Baby Lock Jubilant review

Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. In this post, I’m going to share my review based on using the machine regularly for four months. UPDATED: I’ve added a video review based on using the machine for 3-1/2 years.

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation (at no added cost to you) if you make a purchase using these links. My sewing machine sponsor is Baby Lock and this post is part of our ongoing collaboration. Baby Lock provided me with a Jubilant sewing machine, accessories, and Madeira thread. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review. My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant.

Why Baby Lock?

If you came to this post hoping to find the perfect machine for you, I think I can help! Last summer, I started looking for a new sewing machine and I found myself searching for “best portable sewing machine” and “best light-weight sewing machine” online. I found a lot of really interesting posts, but I noticed right away that none of them were written by people who had actually USED the machines they were recommending! Instead, these posts were a bunch of affiliate links to sewing machines sold on Amazon or elsewhere online written by bloggers hoping to earn commission on each sale.

This was super disheartening to me because not every sewing machine is as good in reality as it sounds in its Amazon or big box store description! I started doing more and more research and I kept coming back to Baby Lock. I have been the proud owner of a Baby Lock Quilter’s Choice since the mid-2000s and I’ve used other Baby Lock models in sewing classes at the Snap conference.

How to Make a Fabric Basket class | Snap! conference 2016 wrap up on Underground Crafter
Some Baby Lock goodies from a class I took at Snap!

I love my Quilter’s Choice, but I bought it when I lived alone in a larger apartment and had a quilting table set up. Once I moved in with MC, the machine was used less and less because I just didn’t have the space to set it up. I do most of my sewing outside of my apartment now, and the Quilter’s Choice was far too heavy to be truly portable for someone like me who relies on public transportation. And, thus, I sewed less and less each year.

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Jubilant with thread and presser feet

I reached out to Baby Lock in the fall and they agreed to provide me with the Jubilant, several quilting accessories, and plenty of Madeira thread if I would write an honest review and share several sewing posts during the year. You can see all my sewing posts where I used the Jubilant here. In case you’re wondering, my Quilter’s Choice has found a new home as my mom’s sewing machine. It still works great!

If you’re buying a sewing machine for the first time, check out my post, How To Buy a Sewing Machine for Beginners.

About the Jubilant

It turns out that the Jubilant is quite literally the “perfect” machine for me, according to Baby Lock’s Match Maker.

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Match-Maker screen shot

You can take the quiz to find your perfect Baby Lock here. The Jubilant is one of seven machines in Baby Lock’s Genuine Collection. This collection includes affordable machines, portable machines, and beginner-friendly machines. You can see them in action in this short video from Baby Lock.

While all of Baby Lock’s machines are sold through local sewing machine dealers, the Genuine Collection machines are also sold online through Sewing Machines Plus and Quilt in a Day.

So what makes the Jubilant special? It’s very light weight at under 15 pounds/7 kg. The Genuine Collection machine tote is what I use to carry my Jubilant around. Here’s I am on the bus with my Jubilant.

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Jubilant in tote

I can fit the machine in the tote comfortably on my lap. Inside of the tote, there’s enough room for my fabric (which is in the canvas tote bag), the manual, and a project book. The tote also has a large front pocket where I can keep my fabric scissors, thread, and other supplies like fabric markers.

You can watch my unboxing video to see what’s included in the Jubilant box and the other accessories I have, like the extension table and Quilting Foot Kit. Even though I just posted the video last week, it was actually filmed about four months ago (#becauselife). If you can’t see the video below, click here to watch it on YouTube.

UPDATED: I’ve also added a video review based on using the machine for 3-1/2 years below.

If you can’t see the video review above, click here to watch it on YouTube.

In spite of its light weight, the Jubilant has a lot of features. Here are some of my favorites.

  • 80 built in stitches. While I will probably never use all 80, it does have my favorites including straight stitches in 3 different positions, 4 types of zig zag stitches, and 4 types of overcasting stitches (like the one I used for the Simple Stamped Napkins). Some of the stitches that I haven’t used yet but plan to try out soon are the hand-look quilting stitch, some of the 8 buttonhole stitches, and the decorative cross stitches and satin stitches.
Simple Stamped Napkins, free sewing pattern with Ann Butler ColorBox Crafter's ink and Unity Stamp Company stamps by Underground Crafter
  • Free arm capability and retractable feed dogs. I like that I have the free arm if I want to work on sewing sleeve cuffs or hems (yes, I do aspire to one day sew garments!) and that I can lower the feed dogs if I want to do some free motion quilting. I can also add an extension table for quilting.
Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Jubilant with extension table
  • Built-in needle threader and lighting. My eyes are not what they were 20 or even 10 years ago. Having help threading the needle is the difference between sewing or not sewing for me. Having the light is great because even if the room I’m sewing in is dark, I can still get illumination around my stitching.
Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Jubilant with light
  • Start/Stop Button and Reverse Stitch Button: I’ve been so spoiled by Baby Lock machines for the past 10+ years that I didn’t realize all sewing machines don’t come with a Start/Stop Button until recently. If you’re new to a Start/Stop Button, it is amazing! Basically, you can use this button to control your machine instead of the foot pedal. It’s great if you having pets or young ones underfoot, or if your feet hurt, or if you want to make your Jubilant even lighter for your next trip. The Reverse Stitch Button is great for securing your stitches at the start and end of your project.
  • 7 included presser feet, plus many more available. The machine comes with 7 presser feet. I use the J zigzag foot the most. I also have the Quilting Foot Kit. You can see a complete list of compatible presser feet and accessories here.
  • Portability. It’s not just the light weight that makes the Jubilant portable. Other portability features are the handle; the measurements on the needle plate that help you see your seam allowance; the accessory compartment where you can store extra bobbins, seam ripper, presser feet, etc. when traveling; the built-in lighting that lets you sew even in lower light conditions; and the Start/Stop Button that lets you leave your foot pedal at home. The LCD screen also tells you which presser foot to use with a particular stitch so you don’t need to carry the manual with you.

Since every sewist is different, the Jubilant may have other features I haven’t mentioned that are perfect for you. You can read more about it on Baby Lock’s website.

So far, I haven’t come up against any problems with the Jubilant. I keep the manual in the tote and the troubleshooting section has covered every question I had. Baby Lock also has online classes that help you get to know your own machine and how to maintain it and understand its features.

Finding the Right Machine for You

I’ve been sewing for years, but when bought my first sewing machine back in 2005, I had no idea what I was looking for. I ordered several machines online and ended up having to return or resell them because they didn’t have the right features, were too hard to maintain, or were not in good shape. Now I know enough about my preferences to take a quiz, but how do you find out what’s right for you if you’re new to sewing?

One of the best ways to find your perfect machine is to talk with a sewing machine dealer. Dealers know A LOT about each machine they stock and they will ask you questions about how you plan to use the machine, your budget, and your preferences. Last week, I visited one of my local Baby Lock dealers, Pieceful Quilting. UPDATE: The owner of Pieceful Quilting has since retired and closed the shop.

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Pieceful Quilting collage

Check out the Facebook Live I did in the shop and you can see what it’s like to speak with your local dealer.

Buying from a local dealer also connects you to the people who will help you maintain your machine. Most sewing machine dealers offer free classes or one-on-one lessons to help you get to know how to use your machine. And, many sewing machine dealers sell fabric, books, and notions, or offer sewing classes, or have fun events, or all three!

Baby Lock Jubilant review by Underground Crafter - Whether you’re looking for a portable sewing machine to take to classes or craft nights, or a small but full-featured machine that doesn’t take up too much space at home, or a sturdy, yet affordable sewing machine, you’ll find something to love about the Baby Lock Jubilant. - Pieceful Quilting collage
At Pieceful Quilting. Clockwise from top left: the Baby Lock demonstration area, cute notions, beautiful batik fabrics, books, quilt patterns that are local, and more fabric.

You can find your local dealer by clicking on the “Find a Retailer” button at the top of Baby Lock’s website.

What If I Don’t Have a Local Dealer?

Not everyone lives in a major metropolitan area with several local dealers to choose from like I do. As I mentioned before, all of the machines in Baby Lock’s Genuine Collection of affordable, portable, and beginner-friendly sewing machines (and a serger) are also sold online through other local sewing machine dealers, like Sewing Machines Plus and Quilt in a Day. If you buy online from a dealer, be sure to email your questions or call and talk to them. They will give you plenty of recommendations and suggestions before you place your order online.

I hope this post has helped you to see why I think the Baby Lock Jubilant is the best portable sewing machine on the market today for sewists and quilters. If you have any questions about the Jubilant, ask me in the comments, via email, or on social media.

23 thoughts on “Baby Lock Jubilant review”

    • Thanks for asking! The walking foot isn’t included but is an available accessory. I have one, but haven’t used it yet. As for heavy duty fabrics, I have used this on denim and for sewing through several layers of cotton fabric and batting. The included J ZigZag foot is a leveling foot, so you can adjust it when working on thicker fabrics so that it is easier to work through seams and layers. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  1. I am looking for a new sewing machine to do crafts, garments, and some quilting. In addition to these projects, I need to make sure that it will handle uniform patches for military/first responders. These patches will include name tapes, which are quite stiff and heavy. So this think the Jubilant can handle this?

    Reply
  2. Hi – I just purchased the Baby Lock Brilliant and I love it, I upgraded from my inexpensive Costco sewing machine purchase from almost a decade ago. Thanks for your in-depth review!

    Reply
  3. Just got this machine for Christmas! I had/have a babylock crafters pro that I purchased used about 14 years ago. It was a great machine but this one has some features that I wanted. I am anxious to use it so far I have just been playing with it.

    Reply
  4. I’m a beginner with big dreams! All the features on this BabyLock have everything I want and more. This would be my first sewing machine. Is this a good choice for someone who hasn’t seen since home ex? It looks like an intuitive machine to use and grow with.

    Reply
    • Anna, I think it’s a great choice! It’s beginner-friendly enough, but with more capability to grow into. So far, I haven’t come across a sewing project it isn’t capable of. If you are having trouble remembering the basics (I know I was!), the manual has a lot of detail and there are also 60 days of free classes that come with it if you buy it from a dealer like SewingMachinesPlus.

      Reply
  5. I just became a happy owner of the Jubilant. I Would like to make a tote bag in the pattern calls for Pellon 70 interface which seems extremely heavy to me. Will this machine have problems sewing through it?

    Reply
    • Hi Sue, I haven’t used Pellon 70 interfacing so I’m not sure how thick it is but I can tell you I’ve quilted through a “quilt sandwich” with two layers of fabric and batting and I’ve also done fabric postcards with double-sided stiff interfacing in between layers of fabric. With the main J foot, there is a leveling feature that you can use when working on thick fabrics. This video shares how to use it: https://youtu.be/zC7ierS08bA Hope this helps!

      Reply
  6. I have used my beloved Jubilant to make many waxed canvas purses and back packs without any issues. It is a workhorse! I too love the portability because my friend and I often have sewing sleepovers.

    Reply

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