
baby lock Ovation Coverlock Review
The baby lock Ovation is a robust mechanical all-in-one coverlock machine bringing overlock, cover and combination stitches to your sewing repertoire. It handles up to 8 threads and produces the full range of seam types a dressmaker or activewear maker needs including the signature wave stitch exclusive to baby lock.
The robust industrial-style looper system effortlessly handles specialty threads, opening up new possibilities for both decorative and functional sewing. With up to 8 threads in play, you can produce an incredible range of stitch styles, from professional hems to distinctive and eye-catching embellishments. The Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) system sets and maintains thread tension throughout both modes automatically, so there are no tension dials to adjust when switching techniques or fabrics.
The wide throat space makes large garments and home décor projects more comfortable than ever, while the vertical needle system ensures power and accuracy through all fabric types.
Threading is handled by the ExtraordinAir system, which uses a jet of air to pass thread through the loopers at the press of a button. A mechanical needle threader handles the needles. Both systems together mean the Ovation can be re-threaded quickly and with minimal effort, which is particularly useful when changing thread colours or moving between stitch types. The colour-coded threading path guides you through the full route and all threads are held securely in lay-in tension guides rather than threaded through eyelets.
The flatbed sewing table attaches for chain stitch and coverstitch work, giving a broad, stable surface for hemming garments and topstitching. The knee lift keeps both hands free during operation and variable speed control sets a maximum sewing speed, which is useful when working on fine fabrics or intricate techniques at 1,500 stitches per minute.
This machine will take your sewing and garment production to the next level.

Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Overlock and coverstitch (coverlock), medium, mechanical
Stitch Range
Overlock, coverstitch, chain stitch and combination stitches; up to 8 threads
Control Type
Mechanical; variable speed control; lay-in tension system with ATD
Workspace
140mm to the right of the needle; flatbed table included for coverstitch
Needle System
Up to 5 needles; mechanical needle threader included
Seam Width
Overlock: 1.5 to 7.5mm; coverstitch: 3.0 to 6.0mm
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced sewers
Machine Weight
12kg

This machine is perfect for
- Experienced sewers and garment makers looking for a professional grade combination overlocker and coverstitch model that will last the test of time
- Sewers who switch between Overlock and Coverstitch modes frequently - ExtraordinAir™ threading makes switching almost instant
- Professional home dressmakers producing volume where every minute of setup time matters
Can sew but not ideal for
- Complete beginners may find this model is too sophisticated. Speak to us and we will recommend a combination model best suited to your level of experience
Not suitable for
- No top coverstitch capability for decorative stitches on both sides - the baby lock Primo dedicated coverstitch machine is a suitable alternative
Materials and Build Quality
The Ovation's 12kg body and vertical needle system give it the stability to run at up to 1,500 stitches per minute across the full range of stitch types. The presser foot pressure is adjustable and the safety cutout prevents operation when covers are open. LED lighting provides clear, shadow-free illumination of the needle area.
The Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) system manages tension throughout, adjusting automatically for different thread weights and stitch types so the machine is ready to sew correctly from the first stitch. ExtraordinAir threading handles both loopers instantly at the press of a button, completing setup without manual thread guiding.
The subsidiary looper is a converter that attaches to the upper looper, blocking its thread path so that 2-thread overlock, rolled hem and flatlock stitches can be formed. Because it's permanently connected to the upper looper, it can't be lost or misplaced, just switch it on or off as needed.
The Difference is in the Details
At 1,500 stitches per minute with variable speed control, the Ovation moves through garment seaming quickly while giving you a set maximum speed for precision work on fine or stretch fabrics. The knee lift keeps both hands on the fabric and stitch length and differential feed are both adjustable while sewing.
The vertical needle system and 12kg build keep the Ovation stable at high speed across both operating modes. Adjustable presser foot pressure ensures the machine glides through all weights of fabric and the safety cutout protects internal components when the cover is raised. baby lock back the Ovation with a 2-year warranty, extendable to 4 years when you register your machine.
The Ovation's variable speed controller sets the maximum sewing speed, which is useful when learning new stitch techniques or working with unfamiliar fabrics. The quick reference threading guide and instruction manual are included in the box. The Sewing Studio are an authorised baby lock retailer. Call, chat or email for advice from sewing experts before and after purchase.
The Ovation's quick reference threading guide gives a clear visual path for setting up both overlock and coverstitch modes and the full instruction manual covers the complete stitch range.
The knee lift raises and lowers the presser foot hands-free, keeping fabric correctly positioned while you sew. The lay-in tension system removes the need to thread through eyelets and the practical accessory compartment keeps all tools close to hand during use.
baby lock Ovation: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
One Machine for Seaming and Finishing
The Ovation handles overlock seaming, coverstitch hemming and combination stitches without switching machines, which means the full garment construction process from raw edge to finished hem can be completed seamlessly.
Speed Control & Convenience
A standout feature is the ability to control sewing speed, allowing you to focus entirely on intricate tasks. The variable controller sets the maximum speed, ensuring precision during delicate work. The seamless transition from overlock to cover stitch provides extra time to explore the many stitch patterns.
The Stitch Range for Garment Makers
Up to 8 threads, a subsidiary looper for combination stitches and the Wave Stitch capability give the Ovation a stitch range suited to dressmaking, knitwear, activewear and jersey garments across a broad range of fabric weights and constructions.
Inside the baby lock Ovation Coverlock Machine
ExtraordinAir Threading System
A jet-air system that threads both loopers at the press of a button, with no manual guiding required. The mechanical needle threader completes the sequence without hand threading.
Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD)
Sets and maintains thread tension automatically across overlock and coverstitch modes, adjusting for different thread weights without manual input. The looper tension bypass adds control for specialty threads.
Subsidiary Looper and Combination Stitches
Enables combination stitches that join overlock and chain stitch in a single pass, producing finishes not achievable on a standard overlocker.
Differential Feed and Seam Control
Adjustable differential feed, controllable while sewing, prevents stretch on knits and puckering on fine wovens. Stitch length runs from 0.75 to 4.0mm across both operating modes.
Flatbed Table and Knee Lift
The included sewing table creates a stable surface for coverstitch and chain stitch work. The knee lift raises and lowers the presser foot hands-free.


Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
* 1X Instruction manual
* 1X Quick reference threading guide
* 1X Power cord
* 1X Foot Control
* 1X Sewing table for chain/cover stitching
* 1X Guide fixing screws for sewing table
* 1X Package of assorted sized needles
* 1X Lint brush/needle insert tool
* 1X Needle Threader
* 1X Allen screwdriver
* 1X Tweezers
* 1X Upper cutting blade for replacement
* 1X Screwdriver
* 1X Looper threading tool
* 8X Thread nets
* 8X Spool caps
* 8X Sponge disks
* 2X Spool pin discs (large)
* 8X Cone holders
* 1X Machine cover (Soft)
* 1X Knee Lifter
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Standard presser foot (on machine)
Manufacturers Specifications
- Needles: 5
- Threads: 2 - 8
- Speed: 1500
- Stitch length: 0,75 – 4 mm
- Stitch width overlock seam: 1.5 – 7.5mm, Coverstitch: 3.0 - 6.0mm
- Weight (kg): 12
- Size (cm): 49 x 37 x 31
- Differential Feed: Yes
- Needle Threader: mechanical
- Automatic Thread Delivery: Yes
- ExtraordinAir™ Threading: Yes
- LED Lighting: Yes
- Knee lift: Yes
- Automatic Tension: Yes
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W×D×H): 49 × 37 × 31cm
- Machine weight: 12kg
- Workspace to the right of the needle: 140mm
- Control type: Mechanical
Stitch Options & Controls
- Threads: 2 to 8
- Stitch length: 0.75 to 4.0mm
- Overlock seam width: 1.5 to 7.5mm
- Coverstitch seam width: 3.0 to 6.0mm
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,500 stitches per minute
- Stitch types: overlock, coverstitch, chain stitch, combination stitches, Wave Stitch
- Rolled hem: yes
- Differential feed: yes, adjustable while sewing
Sewing Features & Functions
- ExtraordinAir looper threading system
- Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) — automatic tension throughout
- Bypass for looper tension
- Wide throat space
- Subsidiary looper for combination stitches
- Mechanical needle threader
- Colour-coded threading path
- Lay-in tension system
- Variable speed control
- Adjustable seam width while sewing
- Adjustable stitch length while sewing
- Adjustable differential feed while sewing
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Sewing foot lift
- Knee lift
- Vertical needle system
- Safety cutout for open cover
- LED lighting
- Practical accessory compartment
Bobbin & Needle System
- Needles: up to 5
- Needle type: standard overlock/coverstitch needles; assorted set included
Warranty & Support
The baby lock Ovation is covered by Baby Lock's 5-year warranty (*commercial use: 1-year warranty). Our support team at The Sewing Studio are here if you ever need help, advice or servicing after purchase.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a coverlock machine and a standard overlocker?
A standard overlocker trims and finishes raw edges. A coverlock machine does this and also produces coverstitch, which is the two-row stretch hem you see on the inside of T-shirts and knitwear. The baby lock Ovation handles both functions in one unit so there is no need for a separate coverstitch machine.
Does the ATD System work in both overlock and coverstitch modes?
Yes. The Automatic Thread Delivery system sets and maintains correct thread tension throughout both operating modes automatically. It adjusts for different thread weights and stitch types without manual input, so you do not need to change tension settings when switching between overlock and coverstitch work.
How does the ExtraordinAir Threading work in practice?
You insert the thread to the start of the looper path, press the button and a jet of air carries the thread through the rest of the route instantly. It covers both loopers. The needle threader handles the needles separately. The full process takes a fraction of the time of manual threading on a conventional overlocker.
Can the Ovation handle stretch fabrics like jersey and activewear knits?
Yes. The adjustable differential feed is designed for exactly this. Increasing the differential feed ratio prevents jersey and stretch knits from distorting during stitching, so seams lie flat. The feed is adjustable while sewing, so you can correct settings mid-project without stopping the machine.
What are combination stitches and when would I use them?
Combination stitches join overlock and chain stitch in a single pass using the subsidiary looper, producing a finish that is visible on both sides of the fabric. They are particularly useful on knitwear, activewear and garments where the interior seam finish is part of the design rather than purely functional.
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).