1. Introduction
With the improvement of productivity levels, embroidery quilting is gradually approaching everyone's life. For beginners, a single-head embroidery machine is a good start. It can satisfy your hobbies and help you to start your business. The most famous ones are Baby Lock and Janome brand embroidery machines on the current market. For these two brands of single-head embroidery machine, we’d like to select the Baby Lock Alliance model and Janome MB-4S model. I will analyze these two models on this blog. Hope it can help you make your choice.
2. Overview of Baby Lock Alliance Embroidery Machine
Baby Lock is a well-known brand in the embroidery machine industry. Baby Lock Alliance is a flagship model of the Baby Lock brand, mainly positioned in the mid-to-high-end market. The Alliance embroidery machine features one-needle high speed, a generous embroidery area, wireless connectivity and a crosshair embroidery laser with precision accuracy. Its quick set-up and fast multi-needle embroidery enables you to embroider large multicolored designs with minimal thread changes and greatly increases productivity compared to traditional single-needle machines.
The maximum embroidery speed can reach 1000SPM, which means the needle speed reaches 1000 stitches per minute. The weight reaches 68 lbs; the machine can Will be supported steadily. Maintain the perfect presentation of embroidery works. Alliance also supports a variety of file formats such as: .pes, .phc, .dst; it also performs quite well in automation, such as automatic Thread changing/automatic threading/automatic thread trimming; in addition, the 7” display screen allows you to operate more easily and enjoy the fun of embroidery.
3. Overview of Janome MB-4S Embroidery Machine
Janome MB-4S is a star model of Janome machine brand. Not the same as the normal sewing machines of Janome machine, the MB-4S model with differences designs. This four-needle machine can set up your embroidery and move on to other projects while the MB-4S gets it done. The MB-4S is built to work with most embroidery formats, including those used by industry professionals. It is compatible with industry-standard Tajima/Magnahoops, as well as the three available Janome hoops to further expand your creative opportunities.
Maximum embroidery range up to 9.4"" x 7.9""; meets the embroidery needs of different logo sizes, with only 4 stitches, the maximum embroidery speed can reach 800 stitches per minute (800spm); supports .jef+, .jef and .dst file format input, and there are also 50 included pre-set embroidery patterns, providing you with a wealth of embroidery patterns to choose from options for your embroidery patterns. There are also 10 fonts included, so you can edit different fonts for a different experience. Weighing only 56 lbs, it's compact enough to fit on any workbench, size reference: 26"" L x 17"" W x 25.5"" H; it doesn't take up too much space, so you can place your clothes, accessories, etc. more efficiently around the machine without looking crowded.
4.Comparison of Key Features and Specifications
Then I will introduce the detailed parameter comparison of these two models in detail, mainly from the aspects of basic functions, software functions, production embroidery efficiency, etc., so that you can compare the two models more intuitively.
4.1 Basic functions:
| Basic Features | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| Number of Needles | 1 | 4 |
| Number of Heads | 1 | 1 |
| Maximum Embroidery Speed | 1000spm | 800spm |
| Maximum Embroidery Area | 8"" x 8"" | 9.4"" x 7.9"" |
| Maximum Storage of Stitches | 500000 needles | 200000 needles |
| Machine Size | unclear | 26"" L x 17"" W x 25.5"" H |
| Machine Weight | 68 lbs | 56 lbs |
Both are single-head embroidery machine. Janome MB-4S has 3 more needles than Baby Lock Alliance, which means 3 more colors. It is more advantageous for embroidery patterns with complex colors. For Example, if the embroidery patterns has 3 colors, using Janome MB-4S don’t need to change the thread. The embroidery speed of Baby Lock Alliance machine is 1.25 times faster than Janome MB-4S. Regarding Maximum storage of Stitches, Baby Lock Alliance has almost 2.5 times more stitches than Janome MB-4S; in the ""X"" axis direction, the embroidery range of MB-4S is about 1.5"" longer than that of Alliance, so it is advantageous for wider embroidery patterns; Janome MB-4S machine lighter than Baby Lock Alliance machine, easier to move. There is not much difference in machine size and the space occupied is basically the same.
4.2 Software Features
| Software Features | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| USB Input | Yes | Yes |
| Supported File Formats | .pes, .phc, .pec, .dst | .jef+, .jef and .dst |
| Number of Fonts | 25 | 10 |
| Number of Pre-set Embroidery Designs | 25 | 50 |
| Design Software | Truview™ Designer | Janome Artistic Digitizer |
| Language Options | English / Español / Français / Hrvatski / Italiano / Magyar / Nederlands / Norsk / Polski / Português / Portug. (Bra) / Română / Slovenski / Slovenský / Suomi / Svenska / Türkçe / Čeština / Dansk / Deutsch | English, Japanese, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Russian, Portuguese and Polish |
Janome MB-4S has 25 more pre-stored fonts than Baby Lock Alliance, giving users more choices. Regarding the preset embroidery patterns, the configurations of the two models are the same, and the Alliance supports more file formats. They all have their own developed operating systems, making the operation smoothly. Baby Lock Alliance supports 20 languages, 12 more than Janome MB-4S, which helps consumers in different countries and languages choose corresponding language operations and avoid instruction reading errors. In multilingual areas like Slovenski / Slovenský / Suomi / Svenska / Türkçe / Čeština , the Baby Lock Alliance is a better choice.
4.3 Features for Increasing Production Efficiency
| Features for Increasing Production Efficiency | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| Automatic Thread Changing | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Threading | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Trimming | Yes | Yes |
| Embroidery Positioning Point | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Screen Size | 7"" | 5.7"" |
| Real-time Preview | Yes | unclear |
| Photo Embroidery | Yes | unclear |
| WiFi Connectivity | Yes | unclear |
| Automatic Memory Retention | unclear | unclear |
Baby Lock Alliance has stronger automation, automatic thread changing/threading/cutting; it can also be connected through WIFI. The screen size of Baby Lock Alliance is nearly 20% larger than that of Janome MB-4S, which is beneficial for older users or users with poor eyesight, it can operate more clearly and can display a sufficiently detailed operation interface.
4.4 Embroidery Production Stability Features
| Embroidery Production Stability Features | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| Bottom and Top Thread Break Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Tension Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure | 1-4 level | unclear |
Both Baby Lock Alliance and Janome MB-4S included function of Bottom and Top Thread Break Detection and Automatic Thread Tension Adjustment; Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure 1-4 level for Baby Lock Alliance, For fabrics of different thicknesses, this function can help users automatically adjust the pressure of the presser foot to make the fabric flatter.
4.5 Accessories
| Accessories | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| Tubular Hoops Included | o 8"" x 8"" hoop (200mm x 200mm) #ALF200 o 4"" x 4"" hoop (100mm x 100mm) #EPF100 o 1-5/8"" x 2-3/4"" hoop (41mm x 70mm) #ALF70 o 2"" x 2"" hoop (50mm x 50mm) #ALF50 o 1-1/2"" x 1-3/4"" hoop (38mm x 44mm) #ALF44 o 1-15/16"" x 2-15/16"" hoop (33mm x 75mm) #ALF74 |
M1: 9.46” x 7.88” M2: 5” x 4.3” M3: 50mm x 50mm |
| Cap Attachment Included | Optional | Optional |
| Flat Embroidery Included | no | no |
| Others Included | • Accessory Case • Touch pen (stylus) • USB cable • Seam ripper • Prewound bobbins • Scissors • Metal bobbins • Tweezers • Screwdrivers• Spool caps • Spool • Cleaning brush • Oiler • Embroidery frame holder ""a"" • Embroidery frame holder ""e"" |
Hoop supporter Felt ring (large) Felt ring (small) Spool rest Thread guide bar Thread guide pole Setscrew (A) Setscrew (B) Setscrew (C) Power cord USB cable Instructional CD-ROM Instruction manual Warranty card |
| Tubular Hoops (Compatible) | SewTech / Durkee / Allied | SewTech / Durkee / Allied |
| Magnetic Hoops (Compatible) | MagnaHoop / MaggieFrame / Mighty Hoop | MagnaHoop / MaggieFrame / Mighty Hoop |
| Others (Compatible) | unclear | unclear |
| Laser Engraving Accessories | unclear | unclear |
| Extension Tables | Optional | Optional |
Baby Lock Alliance is equipped with a cap frame, while Janome MB-4S requires additional purchase. On Tubular hoops, CAPELLA is equipped with one more size than MB-4S, giving customers more choices. These two models can be used for Tubular brands such as SewTech / Durkee / Allied etc , and the Magnetic hoop of MagnaHoop / MaggieFrame / Mighty Hoop can also be used on these two models. Users using MagnaHoop to improved embroidery efficiency.
4.6 Price and after-sales service
| Price Comparison | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| Price Range | USD3999~USD6099 | USD5499~USD7999 |
| Installment Payment Policy | NO | NO |
| Convenience of Training/Maintenance/After-sales Service | Baby Lock Alliance | Janome MB-4S |
| User Manual | Yes | Yes |
| Online Training Videos | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty Terms | Yes | Yes |
According to the price range analysis of the official website and dealers, the price of Baby Lock Alliance is 25% cheaper than Janome MB-4S, both Baby Lock Alliance and Janome MB-4S model has great After-sales Service.
5.User Reviews
5.1 Customer Reviews for Baby Lock Alliance
Baby Lock Alliance is one of the best high end commercial sewing and quilting machines available online. It comes with the Baby Lock IQ technology which is an intuitive tech that also allows you to transfer and save designs and patterns onto the device. It supports Type A and Type B USB drives. There is a built in bobbin winder. You also have 25 inbuilt fonts and can sew multi-line texts at once without having to align it over and over again. The needle threads itself automatically and the needle can sew at up to 1000SPM. The embroidery field on this machine is also large (8”x8”) which gives you a lot of creative space. Reviews from Amazon customers Jason from US. 2022.4.15
5.2 Customer Reviews for Janome MB-4S
“I have owned a single needle embroidery for over 8 years. This is my first Janome product, but it is very easy to learn how to use. The instruction booklet is small and does not help with everything, but there are plenty of YouTube videos out there that will answer any question you may encounter. I am thinking about ordering another one for my business.”Reviews from Amazon customers Jacob from UK. 2022.3.15 Reviews from Amazon customers Addie from CA:“This is my first multi-needle embroidery machine, and I'll be very honest, I was intimidated by it for the longest time. I needed the manual for the first month or so of threading it because there are so many steps, but once I started getting better at it the machine really showed me what it can do. Because there is a Facebook Group for the MB7and a Janome Embroidery Facebook Group that have so many tips and tricks on cleaning, oiling, where to buy needles and bobbins. They are also so encouraging when you share your creations. I love this machine and totally recommend it for those that want to level up their embroidery machine.” To summarize the evaluation, I spent 45 hours sorting out 80+ reviews, and more than 85% of them were positive reviews. The negative reviews are almost all about troubles caused by not being proficient in operating the machine. Basically, the problems were solved after carefully studying the operation manual.
6. Purchasing suggestions.
6.1 For users with a limited budget
Users with a limited budget these days, but who still need a single-head embroidery machine, are recommended to choose Baby Lock Alliance; the price is cheaper, which is good for your capital turnover, but it can also provide relatively excellent embroidery.
6.2 For users who pursue a high-end embroidery experience
If you are targeting a high-end embroidery experience, or your customer base requires high-quality embroidery products, then I will not hesitate to recommend you choose the Janome MB-4S. Whether it is stability or high-quality embroidery, this model occupies the leading position. Firm advantage.
6.3 Users who have needs/preferences for specific embroidery functions
If you have an embroidery shop that customizes embroidery products for your customers, I recommend the Janome MB-4S. Although it is a bit expensive, this model runs stably and can avoid thread breakage, tangles, and many other embroidery defects. You know we all don’t want to have problems with a piece of clothing due to a malfunction of the embroidery machine. Then the piece of clothing will be scrapped, adding unnecessary costs to you. Therefore, it is necessary for commercial users to choose Janome MB-4S in the early stage. I believe that the corresponding investment will bring corresponding returns.
7. Compatible Magna Hoop Sizes
MagnaHoop is the most popular magnetic embroidery hoop brand, which has the characteristics of fast and tight cloth clamping without manual adjustment. With this magnetic hoop, you can quickly and firmly clamp your fabrics or clothes, saving you time and labor cost.
MagnaHoop has a stronger magnet than Mightyhoop and can be used almost 35 times more than Mightyhoop in life cycle，MagnaHoop compatible for Brother Alliance or Janome MB-4S as the following sizes:
8. FAQ:
Q: What are the key differences between Baby Lock Alliance and Janome MB-4S embroidery machines?
A: Embroidery quality, price.
Q: Which machine is better for large-scale embroidery projects?
A: Janome MB-4S
Q: Does the Baby Lock Alliance or Janome MB-4S have more built-in designs?
A: Baby Lock Alliance has more 255 built-in designs than Janome MB-4S.
Q: Which machine has a larger embroidery area?
A: Janome MB-4S (9.4"" x 7.9"")
Q: How fast can the Baby Lock Alliance embroidery machine stitch compared to the Janome MB-4S embroidery machine?
A：Baby Lock Alliance(1000spm) is 1.25 times than Janome MB-4S(800spm).
Q: Who has better stitching quality, Baby Lock Alliance or Janome MB-4S?
A：Baby Lock Alliance, based on you choosing nice embroidery thread.
Q: What types of embroidery designs can be created with the Baby Lock Alliance?
A：.pes, .phc, .pec, .dst
Q: What types of embroidery designs can be created with the Janome MB-4S?
A：.jef+, .jef and .dst
Q: What is the price range for the Baby Lock Alliance?
A：USD3999~USD6099
Q: What is the price range for the Janome MB-4S?
A：USD5499~USD7999
Q: Where can I buy the Baby Lock Alliance embroidery machine?
A：At Baby Lock official website or their distributors.
Q: Where can I buy the Janome MB-4S embroidery machine?
A：At Janome official website or their distributors.
"
