Baby Lock IMAGINE User Manual

"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 230 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 recommend-

ed 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 retailer 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 super-

vision.

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

"SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS"

"This overlock machine is intended for household use."

Welcome to the Baby Lock Imagine

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The Baby Lock Imagine has an exclusive "Thread Delivery System" that eliminates confusing tension
adjustments. The Imagine enables you to accomplish a perfect stitch with any type of thread on any type
of fabric. You no longer need to guess at the correct tension adjustments.

Your Baby Lock Imagine is a high-quality, dependable machine. It gives you the ability to seam, overcast
and trim all in one operation. Fabrics and threads you previously avoided are now a joy to sew because
the Baby Lock Imagine handles all varieties with equal ease. With the Baby Lock Imagine your creative
options are endless and your time spent serging is more fulfilling and rewarding. With the "Instant Jet-Air
Threading", even threading the Imagine is a breeze.

With proper care and maintenance, your Baby Lock Imagine 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 Imagine and expand your sewing horizons.

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

Happy Sewing!

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Table of Contents

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OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 4

How Your Serger Operates ........................................................................................... 4

Overview of the Imagine .............................................................................................. 5

ACCESSORIES ...................................................................................................................... 6

Accessories................................................................................................................... 6

Needles ......................................................................................................................... 7

Thread........................................................................................................................... 7

Optional Accessories..................................................................................................... 7

SERGER SET UP ................................................................................................................... 8

Setting Up Your Imagine ............................................................................................ 8/9

Threading Your Imagine .............................................................................................. 10

Locked Position for Threading .................................................................................... 10

Lower Looper .............................................................................................................. 10

Upper Looper .............................................................................................................. 11

Right Needle ............................................................................................................... 12

Left Needle.................................................................................................................. 13

Needle Threader ......................................................................................................... 13

Looper Thread Fine-Tuning Screw.............................................................................. 13

SERGING WITH FABRIC ..................................................................................................... 14

Serging with Fabric ..................................................................................................... 14

Clearing the Stitch Width Fingers................................................................................ 14

Thread Delivery System.............................................................................................. 15

Stitch Selector ............................................................................................................. 15

Re-threading Loopers ................................................................................................. 15

Re-threading Needles ................................................................................................. 15

Imagine MACHINE SETTINGS ............................................................................................ 16

Stitch Length / Rolled Hem ......................................................................................... 16

Stitch Width ................................................................................................................. 16

Differential Feed.......................................................................................................... 17

Disengaging the Upper Cutting Blade......................................................................... 18

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment ............................................................................. 18

Snap-On Presser Foot ................................................................................................ 18

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4-THREAD OVERLOCK....................................................................................................... 19

4-Thread Overlock ...................................................................................................... 19

3-THREAD OVERLOCK....................................................................................................... 20

3-Thread Overlock - Wide ............................................................................................ 20

3-Thread Overlock - Narrow......................................................................................... 21

3-Thread Overlock - Narrow Hemming ........................................................................ 22

Rolled Edging .............................................................................................................. 23

3-Thread Rolled Edge ................................................................................................. 23

3-Thread Flatlock ........................................................................................................ 24

2-THREAD OVERLOCK....................................................................................................... 25

2-Thread Overlock ....................................................................................................... 25

Converting from 3-Thread Overlock to 2-Thread Overlock ......................................... 25

2-Thread Flatlock - Wide............................................................................................. 26

2-Thread Flatlock - Narrow ......................................................................................... 27

Flatlock "Topstitching" ................................................................................................. 28

Blind Hemming............................................................................................................ 29

Blanket Stitch - Decorative Stitch................................................................................. 30

Ladder Stitch - Decorative Stitch................................................................................. 31

Returning to 3 or 4-Thread Overlock........................................................................... 32

Table of Contents (Cont.)

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ROLLED EDGING ................................................................................................................ 33

Rolled Edging.............................................................................................................. 33

Seaming Sheers.......................................................................................................... 33

Lettuce Edge ............................................................................................................... 34

Belt Loops and Button Loops ...................................................................................... 34

Returning to Standard Serging.................................................................................... 34

BASIC SERGING TECHNIQUES ......................................................................................... 35

Overedging.................................................................................................................. 35

Seaming ...................................................................................................................... 35

Front Cover Seam Guide ............................................................................................ 35

Securing Ends........................................................................................................ 36/37

Turning Outside Corners............................................................................................. 38

Turning Inside Corners................................................................................................ 38

Serging Curves ........................................................................................................... 39

Inserting Tapes............................................................................................................ 39

USING SPECIALTY THREADS............................................................................................ 40

Using Specialty Threads ............................................................................................. 40

Threading Lightweight Thread .................................................................................... 40

Changing Threads....................................................................................................... 40

Threading Mediumweight Thread ............................................................................... 41

Thread Cradle ............................................................................................................. 41

Looper Threading Tool ................................................................................................ 42

Bypassing the Threading Port..................................................................................... 43

Specialty Thread Guide Chart................................................................................ 44/45

MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................... 46

Replacing Needles ...................................................................................................... 46

Replacing Cutting Blades............................................................................................ 46

Cleaning ...................................................................................................................... 47

Replacing Light Bulb ................................................................................................... 47

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TROUBLESHOOTING.......................................................................................................... 48

Troubleshooting...................................................................................................... 48/49

Dos and Don'ts............................................................................................................ 49

TECHNICAL DATA ............................................................................................................... 50

CHART FOR STITCH SELECTION SETTINGS ................................................... Back Cover

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How Your Serger Operates

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Sometimes called an overlock machine or overlocker, the serger is different from any conventional sewing
machine you have used. Awareness of its simple operation will enable you to become more proficient in its
use. Please read all instructions before using your new machine.

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

When fabric is placed into the machine, it reaches the feed dogs first. The feed dogs move the fabric along
as the cutting blades trim the edge, creating a clean edge to be finished. Then the loopers and needle(s)
form the stitch on the fabric edge, supported by one or more parallel "stitch fingers" - Metal prongs that
keep the fabric flat. The threads become "locked" over the fabric and the resulting stitches encase the raw
edge with thread to prevent fabric raveling.

After setting up your machine for the first time, take a few moments to learn how it sews. Before your serg­er is threaded, turn the handwheel - toward you - and watch the movement and operation of the
various parts. Don't bother with fabric at first. It doesn't hurt your serger to stitch without fabric under the
presser foot.

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Overview of the Imagine

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1. Needle threader selector 17. Machine lock button

2. Presser foot thread release lever* 18. Looper threading lever

3. Thread cutter 19. Differential feed adjusting lever

4. Needle threader lever 20. Handwheel

5. Needle height viewing area 21. Lower looper threading port

6. Needle clamp screw 22. Power switch

7. Snap-on presser foot 23. Looper threader selector

8. Needle plate 24. Accessory compartment & spool stand

9. Stitch width adjusting dial 25. Upper looper threading port

10. Cutting blade cover 26. Carrying handle

11. Cutting blade lock switch 27. Telescopic thread guide and antenna

12. Stitch length/rolled hem adjusting dial 28. Presser foot pressure adjusting screw

13. Needle drop drawer 29. Stitch selector

14. Subsidiary looper 30. Looper thread fine-tuning screw

15. Front cover

16. Machine lock button release lever

* Raising the presser foot releases all threads.

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Accessories

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Your Baby Lock Imagine serger 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 be found
in the machine packing materials.

Accessory Number included Located in

Instruction manual 1 Packing box

Quick reference threading guide 1 Packing box

Instructional DVD (U.S.A. only) 1 Packing box

Foot Control 1 Packing box

Lint brush/needle insert tool 1 Accessory compartment

Needle clamp screw 2 Accessory compartment

Package of assorted sized needles 1 Accessory compartment

Medium screwdriver 1 Accessory compartment

Tweezers 1 Accessory compartment

Upper cutting blade for replacement 1 Accessory compartment

Looper threading tool 1 Accessory packet

Screwdriver 1 Accessory packet

Machine cover 1 Accessory packet

Mounting bolt with washer (U.S.A. only) 1 Accessory packet

Thread nets 4 Accessory packet

Spool caps 4 Accessory packet

Sponge disks 4 Accessory packet

Allen wrench 1 Accessory packet

Cone holders 4 On machine

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Needles

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Your Baby Lock Imagine 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. For best results, use Organ or Schmetz brand needles - system
HAx1SP/CR, and replace them approximately every third project (see page 46).

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. They work well for overedging and seaming, but they may
be too weak or too fuzzy for the rolled edge. Poor grades of these threads 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. for more information, see page 44 and 45.

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Important Note: For maximum performance of the Baby Lock Imagine, 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 various decorative threads for serging specialty techniques.

Optional Accessories

There are optional snap-on specialty feet available for the Imagine. The optional accessories are available
at your Baby Lock retailer.

・Beading Foot RO-B5002-01A-C-E (BLE-BF)
・Blindhem Foot RO-B5002S02A-E (BLE-BLHFS)
・Clear Foot RO-B5002K01A-E (BLE-CLF)
・Cording / Piping Foot (3mm) RO-B5002-02A-C-E (BLE-CF3)
・Cording / Piping Foot (5mm) RO-B5002-03A-C-E (BLE-CF5)
・Elastic Applicator Foot RO-B5002S01A-E (BLE-EF)
・Flat Sole Foot RO-B5001T02B-C-E (BLE3ATW-FSF)
・Lace Applicator Foot RO-B5002S05A-E (BLE-LF)
・Ruffling Foot RO-B5002S03A-E (BLE-RF)
・Bulb Remover Tool B7525-01A (262011)
・Size 90 Top Stitch Needle (T-90B)

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Setting Up Your Imagine

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After removing the packing materials from the box, gently lift your Baby Lock serger by gasping 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.
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 control for U.S.A.: Model YC-482, or YC-420W
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 qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the
plug in any way.
The sewing speed of the machine is determined by the amount of pressure applied to the foot control.
When not in use, do not place anything on the foot control, or the machine could start inadvertently and the
foot control or motor could burn out (fig.A).
Raise the telescopic thread guide to its highest position of 14". Rotate the shaft to the left and right until
each section "clicks" into a locked position (fig.B). The front cover may be opened simply by placing your
fingers behind the tab at the right side and pulling toward you (fig.C).
To open the cutting blade cover, place your thumb against the tab, and slide the cover to the right. A slight
pull forward will allow the cover to swing down, providing access to the loopers, blades, and thread guides
(fig.D).

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Setting Up Your Imagine

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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 (fig.A).

Because threads for the serger feed from the top, standard spool
threads can snag on the rough edges of many of these spools.
That's why spool caps are furnished with your Imagine to provide a
smooth surface that enables the thread to reel off freely. With the
spool notch side down, insert a spool cap into the top of the spool
(fig.B).

When using standard spool threads on your serger, replace the
cone holders with the sponge disks furnished with your machine.
These disks hold smaller spools securely and help the thread to reel
off properly. With the sponge disk in place, put the capped spool on
the spindle (fig.C).

Thread nets may be placed over threads that tend to slip off the bot­tom of the spool during sewing. Most threads do not require their
use, but nets often are necessary with nylon, rayon or silk threads
(fig.D). Once it's on the spool, fold the net back on itself, if neces­sary, to enable the thread to feed smoothly without snagging on the
net (fig.E).

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Threading Your Imagine

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Your Baby Lock Imagine 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.
If a thread breaks or runs out, just re-thread it. There is no need to follow any threading sequence.

Locked Position for Threading

1. Open the front cover.

2. Raise the presser foot to release all threads.

3. Depress the machine lock button firmly. Rotate the machine handwheel slowly toward you until the but­ton "snaps" into the locked position and the lock button release lever moves to the far left (fig.A).

Note: The Imagine must be in the locked position when threading the loopers unless otherwise indicat­ed.

Lower Looper

1. With the presser foot up and machine lock button in the locked position (fig. A) , set the looper threader
selector lever to "L" for lower looper threading (fig. B).

2. Place the thread cone or spool on the far right front spool pin on the thread stand (fig.C page 11).
Slip the thread into the telescopic antenna thread guide "1" directly above the spool, snap into the thread
guide "2" at the top of the machine, through the slot on the front of the machine. (fig. C page 11)

3. Pull 18 inches (45cm) of thread through guide "3". Insert the end of the thread into the threading port "L"
about 1 inch (2.5cm) . Use tweezers if necessary, to insert the thread end more easily.

4. Depress the looper threading lever (fig. D page 11) . If the thread does not go through the lower looper
eye with one push, depress the threading lever again until it does. *(see page 11)

5. Clip the thread 4 inches (10cm) from the lower looper eye and leave it hanging loose.

6. Move the lock button release lever to the right.

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Lock Button
Release Lever

Machine Lock
Button

Looper Threader
Selector

Upper Looper

1" (2.5cm)

18" (45cm)

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1. With the presser foot up and machine lock button in the locked position (see fig. A, page 10), set the
looper threader selector lever to "U" for upper looper threading. (See fig. B, page 10.)

2. Place the thread cone or spool on the second spool pin from the front on the right side of the thread stand
(fig. C). Slip the thread into the telescopic antenna thread guide "A" directly above the spool, snap into
the thread guide "B" at the top of the front of the machine, through the slot on the front cover. (See fig. C,
below.)

3. Pull 18 inches (45cm) of thread through guide "C". Insert the end of the thread into the threading port "U",
about 1 inch (2.5cm). Use tweezers, if necessary, to insert the thread end more easily. (See fig. D below.)

4. Depress the looper threader lever (fig. D below) . If the thread does not go through the upper looper eye
with one push, depress the looper threader lever again until it does, and leave thread hanging loose.

5. Move the lock button release lever to the right, to unlock the machine.

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Looper Threader Lever

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*Be sure at least 1" of thread is inserted into the threading port.

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Right Needle

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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. B page 13)
Note: Be sure to push the needle threader selector all the way to "R".

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. Pull a 6­inch (15 cm) length of thread through guide 7.

3. Lower the presser foot to engage the tensions.

4. Hold the thread between your left thumb and middle finger (fig. B page 13). With your right index
finger, hold the thread horizontally in front and just below the needle eye. With the left index finger,
push the needle threader lever down to insert the hook into the needle eye. Slip the thread into the
threader hook guides in front of the needle. Carefully release the needle threader lever and remove
your right index finger, allowing the thread to be pulled through the needle eye.

5. Continue pulling the thread loop manually through the needle eye.until a single strand is threaded.
Place the thread under the presser foot and to the left.

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Handwheel

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Left Needle

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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 12). Thread needle thread
guides A and B, through the groove on the face plate and through guides C, D, E, F and G.

3. Lower the presser foot and thread the left needle as in steps 4 and 5, under "Right Needle" on page

12.

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Needle Threader

Needle Threader
lever

selector

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Looper Thread Fine-Tuning Screw

No adjustments are needed when sewing with most fabrics and
threads on your Baby Lock Imagine, but certain threads or fabrics
may require minor fine-tuning of the looper delivery system to per­fect your stitches. Increase or decrease the delivery of the looper
threads with the upper and lower looper thread fine-tuning screw.
With a screwdriver (found in accessory kit), turn the fine-tuning
screw clockwise to tighten the looper threads equally. Turn the
screw counter-clockwise to loosen the looper threads equally.

Ideal Stitch

Looper threads are

too loose.

Looper threads are

too tight.

Standard Position

Tighten the screw ( + )

Loosen the screw ( - )

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Serging with fabric

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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.
Just place the fabric at the toe of the presser foot. As you step on
the foot controller, the feed dogs will begin moving the fabric toward
the needle (fig.B). You need to raise and lower the foot only when
working with thick, spongy or lofty fabrics, or when precise posi­tioning is required.

Be careful not to push or pull the fabric. The Imagine will feed it
evenly without help. At the end of a seam, just sew off the fabric
edge and continue serging to create 5" - 6" thread chain. Cut the
thread chain with the thread cutter on the left side cover (fig.C).

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Clearing the Stitch Width Fingers

As you sew, you will discover that maneuvering the fabric is different
from conventional sewing because the threads form around the
stitch fingers (fig. A).

To clear the stitch fingers, simply raise the presser foot, which releas­es all threads. Raise the needle(s). Then pull the threads gently
from behind the foot (fig. B). The stitches are now released from the
fingers (fig. C).

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Thread Delivery System

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The Baby Lock Imagine revolutionizes the way a serger works with its Thread Delivery System. You no
longer have to manually adjust the tension settings for the type of stitch you are serging. Select the type
of stitch you wish to serge, the Imagine will automatically feed the correct amount of thread through the
loopers and thread guides to form a perfect stitch every time.

Stitch Selector

The stitch selector controls the thread delivery system and is located on
the right front side of the machine. To select a stitch setting, move the
stitch selector lever to A, B, C, or D.
A - For Wide Overlock Stitches.
B - For Right Needle Stitch, and right needle overlock stitches.
C - For narrow stitches, and Rolled Stitch using right needle.
D - For 3-Thread Rolled Hem stitch.
See chart on last page for stitch selection settings.

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Re-threading Loopers

If a thread breaks, raise the presser foot and pull the broken thread out from under the foot. Open the front
cover, depress the machine lock button and set the looper threader selector to U or L for the looper being
threaded. Re-thread the machine above the threading port, leaving an 18inch (40cm) thread tail. Thread
the looper as usual and move lock button release lever to the right. Close the front cover and sew a test
sample. Refer to page 13 for further information.

Note: When re-threading your Baby Lock Imagine 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.

Re-threading Needles

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If a needle thread breaks, raise the presser foot, remove the broken thread and rethread the needle thread
guides. Turn the handwheel and line up the green marks on the handwheel and machine. Select the "R"
or "L" for the needle being rethreaded. Use the needle threader for exact and easier threading. Refer to
pages 12/13 for further information.

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