Baby Lock Molly Review

When I reviewed the Baby Lock Molly, I realized just how much a child would enjoy using this uncomplicated mechanical sewing machine to learn how to sew.

Baby Lock Molly

At A Glance

Large revrse button, and two huge dials

The bright orange accents and easy to use function dials and buttons are perfect for little hands and fingers. The step by step on board threading guide and bobbin winder are only icing on the cake.

On the front of the Baby Lock Molly, there is a large reverse button, and two huge dials – one for stitch selection, the other for stitch length adjustment.

A stitch width adjustment dial sits on top of the machine, next to the bobbin winding spindle.

There is also an on board ruler, a removable workspace, a free arm, a see through cover on the drop in bobbin, seam guide etched onto the needle plate and an easy to follow stitch selection chart stamped on the front.

Features

• 25 Built-in stitches, including one-step buttonhole
• On board needle threader
• Drop-in bobbin
• Free-arm sewing
• Drop feed for free-motion techniques
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• On board thread cutter
• Twin-needle sewing
• Electronic foot control
• Built-in accessory storage

Working on the Baby Lock Molly

On board guides make winding the bobbin and threading the Baby Lock Molly child’s play. Selecting the desired stitch is as easy as dialing up the number.

Selecting the desired stitch is easy

On board ruler

When selecting a stitch that appears on the lower row, turn the stitch length adjustment dial to the SS/buttonhole setting and then dial the stitch selector dial to the number corresponding to the desired stitch.

Sewing on the Baby Lock Molly is surprisingly steady, smooth and quiet for a machine this small. The stitch quality, however, is a bit disappointing.

At first, the stitches were loose. Although they tightened up after manually adjusting the tension, the stitches were still less than spectacular.

To be completely honest, the stitch quality is passable, but more like something that I would expect from a sewing machine designed for use exclusively by children, not a machine that is promoted as one for sewers of all ages.

Nevertheless, the utility stitches produced by the Baby Lock Molly are acceptable for garment construction. I would not recommend attempting to use the decorative stitches, however. In my opinion, the Molly falls short in this area.

Acceptable stitch quality for garment construction

Fabrics

• Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
• Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
• Knits(Medium to heavyweight only)
• Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
• Upholstery
• Leather/suede
• Fur
• Reptile skin
• Canvas/Twill
• Plastic/Rubber
• Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers

Accessories

• 6 Snap-on feet

  Accessories

  • Automatic buttonhole
  • Blind hem
  • Button fitting
  • General purpose
  • Overedge
  • Zipper
• Bobbins (4)
• Needle package
• Seam ripper
• Spool caps (large and small)
• Additional spool pin
• Quilting Guide
• Felt cushion
• Lint brush

Maintenance

Tying Off The Loose Ends

The Baby Lock Molly has a lot of plusses. Unfortunately, the stitch quality is subpar. I think this is a good teaching machine.

However, after the student has mastered the basics of sewing and is ready to take on more complex tasks, they could very well be in the market for another sewing machine.

As mechanical sewing machines go, the Molly is solid. Despite the fact that it’s small and lightweight, I like the way it feels. It actually feels like I’m sewing on a full size machine rather than a portable.

If you want a sewing machine for mending and basic sewing, the Baby Lock Molly fills the bill. If, however, you want a sewing machine that is capable of giving you perfect decorative stitches and working on heavy jobs like coats and winter weight jackets, you should keep looking.