Baby Lock Celebrate BLS1 Instruction And Reference Manual
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Baby Lock Celebrate BLS1 Instruction And Reference Manual

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  • Page 1 Model BLS1...
  • Page 2 "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 3. Ne jamais utiliser la machine si le cordon ou la prise électrique sont endommagés, en cas de dysfonctionnement, de bris ou de dégâts d’eaux, vous devez la retourner chez votre revendeur BABY LOCK ou au centre de service le plus proche pour vérification, réparation, ajustement mécanique ou électrique.
  • Page 4 Congratulations on Choosing Baby Lock Celebrate You are now entering an exciting new era in sewing. As a Baby Lock Celebrate owner, you are opening the door to more creative sewing adventures and a new ease in serger sewing. You'll be able to duplicate professional seaming and finishing as seen in even the most expensive ready-to-wear.
  • Page 5 Notes:...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents OVERVIEW........................ 5 How Your Serger Operates................6 Overview of the Celebrate ................6 Accessories ...................... 7 Needles......................8 Thread ......................8 Optional Accessories ..................8 Setting Up Your Celebrate ................9 Cutting Blade Locking Dial ................10 Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment ..............10 Snap-On Presser Foot..................
  • Page 7 Table of Contents (Cont.) 2-THREAD OVERLOCK ..................27 2-Thread Overlock ..................27 Converting from 3-Thread Overlock to 2-Thread Overlock ......27 Flatlock Seams ....................28 Flatlock "Topstitching"..................29 Blind Hemming ....................30 2-Thread Rolled Edge ..................31 Returning to 3 or 4-Thread Overlock .............. 32 BASIC SERGING TECHNIQUES ................

  • Page 8: Overview

    Serging is kind of a knitting process that loops two, three or four threads together to create a stitch. Your Baby Lock Celebrate operates with one or two needles and one or two "loopers," each carrying a thread to form the overlock stitch.

  • Page 9: Overview Of The Celebrate

    Overview of the Celebrate 1. Presser foot lifter/ thread release lever* 17. Looper threading lever 2. Thread cutter 18. Differential feed adjusting lever 3. Needle threader lever 19. Handwheel 4. Needle height viewing area 20. Green marks 5. Needle clamp screw 21.

  • Page 10: Accessories

    Accessories Your Baby Lock Celebrate serger has a built-in accessory compartment. To open, swing the "lid" on the thread spool stand to the right to reveal the tray holding some of the accessories listed below. Others may be found in the machine packing materials.

  • Page 11: Needles

    Needles Your Baby Lock Celebrate serger is set up with 75/11 machine needles, which are suitable for most medium and lightweight fabrics. For heavyweight fabrics, change to a size 90/14 needle. The needle's semi-ball point design is suitable for knits and wovens. Some manufacturers' needles may produce better quality stitches with your Baby Lock than others.

  • Page 12: Setting Up Your Celebrate

    Setting Up Your Celebrate After removing the packing materials from the box, gently lift your Baby Lock serger by grasping the handle provided on the top of the machine. Place the machine on a serger sewing table or any level surface that provides ample work area to the left of the machine. Place the foot control in a pedal stay, if desired, and place it under the sewing table.

  • Page 13: Cutting Blade Locking Dial

    Cutting Blade Locking Dial When no trimming is desired, as when stitching on a fold, flip the cutting blade lock switch clockwise to the LOCK position. The cutting blade no longer moves up and down, but remains in its lowered position. To re-engage the cutting blade, turn the cutting blade lock switch half of a turn counter-clockwise.

  • 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 front 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. (fig.C) As the dial indicates, one range is for standard sewing and one is for rolled edging or narrow seaming.

  • Page 15: Differential Feed

    Differential Feed Your Baby Lock serger is equipped with differential feed. The sets of feed dogs work independently in order to ensure smooth sewing on all fabrics. (fig. A) 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: 2-Thread Subsidiary Looper

    2-Thread Subsidiary Looper Either needle thread may be engaged for 2-thread overlock sewing. To engage the subsidiary looper 1. Open the front cover and the blade cover, cut the upper looper thread just above the threading port. (fig. A) Raise the presser foot and pull out the clipped thread from under the foot.

  • Page 17: Threading

    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 18: Threading Your Celebrate

    Threading Your Celebrate Your Baby Lock Celebrate is equipped with an exclusive "Instant Jet-Air Threading System" for fast, easy threading of the upper and lower loopers. One push of the "Jet-Air" threading lever will automatically thread the loopers. It is no longer necessary to use tweezers for threading the thread guides.

  • Page 19: Upper Looper

    Upper Looper 1. With the presser foot up and machine lock button in the locked position (see fig. A-B, page 15), set the looper threader selector lever to "U" for upper looper threading. (See fig. B, page 15.) 2. Place the thread cone or spool on the second spool pin from the front on the right side of the thread stand.

  • Page 20: Right Needle

    Right Needle 1. Turn the handwheel and line up the green marks on the machine and the handwheel. Set the needle threader selector on "R" for right needle. (fig. A page 18) 2. Place the thread on the second from left spool pin on the thread stand. (fig. A) Thread needle thread guides 1 and 2, through the groove on the face plate and through guides 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

  • Page 21: Left Needle

    Left Needle 1. Turn the handwheel to line up the green marks on the machine and handwheel. Set the needle threader selector on "L" for left needle. 2. Place the thread on the far-left spool pin on the thread stand. (fig. A page 17) Thread needle thread guides A and B, through the groove on the face plate and through guides C, D, E, and 3.

  • Page 22: Tension Adjustment

    Tension Adjustment Your Baby Lock's thread tension is preset at the factory for standard thread and fabric. But the tensions will require adjustment at times, depending on the thread and fabric being used and the stitch to be formed. Refer to the tension chart on the inside back cover. Also, study the diagrams that accompany the explanation of each stitch type.

  • Page 23: Serging With Fabric

    Serging with Fabric With the needle and upper looper threads under the foot and to the back, lower the presser foot. While holding the threads in your left hand, press down on the foot controller gently to begin a thread chain before serging fabric. (fig. A) You can leave the presser foot down for most serging applications.

  • Page 24: Re-Threading Loopers

    Close the front cover and sew a test sample. Refer to page 15-16 for further information. Note: When re-threading your Baby Lock Celebrate using the "Jet-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 25: 4-Thread Overlock

    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 26: 4-Thread Overlock

    4-Thread Overlock Your Baby Lock Celebrate comes to you set for 4-thread serging, which provides a very durable, yet fully stretchable, seam or edge finish on all kinds of fabrics. With tensions properly set, 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.

  • Page 27: 3-Thread Overlock

    3-Thread Overlock 3-thread serging works well - and conserves thread - for edge-finishing most wovens and for seaming knits that don't require the extra durability that a fourth thread provides. It's easy to convert your Celebrate to serge with 3 threads by simply eliminating either needle.

  • Page 28: 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 1.

  • Page 29: Seaming Sheers

    Seaming Sheers Use the 3-thread rolled hem setting when sewing sheer fabrics that otherwise would require French seams. Set the stitch length at 2.5. Then simply sew the seams, aligning the fabric edges with the serger seam guide, trimming away the excess seam allowance. Lettuce Edge A frilly or "lettuce"...

  • Page 30: 2-Thread Overlock

    2-Thread Overlock The 2-thread function provides an economical and less bulky means of overedging all fabrics. When joining two fabrics together with 2-threads, the seam it forms is not a standard overlock seam but a flatlock seam. 2-thread rolled edge creates a delicate finish on fine wovens and smooth silkies.

  • Page 31: Flatlock Seams

    Flatlock Seams FIatlock seams are most suited to fabrics which do not ravel - interlock knits, tricot, sweatshirt fleece and synthetic suede. The serged edges pull open and flatten within the stitch for a non-bulky join. (fig. A) Be sure to sew a test sample first to determine whether the stitch will have the strength to hold the seam without the fabric pulling away.

  • Page 32: Flatlock "Topstitching

    Flatlock "Topstitching" 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 33: Blind Hemming

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

  • Page 34: 2-Thread Rolled Edge

    2-Thread Rolled Edge The 2-thread version of the rolled edge is often Perfect seam preferred for hemming very soft fabrics which might become too stiff if sewn with three threads. 1. Clear the stitch fingers and adjust the stitch width Right Needle Wrong side...

  • Page 35: Returning To 3 Or 4-Thread Overlock

    Returning to 3 or 4-Thread Overlock 1. Open the front cover and rotate the handwheel counterclockwise to bring the needle clamp to its highest position. 2. Slide the subsidiary looper to the left direction and swing it clockwise to the right. 3.

  • Page 36: Basic Serging Techniques

    Securing Ends 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 seam. (fig. A) 1. Leave a 3-inch (7.5cm) chain, separate the threads and tie a knot.

  • Page 37: Securing Ends

    Securing Ends (Cont.) To lock the end of the seam: 1. Take one stitch off the end of the fabric. (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.

  • Page 38: Turning Outside Corners

    Turning Outside Corners 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 39: Serging Curves

    Serging Curves To serge around inside or outside curves, guide the fabric into the cutting blade, not the needle(s). Remember, cutting takes place before the fabric reaches the needle. Because the long serger presser foot holds the fabric more securely, you may need to raise and lower the presser foot several times to maneuver around very tight curves.

  • Page 40: Using Specialty Threads

    Using Specialty Threads Beautiful stitches can be formed by serging with specialty threads, cords and ribbons. These heavier or shinier threads can be used to enhance appearance, add strength or elasticity, or create special effects, depending on the thread you choose. Some specialty threads work well through the needle and loopers.

  • Page 41: Thread Cradle For Loopers

    Thread Cradle for Loopers 1. Open the front cover and 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 foot and the upper thread guides. Replace cone of thread with specialty thread.

  • Page 42: 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.

  • Page 43: 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 44: Specialty Thread Guide Chart

    Specialty Thread Guide Chart Machine Topstitching Woolly Nylon Embroidery Buttonhole Twist Thread Metallic Threads Edging or flatlock Soft stretchy seams on Decorative edges for APPLICATION seaming for sportswear lingerie, swimwear, clothing, gift items, and home décor items. active wear, and for home décor, etc.
  • Page 45 Specialty Thread Guide Chart (Cont.) Machine Embroidery Designer 6 Clear Nylon Threads: Rayon and Pearl Crown Rayon Monofilament Polyester, 30, 40, 50 Candlelight weight. Jeans Stitch Lingerie Thread Ribbon Thread Decorative edging, Techniques Lingerie and lightweight APPLICATION flatlocking, rolled requiring the thread fabrics, edging of fine hem, etc.

  • Page 46: Maintenance

    The lower fixed blade is made of a special long-lasting steel and does not require frequent replacement. If necessary, contact your nearest Baby Lock retailer for replacement of this blade. The upper moving blade is made of a softer steel material and will require replacement.

  • Page 47: 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 machines. This lint impedes the machine's efficiency and acts as a sponge to draw oil from it.

  • Page 48: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Before taking your machine in for service, check the following: Machine fails to start: 1. Are electrical plugs properly connected? 2. Is the power switch on? 3. Check household circuit breaker or fuse. 4. Is the lock button release lever in the unlocked position? Thread breaks: 1.

  • Page 49: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting (Cont.) Needle threading difficulties: 1. Is the needle threader selector at the appropriate setting? ("R" for right needle, "L" for left needle.) 2. Is the green mark on the handwheel lined up on the machine? Looper threading difficulties: 1. Is the looper threader selector at the appropriate setting? (Left threading port for "U" upper looper, right threading port for "L"...

  • Page 50: Technical Data

    Technical Data Stitch Types: 2 needles, 2 loopers: 4-Thread Overlock 1 needle (left or right), 2 loopers 3-Thread Overlock (wide, narrow, and narrow hem) 3-Thread Flatlock (wide and narrow) right needle only 3-Thread Rolled Edge 1 needle (left or right), 1 looper 2-Thread Flatlock (wide and narrow) 2-Thread Blanket Stitch 2-Thread Ladder Stitch...

  • Page 51: Chart For Stitch Selection Settings

    Chart for Stitch Selection Settings Left Right Upper Lower Stitch Stitch Stitch Type Needle Needle Looper Looper Length Width Tension Tension Tension Tension 5.5-7.5 4-Thread 2.5-3.5 5.5-7.5 3.75 3.75 Overlock 5.5-7.5 5.5-7.5 4-Thread Gathering 3-Thread Overlock 2.5-3.5 3.75 Wide and Narrow 2.5-7.5 3.75 0.75...
  • Page 52 BLS1-TA EI-47-TA Printed in Japan...

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