Baby Lock Ovation BLES8 Instruction And Reference Manual
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Baby Lock Ovation BLES8 Instruction And Reference Manual

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Summary of Contents for Baby Lock Ovation BLES8

  • Page 2: Important Safety Instructions

    "IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS" When using overlock machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following. Read all instructions before using this overlock machine. DANGER- To reduce the risk of electric shock. 1. The overlock machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this overlock machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
  • Page 3 It is no longer necessary to select the threading position. All looper threads may be threaded at the same time or individually. Your Baby Lock Ovation is a high-quality, dependable machine. It gives you the ability to seam, overcast and trim all in one operation. Fabrics and threads you previously avoided are now a joy to sew because the Baby Lock Ovation handles all varieties with equal ease.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents OVERVIEW........................ 4 How Your Machine Operates ................4 Overview of the Ovation ................... 5 Accessories ...................... 6 Needles......................7 Thread ......................7 Optional Accessories ..................7 Setting Up Your Ovation ................8/9 Cutting Blade Locking Dial ................10 Upper Looper Positioning Knob..............
  • Page 5 Table of Contents (Cont.) Converting from 3-Thread to 2-Thread Overlock..........35 2-Thread Flatlock - Wide ................36 2-Thread Flatlock - Narrow ................37 Blanket Stitch - Decorative Stitch..............38 Ladder Stitch - Decorative Stitch ..............39 Wave Stitch..................... 40 Converting from Normal Serging to Wave ............40 3-Thread Wave Stitch ..................

  • Page 6: How Your Machine Operates

    A serger is kind of a knitting process that loops two, three or four threads together to create a stitch. Your Baby Lock Ovation operates with one or two needles in the overlock position and one or two loopers to form an overlock stitch. Use one, two or three chain/cover stitch needles and one looper for a chain or cover stitch.

  • Page 7: Overview Of The Ovation

    Overview of the Ovation 23. Differential feed adjusting lever 1. Carrying handle 24. Handwheel 2. Chain/cover stitch needle tension dial 3. Presser foot pressure adjusting dial 25. Foot control jack 26. Power cord receptacle 4. Thread cutter 5. Quilting guide fixing screw 27.

  • Page 8: Accessories

    Accessories Your Baby Lock Ovation serger has a built-in accessory compartment. To open, grasp the backside of the compartment located under the lower and chain looper spool pins and slide toward the right to reveal the tray holding some of the accessories listed below.

  • Page 9: Needles

    Needles Your Baby Lock Ovation serger is set up to use either Organ or Schmetz ELx705CF needles size 90/14. This is suitable for most medium and heavyweight fabrics. For lightweight fabrics use size 80/12, ELx705CF needles. The ELx705CF needle is a semi-ballpoint design and is suitable for knits and wovens.

  • Page 10: Setting Up Your Ovation

    Setting Up Your Ovation 1. Remove machine from box After removing the packing materials from the box, gently lift your Baby Lock serger by grasping Main Switch the handle provided on the top of the machine. Place the machine on a serger sewing table or any sturdy level surface that provides ample work area to the left.

  • Page 11: Setting Up Your Ovation

    Setting Up Your Ovation (Cont.) 6. Position the telescopic thread guide. Raise the telescopic thread guide to its highest position. Rotate the shaft to the left and right until each section "clicks" into a locked position. (fig. F) 7. Opening front cover The front cover may be opened simply by placing your fingers behind the cover at the upper right side and gently pull toward you.

  • Page 12: Cutting Blade Locking Dial

    Cutting Blade Locking Dial To lock cutting blade down: Turn the dial clockwise 180 degrees until you see "LOCK" on the top. The cutting blade will stay below the needle plate for non-cutting techniques. (fig. A) To re-engage cutting blade: Turn the cutting blade locking dial half of a turn counter-clockwise.

  • Page 13: Thread Cutter

    Thread Cutter There is a thread cutter located on the left side of your Ovation. At the end of a seam, sew off the fabric edge and continue sewing to create a 5-6 inch (12.5-15cm) thread chain. Bring the chain of thread up and from the back to front through the thread cutter.

  • Page 14: Stitch Length/Rolled Hem

    Stitch Length/Rolled Hem The stitch length / rolled hem adjusting dial is conveniently located just to the left of the cutting blade cover, near the base plate. (fig. A) The dial shows two stitch-length ranges, from 0.75, for the shortest stitch, to 4 for the longest.

  • Page 15: Differential Feed

    Differential Feed Your Baby Lock serger is equipped with differential feed.The set of feed dogs work independently in order to ensure smooth sewing on all fabrics. When the differential feed adjusting lever, located at the machine's right front edge, is set on "N" for normal feeding, the feed dogs move the same distance.

  • Page 16: O Overlock Thread Delivery System

    Overlock Thread Delivery System The Baby Lock Ovation revolutionizes the way a serger works with its exclusive overlock Thread Delivery System. You no longer have to manually adjust the tension settings for the type of overlock stitch you are sewing. Select the type of overlock stitch you wish to serge, the Ovation will automatically feed the correct amount of thread through the needles, the loopers and thread guides to form a perfect stitch every time.

  • Page 17: Chain/Cover Stitch Tension Dials

    Chain/Cover Stitch Tension Dials The tension system of the chain and cover stitches are completely separate from the system being used on the overlock stitches. Unlike the thread delivery system of the overlock stitches, the tensions of the chain / cover stitch needles and chain looper are adjusted by dials located on the outer sides of your Ovation.

  • Page 18: 2-Thread Subsidiary Looper

    Upper and Lower Looper Thread Fine-Tuning Knob No adjustments are needed when sewing with most fabrics and threads on your Baby Lock Ovation, but certain threads or fabrics may require minor fine-tuning of the looper delivery system to perfect your stitches. Increase or decrease the delivery of the looper threads with the upper and lower looper thread fine-tuning knob.

  • Page 19: Sewing Speed Controller

    Knee Lifter Your Baby Lock Ovation comes equipped with a knee lifter. Using your knee, the presser foot can easily be raised and lowered; leaving both hands free to manipulate the fabric.

  • Page 20: Tthreading

    Threading Preparation When using threads on cones or king spools place the cone or spool securely over the cone holders furnished on your machine. To avoid bending the thread stand, you may need to place one hand under the stand while positioning the cone. The cone holders prevent the cone or spool from spinning, enabling the thread to feed evenly.

  • Page 21: Threading Your Ovation

    Threading Your Ovation Your Baby Lock Ovation is equipped with an exclusive "Electrionic Extraordin Air Threading System" for fast, easy threading of the upper, lower, and chain loopers. One touch of the "Push to Thread" button will automatically thread the loopers. It is no longer necessary to use tweezers for threading the loopers.

  • Page 22: Lower Looper

    Lower Looper 1. Raise the presser foot and move the threading lever to the threading position. (see page 19, fig. 2. Place the thread cone or spool on the "LOWER LOOPER" spool pin on the thread stand. Glide the lower looper thread through the telescopic antennae thread guide "LL" directly above the thread spool.

  • Page 23: Chain Looper

    Chain Looper 1. With the presser foot in the raised position, open the front cover and move the threading lever into the threading position. (see page 19, fig. A) 2. Set the stitch selector lever to "D" position for easy threading of the chain looper tension dial. 3.

  • Page 24: Chain/Cover Needles

    Chain / Cover Needles Left Chain/Cover Needle C-1 1. Raise presser foot, place the thread on the "Chain Needle 1" spool pin. Glide the thread through the telescopic antennae thread guide "C-1" directly above the thread spool. See drawings below for reference. 2.

  • Page 25: Overlock Needles

    Overlock Needles Left Overlock Needle O-1 1. Place the thread cone or spool on the "OVERLOCK NEEDLE 1" spool pin. (see page 19, fig. C) Glide the thread through the telescopic antennae thread guide "O-1" directly above the thread spool. Snap the thread into the pretension thread guide on top of machine and down the "overlock needle 1"...

  • Page 26: How To Use The Needle Threader

    How To Use The Needle Threader 1. Hold the needle threader with the arrow mark on top. Place the thread in the groove of the needle threader. (fig. A) 2. Push the needle threader against the needle shaft above the eye of the needle and then slide down the groove of the needle to the eye.

  • Page 27: Start To Sew

    Start To Sew When properly threaded, the loose threads should initially interlock on fabric when sewn. This is most important when sewing the chain or cover stitches. 1. Cut all threads to 4 inch (10cm) in length. 2. Place fabric under the presser foot directly below the needles. (fig.

  • Page 28: Clearing The Stitch Width Fingers

    (see pages 20/21) Close the front cover and sew a test sample. Note: When re-threading your Baby Lock Ovation using the "Extraordin Air Threading" feature, make sure that the previous thread that was in the looper (tube) is completely removed. This will eliminate any chance of the previous thread obstructing the flow of the air when re-threading the machine.

  • Page 29: Overlock Stitches - Express Stitches

    4-Thread Overedging Overedging to finish facings, hems and seams before construction, is one of the most basic uses of a serger, such as making a garment or project with 5/8 inch (16mm) pressed open seams. (fig. A) To overedge, place the single layer of fabric in front of the presser foot, aligning the cut edge with upper cutting blade.

  • Page 30: 4-Thread Overlock

    4-Thread Overlock With the Ovation overlock Thread Delivery System, the upper and lower looper threads lock together evenly over the cut fabric edge(s) to form a flat, non-rolling pattern of overlocking stitches on both sides of the fabric. The left (O1) needle thread interlocks with both looper threads at the stitching line to create the seam. The right (O2) needle thread, visible on the top side of the stitch, interlocks with both the loopers to add durability.

  • Page 31: 3-Thread Overlock - Wide

    3-Thread Overlock - Wide The 3-thread overlock wide stitch is perfect for edge-finishing most woven fabrics and for seaming knits that do not require the extra durability that a fourth thread provides. To convert your serger to a 3-thread overlock wide (5.5-7.5mm), cut the O-2 needle thread just above the needle eye.

  • Page 32: 3-Thread Overlock - Narrow

    3-Thread Overlock - Narrow To convert to narrow 3-thread overlock (3.0-5.0mm), cut the O-1 needle thread just above the needle eye. (fig. A) Remove the O-1 needle and O-1 needle thread completely from the machine. (fig. B) Note: Do not tighten needle clamp screw(s) without needle being inserted within the slot.

  • Page 33: 3-Thread Overlock - Narrow Hem

    3-Thread Overlock - Narrow Hem Narrow Hem is an attractive finish for light to medium weight fabrics. Remove the O-1 needle and needle thread completely from the machine. Clear the stitch fingers. Turn the stitch length adjust- ing dial clockwise to the rolled hem range. Set the length at "1" (fig.

  • Page 34: Rolled Edging

    Rolled Edging The rolled edge setting is used to achieve the narrowest stitch possible (1.5mm) on your Baby Lock serger. The stitch is suitable for seaming sheer and lightweight fabrics and for edging and hemming lightweight fabrics. 3-Thread Rolled Edge With the stitch selector set on "D", a narrow hem can become a rolled edge.

  • Page 35: Seaming Sheers

    Seaming Sheers Use the 3-thread rolled hem setting when sewing sheer fabrics. Set the stitch length at 2.5. Sew the seams, aligning the fabric edge with the serger's seam guides, trimming away the excess seam allowance. Lettuce Edge A frilly or "lettuce" edge can be created on most light and medium weight stretch and on bias edges of soft, woven fabrics.

  • Page 36: 3-Thread Flatlock - Narrow

    3-Thread Flatlock - Narrow Flatlock seams are most suited to fabrics which do not ravel such as interlock knits, tricot, sweatshirt fleece and synthetic suede. The needle thread is carried below the fabric and to the cut edge of the fabric. The lower looper thread rides along the cut edge of the fabric for stability.

  • Page 37: 2-Thread Overlock

    2-Thread Overlock The 2-thread function provides an economical and less bulky means of overedging all fabrics. The standard 2-thread overlock is the same as a 2-thread flatlock stitch. When sewn with specialty threads, 2-thread sewing makes decorative seams and edges for activewear, children's clothing , ruffles, and hemlines.

  • Page 38: 2-Thread Flatlock - Wide

    2-Thread Flatlock - Wide When sewn on a fold, flatlocking can create a decorative effect within the body of a garment or project. Either follow placement lines on your pattern or design your own special effects by stitching the fabric before laying out pattern pieces. Then open the fabric fold and gently pull both sides until the flatlock stitching lies flat.

  • Page 39: 2-Thread Flatlock - Narrow

    2-Thread Flatlock - Narrow Sew a 2-thread flatlock seam then pull the two fabric layers apart until the seam lies flat. (fig. A) Because the threads show on the outside as well as the inside of the garment or project, the flatlock seam is often considered a decorative application.

  • Page 40: Blanket Stitch - Decorative Stitch

    Blanket Stitch - Decorative Stitch Set up the machine for 2-thread flatlock - wide but the needle threading path is different for this technique. 1. Insert a size 90 top stitch needle in left (O-1) overlock needle position. 2. Engage the threading lever in threading position. 3.

  • Page 41: Ladder Stitch - Decorative Stitch

    Ladder Stitch - Decorative Stitch Set up the machine for 2-thread flatlock - wide but the needle Ladder threading path is different for this technique. Right Side 1. Insert a size 90 top stitch needle in left (O-1) overlock Right Side needle position.

  • Page 42: Wave Stitch

    Wave Stitch The Wave Stitch provides a decorative "wavy" edging on fabric. (This is not to be confused with "Lettuce Edge" on page 33) The upper looper thread and the lower looper thread gradually appear every 25 stitches to create a stitch that looks like a "Wave". When using different color specialty threads (pages 76 &...

  • Page 43: 3-Thread Wave Stitch

    3-Thread Wave Stitch 1. Move the Wave/Overlock Selector lever from "OVERLOCK" to "WAVE". 2. Cut the threads from the thread cones, raise presser foot and remove threads from the thread paths. 3. Engage the threading lever in threading position for threading the loopers. (see page 19) 4.

  • Page 44: 3-Thread Rolled Wave Stitch

    3-Thread Rolled Wave Stitch 1. Move the Wave/Overlock Selector lever from "OVERLOCK" to "WAVE". 2. Cut the threads from the thread cones, raise presser foot and remove threads from the thread paths. 3. Engage the threading lever in threading position, for threading the loopers. (see page 19) 4.

  • Page 45: 3-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch

    3-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch You can also get the wave stitch in the back of fabric by crossing the upper and lower looper threads before the threading ports. This Reversed Wave Stitch is attractive for an expressive stitch with decorative cover stitches. (fig. A) 1.

  • Page 46: Chain/Cover Stitch - Express Stitches

    Chain Stitching The chain stitch is formed using two threads, one thread in the needle and one thread in the chain looper. Chain Stitching looks like a straight stitch on the top of the fabric while the chain looper thread forms a chain on the underside of the fabric.

  • Page 47: Chain Stitch - Tension Adjustment

    Chain Stitching (Cont.) Tension Adjustment Balanced tension - Balanced tension Chain stitch has correct tension when the needle thread sews a straight seam on the top side and the chain looper thread forms underside loops on the underside of the fabric. ∧...

  • Page 48: Cover Stitch - Right Narrow - 3Mm

    Cover Stitch - Right Narrow - 3mm The narrow cover stitch consists of two rows of straight stitching on the top side of the fabric with an overlock stitch on the underside of the fabric. This stitch is very common in the garment industry to hem knit garments.

  • Page 49: Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment

    Cover Stitch - Right Narrow (Cont.) Tension Adjustment Balanced tension - Balanced tension Cover stitch has correct tension when the needle thread sews two rows of straight stitching on the top side and the chain underside looper forms a zigzag on the underside of the fabric. ∧...

  • Page 50: Cover Stitch - Left Narrow - 3Mm

    Cover Stitch - Left Narrow - 3mm The narrow cover stitch consists of two rows of straight stitching on the top side of the fabric with the overlock stitch on the underside of the fabric. This stitch is very common in the garment industry to hem knit garments.

  • Page 51: Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment

    Cover Stitch - Left Narrow (Cont.) Tension Adjustment Balanced tension - Balanced tension Cover stitch has correct tension when the needle thread sews two rows of straight stitching on the top side of the fabric and the underside chain looper forms a zigzag on the underside of the fabric. ∧...

  • Page 52: Cover Stitch - Wide - 6Mm

    Cover Stitch - Wide - 6mm The wide cover stitch consists of two rows of straight stitching on top the fabric with an overlock stitch on the underside of the fabric. This stitch is very common in the garment industry to hem heavier knit fabrics such as double knits, sweatshirt fleece, and polar fleece.

  • Page 53: Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment

    Cover Stitch - Wide - 6mm (Cont.) Tension Adjustment Balanced tension - Balanced tension Cover stitch has correct tension when the needle thread sews two rows of straight stitching on the top side and the chain underside looper forms a zigzag on the underside of the fabric. ∧...

  • Page 54: Triple Cover Stitch - 6Mm

    Triple Cover Stitch - 6mm The Triple Cover Stitch can be used for topstitching, hemming, and elastic application . The stitch can also be used as a decorative stitch upside down with the overlock side on the right side of the fabric.

  • Page 55: Triple Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment

    Triple Cover Stitch (Cont.) Tension Adjustment Balanced tension - Balanced tension Triple Cover stitch has correct tension when the needle thread sew three rows of straight stitching on the top side and the chain underside looper forms a zigzag on the underside of the fabric. ∧...

  • Page 56: Combination Stitch - Expressive Stitches

    4-Thread Safety Stitch The 4-thread safety stitch is perfect for all types of woven fabrics ranging from fine to heavy weight fabrics. This stitch is designed to seam and overlock the edge in one step, thus creating a garment industry standard safety stitch. As well as woven fabrics, the 4- thread safety stitch is for stabilizing knits, sweater knits and long seams on woven fabrics.
  • Page 57 4-Thread Safety Stitch (Cont.) 4-Thread Safety Stitch: 2-Thread Chain w/2-Thread Wide Overlock 5/8 inch (16mm) 1/2 inch (13mm) 3/8 inch (9.5mm) Chain Chain Stitch Needle Looper Stitch Stitch Size Needle Looper Length Width Selector Tension Tension Dial Dial 5/8 inch C,L, Chain C-1, O-1...

  • Page 58: 5-Thread Safety Stitch

    5-Thread Safety Stitch The 5-thread safety stitch is perfect for all types of woven fabrics ranging from fine to heavy weight. This stitch is designed to seam and overlock the edge in one step, thus creating a garment industry standard stitch. As well as woven fabrics, the 5-thread safety stitch is for stabilizing knits, sweater knits and long seams on woven fabrics.
  • Page 59 5-Thread Safety Stitch (Cont.) 5-Thread Safety Stitch: 2-Thread Chain w/3-Thread wide Overlock 5/8 inch (16mm) 1/2 inch (13mm) 3/8inch (9.5mm) Chain Chain Stitch Stitch Stitch Needle Looper Size Needle Looper Length Width Selector Tension Tension Dial Dial 5/8 inch Chain C-1, O-1 U,L,C 2.5-4.0...

  • Page 60: 7-Thread Wave Stitch

    7-Thread Wave Stitch 7-Thread Wave Stitch is a combined stitch of 3-Thread Wave and 4-Thread Triple Cover Stitch. This stitch looks gorgeous with decorative threads appearing on wave stitch and triple cover stitch. For the 7-Thread Wave Stitch: 1. Use standard cutting blade cover. 2.
  • Page 61 7-Thread Wave Stitch (Cont.) Variations of Stitches 6-Thread Stitch 6-Thread Stitch 7-Thread Stitch Cover Stitch Wide Cover Stitch Wide Triple Cover Stitch w/ 3-Thread Wave Stitch w/ 3-Thread Rolled Wave w/ 3-Thread Wave Stitch ∧ 5-Thread Stitch 5-Thread Stitch 6-Thread Stitch Right Chain Stitch Right Chain Stitch Cover Stitch Narrow Left...

  • Page 62: 7-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch

    7-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch 7-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch is a combined stitch of 3-Thread Reverse Wave and 4-Thread triple cover stitch. This stitch looks gorgeous with decorative threads appearing on wave stitch and triple cover stitch in the back of fabric. For the 7-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch: 1.
  • Page 63 7-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch (Cont.) Variations of Stitches 7-Thread Stitch 6-Thread Stitch 5-Thread Stitch Triple Cover Stitch Cover Stitch Wide Right Chain Stitch w/ 3-Thread Reversed w/ 3-Thread Reversed w/ 3-Thread Reversed Wave Stitch Wave Stitch Wave Stitch ∧ ∨...

  • Page 64: 8-Thread Stitch

    8-Thread Stitch 8-Thread Stitch is a combined stitch of 4-Thread Overlock and 4-Thread Triple Cover Stitch. The 8-thread stitch is perfect for garment construction on heavy weight woven fabrics and used as a decorative topstitching with decorative overlock edge finish. The stitch is very durable as well as being a decorative stitch.
  • Page 65 8-Thread Stitch (Cont.) Variations of Stitches 8-Thread Stitch 7-Thread - wide 7-Thread - narrow Triple Cover Stitch Triple Cover Stitch Triple Cover Stitch w/3-Thread Overlock Wide w/3-Thread Overlock Narrow w/ 4-Thread Overlock ∧ ∨...

  • Page 66: Expressive Stitches: Chain/Cover Stitches Combined With Overlock Stitches

    Expressive Stitches: Chain/Cover Stitches Combined with Overlock Stitches With the great features of Overlock Stitching and Chain/Cover Stitching on the Ovation, many different stitches branch off from the basic "Express" stitches. The following combinations can let you "Express" your creativity as never before. Use the "Stitch Selection Chart"...
  • Page 67 Expressive Stitches (Cont.) 3-Thread Overlock Wide & Chain C-3 needle position 3-Thread Overlock Wide & Chain C-2 needle position 3-Thread Overlock Wide & Chain C-1 needle position 3-Thread Overlock Wide & Right Narrow Cover Stitch 3-Thread Overlock Wide & Left Narrow Cover Stitch 3-Thread Overlock Wide &...

  • Page 68: Techniques

    Turning Corners - Chain Stitch Sew to the point in fabric where you want to turn a corner. Stop the machine. Turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise) by hand, making sure the needle is going down in the fabric. Slowly start to raise the needle OUT OF FABRIC.

  • Page 69: Turning Outside Corners - Overlock

    Turning Outside Corner - Overlock 1. Stitch along one edge until you reach the corner. Take one stitch off the edge of the fabric. (fig. A) (As you approach the edge, you may want to stop and manually turn the handwheel towards you) 2.

  • Page 70: Flat Hemming - Cover Stitch

    5. Sew hem. 6. Sew seam on garment. Note: Optional guide or attachments will help with hemming. (fig.B) Ask your Baby Lock retailer. Hemming in the Round - Cover Stitch 1. Sew all seams on the garment. 2. Measure, turn up and press the hem on garment.

  • Page 71: Blind Hemming - Overlock

    Blind Hemming - Overlock Your Baby Lock Ovation can create a sturdy, nearly invisible blindhem. 1. Set the machine for 2-Thread Overlock with the O-2 needle threaded. Set the stitch width at 5.0 and the stitch length at 4.0 in the standard range.

  • Page 72: Tapes Slots

    Tape slots The presser foot which comes with your Ovation has 3 types of slots. 6mm width This enables you to use assorted sized for overlock tapes with various serging applications. 9mm width 14mm width for chain/ for overlock coverstitch and chain/ cover stitch Inserting Tapes - Overlock...

  • Page 73: Flatlock "Decorative" - Overlock

    Flatlock "Decorative" - Overlock The flatlock stitch need not be limited at seamlines. When sewn on a fold, flatlocking can create attractive decorative effects within the body of a garment or project. Either follow placement lines on your pattern or design your own special effects by stitching the fabric before laying out pattern pieces.

  • Page 74: Securing Ends - Overlock

    Securing Ends - Overlock The serger stitch will not unravel readily, and in most cases serged seams are secured by an intersecting seam. If that's not the case, these are several options for securing seams. (fig. A) 1. Leave a 3 inch (7.5cm) chain, separate the threads and tie a knot.

  • Page 75: Securing Ends - Overlock

    Securing Ends - Overlock (Cont.) To lock the end of the seam: 1. Take one stitch off the end of the seam. (fig. F) 2. Raise the presser foot and bring the needle(s) to the highest position. Pull back gently on the fabric to clear the stitch fingers. 3.

  • Page 76: Securing Chain And Cover Stitching

    Securing Chain and Cover Stitching The Chain Stitch and Cover Stitch can easily be removed. Trim the chain tail to edge of fabric at the "end" of the seam and pull on the chain looper thread on underside of the fabric. This will give you the opportunity to "Unsew"...

  • Page 77: Notes

    Notes:...

  • Page 78: Specialty Threads

    Using Specialty Threads Beautiful stitches can be formed by serging with specialty threads, cords, and ribbons. These heavy or shiny threads can be used to enhance the appearance of a stitch, add strength and elasticity, or create special effects. It depends on the thread you choose for the chosen technique. Some specialty threads work well through the needle and loopers, while others are too heavy to be threaded through the needle and are for looper use only.

  • Page 79: Bypassing The Threading Port

    Bypassing the Threading Port Heavy weight threads can be used through your regular looper thread paths. Specific techniques may require that the thread bypass the thread port for the thread pull to be loosened. Start with the machine threaded with regular serger thread.

  • Page 80: Looper Threading Tool

    Looper Threading Tool 1. Open the front cover and raise the presser foot. 2. At the threading port, cut the looper thread that is to be replaced. Remove thread from under the foot and the upper thread guides. Replace cone of thread with specialty thread. 3.

  • Page 81: Thread Cradle For Loopers

    Thread Cradle for Loopers 1. Open the front cover and cutting blade cover then raise the presser foot. 2. At the threading port, clip the looper thread that is to be replaced. (fig.A) Remove thread from under the presser foot and the upper thread guides.

  • Page 82: Specialty Thread Guide Chart

    Specialty Thread Guide Chart OVERLOCK Topstitching Wooly Nylon Metallic Threads Buttonhole Twist (Medium weight) (Lightweight) STITCHES (Medium weight) APPLICATION Decorative Edging Decorative Edging Rolled Hem Decorative Topstitching Decorative Flatlocking Soft seams on Lingerie and sportswear 4-Thread Seams Not recommended Use in loopers only For decorative exposed seams.

  • Page 83: Specialty Thread Guide Chart

    Specialty Thread Guide Chart (Cont.) OVERLOCK Clear Nylon Lingerie Thread, Decorative Thread: Rayon or Polyester (Lightweight) Décor, Candlelight, STITCHES Machine-embroidery Pearl Crown Rayon ※1 Thread (Heavy weight) ※3 (Lightweight) ※2 APPLICATION Techniques requiring Lingerie and light-weight Decorative edging Decorative flatlocking thread invisibility.

  • Page 84: Maintenance

    Troubleshooting Before taking your machine in for service, check the following: Machine fails to start: 1. Is the electrical plug and foot control jack properly connected? 2. Is the power switch on? 3. Check household circuit breaker or fuse. 4. Is the threading lever in the serging position? 5.
  • Page 85 Troubleshooting (Cont.) Stitch Unbalanced: 1. Is the serger threaded correctly? 2. Is the proper presser foot on the serger? 3. Is the correct needle inserted and threaded? Chain or Cover Stitch unbalanced: 1. Is the thread in the tensions? 2. Are the tensions set correctly for the chain/cover needles? 3.

  • Page 86: Replacing Needles

    Replacing Needles Needle Identification (fig. A)- The chain/cover stitch needle(s) are on the front left portion of the needle clamp and are identified by C-1,C-2 and C-3. C-1-Left chain/cover stitch needle can be used for chain stitch, left narrow cover stitch, wide cover stitch or triple cover stitch. C-2-Center chain/cover stitch needle can be used for a chain stitch, left narrow cover stitch, right narrow cover stitch or triple cover stitch.

  • Page 87: Replacing Cutting Blades

    & thread stand. If for some reason your machine does not cut or perform as it should be, please take your machine to your nearest Baby Lock retailer. It is possible that the result of poor cutting may indicate other problems.

  • Page 88: Cleaning

    Cleaning Your Baby Lock will operate at best performance if it is kept clean at all times. The serger's cutting action creates much more lint than you will find on conventional sewing machine. Your serger's major moving parts are well protected and do not need to be oiled.

  • Page 89: Technical Data

    Technical Data...
  • Page 92 BLES8-TA EI-41-TA...

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