Baby Lock BLCS Instruction Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Model BLCS

"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.

2.Always unplug before replacing light bulb. Replace bulb with same type rated 15 watts/110 volts in 110V/120V area. (15 watts 240 volts in 220V/240V area.)

WARNING- To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

1.Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the sewing machine is used by or near children.

2.Use this overlock machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.

3.Never operate this overlock machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the overlock machine to the nearest authorized dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

4.Never operate the overlock machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the overlock machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

5.Never drop or insert any object into any opening.

6.Do not use outdoors.

7.Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

8.To disconnect, turn the main switch to the symbol "O" position which represents off, then remove plug from outlet.

9.Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.

10.Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the overlock machine needle.

11.Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong needle plate can cause the needle to break.

12.Do not use bent needles.

13.Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle(s) causing it to break.

14.Switch the overlock machine to the symbol "O" position when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading looper, or changing presser foot, and the like.

15.Always unplug the overlock machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making any of the user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.

16.Keep fingers away from moving parts, especially the area near the blades.

17.Please note that on disposal, this product must be safely recycled in accordance with

relevant National legislation relating to electrical / electronic products. If in doubt

please contact your retailer for guidance.

18.The appliance is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision.

19.Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.

European Union only

"SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS" "This overlock machine is intended for household use."

Welcome to the Baby Lock Cover Stitch Machine

Your Baby Lock Cover Stitch machine provides a variety of chain and cover stitches, allowing you to create professional looking hems just like the ready-to-wear fashions in stores. A variety of stitch widths and lengths also provide options for creating the look you want.

Your Baby Lock Cover Stitch is a high-quality, dependable machine. The patented Jet-Air Threading system makes threading the looper a breeze. Speedy at 1300 stitches per minute, BLCS allows you to complete hems quickly. Other features including differential feed,auto-ten- sion release when the presser foot is lifted, and manual tension adjustments put you in control of your project.

With proper care and maintenance, your Baby Lock Cover Stitch machine promises years of high-quality, dependable performance and sewing pleasure. Keep this instruction manual as a step-by-step guide to become familiar with your Baby Lock.

Happy Sewing!

For additional product information visit our website at www.babylock.com

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C O N T E N T S

OVERVIEW ..................................................................................................................4 How Your Machine Operates ................................................................................ 4 Overview of the Baby Lock ................................................................................... 5 Accessories............................................................................................................. 6 Needles ..................................................................................................................7 Thread ..................................................................................................................7 Optional Accessories.............................................................................................. 7 Accessory Adapter ..................................................................................................7 Setting Up Your Baby Lock................................................................................ 8/9

O Side Cover.............................................................................................................. 9 Thread Cutter...................................................................................................... 10 F Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment..................................................................... 10 Snap-on Presser Foot .......................................................................................... 10 Stitch Length ....................................................................................................... 11 Differential Feed.................................................................................................. 11 Chain/Cover Stitch Tension Dials ...................................................................... 12 Needle Tension Dial............................................................................... 12 Chain Looper Tension Dial.................................................................... 12

THREADING ................................................................................................................13 Threading Preparation........................................................................................ 13 Threading Your Baby Lock ................................................................................. 13 Locked Position for Threading............................................................................ 13 Thread Stand and Thread Port Reference Chart .............................................. 13 Chain Looper ........................................................................................................14 Chain/Cover Needles........................................................................................... 15

Left Needle - C-1.................................................................................... 15 Center Needle - C-2 ............................................................................... 15 Right Needle - C-3 ................................................................................. 15

How to Use the Needle Threader ....................................................................... 16 Front Cover Seam Guide .................................................................................... 16 Re-threading Looper ............................................................................................16 Start to Sew ......................................................................................................... 17 To Chain-Off of the fabric.....................................................................................17

T A B L E

Table of Contents

Table of Contents (Cont.)
CHAIN/COVER STITCH ............................................................................................	18
Chain Stitching ..............................................................................................	18/19
Chain Stitch - Tension Adjustment......................................................	19
Cover Stitch - Right Narrow - 3mm .............................................................	20/21
Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment .........................................................	21
Cover Stitch - Left Narrow - 3mm.................................................................	22/23
Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment .........................................................	23
Cover Stitch - Wide - 6mm.............................................................................	24/25
Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment .........................................................	25
Triple Cover Stitch - 6mm .............................................................................	26/27
Triple Cover Stitch Tension Adjustment ..............................................	27
TECHNIQUES...............................................................................................................	28
Turning Corners - Chain Stitch..........................................................................	28
Turning Corners - Cover Stitch ..........................................................................	28
Flat Hemming - Cover Stitch .............................................................................	29
Hemming in the Round - Cover Stitch...............................................................	29
Securing Chain and Cover Stitching..................................................................	30
SPECIALTY THREADS ...............................................................................................	31
Using Specialty Threads.....................................................................................	31
Lightweight Threads...........................................................................................	31
Mediumweight Threads......................................................................................	31
Heavyweight Threads .........................................................................................	31
Bypassing the Threading Port............................................................................	32
Looper Threading Tool ........................................................................................	33
Thread Cradle for Looper ...................................................................................	34
Specialty Thread Guide Chart ...........................................................................	35
MAINTENANCE ..........................................................................................................	36
Troubleshooting..............................................................................................	36/37
Replacing Needles ...............................................................................................	38
Replacing Light Bulb ..........................................................................................	39
Cleaning...............................................................................................................	40
TECHNICAL DATA......................................................................................................	41
Technical data .....................................................................................................	41
STITCH SELECTION CHART ....................................................................................	42
Chart for Stitch Selection Setting for Chain/Cover ...................................................	42

T A B L E

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C O N T E N T S

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How Your Machine Operates

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Awareness of its simple operation will enable you to become more proficient in its use. Please read

all instructions before using your new machine.

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Use one, two or three chain/cover stitch needles and one looper for a chain or cover stitch.

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When forming a chain stitch, the chain needle thread catches the chain looper to form a straight

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stitch on the top of your fabric and thread chain loops on the underside. Use 2 or 3 cover stitch

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needles and the chain looper to form a double or triple row of straight stitching on the top and a

weave of thread on the underside of your fabric.

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After setting up your machine for the first time, take a few moments to learn how it sews. Before

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your machine is threaded, turn the handwheel toward you and watch the operation of the various

parts.

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Overview of the Baby Lock

1.	Presser foot pressure adjusting screw	16. Accessory compartment & spool stand
2.	Machine lock button release lever	17.	Differential feed adjusting lever
3.	Machine lock button	18.	Left needle tension dial
4.	Presser foot thread release lever*	19.	Center needle tension dial
5.	Looper threading lever	20.	Right needle tension dial
6.	Thread cutter	21.	Looper tension dial
7.	Needle height viewing area	22.	Needle drop drawer
8.	Needle clamp screw	23.	Chain looper threading port
9.	Needle plate	24.	Telescopic thread guide and antenna
10.	Snap-on presser foot	25.	Power switch
11. Side cover		26. Attachment screw holes
12.	Front table
13.	Handwheel	* Raising the presser foot releases needle
14.	Carrying handle	threads.
15.	Stitch length dial

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	1	24
6	18	19
		20
		14
7		16
8		23
10
		21
9
		25
11		5
15		13
		17
26		3
		2
22		12

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Accessories

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Your Baby Lock has a built-in accessory compartment. To open, swing the "lid" on the thread

spoolstand to the right to reveal the tray holding some of the accessories listed below. Others may

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be found in the machine packing materials.

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Accessory

Number included

Located in

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Instruction manual

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Packing box

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Guide fixing screws for table

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Accessory compartment

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Lint brush/needle insert tool

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Accessory compartment

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Package of assorted sized needles

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Accessory compartment

Schmetz ELx705CF

Allen screwdriver

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Accessory compartment

Tweezers

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Accessory compartment

Needle threader

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Accessory compartment

Chain/Cover stitch needle screws

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Accessory compartment

Accessory adapter(for Optional Accessories)

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Accessory compartment

Looper threading tool

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Accessory packet

Screwdriver

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Accessory packet

Machine cover

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Accessory packet

Mounting bolt with washer(U.S.A. only)

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Accessory packet

Thread nets

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Accessory packet

Spool caps

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Accessory packet

Sponge disks

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Accessory packet

Cone holders

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On machine

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Needles

Your Baby Lock is set up with 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.

Thread

All types of thread may be used on your Baby Lock, but 100% long-staple polyester thread, crosswound on a cone, consistently provides the best stitch performance. Because the threads must pass through several thread guides at high speeds, they must be of uniform thickness and high strength with a minimum amount of linting.

Good-quality cotton or cotton-covered polyester threads sew well, though they produce more lint, creating the need to clean the machine more frequently. Poor grades of thread can result in frequent fraying, breaking and unbalanced stitches.

Threads of other fiber contents and weights may be used, depending on their strength and thickness. Testing will help you determine how easily they can pass through the thread guides, thread slots, needles and loopers.

Important Note: For maximum performance of the Baby Lock, it is recommended to use "100% polyester-long fiber thread". Recommended brands are Maxi-Lock and Metrosene. This thread also performs best when used with many decorative threads for sewing specialty decorative techniques.

Optional Accessories

CHAIN/COVER STITCH OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Belt Loop Folder (3/4" & 1-1/2")-(19mm & 38mm)

Double Fold Bias Binder (1-1/8" & 1-3/8")-(28mm & 36mm)

Elastic Gatherer Bracket

Elastic Guide for Gatherer Bracket (1/4", 3/8" & 1/2")-(7.5mm, 10mm, & 13mm)

Fabric Guide

Pintuck Foot with 2 guides

Plain Hemmer (1/4" & 1/2")-(7mm & 13mm)

Single Downturn Feller (1/4", 5/8" & 1")-(7mm, 16mm & 25mm)

Knit / Woven Double Fold Bias Binder (8mm, 10mm, &15mm) NOTE:

Use the front two Attachment Screw Holes for the Knit / Woven Double Fold Bias Binder.

Use the back two Attachment Screw Holes with the Accessory Adapter for the Optional Accessories.

These optional accessories are available at your Baby Lock retailer.

Accessory Adapter

Place Accessory Adapter over the back two holes of the front cover table.

Place the accessory bracket on top of the Accessory Adapter.

Insert the Guide Fixing Screws to hold the Accessory Adapter and Accessory in place.

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	Setting Up Your Baby Lock
	O	1. Remove machine from box
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	E	After removing the packing materials from
	R	the box, gently lift your Baby Lock by grasp-
		ing the handle provided on the top of the
	V	machine. Place the machine on a sewing
		table or any level surface that provides
	I	ample work area to the left. Place the foot
		controller in a pedal stay, if desired, and
	E	place it under the sewing table.
	W	2. Plug in the machine
	A	Plug the power cord into the machine first,
		then into a wall outlet. The power switch is
		located toward the back on the right side of
		the machine. Always make sure the power is
		off when the machine is not in use (fig. A).
		Available foot controller for U.S.A.: Model
		YC-482 or YC-420W.
		3. Polarized plug
		This appliance has a polarized plug (one
		blade wider than the other). To reduce the
		risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to
		fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the
		plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse
		the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qual-
		ified electrician to install the proper outlet.
		Do not modify the plug in any way.
		4. Foot controller
		The sewing speed of the machine is deter-
		mined by the amount of pressure applied to
		the foot controller. When not in use, do not
		place anything on the foot controller, or the
		machine could start inadvertently and the
		controller or motor could burn out.

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Setting Up Your Baby Lock

5. 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. B).

6. Opening Front table

To open the front table, place your thumb B against the tab, and slide the cover to the right. A slight pull toward you will allow the cover to swing down, providing access

to the chain looper. (fig. C).

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Side Cover

Open side door on the left for easy access to the chain looper thread tray.

Close door before sewing.

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Thread Cutter

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	V	There is a thread cutter located on the left side of your machine. At
	E	the end of a seam, sew off the fabric edge and continue sewing to
	R	create a 5 - 6 inch(12 - 15cm) thread chain.
		Bring the chain of thread up and back and pull forward into the
	V	thread cutter.
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	E	Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment
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		The presser foot pressure has been preset at the factory and rarely
		needs adjustment. You may find it necessary, however, to decrease
		the pressure for thick fabrics or increase pressure for thin fabrics to
		feed more smoothly under the foot. Use a coin to turn the screw on
		top of the machine.
		To increase pressure, turn the pressure adjusting screw clockwise.
		To decrease pressure, turn the screw counterclockwise.

Snap-On Presser Foot

Presser Foot

Release Lever

The Baby Lock has the convenience of a snap-on presser foot. To Release:

1.Raise the presser foot lever. This will also lower the feed dogs out of the way.

2.Raise the needles to the highest position.

3.Push the presser foot release lever located at the back of the presser foot holder.

4.Slide the presser foot to the left of the needles.

To Replace:

1.Raise the presser foot lever.This will also lower the feed dogs out of the way.

2.Raise the needles to the highest position.

3.Slide the foot from the left to right.

4.Align the bar to the foot with the groove in the holder.

5.Lower the presser foot lever to snap into place.

6.Turn the hand wheel counter clockwise to engage the feed dogs in the up position.

The raised markings on the toe of the foot are seam line guides. They indicate the needle positions to help guide your fabric for accurate seaming.

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Stitch Length

			The stitch length adjusting dial is con-
			veniently located just to the left of the
			front cover, near the base plate (fig. A).
			The dial shows the stitch-length rang-
			ing from 1, for the shortest stitch, to 4
A		B	for the longest.
			Simply turn the dial aligning the
			desired setting with the indicator mark

on the machine. A stitch length of 3mm, or about 10 stitches per inch is ideal for most fabrics. For seaming very lightweight fabrics, you may prefer a shorter stitch length. When sewing heavier fabrics, you may choose to lengthen the stitch (fig. B).

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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 (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. This is the setting to use for most fabrics and

applications (fig. B).

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When the dial is set above "N", the front feed dog will feed more fabrics than the back. This is because the front feed dog moves at a greater distance than the back feed dogs. As a result, the fabric becomes compressed or eased, as the diagram on the front cover indicates. This can eliminate wavy seams in stretchy fabrics or those cut on the bias grain.

At the maximum setting of 2.0 (fig. C),	the differential feed can gath-
er a lightweight fabric to nearly double fullness (fig. D).
The front feed dog is actually feeding in twice as much fabric as the
back feed dog is feeding out. To maximize the gathering effects, use
the longest stitch length setting. Fabric weight will affect the gather-
ing. Test stitch for desired results.	D

When the differential feed lever is set below "N" (fig. F), the front feed dog moves less distance than the back feed dog. This adjustment stretches the fabric slightly as it is sewn. The lower settings prevent puckers on lightweight fabric (fig. E).

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B

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Needle Tension Dials

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V	From left to right the dials are:
	Red for C1 chain needle, Yellow for C2 chain needle and Green for C3 chain needle.
E	The tension settings range from 0 to 9. The fabric and thread that you are working with will deter-
R	mine what the tension setting will be. Be sure to sew test after changing the settings.
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Chain Looper Tension Dial

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The chain looper dial is color coded blue for easy identification. The tension settings range from 0

to 9. The fabric, thread and stitch that you are working with will determine what the tension set-

ting will be. Be sure to sew test after changing the settings.

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