If you've been around these parts for a while, you know that I have been sewing and creating with Baby Lock sewing machines for the past 7+ years as one of their ambassadors. This year, they've sent me the new Altair II machine with sewing and embroidery functions. This is an updated version of the previous Destiny II machine I've been using since 2017. If you're looking to upgrade your sewing machine, scroll down to see how you can get 10% off!
I'm really excited to explore some of the new functions and features of this updated machine! Here are a few:
Key Features of the Baby Lock Altair II
1. Embroidery Capabilities
The Altair II is not just an amazing sewing and quilting machine; it's also a powerful embroidery machine. It comes with 494 built-in embroidery designs, including 30 exclusive designs from the Baby Lock library. The machine offers a maximum embroidery field of 9.5" x 14", allowing you to create intricate and large-scale designs with ease.
I also like using the large scale field for quilting projects such as machine quilting in the hoop.
2. Innovative IQ Technologyâ„¢
In my opinion, this is one of the coolest features of all: The Baby Lock Altair II is equipped with IQ Technologyâ„¢, which allows you to transfer images wirelessly from your smart device to the machine allowing creators to personalize their projects with custom designs. The design possibilities are endless!
The machine itself connects to the internet through WIFI (which is pretty amazing, if you ask me) making it possible to connect your machine to your phone and the IQ App as well as download firmware updates wirelessly!
Here's an example of what the machine + app can do! I had fun making this scandinavian-inspired embroidery design featuring a pattern I've always wanted to embroider from a book I bought years ago.
Using the IQ app to take a picture, the image is sent wirelessly over WIFI to the machine where I can resize and let the machine do all the stitching for me!
Also, the IQ Intuitionâ„¢ positioning app ensures that your designs are placed exactly where you want them on your fabric. I'm so excited to play more with this feature.
By moving the camera capability from the machine itself (as was the case with the Destiny II) to an app on your phone, simplifies the upload process as well as the machine itself, giving this level of machine capabilities a better price point.
3. Generous Workspace
Another standout features of the Altair II is its spacious workspace. With a large throat space of 11.25 inches, this machine can handle larger projects with ease. Whether you're quilting, sewing garments, or creating home décor items, the ample throat space ensures you have the room to comfortably maneuver the fabric.
When sewing with the Altair II the machine embroidery arm is large enough that you can leave it attached to the machine while you do any sewing or piecing.
Or you can remove the embroidery arm and just use the flat bed attachment with accessory compartment as you would with any sewing.
4. Advanced Needle Threading System
One of my all time favorite features of many higher-tier Baby Lock machines is the automatic needle threading system that threads the sewing machine needle with the touch of a button! I LOVE it! This time-saving feature is especially beneficial for those of us with poor eyesight.
5. Advanced Sewing Features
The machine includes 771 built-in stitches, ranging from utility stitches to decorative stitches. The stitch editing capabilities allow you to combine and customize stitches to suit your projects. Additionally, the Altair II offers a maximum sewing speed of 1,050 stitches per minute, enabling you to complete your projects quickly. I'm kind of a pedal-to-the-metal gal, so I love that quick stitching - especially when quilting.
Another amazing feature a laser beam guide that projects a precise, adjustable laser line onto your fabric, aiding in accurate seam and stitch placement. I use this tool for sewing half-square triangle blocks as well as corner-flip diagonal seams all the time.
The laser guide is also a great feature when keeping decorative stitches in line.
The machine also includes the Baby Lock Dual Feed foot - a heavy-duty version of a walking foot - that I use all the time for both quilting and attaching bindings to a quilt.
User-Friendly Interface
The Baby Lock Altair II is designed with the user in mind. Its large, full-color LCD touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for selecting stitches, editing designs, and accessing various machine settings.
The on-screen tutorials and guides help users navigate the machine's features effortlessly, making it suitable for sewists of all skill levels.
Durability and Reliability
Built with high-quality materials and engineering, the Baby Lock Altair II is a durable and reliable machine that can withstand extensive use. Baby Lock is renowned for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, ensuring that you have a machine that will serve you well for years to come.
Why Choose the Baby Lock Altair II?
- Versatility: The Altair II excels in both sewing and embroidery, making it a versatile addition to any sewing room.
- Precision: With its advanced technology and features, you can achieve precise and professional results every time.
- Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface and automatic features make sewing and embroidery a breeze.
- Creativity: The machine's extensive library of designs and customizable options inspire creativity and allow you to personalize your projects.
- Education/Training: Included with the price of the Altair II is a 4-year Baby Lock Love of Sewing membership - a whole library of classes to help you learn how to use the numerous features and capabilities of this machine!
- Maintenance: The Love of Sewing membership also includes a service program including comprehensive service, support and yearly maintenance for your machine by certified Baby Lock technicians.
Conclusion
The Baby Lock Altair II is a powerhouse machine that combines cutting-edge technology with ease of use, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a high-quality sewing and embroidery machine.
Its advanced features, generous workspace, and user-friendly interface make it suitable for both beginners and experienced sewists. If you're ready to take your sewing projects to the next level, the Baby Lock Altair II is a machine worth considering. Baby Lock also provides a robust online-education system with their Love of Sewing online classes.
To demo or test drive a Baby Lock Altair II machine in person, visit your local Baby Lock dealer.
Get 10% Off Any Baby Lock Machine!
The Altair II is also available online directly from Baby Lock. AND get 10% off any purchase online from Baby Lock with the coupon code SAVE10-ASM2.
This post is sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing Machines but all thoughts, content, and opinions are my own.
Z M H says
Almost four years ago, I purchased an Altair. I like the machine, but I don't love it, and I would never buy a machine again without test driving it. I absolutely hate the 1/4" foot. First of all, it doesn't produce a true 1/4". Also, the angled foot catches on hst seams, and it hangs up on nested seams, or anything over two layers of fabric. The machine also does not smoothly stitch over fabric that is cut on the bias, and no matter which foot I use, what pinning techniques, etc. I use, I can never get "perfect" intersections for pinwheels or flying geese units when pieced with other units. The majority of my work is piecing of quilts, so this is disappointing. In addition, when using the embroidery feature, about every third time the thread is cut to move to a new section, I have to stop to re-thread because the needle comes unthreaded. I wanted a machine to help me expand my skills and projects, and I purchased the Altair on the word of a trusted friend (she has a Solaris), after saving up for three years. However, I had the money, I would get a different machine, and it wouldn't be a Baby Lock because they all share the same quarter inch foot. For this kind of money, I shouldn't have to use other techniques to figure out how to get a good quarter inch. I shared my experiences with Baby Lock, and all they said was that they would share my concerns with quality control. My local dealer was no help. Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with you.
Amy says
Hi! Thanks for sharing your experience. So sorry for the frustration. I have a couple of suggestions that will help with the 1/4" foot situation - Baby Lock has a new and improved 1/4" foot and it's made a huge difference for me. Works on all my Baby Lock machines: https://babylock.com/affiliate/amy-smart/1-4-quilting-foot-with-guide The guide has a rounded edge and doesn't catch like the other foot. Also, with any machine, I always move my needle .50 to the right. Then I get the perfect scant 1/4" and more accurate piecing. . Try that - it might help a lot too.
Also, the needle frequently coming unthreaded might be an issue with the tension. Mention it next time you have your machine serviced. They may be able to adjust or clean the tension disks and that could help there too.
Joanne P Dowdall says
Hi Amy
Which machine would you recommend for easy, basic monogramming?
Amy says
Great question. To be honest, I'm not familiar with every Baby Lock embroidery machine. I'd totally recommend going into your local Baby Lock dealer as they would have the best recommendations, knowledge, etc.
Emmie says
would be interested to know the price of this machine, they won't say over the phone and my dealer is 2 hours away. a long drive if I can't afford it. currently working on MC12000 which I know is not going to last much longer!
Amy says
Great question. This page on the Baby Lock website shows the price. Right now it's on a good sale price. Plus you can get an extra 10% discount with my affiliate code: SAVE10-A424