Baby Lock Alliance vs Baby Lock Flare
Both stitch the same 8 × 8 in field. Only the Flare has Wi-Fi.
Which should you buy?
Choose the Alliance if you want to embroider finished caps with a cap frame; or if you do a lot of lettering (25 built-in fonts vs 14).
Choose the Flare if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; or if you want more built-in designs (293 vs 125); or if you want a model that is still sold new, with current support.
Alliance vs Flare: specs side by side
| Spec | Baby Lock Alliance | Baby Lock Flare |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Embroidery only | Embroidery only |
| Embroidery field | 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm) |
| Hoops included | 8 × 8 in (200 × 200 mm); 4 × 4 in (100 × 100 mm); 2 × 2 in (50 × 50 mm); 1.6 × 2.8 in (41 × 70 mm); 1.3 × 3 in (33 × 75 mm); 1.5 × 1.7 in (38 × 44 mm) | 6 × 10 in (160 × 260 mm); 5 × 7 in (130 × 180 mm) |
| File formats | .PES, .PHC, .PEC, .DST | .PES, .PHC, .DST |
| Design transfer | USB stick or USB cable to a computer | USB stick or Wi-Fi |
| Built-in designs | 125 | 293 |
| Lettering fonts | 25 | 14 |
| Sewing stitches | Does not sew | Does not sew |
| Cap frame | Yes | No |
| Screen | touch | touch |
| Released | — | — |
| Status | Discontinued | Sold new |
| Typical price | — | $2,299–$2,529 |
Bold marks the higher number where more is better. Prices are typical new ranges, not live prices.
Embroidery field: Alliance vs Flare
The field is the biggest design each machine can stitch in one hooping. Bigger designs have to be split into parts. Check a design size.
What they have in common
- Both have the same 8 × 8 in embroidery field.
Alliance
A home embroiderer or small craft seller who wants a dedicated single-needle machine with an 8 × 8 in field, small hoops for finished items and an optional cap frame. Skip it if you need Wi-Fi, a bigger field, or a machine Baby Lock still sells new.
Discontinued: you will mostly find it used or refurbished.
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
Flare
A home embroiderer who wants a field larger than 5 × 7 in and wireless design transfer at a single-needle price. Skip it if you need hats, a machine that also sews, or automatic color changes.
About $2,299–$2,529 new (checked October 2026)
Baby Lock machines are mainly sold through local dealers, which often include classes and service.
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Baby Lock Alliance and the Flare?
Both stitch the same 8 × 8 in field. Only the Flare has Wi-Fi.
Is the Flare better than the Alliance?
It depends on what you need. Pick the Flare if you want to send designs over Wi-Fi instead of a USB stick; pick the Alliance if you want to embroider finished caps with a cap frame.
Do the Alliance and Flare have the same hoop size?
Yes. Both stitch up to 8 × 8 in in one hooping.
Can the Alliance and Flare use the same design files?
Yes, both read .PES and .PHC and .DST files.
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Full specs and sources: Baby Lock Alliance · Baby Lock Flare. We are not affiliated with any maker.