Baby Lock Imagine BLE3ATW Instruction and Reference Guide

"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 machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this 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. (10 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 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.

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

Welcome to the Baby Lock Imagine Wave

The Baby Lock Imagine Wave has an exclusive "Thread Delivery System" that eliminates confusing tension adjustments. The Imagine Wave 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 Wave 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 Wave handles all varieties with equal ease. With the Baby Lock Imagine Wave 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 Wave is a breeze.

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

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

Happy Sewing!

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

1

T
	Table of Contents
A
B	OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................................................	4
	How Your Serger Operates ...........................................................................................	4
L	Overview of the Imagine Wave .....................................................................................	5
E	ACCESSORIES ......................................................................................................................	6
	Needles .........................................................................................................................	7
	Thread...........................................................................................................................	7
	Optional Accessories.....................................................................................................	7
O	SERGER SET UP ...................................................................................................................	8
	Setting Up Your Imagine Wave ..................................................................................	8/9
F	Threading your Imagine Wave ....................................................................................	10
	Locked Position for Threading ....................................................................................	10
	Lower Looper ..............................................................................................................	10
	Upper looper................................................................................................................	11
	Right Needle ...............................................................................................................	12
C	Left Needle..................................................................................................................	13
	Needle Threader .........................................................................................................	13
O	Looper Thread Fine-Tuning Screw..............................................................................	13
N	SERGING WITH FABRIC .....................................................................................................	14
	Clearing the Stitch Fingers ..........................................................................................	14
	Thread Delivery System..............................................................................................	15
T	Stitch Selector .............................................................................................................	15
	Wave Selector .............................................................................................................	15
E	Rethreading Loopers...................................................................................................	15
	Rethreading Needles ..................................................................................................	15
N
	MACHINE SETTINGS...........................................................................................................	16
	Stitich Length / Rolled Hem.........................................................................................	16
T	Stitch Width .................................................................................................................	16
	Differential feed ...........................................................................................................	17
S	Disengaging the Upper Cutting Blade.........................................................................	18
	Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment .............................................................................	18
	Snap-On Presser Foot ................................................................................................	18
	4-THREAD OVERLOCK.......................................................................................................	19
	3-THREAD OVERLOCK.......................................................................................................	20
	3-Thread Overlock - Wide ............................................................................................	20
	3-Thread Overlock - Narrow.........................................................................................	21
	3-Thread Overlock - Narrow Hemming ........................................................................	22
	3-Thread Flatlock ........................................................................................................	24
	2-THREAD OVERLOCK.......................................................................................................	25
	Converting from 3-Thread Overlock to 2-Thread Overlock .........................................	25
	Flatlock Seams.......................................................................................................	26/27
	Flatlock "Topstitching" .................................................................................................	28
	Blind Hemming............................................................................................................	29
	Blanket Stitch ...............................................................................................................	30
	Ladder Stitch ...............................................................................................................	31
	Returning to 3 or 4-thread Overlock............................................................................	32
	WAVE STITCH .......................................................................................................................	33
	Converting from Normal Serging..................................................................................	33
	3-Thread Wave Stitch...................................................................................................	34
	3-Thread Rolled Wave Stitch........................................................................................	35

2

Table of Contents (Cont.)

ROLLED EDGING .................................................................................................................	23
3-Thread Rolled Edge ..................................................................................................	23
Seaming Sheers...........................................................................................................	36
Lettuce Edge ................................................................................................................	36
Belt Loops and Button Loops .......................................................................................	36
Returning to Standard Serging.....................................................................................	36
BASIC SERGING TECHNIQUES..........................................................................................	37
Overedging...................................................................................................................	37
Seaming .......................................................................................................................	37
Securing End...........................................................................................................	38/39
Turning Outside Corners ..............................................................................................	40
Turning Inside Corners.................................................................................................	40
Serging Curves.............................................................................................................	41
Inserting Tapes .............................................................................................................	41
USING SPECIALTY THREADS.............................................................................................	42
Threading Lightweight Thread......................................................................................	42
Changing Threads........................................................................................................	42
Threading Mediumweight Thread.................................................................................	43
Thread Cradle ..............................................................................................................	43
Looper Threading Tool .................................................................................................	44
Bypassing the Threading Port ......................................................................................	45
Specialty Thread Guide Chart .................................................................................	46/47
MAINTENANCE.....................................................................................................................	48
Replacing Needles .......................................................................................................	48
Replacing Cutting Blades.............................................................................................	48
Cleaning .......................................................................................................................	49
Replacing Light Bulb ....................................................................................................	49
TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................................	50/51
TECHNICAL DATA................................................................................................................	52
CHART FOR STITCH SELECTION SETTINGS...................................................................	53

T A B L E

O F

C O N T E N T S

3

	O	How Your Serger Operates
	V

	E	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
	V	use. Please read all instructions before using your new machine.
	I	Serging is kind of a knitting process that loops two, three or four threads together to create a stitch.
		Your Baby Lock Imagine Wave operates with one or two needles and one or two "loopers," each carrying
	E	a thread, that take the place of a bobbin.
		When fabric is placed into the machine, it reaches the feed dogs first. The feed dogs move the fabric along
	W
		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.

4

Overview of the Imagine Wave

1.	Presser foot thread release lever*	17.	Machine lock button
2.	Thread cutter	18.	Looper threading lever
3.	Needle threader lever	19.	Differential feed adjusting lever
4.	Needle height viewing area	20.	Handwheel
5.	Needle clamp screw	21.	Lower looper threading port
6.	Snap-on presser foot	22.	Power switch
7.	Needle plate	23.	Looper threader selector
8.	Side cover	24. Accessory compartment & spool stand
9.	Stitch width adjusting dial	25.	Stitch selector
10.	Cutting blade lock switch	26. wave selector
11. Stitch length/rolled hem adjusting dial		27.	Upper looper threading port
12.	Cutting blade cover	28.	Looper thread fine-tuning screw
13.	Needle drop drawer	29. Telescopic thread guide and antenna
14.	Subsidiary looper	30.	Carrying handle
15.	Front cover	31.	Needle threader selector
16.	Machine lock button release lever	32.	Presser foot pressure adjusting screw

* Raising the presser foot releases all threads.

O

V

E

R

V

I

E

W

31
32	30	29
1		28
		27
2
		26
3
		25
4
		24
5
		23
6
		22
7
		21
8		20
9		19
10		18
11		17
12		16
		15
13
14
		5

	A	Accessories
	C

	C	Your Baby Lock Imagine Wave 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
	E	may be found in the machine packing materials.
	S
	S
	O	Accessory	Number included	Located in
	R	Instruction manual	1	Packing box
	I
		Quick reference threading guide	1	Packing box
	E	Instruction video tape (U.S.A. only)	1	Packing box
		Lint brush/needle insert tool	1	Accessory compartment
	S	Needle clamp screw	2	Accessory compartment
		Package of assorted sized needles	1	Accessory compartment
		Schmetz or Organ HAx1SP/CR
		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

A

B

C

6

Needles

Your Baby Lock Imagine serger is set up with 90/14 machine needles, which are suitable for most medium and heavyweight fabrics. For lightweight fabrics, change to a size 75/11 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 Schmetz or Organ brand needles - system HAx1SP/CR, and replace them approximately every third project (see page 44).

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 46 and 47.

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

Optional Accessories

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

Elastic Applicator Foot	B5002S01A-E (BLE-EF)
Blindhem	B5002S02A-E (BLE-BLHFS)
Beading Foot	B5002-01A-C-E (BLE-BF)
Piping Foot (3mm)	B5002-02A-C-E (BLE-CF3)
Piping Foot (5mm)	B5002-03A-C-E (BLE-CF5)
Ruffling Foot	B5002-01A-C-E (BLE-RF)
Lace Applicator Foot	B5002S05A-E (BLE-LF)
Bulb Remover Tool	B7525-01A (262011)
Size 90 Top Stitch Needle	(T-90B)

A C C E S S O R I E S

7

	S	Setting Up Your Imagine Wave
	E

R	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
G	provides ample work area to the left. Place the foot controller in a pedal stay, if desired, and place it under
	the sewing table.
E	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
R	(fig.A).
	Available foot controller 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,
S	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 controller.
E	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 (fig.A).
T	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
U	pull forward will allow the cover to swing down, providing access to the loopers, blades, and thread guides
	(fig.D).
P

	A	B
8	C	D

	Setting Up Your Imagine Wave		S
			E
		When using threads on cones or king spools place the cone or	R
		spool securely over the cone holders furnished on your machine.
		To avoid bending the thread stand, you may need to place one hand	G
		under the stand while positioning the cone. The cone holders pre-
		vent the cone or spool from spinning, enabling the thread to feed	E
		evenly (fig.A).
		Because threads for the serger feed from the top, standard spool	R
		threads can snag on the rough edges of many of these spools.
		That's why spool caps are furnished with your Imagine Wave to pro-
		vide a smooth surface that enables the thread to reel off freely. With	S
	A	the spool notch side down, insert a spool cap into the top of the
		spool (fig.B).	E
		When using standard spool threads on your serger, replace the
		cone holders with the sponge disks furnished with your machine.	T
		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).	U
		Thread nets may be placed over threads that tend to slip off the bot-
		tom of the spool during sewing. Most threads do not require their	P
		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 neces-
		sary, to enable the thread to feed smoothly without snagging on the
		net (fig.E).

B

C

D

E

9

	S	Threading Your Imagine Wave
	E

R	Your Baby Lock Imagine Wave is equipped with an exclusive "Instant Jet-Air Threading System" for fast,
	easy threading of the upper and lower loopers.
G	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 looper thread breaks or runs out, just re-thread it. There
E	is no need to follow threading sequence.
R
S
		Locked Position for Threading
E
T	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).

U P

Note: The Imagine Wave must be in the locked position when threading the loopers unless otherwise indicated. The machine in Locked Position also sets the needle position for using the Needle threader. This is also a safety feature when threading as the machine cannot sew while in locked position.

Lower Looper

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

2.Place the thread cone or spool on the Lower Looper spool pin on the thread stand. 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 cover. (See fig. C page 11)

3.Pull 18 inches (40cm) 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.

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.

			A	B
	10	Lock Button	Machine Lock	Looper Threader
		Release Lever	Button
				Selector

Upper Looper

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

2.Place the thread on the Upper Looper spool pin on the thread stand. 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 cover, through the slot on the front cover. See fig. C, below.

3.Pull 18 inches (40cm) 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 threading lever (fig. D below) . If the thread does not go through the upper looper eye with one push, depress the threading lever again until it does, and leave thread hanging loose.

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

S E R G E R

B	2
		A
		1
	B	2
	C	3
	18"(40cm	)
		C

S

E

T

U

P

1" (2.5cm)

Looper Threader Lever

D

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

11

	S	Right Needle
	E

R	1. Set the needle threader selector on "R" for right needle (fig.B page 13).
G	Note: Be sure to push the needle threader selector all the way to R.
	2. Place the thread on the second from left spindle on the thread stand (fig.A). Thread needle thread
E	guides 1 and 2, through the groove on the face plate and through guides 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Pull a
	6" length of thread through guide 7.
R	3. Lower the presser foot to engage the tensions.
	4. Thread into eye of needle with the needle threader.
	See the chart of needle threader page 13.
	5. Continue pulling the thread loop manually through the needle eye until a single stand is threaded.
S	Place the thread under the presser foot and to the left.
E
T
U
P	B	2	A
			1
		A
		B	2
	E,5	D,4
		C
	F,6		3
		G,7
			Handwheel
12

Left Needle

1.Set the needle threader selector on "L" for left needle.

2.Place the thread on the far-left spindle on the thread stand (fig.A page 12).

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

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

Needle Threader

1.Set the needle selector on "R" (right needle) or "L" (left needle).

2.Press the needle threader lever down (Fig. B) so that the hook goes into the eye of the needle. The hook will remain in the eye of the needle until you press the needle threader lever down again to release it.

3.Hold the needle thread horizontally with both hands and place the thread under the threader hook guides. (Fig.C)

4.Press the needle threader lever down again. (Fig.D) The hook will pull the thread through the eye of the needle as it is released.

NOTE: The machine in Locked Position also sets the needle position for using the Needle threader.

This is also a safety feature when threading as the machine cannot sew while in locked position.

B

C

D

Needle	Needle
	Threader
threader Lever	Selector

Looper Thread Fine-Tuning Screw

No adjustments are needed when sewing with most fabrics and threads on your Baby Lock Imagine Wave, 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-tun- ing screw clockwise to tighten the looper threads. Turn the screw counter-clockwise to loosen the looper threads.

Ideal Stitch	Looper threads are	Looper threads are
	too loose.	too tight.

S E R G E R

S E T

U P

13

Standard Position

Tighten the screw ( + )

Loosen the screw ( - )

	S	Serging with fabric
	E

R			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
G			hand, press down on the foot controller gently to begin a thread
			chain before serging fabric (fig.A).
I			You can leave the presser foot down for most serging applications.
N		A	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
G			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.
W			Be careful not to push or pull the fabric. The Imagine Wave 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
I		B	thread chain with the thread cutter on the left side cover (fig.C).
T
H
F		C
A
B
		Clearing the Stitch Width Fingers
R
I			As you sew, you will discover that maneuvering the fabric is different
C			from conventional sewing because the threads form around the stitch
			fingers (fig. A).
			To clear the stitch fingers, simply raise the presser foot, which releas-
			es all threads. Raise the needle(s). Then pull the threads gently from
			behind the foot (fig. B). The stitches are now released from the fin-
			gers (fig. C).
		A

14

B

C

Thread Delivery System

The Baby Lock Imagine Wave 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 Wave will automatically feed the correct amount of thread through the loopers and thread guides to form a perfect stitch every time.

Stitch Selector	O

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 Wave Stitch, and right needle overlock stitches. C - For narrow stitches, and Rolled Wave Stitch using right needle. D - For 3-Thread Rolled Hem stitch.

See chart on last page for stitch selection settings.

A

B

C

D

A

B

C

D

O

Wave Selector

	The Wave Selector dial shows "O" and "W". Select "O" for overlock	O	W
	stitching. Select "W" for wave stitching.

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 Wave 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

If a needle thread breaks, raise the presser foot, remove the broken thread and rethread the needle thread guides. Open the front cover, depress the machine lock button. Select the "R" or "L" for the needle being rethreaded. Use the needle threader for exact and easier threading. Refer to pages 13 for further information.

S E R G I N G

W

I

T

H

F A B R I C

15