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0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 2 "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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 3 Welcome to the Baby Lock Imagine 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 4 T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S Table of Contents OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................................. 4 How Your Serger Operates ........................................................................................... 4 Overview of the Imagine .............................................................................................. 5 ACCESSORIES ...........................
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 5 Table of Contents (Cont.) ROLLED EDGING ................................................................................................................ 33 Rolled Edging.............................................................................................................. 33 Seaming Sheers.......................................................................................................... 33 Lettuce Edge ..............................................
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 6 O V E V I E W How Your Serger Operates 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 7 O V E R V I E W Overview of the Imagine 1. Needle threader selector 2. Presser foot thread release lever* 3. Thread cutter 4. Needle threader lever 5. Needle height viewing area 6. Needle clamp screw 7. Snap-on presser foot 8. Needle plate 9. Stitch width adjusting dial 10. Cutting blade cover 11. Cutting blade lock switch 12. Stitch length/rolled hem adjusting dial 13. Needle drop drawer 14. Subsidiary looper 15. Front cover 16.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:22 Page 8 A C C E S S O R I E S 6 Accessories 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 9 Needles 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 10 S E R G E R S E T U P 8 Setting Up Your Imagine 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 11 Setting Up Your Imagine 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).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 12 S E R G E R S E T U P Threading Your Imagine 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 13 Upper Looper 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).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 14 S E R G E R S E T Right Needle 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 15 Left Needle 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 16 S E R G I N G W I T H F A B R I C Serging with fabric 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). A B You can leave the presser foot down for most serging applications. Just place the fabric at the toe of the presser foot.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 17 Thread Delivery System 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.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 18 M A C H I N E S E T T I N G S Stitch Length/Rolled Hem A B The stitch length / rolled hem adjusting dial is conveniently located just to the left of the front cover, near the base plate (fig. A). The dial shows two stitch-length ranges, from 0.75, for the shortest stitch, to 4 for the longest.(fig.C) As the dial indicates, one range is for standard sewing and one is for rolled edging or narrow seaming.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 19 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).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 20 M A C H I N E S E T T I N G S Disengaging the Upper Cutting Blade When no trimming is desired, as when stitching on a fold, flip the cutting blade lock switch clockwise to the LOCK position. The cutting blade no longer moves up and down, but remains in its lowered position. To re-engage the cutting blade, turn the cutting blade lock switch half of a turn counter-clockwise. The blade will start moving automatically when you start sewing.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 21 4 4-Thread Overlock With the Imagine Thread Delivery System, the upper and lower looper threads lock together evenly over the cut fabric edge(s) to form a flat, non-rolling pattern of overlocking stitches on both sides of the fabric. The left needle thread interlocks with both looper threads at the stitching line to create the seam. The right needle thread, visible on the top side of the stitch, interlocks with both the loopers to add durability.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 22 3 T H R E A D 3-Thread Overlock-Wide The 3-thread overlock wide stitch is perfect for edge-finishing most woven fabrics and for seaming knits that do not require the extra durability that a fourth thread provides. It's easy to convert your Imagine to serge with 3 threads by simply eliminating the right needle. To convert your serger to a 3-thread overlock wide (5.5-7.5mm), cut the needle thread just above the needle eye (fig. A).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 23 3 3-Thread Overlock-Narrow T H R E A D It's easy to convert your Imagine to serge with 3 threads by simply eliminating the left needle. To convert to narrow 3-thread overlock (3.0-5.0mm), cut the left needle thread (fig. A). Remove the left needle and left needle thread completely from the machine. Tighten the needle clamp screw slightly to prevent the screw from working out (fig. B). Place needle into right needle clamp position and tighten screw.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 24 3 T H R E A D O V E R L O C K 3-Thread Overlock-Narrow Hemming Narrow hemming is an attractive finish for light to medium to heavy weight fabrics. Remove the left needle and needle thread completely from the machine. Clear the stitch fingers. Turn the stitch length adjusting dial clockwise to the rolled hem range. Set the length at "0.75-1.5R" (fig. A) and the stitch width at 3.0 for a smooth decorative finish (fig. B).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 25 Rolled Edging The rolled edge setting is used to achieve the narrowest stitch possible (1.5mm) on your Baby Lock serger. The stitch is suitable for seaming sheer and lightweight fabrics and for edging and hemming lightweight fabrics. 3-Thread Rolled Edge With the stitch selector set on "D", a narrow hem will become a rolled edge. The fabric edge rolls around the stitch finger.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 26 3 3-Thread Flatlock T H R E A D O V E R L O C K Flatlock seams are most suited to fabrics which do not ravel such as interlock knits, tricot, sweatshirt fleece and synthetic suede. The needle thread is carried below the fabric and to the cut edge of the fabric. The lower looper thread rides along the cut edge of the fabric for stability. The edges pull open and flatten within the stitch for a non-bulky joining (fig. A).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 27 2 2-Thread Overlock The 2-thread function provides an economical and less bulky means of overedging all fabrics. The standard 2-thread overlock is the same as a 2-thread flatlock stitch. When sewn with specialty threads, 2-thread sewing makes decorative seams and edges for activewear, children's clothing , ruffles, and hemlines. Converting from 3-Thread Overlock to 2-Thread Overlock Left or right needle positions can be used for 2-thread serging.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 28 2 2-Thread Flatlock - Wide T H R E A D O V E R L O C K A B Wrong Side Needle Thread Loop Right Side Wrong Side NEEDLES left For 2-thread flatlock - wide 1. Lock the machine. 2. Place the needle thread on far left spool pin. 3. Thread needle thread through the upper looper thread guide on top of the machine, then go down the thread path in the front of the machine. Go left with the needle thread at the hook on front of the machine.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 29 2 2-Thread Flatlock - Narrow Sew a 2-thread flatlock seam then pull the two fabric layers apart until the seam lies flat (fig. A). Because the threads show on the outside as well as the inside of the garment or project, the flatlock seam is often considered a decorative application (fig. B). For 2-thread flatlock - narrow 1. Lock the machine. 2. Place needle thread on right needle spool pin. 3.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 30 2 T H R E A D Flatlock "Topstitching" A B O V E R L O C K C D 28 The flatlock stitch need not be limited at seamlines. When sewn on a fold, flatlocking can create attractive decorative effects within the body of a garment or project. Either follow placement lines on your pattern or design your own special effects by stitching the fabric before laying out pattern pieces. 1. Set the machine for 2-thread flatlock - wide. 2.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 31 2 Blind Hemming You Baby Lock Imagine can create a sturdy, nearly invisible blindhem. 1. Set the machine for 2-Thread Overlock with the right needle threaded. Set the stitch width at 5.0 and the stitch length at 4.0 in the standard range. 2. Fold up the hemline and press it in place. Then fold the hem allowance back against the fabric right side to create a fold about 1/4 " from the top edge of the hem as shown (fig. A). 3.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 32 2 Blanket Stitch - Decorative Stitch T H R E A D O V E R L O C K A B C Note: The threading path for the needle thread is different in this technique. Please refer to the Quick Reference Threading Guide or the illustration below. 1. Insert a size 90 Top Stitch needle in left needle position and a heavy decorative thread will be used in the needle. 2.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 33 2 Ladder Stitch - Decorative Stitch Note: The threading path for the needle thread is different in this technique. Please refer to the Quick Reference Threading Guide or the illustration below. 1. Insert a size 90 Top Stitch needle in left needle position and a heavy decorative thread will be used in the needle. 2.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 34 2 T H R E A D O V E R L O C K 32 Returning to 3 or 4-Thread Overlock 1. Open the front cover and rotate the handwheel forward to bring the upper looper to its lowest position. 2. With your index finger or tweezers, release the subsidiary looper from the eye of the upper looper. Rotate it further to the right until it snaps back into place and out of the way. 3.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 35 Rolled Edging To convert "ROLLED EDGE", please refer to page 23 to change the settings and threading. Seaming Sheers Use the 3-thread rolled hem setting when sewing sheer fabrics that otherwise would require French seams. Set the stitch length at 2.5. Then simply sew the seams, aligning the fabric edges with the serger seam guide, trimming away the excess seam allowance.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 36 R O L L E D E D G I N G Lettuce Edge A frilly or "lettuce" edge can be created on most light and medium weight stretch fabrics and on bias edges of soft, woven fabrics. It makes a pretty decorative edging for activewear, lingerie, accessories and children's wear. A B Set the machine for the 3-thread rolled edge. (refer to page 23). Set differential feed at 0.6 (fig.B).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 37 Overedging Overedging to finish facings, hems and seams before construction, is one of the most basic uses of a serger, such as making a garment or project with 5/8 inch (16mm) pressed open seams (fig. A). To overedge, place the single layer of fabric in front of the presser foot, aligning the cut edge with upper cutting blade. Begin serging, continuing to guide the fabric along the blade. The edge of the fabric should be trimmed, but not cut away.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 38 B A S I C S E R G I N G T E C H N I Q U E S Securing Ends The serger stitch will not unravel readily, and in most cases serged seams are secured by an intersecting seam. If that's not the case, these are several options for securing seam (fig. A). A B C D E 36 1. Leave a 3 inch (7.5cm) chain, separate the threads and tie a knot. 2. Apply a dot of seam sealant on the thread chain at the fabric edge. Allow to dry and cut off the excess thread chain. 3.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 39 B A S I C Securing Ends (Cont.) To lock the end of the seam: 1. Take one stitch off the end of the seam (fig. A). 2. Raise the presser foot and bring the needle(s) to the highet position. Pull back gently on the fabric to clear the stitch fingers. 3. Turn the fabric over with the wrong side of the stitch facing up(fig. B), and reposition it under the presser foot with the needle at the seam edge, aligned with the previous needle line (fig. C). 4.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 40 B A S I C S E R G I N G T E C H N I Q U E S Turning Outside Corners A 1. Stitch along one edge until you reach the corner. Take one stitch off the edge of the fabric (fig. A). (As you approach the edge, you may want to stop and manually turn the handwheel towards you.) 2. Raise the needle(s) to the highest position. 3. Clear the stitch fingers, and rotate the fabric to reposition the needle at the previous row of stitching (fig. B).
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 41 Serging Curves To serge around inside or outside curves, guide the fabric into the cutting blade, not the needle(s). Remember, cutting takes place before the fabric reaches the needle. Because the long serger presser foot holds the fabric more securely, you may need to raise and lower the presser foot several times to mane uver around very tight curves.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 42 Some specialty threads work well through the needle and loopers. There are some that are too heavy for the needle and should only be used in the loopers. Use the Specialty Thread chart on pages 46 and 47 as a guide keeping in mind that the threads can vary from one manufacturer to another. It is best to sew test for best results. A B Threading Lightweight Thread Specialty thread used in the needle can be threaded in the usual way.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 43 Threading Medium weight Thread Medium weight threads, including topstitching thread, Decor rayon and stretch nylon thread, are too bulky to form a knot that would fit through the thrading port, but they can slip through the hole with the aid of a thread "cradle" made from regular serger thread. Thread Cradle 1. Open the front cover and raise the presser foot. 2. At the threading port, clip the looper thread that is to be replaced. (fig.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 44 U S I N G S P E C I A L T Y T H R E A D S 42 Looper Threading Tool A B 1. Open the front cover and raise the presser foot. 2. At the threading port, cut the looper thread that is to be replaced. Remove thread from under the foot and the upper thread guides. Replace cone of thread with specialty thread. 3. With machine in locked position set the looper threading port to U or L, according to the looper that is being threaded. 4.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 45 Bypassing the Threading Port Heavy weight threads can be used through your regular looper thread paths. Specific techniques may require that the thread bypass the thread port for the thread pull to be loosened. Start with the machine threaded with regular serger thread. 1. Open front cover and raise the presser foot. 2. Just above the threading port, clip the looper thread to be replaced. Pull the thread out of the upper guides and remove the cone. 3.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 46 U S I N G S P E C I A L T Y T H R E A D S 44 Specialty Thread Guide Chart Woolly Nylon Thread Topstitching Buttonhole Twist Machine Embroidery Metallic Threads APPLICATION Edging or flatlock seaming for sportswear and home décor items. Soft stretchy seams on Decorative edges for clothing, gift items, lingerie, swimwear, active wear, and for home décor, etc. rolled edge stitch.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 47 Specialty Thread Guide Chart Clear Nylon Monofilament Machine Embroidery Threads: Rayon and Polyester, 30, 40, 50 weight. Lingerie Thread Designer 6 Pearl Crown Rayon Candlelight Jeans Stitch Ribbon Thread Techniques requiring the thread to be invisible such as blind hemming Lingerie and lightweight fabrics, edging of fine fabrics, delicate rolled hems. Decorative edging, flatlocking, rolled hem, etc.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 48 M A I N T E N A N C E Replacing Needles Needle insert tool A 1. Raise the needle to the highest position by turning the handwheel toward you. 2. Using the screwdriver from the accessory pouch, loosen the needle screw for the needle to be changed. "L" screw for the left needle and "R" screw for the right needle as show in illustration A.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 49 Cleaning Your Baby Lock will operate at best performance if it is kept clean at all times. The serger's cutting action creates much more lint than you will find on conventional sewing machine. Your serger's major moving parts are well protected and do not need to be oiled. However, we recommend to use the cleaning brush often during garment construction in order to keep lint off the blades, the needle bar, the feed dog mechanism and loopers.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 50 T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G Troubleshooting Before taking your machine in for service, check the following: Machine fails to start: 1. Are electrical plugs properly connected? 2. Is the power switch on? 3. Check household circuit breaker or fuse. 4. Is the lock button release lever in the unlocked position? Thread breaks: 1. Is the machine threaded correctly? Check each thread path carefully. 2. Is the needle inserted correctly? 3.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 51 Troubleshooting Continued Needle threading difficulties: 1. Is the needle threader selector at the appropriate setting?("R" for right needle, "L" for left needle.) Looper threading difficulties: 1. Is the looper threader selector at the appropriate setting?(Left threading port for "U" upper looper, right threading port for "L" lower looper.) 2. Is the thread end in the proper threading port? 3. Is at least 1 inch (2.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 52 T E C H N I C A L D A T A Technical Data Stitch Types: 2 needles, 2 loopers: 4-Thread Overlock 1 needle (left or right), 2 loopers 3-Thread Overlock (wide, narrow, and narrow hem) 3-Thread Flatlock (wide and narrow) right needle only 3-Thread Rolled Edge 1 needle (left or right), 1 looper 2-Thread Flatlock (wide and narrow) 2-Thread Blanket Stitch 2-Thread Ladder Stitch Stitch Width: Stitch Width Standard 2/3/4 - thread with left needle: 5.0 - 7.
0001.qxp:AT-2En Ta.qxd 09/05/29 13:23 Page 53 Chart for Stitch Selection Settings Stitch Type 4-Thread Overlock Stitch Length 2.5-3.5 Stitch Width Needle Stitch Selector Differential Feed Page 6.0-7.5 Left + Right A N 19 A 2.0 OPTIONAL 4-Thread Gatherring 4 6.0-7.0 Left + Right 3-Thread Overlock-Wide 2-3 7.5 Left A N 20 Narrow 2.5-3.5 3.0 Right B N 21 3-Thread Narrow Hemming 0.75-1.5R 3.0 Right C N-0.6 22 3-Thread Rolled edge 0.75-4R 3.5 Right D N-0.
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