Baby Lock Ballad vs Husqvarna Viking TOPAZ 55Q Sewing Machine
Two of the sewing machines in our best sewing machines comparison, lined up spec by spec. Every figure comes from the manufacturer pages linked below, and the scores use the same published formula as the full ranking.
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Best for: 771 official built-in stitches, 14 official buttonhole styles, 11.25" official sewing space
Check price at AmazonBest for: 472 official built-in stitches, up to 1,000 official SPM, 15 official buttonhole styles, 10" official sewing space
Check price at AmazonSpec-by-spec comparison
Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.
| Spec | Baby Lock Ballad | Husqvarna Viking TOPAZ 55Q Sewing Machine | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official built-in stitchesThe official built-in sewing stitch count published on the maker's specification table, not a retailer listing. | 771 stitches | 472 stitches | 30% |
| Official maximum sewing speedThe official maximum sewing speed in stitches per minute. If the maker writes “up to,” we still record that official maximum and note the wording; it is not a measured rate. | Not listed | 1000 SPM | 25% |
| Official buttonhole stylesHow many official buttonhole styles the specification table lists. | 14 styles | 15 styles | 20% |
| Official sewing spaceOfficial sewing space to the right of the needle, in inches. When the official table lists two work-space dimensions, we score the larger one (throat width) and note both figures. Imprecise official wording such as 6"+ is shown as written and is not scored as a precise figure. | 11.25 in | 10 in | 25% |
| Official sewing space (specification table) | 11.25" | Almost 10" (250 mm) | info |
| Official machine weight | 33.7 lb | Not listed | info |
| Official needle threader | NeverMiss Needle Threader | Easily threads your need every time while saving you time. | info |
| Official screen size | 7" diagonal | Not listed | info |
| Official lighting | LED, 10" illumination around the needle | Not listed | info |
| Official included presser feet (count) | 13 | Not listed | info |
| Official fonts | 5 | Not listed | info |
| Official maximum stitch length | 5mm | Not listed | info |
| Official maximum sewing speed (wording) | Not listed | Official table lists up to 1,000 stitches per minute | info |
| Official thread cutter | Not listed | Cut thread with the touch of a button and can be programmed to cut thread after a seam or sequence. | info |
| Official sewing fonts | Not listed | 5 sewing font styles, with upper- and lower-case letter. | info |
| StitchPick score | 6.8/10 | 6.2/10 | 100% |
Where each one comes out ahead
Baby Lock Ballad
Better published figure on: Official built-in stitches, Official sewing space.
What we like
- Official table lists 771 built-in stitches
- Official table lists 14 buttonhole styles
- Official table lists 11.25" of sewing space to the right of the needle
Watch out for
- Official table we used does not list a maximum sewing speed
Husqvarna Viking TOPAZ 55Q Sewing Machine
Better published figure on: Official buttonhole styles.
What we like
- Official table lists 472 built-in stitches
- Official table lists a maximum sewing speed of up to 1,000 SPM (official wording)
- Official table lists 15 buttonhole styles
- Official table lists 10" of sewing space to the right of the needle
Watch out for
Verdict
On published specs, the Baby Lock Ballad scores higher (6.8 vs 6.2). Specs don't capture sound character or feel, so weigh the pros and cons above too.
- Choose the Baby Lock Ballad if this sounds like you: 771 official built-in stitches, 14 official buttonhole styles, 11.25" official sewing space.
- Choose the Husqvarna Viking TOPAZ 55Q Sewing Machine if this sounds like you: 472 official built-in stitches, up to 1,000 official SPM, 15 official buttonhole styles, 10" official sewing space.
- Baby Lock Ballad: Baby Lock official specifications
- Husqvarna Viking TOPAZ 55Q Sewing Machine: Husqvarna Viking official specifications