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To Begin Quilting
Thread Requirements
Threads have a tendency to dry rot over a
period of time. Be sure to choose high qual-
ity threads for your valuable heirloom quilts.
Most machine quilting threads on the market
today are acceptable.
Needle Requirements
For general quilting, a size 16/100 needle will
accommodate most threads and fabrics.
Heavier threads, such as top stitch and some
decorative threads, require a larger needle such
as 18/110 or 20/125. Lofty battings and heav-
ier fabrics such as denim, canvas or densely
woven fabric may also require a larger needle.
To Prepare for Quilting
With any quilting machine, it is important to
understand the basics of free motion quilt-
ing. The Baby Lock Crown Jewel III Quilting
Machine does not have feed dogs like domes-
tic machines; therefore, the fabric does not
automatically feed under the hopping foot.
The operator should synchronize the speed as
well as the movement of the machine to get an
even, consistent stitch.
In order to become comfortable with the free
motion of the Baby Lock Crown Jewel III,
users can begin with a few “beginner” tech-
niques.
In MANUAL Mode:
Set the machine at a me-
dium speed and begin moving it until you be-
come accustomed to the resistance. By moving
the machine faster, the stitches begin to elon-
gate. The stitch speed can either be increased
or the machine can be moved slower to get the
stitches back to the desired length. By moving
the machine slower, the stitches get shorter
and can build up on top of each other, break-
ing the thread or making it extremely difficult
to unpick. The stitch speed can be decreased, while maintaining
a constant motion with the machine to bring the stitches back
to the desired length.
In REGULATED Mode:
Set the machine to desired stitch
length. Begin moving the machine to become accustomed to
the resistance. The machine motor will slow down or speed up
to maintain a consistent stitch length according to how quickly
or slowly you move the machine. Moving the machine too fast
or in radical or jerky movements will defeat the stitch regulator
function.
In MANUAL or CRUISE REGULATED mode,
when pressing
the “Start/Stop” key on the front or rear handle bars to begin
quilting make certain to begin moving the machine immediate-
ly. If the needle stitches in one place too long, the stitches build
up on top of each other causing a build-up of thread or thread
breakage. When bringing the machine to a complete stop press
the “Start/Stop” key at the same moment the machine stops
moving. If the machine is still moving when the “Start/Stop”
key is pressed, it can cause deflection in the needle, possibly
causing it to bend or break.
In PRECISION REGULATED mode,
the needle will not be-
gin moving when you press the “Start/Stop” key until you begin
moving the machine.
When quilting, relax your hands and maintain a light touch on
the handlebars. Gripping the handlebars too tightly may cause
body tension resulting in poor quilting quality. The Baby Lock
Crown Jewel III, combined with the Baby Lock quilting frame
system will give you a smooth even glide.
Summary of Contents for Crown Jewel III BLCJ18-3
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