Baby Lock BL40A Reference Guide

Getting to Know:

A-LINE SERIES

Model BL40A

Baby Lock Consumer Helpline: 800-313-4110

www.babylock.com

A-LINE SERIES

Model BL40A

If you’re an ambitious sewer, Grace can help you get to the head of the class when it comes
to your sewing projects. This versatile machine is equipped to take your sewing to the next
step with project-enhancing features and everything you need to make challenging projects a
breeze. From timeless, classic fashions to modern crafts and décor, Grace will always be there
to lend a hand.

This Getting to Know Guide will take you through a simple, step-by-step process on how to
wind your bobbin, thread the machine, set stitches and more. Once you’re familiar with your
machine, refer to the instructions and reference guide (packaged with your machine) for
additional directions.

Like all machines in the A-Line Series, Grace has the features and the durability to handle all
of your projects – you can always count on her to be there for you. Be sure to ask your Baby
Lock Retailer about Grace’s friends in the A-Line Series; like Lauren, Natalie, Maria and Audrey.
From classic tailored looks to modern-day fashions, the machines in the A-Line Series will help
you sew and serge with success – all with the quality you’ve come to expect from Baby Lock.

Winding the Bobbin

1 Hook for the bobbin-winding thread guide
2 Pretension disk
3 Bobbin winder shaft
4 Bobbin

1. Placethebobbinonthebobbinwindershaftsothatthespringontheshafttsintothenotch

in the bobbin.

1 Notch
2 Bobbin winder shaft spring

2. Slide the bobbin winder shaft to the right until it snaps into place.

3. Fully insert the spool of thread for the bobbin onto the spool pin. Slide the spool onto the pin
so that the spool is horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front at the bottom.

1

Winding the Bobbin

4. Slide the spool cap onto the spool pin.

5. Pull some thread off the spool and pass the thread under the thread guide, then behind the
thread guide, cover from the back to the front. Hold the thread with your right hand so that there is
no slack in the thread after placing it under the thread guide, and then pass the thread behind the
thread guide cover with your left hand.

1

1 Thread guide

2

6. Pull the thread, pass it under the hook of the bobbin-winding thread guide, and then wind the
thread counterclockwise between the discs, pulling it in as far as possible.

1 Hook for the bobbin-winding thread guide
2 Pretension disk

2 Thread guide cover

2

Winding the Bobbin

7. While using your left hand to hold the thread that was passed through the bobbin-winding
thread guide, use your right hand to wind the end of the thread clockwise around the bobbin

 veorsixtimes.

8. Pass the end of the thread through the slit in the bobbin winder seat, and then pull the thread
to the right to cut it. The thread is cut to a suitable length.

1 Slit in bobbin seat (with built-in cutter)

9. Press start/stop button once. The bobbin starts spinning and the thread is wound around the
bobbin. Slide the sewing speed controller to the right to increase the speed, if desired.

2

1 Start/Stop button
2 Sewing speed controller

10. When the bobbin winding becomes slow, press start/stop button once to stop the machine.

11. Cut the thread, slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left, and then remove the bobbin from the

shaft.

NOTE: When the sewing machine is started or the handwheel is turned after winding the bobbin, the

machine will make a clicking sound; this is not a malfunction. Sewing is not possible while the bobbin
winder shaft is moved to the right.

3

Inserting the Bobbin

1. Press needle position button once or twice to raise the needle, and then raise the presser
foot lever. Turn OFF the sewing machine (set it to “O”).

1 Needle position button

2. Slide the latch on the right side of the bobbin cover to the right, and then remove the bobbin
cover.

1 Bobbin cover
2 Latch

3. Insert the bobbin so that the thread unwinds to the left side and catches under the tab. Lightly
hold down the bobbin with your right hand, and guide the thread through the slot, and then
pull it toward you to cut it with the cutter. The cutter cuts the thread.

2

1 Tab
2 Slot

3

3 Cutter

1

4