cutting blade for replacement
- 1 x Looper threading tool
- 4 x Thread nets
- 1 x 4-Thread RevolutionAir needle threading guide
- 4 x Spool caps
- 4 x Sponge disks
- 4 x Cone holders
- 1 x Machine cover (Soft)
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Standard presser foot (on machine)
Manufacturers Specifications
- Needles: 2
- Threads: 2/3/4
- Speed: 1500
- Stitch length: 0.75–4.0mm
- Seam width (overlock seam): 1.5–7.5mm
- Weight (kg): 11
- Size (cm): 42 x 37 x 32
- Differential Feed: 0.6–2.0
- Needle Threader: automatic
- Automatic Thread Delivery: Yes
- RevolutionAir™ Threading: Yes
- Lighting: 3 LEDs
- Safety cut out if foot is up: Yes
- Safety cutout if covers are open: Yes
- Wave seam: Yes
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine dimensions (W×D×H): 42 × 37 × 32cm
- Machine weight: 11kg
Stitch Options & Controls
- Thread options: 2/3/4
- Stitch length: 0.75–4.0mm
- Seam width (overlock seam): 1.5–7.5mm
- Speed: 1,500 stitches per minute
- Rolled hem: Yes
- Wave Stitch: Yes
- Flatlock stitching (2 and 3-thread): Yes
- Control type: Mechanical
- Lay-in tension dials: Yes
- Touch screen: No
Overlocking Features & Functions
- RevolutionAir™ air threading (needles): Yes
- Bypass port for specialty threads: Yes
- Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) system: Yes
- Vertical needle system: Yes
- Advanced knife system with larger cutting bite: Yes
- One-dial rolled hem switchover: Yes
- Differential feed: 0.6–2.0
- Adjustable foot pressure: Yes
- Automatic needle threader: Yes
- Side presser foot lifter: Yes
- Two-stage foot lift (up to 8mm): Yes
- LED lighting: Yes
- Safety cut-out if foot is raised: Yes
- Safety cut-out if covers are open: Yes
- Subsidiary looper/converter: Yes
- Magnetic needle tray: Yes
- Practical accessory compartment: Yes
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,500 stitches per minute
- Free arm: No
- Knee lift: No
- Hard cover: No (soft cover included)
- Extension table: No
- Thread sensor: No
- USB port: No
- Trim bin: No (optional accessory)
Warranty & Support
The baby lock Acclaim is covered by a full 2-year parts and labour warranty, extendable to 4 years when you register your machine. Our support team at The Sewing Studio are here if you ever need help, servicing or advice after purchase.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need to adjust tension on the Acclaim?
For most work, no. The Automatic Thread Delivery system calculates the correct thread amount for each stitch type and fabric automatically, so tension adjustments are not required. However, there is a fine-tuning knob that allows you to make minor adjustments to the thread delivery if the automatic system needs a small correction for specific specialty threads or fabrics across 2/3/4-thread configurations. The machine handles everything from silk to denim without adjustment.
What is the Wave Stitch and how does it work?
The Wave Stitch is a decorative seam option exclusive to baby lock that creates a wave-shaped edge rather than a standard overlock finish. It is selected in the same way as other stitch configurations and works well for visible hems and borders where a decorative finish is wanted.
Can the Acclaim handle thick or layered fabrics?
Yes. The two-stage foot lift raises up to 8mm, which gives thicker layers room between the foot and feed dogs. The advanced knife system's larger cutting bite also makes it easier to cut cleanly through heavier fabric without reducing visibility around the needle area.
How does the one-dial rolled hem work?
A single dial switches the machine from standard overlocking to rolled hem mode. There is no need to change the needle plate or make additional adjustments, which means you can switch between finishing and decorative rolled hem work without stopping to reconfigure the machine.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).