Is the Altair 2 good for beginners?

It can be, but it is a lot of machine. The app, IQ Designer and embroidery settings reward practice; a simpler machine is easier to start on.

How does it compare with the original Altair?

The Altair 2 keeps the large embroidery field and IQ Technology and adds the newer IQ Intuition Positioning workflow. Owners upgrading cite easier placement and smoother design transfer.

Does it need a computer to embroider?

No. It has 494 built-in designs and can transfer images from a smart device with the IQ Intuition Positioning app. A computer helps for Design Database Transfer and managing files.

What size hoops does it take?

The embroidery field is 9-1/2" x 14", so it handles large hoops and border designs. Smaller hoops are used for sleeves, cuffs and small items.

Can it quilt a full-size quilt?

The 11.25" workspace gives room to maneuver quilt rolls, and it has quilting stitches and a needle beam. Large quilts still need planning and support around the machine.

What comes in the box?

Expect the machine, embroidery arm and hoops, feet for sewing and quilting, and the standard accessory kit. Check the included hoop sizes and feet before buying.

What do buyers say about the Baby Lock Altair 2 Sewing Quilting & Embroidery Machine?

Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 96 ratings.

Where can I buy the Baby Lock Altair 2 Sewing Quilting & Embroidery Machine?

12 stores we checked sell it, including Boxer Craft House, Quality Sewing & Vacuum, Aurora Sewing Center, Sewing Machines Plus, B-Sew Inn.

Baby Lock Altair 2 Sewing Quilting & Embroidery Machine

Q: Where is the Baby Lock Altair 2 Sewing Quilting & Embroidery Machine cheapest?

At Aurora Sewing Center, for $10,449.05, as of our latest check.

Best price now

$10,449.05at Aurora Sewing CenterChecked Nov 9

Compared across 12 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Aurora Sewing Center

What reviewers say

4.4 / 596 ratings

Owners rate the Altair 2 highly, praising its stitch quality, the big embroidery field and how easy IQ Intuition makes design placement. Complaints center on the learning curve, the space it needs and occasional app or calibration quirks.

What people mention

Stitch qualityPraisedOwners say sewing and embroidery stitches come out clean and consistent.
Design placementPraisedIQ Intuition Positioning is called a real time-saver for hooping designs accurately.
Learning curveCriticisedBeginners find the app, IQ Designer and settings take time to learn.
FootprintCriticisedThe machine and embroidery arm need a large, stable work surface.
App connectionMixedMostly works well, but some owners hit connection or calibration snags.

About the Baby Lock Altair 2 Sewing Quilting & Embroidery Machine

The Baby Lock Altair 2 is a computerized machine that works as both a sewing machine and an embroidery machine. It is listed as a quilting machine.

With IQ Technology, you can transfer images from your smart device to the machine. The IQ Intuition Positioning App helps place a design in the hoop. You can also create designs in IQ Designer.

The machine has 771 built-in stitches and 494 built-in embroidery designs. The embroidery field measures 9-1/2" x 14", and the workspace is 11.25" wide. It also includes a needle beam and design database transfer.

Computerized

Yes

Built-in stitches

771

Embroidery designs

494 built-in

Embroidery field

9-1/2" x 14"

Workspace

11.25"

Technology

IQ Technology, IQ Intuition Positioning, IQ Designer