The Baby Lock Desire 3 is the cheapest Baby Lock machine to include both the overlocker and coverstitch function (also known as a coverlock). It is incredibly easy to thread and produces beautiful stitch quality as you would expect from a Baby Lock machine.
In this review we'll highlight the key features, show you how to use the machine, what's in the box and how we can help you with your purchase and for the rest of your own personal sewing journey.
Pros: Baby Lock Desire 3
The Baby Lock Desire 3 is packed full of useful features, including:
- Jet air threading loopers - thread the loopers at the press of a lever rather than spending hours fiddling with tweezers
- Thread in any order – if a thread breaks no need to rethread them all
- Auto thread tension - the Desire 3 automatically sets the correct tension
- Sew with up to five threads to create 14 stitch combinations including 3 and 4 thread overlocks, triple and standard coverstitch, rolled hem, satin stitch, flat lock, 5 thread safety stitch used in industry and chain stitches.
Shop the Baby Lock Desire 3 online.
Cons: Baby Lock Desire 3
- Smaller work area than the Baby Lock Ovation (next, more expensive coverlock machine in the range)
- Doesn't include the wave stitch (a decorative stitch unique to Baby Lock and available on more expensive models)
- Limited to five threads (ability to sew with 8 on the more expensive Ovation and Gloria models)
Overlocking with the Baby Lock Desire 3
One of the major advantages of the Baby Lock Desire 3 is the ability to thread in any order.
This means if a thread breaks, or you would like to change a thread colour, you just re-thread that individual thread. On lots of overlockers you have to unthread the whole machine and start again.
Threading the Loopers for Overlocking
Slip the thread into the raised telescopic thread guide then click the thread into the auto tension section situated on the top of the machine - this is the magic bit that makes the automatic tension work once you have selected the stitch you want to use.
Open the front cover and press the round, white button while turning the handwheel towards you until you see and hear the looper feeder tubes click into position.
Slide the dial across to select your desired threading port (L = lower looper U = upper looper)
Insert 1-2" of thread in the chosen port and press the lever down firmly. The chosen looper is now threaded.
Repeat the process for the other looper.
Once you have threaded the loopers, slide the chrome lever to the right to disengage the tubes and free up the machine for sewing.
For anyone who has ever manually threaded loopers on an overlocker you will appreciate how much quicker and easier the jet air threading is giving you so much more time to enjoy the fun sewing part.
For anyone who hasn't manually threaded an overlocker, it is a much more fiddly and time consuming process, often involving using tweezers to feed the thread through the machine.
Shop the Baby Lock Desire 3 online.
Threading the Needles for Overlocking
To thread for an overlocking stitch use the needle bar at the back with space for two needles labelled O1 and O2.
Feed the thread through the telescopic thread guide and click it into the auto thread tension on the top of the machine.
Bring the thread under the relevant chrome guides on the front of the machine and follow the path up and over the plastic guide above the needle bar.
Take the thread behind the thread guide on the front of the needle bar and thread the needles.
Stitch Selector
The stitch selector tells the machine at what rate to feed the thread in order to create the stitch you have chosen and works with the automatic tension to create a balanced stitch.
The manual and quick reference guide tell you whether to select A, B, C or D on the stitch selector based on the stitch you want to create.
It really is this easy to create beautiful, balanced stitches!
Differential Feed
The differential feed allows you to sew in a neutral mode or you can choose to compress or stretch the fabric as you sew.
If a fabric is cut on the bias or particularly stretchy you might find that it becomes a little wavy as a result of overlocking. If this is the case knock the differential feed up a notch and it will compress the fabric as you sew and prevent this from happening.
You can exaggerate this effect to create a gathering stitch by knocking the differential feed up to the top then gently pulling the needle threads to increase the amount of gathering.
Alternatively you might want to stretch the fabric as you sew to create a decorative lettuce edge on a stretch fabric. In this case knock the differential feed down a notch.
Stitch Width Dial
The stitch width dial allows you to choose the stitch width you require and suggested widths are available for each stitch in the manual and quick reference guides.
Stitch Length Dial
The stitch length dial allows you to choose the stitch length you require and suggested stitch lengths are noted for each stitch in the manual and quick reference guides.
Blade Dial
This dial allows you to disengage the blade if you don't want the raw edge of your fabric to be trimmed as you sew.
Guideline Markings
The markings on the front of the machine to the right of the needle can be used to line up the raw edge of your fabric and sew using various seam allowances.
A good tip if you can't remember which marking corresponds to which seam allowance is to measure from whichever needle you are using (left if using both) to the marking using a tape measure.
Fine Tuning Tension
If you are working with a particularly unusual or tricky fabric you might want to fine tune the tension and you can do this by adjusting the screw on the front of the machine between the needle bar and the looper ports.
Most people find they never need to use this function because the automatic thread tension is exceptional, but it is an option just in case.
Sewing a Four Thread Overlocking Stitch
Thread the upper and lower loopers and both overlocker needles.
Select A on the stitch selector and set the stitch width and length according to the manual or quick reference guide.
Engage the blade if you wish to trim the raw edge of your fabric and use the differential feed if you want to compress or stretch the fabric as you sew.
Three Thread Overlocking Stitch
Sometimes you might want a more delicate overlocking stitch for lighter weight or delicate fabrics and the three thread overlocking can be a good choice here, although it is important to remember this stitch isn't as strong as the four thread overlocking stitch if you want to use it for garment construction. It is generally used for finishing seams.
Thread the machine as for the four thread overlocking stitch, but remove the left or right needle.
Choose B on the stitch selector and set the stitch width and length as suggested in the manual.
Sewing a Three Thread Rolled Hem
Thread the upper and lower loopers and the right overlocker needle.
This is a decorative stitch that wraps the raw edge of the fabric in thread by creating very closely sewn stitches. It is often used on lightweight fabrics like chiffon, georgette, cotton lawn and jerseys.
If using it on a stretch fabric you can create a wavy lettuce edge by knocking the differential feed down.
Choose D on the stitch selector and turn the stitch length dial so you are choosing a stitch length from the 'rolled hem' section. Set the stitch length within the range suggested in the manual. I usually choose 0.75 because it really fills the stitches in.
Set the stitch width within the range suggested in the manual.
Shop the Baby Lock Desire 3 online.
Sewing a Coverstitch with the Baby Lock Desire 3
Threading the Loopers for a Coverstitch
A coverstitch is most often used to hem knit or jersey garments, but can also be used on woven fabrics.
It creates two parallel lines of stitching on the right side of the fabric and an overlocking stitch on the wrong side (although you can flip it if you wish!)
Disengage the cutting blade and the upper looper.
Feed the thread through the telescopic thread guide, through the metal guide on the cover/chain stitch dial on the right hand side of the machine, under the guide at the bottom and over the dial then down the front of the machine and into the threading port labelled 'C'.
Press the lever down and open the cover on the left hand side of the machine to check the thread is present in the tray.
Threading the Needles for a Coverstitch
To convert the machine from overlocking to coverstitch remove the needles from the overlocker needle bar and bring them forward to the coverstitch needle bar.
Position the thread on the relevant thread stand, take the thread through the telescopic thread guide, through the metal coverstitch needle guide on the back of the machine behind the needle bars, through the corresponding thread path on the top of the machine and up and over the metal thread guide on the front of the machine.
Pass the thread behind the thread guide on the coverstitch needle bar and thread the needles.
Coverstitch Dial
When sewing a coverstitch choose 'coverstitch' on the dial above the stitch selector.
Coverstitch Tension Dial
On the left of the machine you will find the coverstitch tension dial labelled with numbers 1 - 6. Select the relevant number according to the stitch you have chosen to sew (see manual).
Coverstitch Table
When sewing a coverstitch, remove the overlocker front cover and replace with the coverstitch table.
Sewing the Coverstitch
Position the fabric underneath the foot and needles and turn the handwheel to sew two or three stitches.
Snip off the excess thread and start to sew.
Baby Lock Desire 3 Stitch Chart
We've talked though how to use the machine and set it up for different stitches, here is a chart to show you all the different stitch options.
You can create a wide range of functional and decorative stitches, which are great for Tshirts, sportswear, dresses and anything else you might want to sew.
What's in the Box?
In the box you'll find everything you need: a detailed instruction manual, a quick reference threading guide, the electronic foot control, the coverstitch table, spare needles and screws, a replacement blade, an allen key and tweezers, a manual needle threader, cone holders for large reels of thread and sponge pads for small reels of thread, thread nets and spool caps and a screw driver.
What we Loved about the Baby Lock Desire 3 Coverlock Machine
We love the fact you can sew an overlocking stitch and a coverstitch using the same machine and that the change over from overlocker to coverstitch is so easy.
Shop the Baby Lock Desire 3 online.
Additional Feet and Accessories
One of the brilliant features of Baby Lock machines is the additional range of feet and accessories available to buy separately. You can choose feet like an elastic foot, clear curve foot, bias binding foot and so many more to make your favourite sewing tasks even easier.
You can also buy a great value set of additional feet and a compendium to give you ideas, tips and inspiration to get the most out of the range of stitches on your Baby Lock machine.
Warranty
All of our machines come with a full manufacturers warranty, which is 2 years for this machine and can be extended a further 2 years to 4 years in total by filling in a simple form when you purchase the machine.
In the unlikely event that you have a problem just get in touch and more often than not we can resolve any issues over the phone.
If this isn't the case we'll collect the machine and do everything for you.
Price
We offer the best prices, but if you do see a machine cheaper anywhere else don't hesitate to get in touch and we'll be happy to help you.
Delivery
Your machine will arrive the next working day by courier, free of charge with a dedicated timeslot so you know exactly when to expect it.
We really hope this video has helped you on your sewing journey, but if you've got any further questions or need any further support don't hesitate to get in touch.
Remember if you purchase the machine from us we're always here to continue to help and support you. As keen sewing enthusiasts ourselves we want to help you on your sewing journey.
Have fun sewing!
Lucy
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