Baby Lock BL50A, Instruction And Reference Manual

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Page 2: ...ring this machine avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations Do not use or store the machine near a space heater iron halogen lamp or other hot objects 2 Use only neutral soaps or detergents to...

Page 3: ...be connected to an AC power source within the range indicated on the rating label Do not connect it to a DC power source or inverter If you are not sure what kind of power source you have contact a q...

Page 4: ...nd the machine needle Switch the sewing machine to the symbol O position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle area Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate as it could cause...

Page 5: ...recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual The contents of this manual and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice For additional product information visit...

Page 6: ...pproved by ASTA to BS 1362 i e carrying the mark rating as marked on plug Always replace the fuse cover Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted If the available electrical outlet is not suitable f...

Page 7: ...ypes and their uses 28 Checking the needle 29 Replacing the needle 29 Replacing the Presser Foot 31 Presser foot precautions 31 Replacing the presser foot 31 Removing the presser foot holder 32 Using...

Page 8: ...Patchwork crazy quilt stitching 71 Piecing 72 Quilting 72 Free motion quilting 73 Reinforcement Stitching 75 Triple stretch stitching 75 Bar tack stitching 76 Decorative stitching 78 Fagoting 79 Scall...

Page 9: ...7 Operation beep 107 Canceling the operation beep 107 Index 108...

Page 10: ...the flat bed attachment when sewing cylindrical pieces such as sleeve cuffs h Operation buttons and sewing speed controller page 9 Use these buttons and the slide to operate the sewing machine i Opera...

Page 11: ...the presser foot m Needle clamp screw Use the needle clamp screw to hold the needle in place Operation buttons The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations...

Page 12: ...ch key page 46 The sewing machine can be set to automatically sew reverse or reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of the stitching e Needle mode selection key single twin page 24 Press this...

Page 13: ...9370 021 18 Spool cap small 130013 124 5 Zigzag foot J on machine XZ5134 001 19 Extra spool pin XE2241 001 6 Blind stitch foot R XE2650 001 20 Spool net XA5523 020 7 Button fitting foot M XE2643 001 2...

Page 14: ...ler for a complete listing of optional accessories available for your machine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 No Part Name Part Code No Part Name Part Code 1 Side cutter BLG SCF 8 Open toe foot FA7 2 Qu...

Page 15: ...the machine does not operate correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection During electrical storms CAUTION Use only the power cord included with this machine Do not use extension cords or mul...

Page 16: ...location be sure to turn it off a Make sure that the machine is not sewing b Press the left side of the main power switch on the right side of the machine set it to X The sewing light and the LCD go o...

Page 17: ...he spool pin Slide the spool onto the pin so that the spool is horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front at the bottom CAUTION Only use the bobbin part code X52800 120 designed specifically for t...

Page 18: ...pool pin If the spool net is too long fold it to fit the size of the spool When the spool net is used the tension of the upper thread will slightly increase Be sure to check the thread tension For det...

Page 19: ...lide to left to decrease a Sewing speed controller m Press start stop button once When the foot controller is plugged in press down on the foot controller X The bobbin starts spinning and the thread i...

Page 20: ...bobbin cover a Bobbin cover b Latch d Insert the bobbin with your right hand so that the end of the thread is on the left and then after pulling the thread firmly around the tab with your left hand as...

Page 21: ...ad is indicated by marks around the needle plate cover Be sure to thread the machine as indicated f Reattach the bobbin cover Insert the tab in the lower left corner of the bobbin cover A and then pre...

Page 22: ...needle before continuing the procedure a b a Spool pin b Mark on handwheel CAUTION When threading the machine carefully follow the instructions If the upper threading is not performed correctly the th...

Page 23: ...ff quickly such as transparent nylon thread or metallic thread place the spool net over the spool before placing the spool of thread onto the spool pin If the spool net is too long fold it to fit the...

Page 24: ...ng the path indicated by the number on the machine l Slide the thread into the thread take up lever from the right to the left a Thread take up lever Memo If the needle is not raised the thread take u...

Page 25: ...needle When using specialty thread such as transparent nylon thread or metallic thread a wing needle or a twin needle which cannot be used with the needle threader thread the needle as described below...

Page 26: ...b Thread the upper thread for the left needle For details refer to steps a through m of Threading the upper thread page 20 c Manually thread the left needle with the upper thread Pass the thread thro...

Page 27: ...titch page 40 For details on the stitches that can be sewn with the twin needle refer to Stitch settings page 86 k Press Needle mode selection key X The twin needle can now be used To return to single...

Page 28: ...ccurs increase the stitch length For details on adjusting the stitch length refer to Adjusting the stitch length and width page 40 CAUTION When changing the sewing direction press needle position butt...

Page 29: ...eedle Failure to observe these precautions is extremely dangerous for example if the needle breaks and fragments are dispersed Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below CAUTION Only...

Page 30: ...on thread 60 90 75 11 90 14 Taffeta Synthetic thread Flannel Gabardine Silk thread 50 Thin fabrics Lawn Cotton thread 60 90 65 9 75 11 Georgette Synthetic thread Challis Satin Silk thread 50 Thick fab...

Page 31: ...urface Replacing the needle Replace the needle as described below Use the screwdriver and a correct needle as described in Checking the needle a Press needle position button once or twice to raise the...

Page 32: ...o the machine may result e With the flat side of the needle toward the rear of the machine insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper a Needle stopper f While holding the needle with your l...

Page 33: ...esser foot holder CAUTION Use the presser foot appropriate for the type of stitch that you wish to sew otherwise the needle may hit the presser foot causing the needle to bend or break Only use presse...

Page 34: ...presser foot lever so that the presser foot pin snaps into the notch in the presser foot holder X The presser foot is attached g Raise the presser foot lever to check that the presser foot is securel...

Page 35: ...cs that are hard to feed such as vinyl and leather and when sewing fabrics that easily slip such as velvets or when quilting Use the screwdriver to attach the walking foot Note Thread the needle manua...

Page 36: ...remove the walking foot a Presser foot holder screw e Attach the presser foot holder For details refer to Removing the presser foot holder page 32 Memo Only the straight stitch with reinforcement sti...

Page 37: ...wice release the automatic reverse reinforcement stitch key a Automatic reverse reinforcement stitch key X The needle stop position changes to the raised position Memo Perform the same operation to ch...

Page 38: ...elected when the machine is turned on a Turn off the sewing machine b While pressing needle mode selection key turn on the sewing machine When the machine beeps twice release the needle mode selection...

Page 39: ...ith the flat bed attachment removed free arm sewing is possible b Slide the part that you wish to sew onto the arm and then sew from the top c When you are finished with free arm sewing install the fl...

Page 40: ...e is available through your Baby Lock retailer d Turn the screw at the bottom of each leg to adjust their height so the extension table will be level with the sewing machine bed e When you are finishe...

Page 41: ...sser foot causing the needle to bend or break When sewing make sure that the needle does not strike basting pins otherwise the needle may break or bend Before replacing the presser foot be sure to tur...

Page 42: ...LCD a Presser foot type For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 31 Memo The presser foot to be used is indicated by the letter J A etc that appears above the stitch number d If necessary...

Page 43: ...e fabric are aligned correctly a Turn on the sewing machine The straight stitch left needle position is automatically selected b Press needle position button once or twice to raise the needle a Needle...

Page 44: ...sewing machine The sewing speed can be adjusted using either the sewing speed controller or the foot controller Note Important When the foot controller is plugged in start stop button cannot be used t...

Page 45: ...rted and stopped using the foot controller a Turn off the sewing machine When connecting the foot controller be sure to turn off the sewing machine in order to prevent the machine from accidentally be...

Page 46: ...g is stopped For details on setting the machine so that the needle stays up when sewing is stopped refer to Changing the needle stop position page 35 Securing the stitching When sewing with the straig...

Page 47: ...is held down reverse stitches are sewn g After 3 to 5 reverse stitches have been sewn release reverse reinforcement stitch button X The machine stops sewing h Press start stop button or press down on...

Page 48: ...stitches and zigzag stitches reverse stitches not reinforcement stitches are automatically sewn a Select a stitch For details refer to Selecting a stitch page 40 b Press automatic reverse reinforceme...

Page 49: ...on of the upper thread Note If the upper thread is not threaded correctly or the bobbin is not installed correctly it may not be possible to set the correct thread tension If the correct thread tensio...

Page 50: ...project Changing the sewing direction a When stitching reaches a corner stop the sewing machine Leave the needle lowered in the fabric If the needle remained up when the machine stopped sewing press...

Page 51: ...ing pin black button d Release the presser foot locking pin black button X The presser foot remains level allowing the fabric to be fed After the seam is sewn the presser foot will return to its norma...

Page 52: ...g And then sew the edge of the hook and loop fastener at a slow speed If the needle does not pass through the hook and loop fastener replace the needle with the needle for thick fabrics page 28 a Edge...

Page 53: ...hine d Lightly hold the end of the upper thread a Upper thread e With the needle raised press needle position button twice a Needle position button f Carefully pull the upper thread upward to pull out...

Page 54: ...stitch J Overcasting on medium weight or stretch fabrics attaching elastic darning etc 5 0 3 16 1 5 7 0 1 16 1 4 1 0 1 16 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement Overcasting stitch G Overcasting on t...

Page 55: ...c Attach overcasting foot G For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 31 d Position the fabric with the edge of the fabric against the guide of the presser foot and then lower the presser f...

Page 56: ...be adjusted with the straight stitch left needle position and the triple stretch stitch by adjusting the stitch width Press the side of the stitch width key for a left needle position or press the sid...

Page 57: ...ld back the fabric along the basting and then position the fabric with the wrong side facing up a Wrong side of fabric b Basting stitching c Desired edge of hem d 5 mm 3 16 inch e Edge of hem b Turn o...

Page 58: ...ld The needle is positioned too far to the left Press the side of the stitch width key to adjust the needle position so that the needle slightly catches the fold of the hem a Wrong side of fabric b Ri...

Page 59: ...utton holes on thin and medium weight fabrics 5 0 3 16 3 0 5 0 1 8 3 16 0 5 1 32 0 2 1 0 1 64 1 16 No No Automatic Reinforcement A Secured button holes for fabrics that have backings 5 0 3 16 3 0 5 0...

Page 60: ...The names of parts of buttonhole foot A which is used for sewing buttonholes are indicated below CAUTION Before replacing the presser foot be sure to turn off the sewing machine otherwise injuries ma...

Page 61: ...nch and a thickness of 10 mm 3 8 inch the button guide plate should be set to 25 mm 1 inch on the scale a 10 mm 3 8 inch b 15 mm 9 16 inch X The size of the buttonhole is set c Turn on the machine d W...

Page 62: ...eam ripper to cut towards the pin and open the buttonhole a Seam ripper For keyhole buttonholes use the enclosed eyelet punch to make a hole in the rounded end of the buttonhole and then use the seam...

Page 63: ...nd then loosely tie it b Turn on the sewing machine c Select stitch or d Attach buttonhole foot A For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 31 e Adjust the stitch width to the thickness of...

Page 64: ...the stitch width so that it is the same as the distance between the holes in the button g Place the button into button fitting foot M a Button X The button is held in place When attaching four hole b...

Page 65: ...dogs a Drop feed lever as seen from the rear of the machine Memo The feed dog position switch is normally set to the right side as seen from the rear of machine The feed dogs come up when you start se...

Page 66: ...fter reaching the zipper opening For details on basic stitching refer to Basic Stitching page 54 c Baste the two pieces up to the edge of the fabric a Basting stitching b Reverse stitching c Wrong sid...

Page 67: ...tching Inserting a side zipper Stitching is sewn on only one piece of fabric Use this type of zipper for side openings and back openings a Stitching b Right side of fabric c End of zipper opening The...

Page 68: ...3 mm 1 8 inch f Align the zipper teeth with the pressed edge of the fabric having the extra 3 mm 1 8 inch and then baste or pin the zipper in place a Zipper teeth b Basting stitching g With the patter...

Page 69: ...e pin in step h change it to the left side of the pin a Left side of the pin b Needle drop point For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 31 m Topstitch along the zipper Sew reverse stitch...

Page 70: ...ngth of the elastic tape be used a Pin the elastic tape to the wrong side of the fabric Pin the elastic tape to the fabric at a few points to make sure that the tape is uniformly positioned on the fab...

Page 71: ...ape to the fabric while stretching the tape so that it is the same length as the fabric While pulling the fabric behind the presser foot with your left hand pull the fabric at the pin nearest the fron...

Page 72: ...7 32 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 16 0 2 5 0 1 64 3 16 No No Reinforcement Joining stitch J Patchwork stitch ing and decorative stitching 4 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 1 2 1 16 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcemen...

Page 73: ...stitch or f Attach zigzag foot J For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 31 g Turn the handwheel toward you and then begin sewing around the edge of the appliqu making sure that the needl...

Page 74: ...o To change the width of the seam allowance the needle position adjust the stitch width Quilting Sandwiching batting between the top and bottom layers of fabric is called quilting Quilts can easily be...

Page 75: ...switch so that the fabric is not fed The optional quilting foot is needed for free motion quilting Note Thread the needle manually when using the quilting foot or thread the needle with the needle th...

Page 76: ...select stitch or h Use both hands to stretch the fabric taut and then move the fabric to follow the pattern Reinforcement stitches are sewn at the beginning and end of stitching a Pattern Reverse stit...

Page 77: ...stitch width key for a left needle position or press the side for a right needle position a Stitch width b Stitch width key c Moves the needle position to the left d Moves the needle position to the...

Page 78: ...foot scale b Length of bar tack c 5 mm 3 16 inch b Turn on the machine c With the pattern selection dial select stitch d Attach buttonhole foot A For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page...

Page 79: ...ead in your left hand and then start sewing X Once sewing is completed the machine automatically sews reinforcement stitches then stops i Raise the presser foot lever cut the threads and then remove t...

Page 80: ...3 32 1 4 2 5 3 32 1 0 4 0 1 16 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement J Patchwork stitching and decorativestitching 5 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 1 2 1 16 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement Shell tuck stitch J S...

Page 81: ...t looks like shells is called scalloping It is used on the collars of blouses and to decorate the edges of handkerchiefs a Turn on the machine b Select stitch Hemstitching N Decorative hemming on thin...

Page 82: ...blouses or cuffs The smocking stitch adds texture and elasticity to fabric a Turn on the machine b Select the straight stitch and then adjust the stitch length to 4 0 mm 3 16 inch and loosen the threa...

Page 83: ...bric a Needle drop point f Unfold the fabric and then iron the tucks down to one side Joining Decorative bridging stitches can be sewn over the seam allowance of joined fabrics This is used when makin...

Page 84: ...several threads from the fabric b Attach monogramming foot N For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 31 c Select stitch For details refer to Selecting a stitch page 40 CAUTION The needle...

Page 85: ...that it looks like the previous stitching Drawnwork Example 2 a Pull out several threads from two sections of the fabric separated by an unfrayed section of about 4 mm 3 16 inch a 4 mm 3 16 inch b At...

Page 86: ...e presser foot lever e Raise the presser foot lever even higher and then hook the connecting fork of the side cutter onto the needle clamp screw a Connecting fork b Needle clamp screw Stitch Name Patt...

Page 87: ...guide plate and the left side of the cut is underneath the presser foot a Guide plate Note If the fabric is not positioned correctly the fabric will not be cut k Lower the presser foot lever and then...

Page 88: ...wing gathers or pintucks etc 3 5 1 8 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 0 2 5 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J Yes Reverse Triple stretch stitch J Attaching sleeves sew ing inseams sewing stretch fabrics and dec orative stitchi...

Page 89: ...ing J Straight stitch quilting that looks hand sewn 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 1 0 4 0 1 16 3 16 No No Reinforcement Quilting stitch for stippling J Quilting background stitching stippling 7 0 1 4 1...

Page 90: ...abrics heir loom stitching etc 5 0 3 16 1 5 7 0 1 16 1 4 4 0 3 16 1 5 4 0 1 16 3 16 No No Reinforcement N Decorative hemming on thin medium weight and plain weave fabrics heir loom stitching etc 5 0 3...

Page 91: ...0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 No No Reinforcement Satin stitches N For decoration etc 7 0 1 4 2 5 7 0 3 32 1 4 0 4 1 64 0 1 1 0 1 64 1 16 Yes J No Reinforcement N For decoration etc 7 0 1...

Page 92: ...dust collect in the race therefore it should be cleaned periodically a Turn off the sewing machine and then unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet b Raise the needle and presser foot lever c...

Page 93: ...ate cover into the needle plate and then slide the cover back into position Removing the needle plate When the thread is tangled and cannot be removed by cleaning the race remove the needle plate a Fo...

Page 94: ...e needle plate to its original position and then tighten the screws with the disc shaped screwdriver Note Align the two screw holes on the needle plate with the two holes on the machine e Follow steps...

Page 95: ...e Lower thread Cause Incorrect lower threading If the lower thread is incorrectly threaded instead of the appropriate tension being applied to the lower thread it is pulled through the fabric when th...

Page 96: ...is made and sewing cannot continue Looking under the fabric there is tangled thread in the bobbin case Cause Incorrect upper threading If the upper thread is incorrectly threaded the upper thread pas...

Page 97: ...with your left hand and then pass the thread under the thread guide a Thread guide g Pass the thread under the thread guide cover from the back to the front Hold the thread with your right hand so tha...

Page 98: ...not being used the thread tension will not be adjusted correctly causing wrinkles in the fabric or skipped stitches Refer to Needle types and their uses on page 28 to check that a needle and thread a...

Page 99: ...edle out of the fabric and then remove the needle Refer to Replacing the needle on page 29 d Remove the presser foot and presser foot holder Refer to Replacing the presser foot on page 31 and Removing...

Page 100: ...les at the needle plate mounting base and then fit the needle plate onto the machine o Lightly finger tighten the screw on the right side of the needle plate Then use the disc shaped screwdriver to fi...

Page 101: ...edle contacts the needle plate remove the needle plate and then install it again starting with step m in Removing the fabric from the machine on page 97 a Hole in the needle plate b Handwheel d Select...

Page 102: ...f the bobbin winding thread guide correctly the thread may become tangled under the bobbin winder seat In such a case wind off the thread according to the following procedure a Thread b Bobbin winder...

Page 103: ...m the shaft d Hold the thread end with your left hand and wind off the thread clockwise near the bobbin with your right hand as shown below e Wind the bobbin again Note Make sure that the thread passe...

Page 104: ...led Correctly install the needle page 29 The needle clamp screw is loose Use the screwdriver to firmly tighten the screw page 30 The needle is bent or blunt Replace the needle with a new one page 29 T...

Page 105: ...he nearest authorized service center The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched Replace the presser foot Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center The bobbin case i...

Page 106: ...ent or blunt Replace the needle with a new one page 29 If thin fabrics are being sewn the stitch is too long or the fabric is not being fed correctly Sew with stabilizer material under the fabric page...

Page 107: ...page 90 While winding the bobbin the bobbin thread was wound below the bobbin winder seat You have not wound the bobbin thread properly After removing the thread wound below the bobbin winder seat win...

Page 108: ...ng the operation The buttonhole or bar tack stitch was selected and the start stop button was pressed The foot controller was depressed if it is connected while the button hole lever is raised Lower t...

Page 109: ...or the cause of the error and correct it before continuing to sew Canceling the operation beep When the sewing machine is purchased it is set to beep each time an operation panel key is pressed This s...

Page 110: ...e motion quilting 73 H heirloom stitching 82 I included accessories 11 J joining 81 M main power switch 14 maintenance 90 monogramming foot 11 80 82 N needle 27 needle plate cover 90 needle position 5...

Page 111: ...et 11 21 spool pin 20 start stop button 9 42 stitch guide foot 12 stitch length 40 stitch settings 86 stitch width 40 straight stitch 54 stretch stitching 68 T thread guide 20 thread tension 47 thread...

Page 112: ...English 885 V15 Printed in China XF7113 001...