
baby lock Primo Coverstitch Product Review
The Baby Lock Primo is the ultimate cover stitch machine with a creative twist. Featuring Baby Lock's exclusive Top Cover Stitch and Swing Foot technology, this machine lets you finish seams beautifully on both sides and create decorative effects that truly stand out. Whether you're sewing narrow, delicate details or bold, decorative accents, the Primo offers up to eight stitch variations with 2–6 threads and up to three needles.
The Swing Foot is exclusive to baby lock and cannot be found on any other coverstitch machine. It has two built in wipers that guide one or two decorative threads over the fabric surface as you sew, producing curved stitches, including the Serpentine and Swing stitch. You can use one wiper for a serpentine effect or both for a full swing stitch, and combine them with different needle and thread configurations to access all eight stitch variations.
ExtraordinAir™ threading uses a jet of air to pass thread through the lower loopers at the press of a button, which means looper threading takes seconds rather than minutes. The mechanical needle threader handles the needles. Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD) manages thread tension continuously during sewing, adjusting to the thread type and weight in use, so stitch quality is maintained across different fabrics without manual intervention.
The machine runs at up to 1,500 stitches per minute with differential feed, which keeps fabric feeding smoothly on stretch, sheer and woven materials. The knee lifter allows hands-free presser foot operation, and the needle up/down button gives precise control over the stopping position. Speed control lets you set a maximum sewing speed, which is particularly useful when working on curved or decorative passes. Three LED lights illuminate the needle area for clear visibility on all fabric colours.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Coverstitch machine, medium size
Stitch Variations
8 variations; 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 threads; up to 3 needles
Control Type
Mechanical with speed control
Workspace
140mm (5.5 inches) to the right of the needle
Needle System
Up to 3 needles; mechanical needle threader
Thread Configuration
2 to 6 threads; ExtraordinAir™ threading; ATD tension system
Skill Level
Intermediate to advanced sewers
Machine Weight
13kg
This machine is perfect for
- For expert and professional sewers looking to finish seams beautifully on both sides and create decorative effects that truly stand out including the exclusive baby lock Serpentine stitch
- Sewers making custom sportswear, activewear or clothing where unique topstitching matters
- Sewers frustrated by tension adjustments - ATD means perfect tension every time regardless of thread type
- Creative makers looking to add ribbon or cord embellishment to their projects
Can sew but not ideal for
- Complete beginners to Coverstitch machines - we recommend learning the fundamentals on a simpler machine first. Our team can advise which model will suit your needs
Not suitable for
- Sewers finishing their projects with basic hems only and without decorative elements
Materials and Build Quality
The Primo's 13kg body provides a stable platform for sustained coverstitch work, keeping the machine planted during extended use at up to 1,500 stitches per minute. The mechanical control layout keeps the interface straightforward: tension dials, speed control and differential feed adjustments are all accessible without navigating menus.
Construction and Stability
The Primo's 13kg body provides a stable platform for sustained coverstitch work, keeping the machine planted during extended use at up to 1,500 stitches per minute. The mechanical control layout keeps the interface straightforward: tension dials, speed control and differential feed adjustments are all accessible without navigating menus.
The Swing Foot is a baby lock-exclusive component not found on other coverstitch machines. It holds two layers of thread and guides them over the fabric surface as the machine sews, producing curved decorative stitches that would otherwise require specialist equipment. The Dual Wiper System works in tandem, positioning decorative threads precisely so the finished result is consistent across the full length of a seam.
The Swing Foot and Dual Wiper System
The Swing Foot is a baby lock-exclusive component not found on other coverstitch machines. It holds two layers of thread and guides them over the fabric surface as the machine sews, producing curved decorative stitches that would otherwise require specialist equipment. The Dual Wiper System works in tandem, positioning decorative threads precisely so the finished result is consistent across the full length of a seam.
ExtraordinAir™ threading passes thread through the lower loopers pneumatically. Press the button and air carries the thread into position, removing one of the most time-consuming steps in coverstitch setup. ATD (Automatic Thread Delivery) monitors tension during sewing and adjusts continuously, so the system handles thread type and weight variation without requiring manual tension correction.
Threading and Tension Engineering
ExtraordinAir™ threading passes thread through the lower loopers pneumatically. Press the button and air carries the thread into position, removing one of the most time-consuming steps in coverstitch setup. ATD (Automatic Thread Delivery) monitors tension during sewing and adjusts continuously, so the system handles thread type and weight variation without requiring manual tension correction.
The Difference is in the Details
Running at 1,500 stitches per minute, the Primo is built for sustained output. The combination of ExtraordinAir™ threading and the mechanical needle threader cuts set-up time considerably, so less time is spent preparing and more time sewing. Differential feed handles fabric behaviour on the go, and the knee lifter keeps both hands free on the fabric throughout.
Productivity & Speed
Running at 1,500 stitches per minute, the Primo is built for sustained output. The combination of ExtraordinAir™ threading and the mechanical needle threader cuts set-up time considerably, so less time is spent preparing and more time sewing. Differential feed handles fabric behaviour on the go, and the knee lifter keeps both hands free on the fabric throughout.
The Primo is mechanically reliable and built to handle regular, intensive use. A 2-year parts and labour warranty (2 years standard, extendable to 4 years with registration) from baby lock backs the Primo, reflecting confidence in its construction.
Built for Longevity
The Primo is mechanically reliable and built to handle regular, intensive use. A 2-year parts and labour warranty (2 years standard, extendable to 4 years with registration) from baby lock backs the Primo, reflecting confidence in its construction.
The knee lifter gives hands-free presser foot operation, keeping both hands in contact with the fabric throughout. The needle up/down button lets you stop precisely at the right point, and the accessory compartment keeps all tools within reach at the machine.
Comfort & Ease of Use
The knee lifter gives hands-free presser foot operation, keeping both hands in contact with the fabric throughout. The needle up/down button lets you stop precisely at the right point, and the accessory compartment keeps all tools within reach at the machine.
baby lock Primo: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Stand Out Decorative Stitches
The Primo's Swing Foot and Top Cover Stitch produce curved decorative stitches and professional results on activewear, sportswear and garments that no standard coverstitch machine can replicate. The optional ribbon and cord attachment enable makers to add unique embellishment techniques.
Sewers Who Prioritise Consistent Tension
ATD handles thread delivery regardless of thread type or weight, which means moving from fine thread to heavier thread does not require stopping to reset tension manually.
For Anyone Who Wants Fast Setup
ExtraordinAir™ threading handles the lower loopers in seconds, so changing threads between projects takes a fraction of the time it would on a standard machine.
Inside the baby lock Primo
The Swing Foot
baby lock's exclusive Swing Foot holds two layers of thread and guides them over the fabric surface, producing curved decorative stitches, including the Serpentine stitch.
ExtraordinAir™ Threading System
A pneumatic looper threading system that passes thread through the lower loopers at the press of a button. Air carries the thread into position, cutting setup time to seconds.
Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD)
ATD monitors thread tension continuously during sewing and adjusts for the thread type and weight in use, so consistent stitch formation is maintained across different fabrics without manual input.
Differential Feed and Speed Control
The differential feed ratio adjusts to keep fabric feeding evenly on stretch, sheer and woven materials. Speed control sets a maximum sewing rate, giving greater control on decorative or curved passes.
Top Cover Stitch
A built-in feature that produces a professional finish on both sides of the fabric simultaneously. Combined with the Swing Foot, it extends the machine's capability well beyond standard hem finishing.
Product Specifications
Accessories in the Box
- 1X Instruction manual
- 1X Foot Control
- 1X Power cord
- 1X Knee lifter
- 2X Guide fixing screws for table
- 1X Lint brush/needle insert tool
- 1X Package of assorted sized needles
- 1x Allen screwdriver
- 1X Stitch guide fixing screw
- 1X Tweezers
- 1 x Looper threading tool
- 4 x Thread nets
- 2 x Spool pin disk (large)
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 4 x Spool caps
- 4 x Sponge disks
- 6 x Cone holders
- 1 x Machine cover (Soft)
Feet in the box
• 1 x Standard coverstitch presser foot
• 1 x Swing Foot with Dual Wiper System
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W×D×H): 49 × 37 × 32cm
- Machine weight: 13kg
Stitch Options & Controls
- Machine type: Coverstitch
- Stitch variations: 8
- Thread configurations: 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 threads
- Needles: Up to 3
- Stitch length: 1.0 to 4.0mm
- Stitch width: 3mm or 6mm
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,500 stitches per minute
- Differential feed ratio: 0.6 – 2.0
- Control type: Mechanical
Sewing Features & Functions
- Top Cover Stitch built-in
- Swing Foot with two thread layers
- Dual Wiper System
- ExtraordinAir™ threading (pneumatic lower looper threading)
- Automatic Thread Delivery (ATD)
- Differential feed
- Speed control
- Knee lifter
- Needle up/down button
- Mechanical needle threader
- Side presser foot lifter
- Lowerable feed dogs
- 3 LED lights
- Practical accessory compartment
- Vertical needle system
Bobbin & Needle System
- Needle threader: Mechanical
Warranty & Support
The baby lock Primo is covered by a 2-year parts and labour warranty from baby lock. Our team at The Sewing Studio are authorised baby lock retailers and are here to help with advice, support and servicing throughout the life of your machine.
Product Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Swing Foot and what makes it different from a standard Coverstitch Foot?
The Swing Foot is exclusive to baby lock and is not available on standard coverstitch machines. It carries two layers of thread and moves them over the fabric surface as you sew, which is what produces curved decorative stitches like the Serpentine. No other coverstitch machine offers this.
How does ExtraordinAir™ Threading work?
Rather than manually guiding thread through the lower loopers by hand, ExtraordinAir™ threading uses a jet of air to carry the thread through at the press of a button. It is particularly useful when changing thread colours or types between projects, as it removes the most fiddly part of coverstitch setup.
Do I need to adjust thread tension manually on the Primo?
The ATD system handles tension automatically during sewing, reading the thread type and weight in use and adjusting continuously. For most sewing tasks, you will not need to touch the tension dials. Manual lay-in tension dials are available if you choose to override the automatic setting.
What stitch variations are available on the baby lock Primo?
Eight stitch variations are available, produced by combining different numbers of threads and needles. Configurations use 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 threads and up to 3 needles, which gives a range from narrow, fine stitching through to broad, layered decorative effects including the Top Cover Stitch.
Is the baby lock Primo suitable for stretch fabrics?
Yes. The differential feed adjusts to keep fabric feeding evenly regardless of stretch or weight, so jersey, knit and stretch fabrics feed through without distorting.
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).