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Bar tack stitching

Bar tacks are one type of reinforcement stitching 
used to strengthen points subject to strain, such as 
pocket corners and openings.
As an example, the procedure for sewing bar tacks at 
pocket corners is described below.

a

Determine the desired length of the bar tack.

Set the button guide plate on buttonhole foot
“A” to the desired length. (The distance
between the markings on the presser foot scale
is 5 mm (3/16 inch).)

a

Presser foot scale

b

Length of bar tack

c

5 mm (3/16 inch)

b

Turn on the machine.

c

With the pattern selection dial, 

select stitch 

.

d

Attach buttonhole foot “A”.

• For details, refer to “Replacing the presser 

foot” (page 29).

e

Pass the upper thread down through the hole 
in the presser foot, and then pull it under the 
presser foot, as shown.

f

With the opening of the pocket toward you, 
position the fabric so that the needle drops 2 
mm (1/16 inch) in front of the pocket 
opening, and then lower the presser foot 
lever.

a

2 mm (1/16 inch)

Note

When lowering the presser foot, do not 
push in the front of the presser foot, 
otherwise the bar tack will not be sewn with 
the correct size.

a

b

c

a

Summary of Contents for A-LINE Grace BL40

Page 1: ......

Page 2: ...ring this machine avoid direct sunlight and high humidity locations Do not use or store the machine near a space heater iron halogen lamp or other hot objects 2 Use only neutral soaps or detergents to...

Page 3: ...al outlet Do not pull on the cord Plug the machine directly into the electrical outlet Do not use an extension cord Always unplug your machine if the power is cut 3 Never operate this machine if it ha...

Page 4: ...d the machine needle Switch the sewing machine to the symbol O position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle area Do not use a damaged or incorrect needle plate as it could cause t...

Page 5: ...spect and adjust the machine yourself If the problem persists please consult your local authorized Baby Lock retailer Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual Use accesso...

Page 6: ...Needle 25 Needle precautions 25 Needle types and their uses 26 Checking the needle 27 Replacing the needle 27 Replacing the Presser Foot 29 Presser foot precautions 29 Replacing the presser foot 29 Re...

Page 7: ...Stretch Fabrics and Elastic Tape 65 Stretch stitching 65 Elastic attaching 65 Appliqu Patchwork and Quilt Stitching 67 Appliqu stitching 68 Patchwork crazy quilt stitching 68 Piecing 69 Quilting 69 F...

Page 8: ...he flat bed attachment when sewing cylindrical pieces such as sleeve cuffs h Operation buttons and sewing speed controller page 7 Use these buttons and the slide to operate the sewing machine i Operat...

Page 9: ...the presser foot m Needle clamp screw Use the needle clamp screw to hold the needle in place Operation buttons The operation buttons help you to easily perform various basic sewing machine operations...

Page 10: ...h key page 44 The sewing machine can be set to automatically sew reverse or reinforcement stitches at the beginning and end of the stitching e Needle mode selection key single twin page 23 Press this...

Page 11: ...oot I X59370 021 18 Spool cap small 130013 154 5 Zigzag foot J on machine XC3021 051 19 Extra spool pin XE2241 001 6 Blind stitch foot R X56409 051 20 Spool net XA5523 020 7 Button fitting foot M 1304...

Page 12: ...complete listing of optional accessories available for your machine 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 No Part Name Part Code No Part Name Part Code 1 Side cutter FA10 7 Non stick foot FA8 2 Quilting guide FA11...

Page 13: ...correctly due to a bad connection or a disconnection During electrical storms WARNING Use only the power cord included with this machine Do not use extension cords or multi plug adapters with many oth...

Page 14: ...is not sewing b Press the left side of the main power switch on the right side of the machine set it to X The sewing lamp and the LCD go off when the machine is turned off c Unplug the power cord from...

Page 15: ...at the spool is horizontal and the thread unwinds to the front at the bottom The included bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine The machine will not operate correctly if older model...

Page 16: ...t to fit the size of the spool When the spool net is used the tension of the upper thread will slightly increase Be sure to check the thread tension For details refer to Adjusting the thread tension p...

Page 17: ...he bobbin winding becomes slow press start stop button once to stop the machine o Cut the thread slide the bobbin winder shaft to the left and then remove the bobbin from the shaft Memo When the sewin...

Page 18: ...ct The included bobbin was designed specifically for this sewing machine The machine will not operate correctly if older model bobbins which have a different thickness are used Use only the enclosed b...

Page 19: ...spring Memo The direction for feeding the bobbin thread is indicated by marks around the needle plate cover Be sure to thread the machine as indicated f Reattach the bobbin cover Insert the tab in the...

Page 20: ...k The needle threader can be used with sewing machine needles 75 11 through 100 16 Use appropriate thread and needle combinations For details on appropriate needle and thread combinations refer to Nee...

Page 21: ...ure a Mark on handwheel d Swing up the spool pin and then remove the spool cap a Spool pin b Spool cap e Fully insert the spool for the upper thread onto the spool pin Slide the spool onto the pin so...

Page 22: ...he spool net is used the tension of the upper thread will slightly increase Be sure to check the thread tension For details refer to Adjusting the thread tension page 45 a Spool net b Spool c Spool ca...

Page 23: ...nd the needle bar thread guide by holding the thread in your left hand then feeding the thread with your right hand a Needle bar thread guide l Lower the presser foot lever a Presser foot lever m Whil...

Page 24: ...d guide as described in steps a through k of Threading the upper thread and then lower the presser foot lever b Turn off the sewing machine c Manually pass the thread through the eye of the needle fro...

Page 25: ...the bobbin winder shaft e Install the thread spool and thread the upper thread Memo When setting the thread spool set it so that the thread winds off from the front of the spool f Thread the upper th...

Page 26: ...read and fabric that are used If this occurs increase the stitch length For details on adjusting the stitch length refer to Adjusting the stitch length and width page 38 When using the twin needle be...

Page 27: ...eedle Failure to observe these precautions is extremely dangerous for example if the needle breaks and fragments are dispersed Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below Only use home...

Page 28: ...dcloth Cotton thread 60 80 75 11 90 14 Taffeta Synthetic thread Flannel Gabardine Silk thread 50 Thin fabrics Lawn Cotton thread 60 80 65 9 75 11 Georgette Synthetic thread Challis Satin Silk thread 5...

Page 29: ...urface Replacing the needle Replace the needle as described below Use the screwdriver and a correct needle as described in Checking the needle a Press needle position button once or twice to raise the...

Page 30: ...o the machine may result e With the flat side of the needle toward the rear of the machine insert the needle until it touches the needle stopper a Needle stopper f While holding the needle with your l...

Page 31: ...esser foot holder Use the presser foot appropriate for the type of stitch that you wish to sew otherwise the needle may hit the presser foot causing the needle to bend or break Only use presser feet d...

Page 32: ...foot lever so that the presser foot pin snaps into the notch in the presser foot holder X The presser foot is attached g Raise the presser foot lever to check that the presser foot is securely attach...

Page 33: ...dogs and the teeth on the presser foot This is useful when sewing fabrics that are hard to feed such as vinyl and leather and when sewing fabrics that easily slip such as velvets or when quilting Use...

Page 34: ...and then remove the walking foot a Presser foot holder screw e Attach the presser foot holder For details refer to Removing the presser foot holder page 30 Memo Only the straight stitch with reinforce...

Page 35: ...wice release the automatic reverse reinforcement stitch key a Automatic reverse reinforcement stitch key X The needle stop position changes to the raised position Memo Perform the same operation to ch...

Page 36: ...s turned on a Turn off the sewing machine b While pressing needle mode selection key turn on the sewing machine When the machine beeps twice release the needle mode selection key a Needle mode selecti...

Page 37: ...ith the flat bed attachment removed free arm sewing is possible b Slide the part that you wish to sew onto the arm and then sew from the top c When you are finished with free arm sewing install the fl...

Page 38: ...e is available through your Baby Lock retailer d Turn the screw at the bottom of each leg to adjust their height so the extension table will be level with the sewing machine bed e When you are finishe...

Page 39: ...t causing the needle to bend or break When sewing make sure that the needle does not strike basting pins otherwise the needle may break or bend Before replacing the presser foot be sure to turn off th...

Page 40: ...LCD a Presser foot type For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 29 Memo The presser foot to be used is indicated by the letter J A etc that appears above the stitch number d If necessary...

Page 41: ...e fabric are aligned correctly a Turn on the sewing machine The straight stitch left needle position is automatically selected b Press needle position button once or twice to raise the needle a Needle...

Page 42: ...sewing machine The sewing speed can be adjusted using either the sewing speed controller or the foot controller Note Important When the foot controller is plugged in start stop button cannot be used t...

Page 43: ...rted and stopped using the foot controller a Turn off the sewing machine When connecting the foot controller be sure to turn off the sewing machine in order to prevent the machine from accidentally be...

Page 44: ...g is stopped For details on setting the machine so that the needle stays up when sewing is stopped refer to Changing the needle stop position page 33 Securing the stitching When sewing with the straig...

Page 45: ...down reverse stitches are sewn g After 3 to 5 reverse stitches have been sewn release reverse reinforcement stitch button X The machine stops sewing h Press start stop button or press down on the foo...

Page 46: ...stitches and zigzag stitches reverse stitches not reinforcement stitches are automatically sewn a Select a stitch For details refer to Selecting a stitch page 38 b Press automatic reverse reinforceme...

Page 47: ...sult or if you are sewing with special thread or on special fabric use the thread tension dial to increase or decrease the tension of the upper thread Correct thread tension The upper thread and the b...

Page 48: ...project Changing the sewing direction a When stitching reaches a corner stop the sewing machine Leave the needle lowered in the fabric If the needle remained up when the machine stopped sewing press...

Page 49: ...ot a Black button c The presser foot remains level enabling the fabric to be fed After the seam is sewn the presser foot will return to its normal operation Sewing thin fabrics When sewing thin fabric...

Page 50: ...With the needle raised press needle position button twice a Needle position button d Carefully pull the upper thread upward to pull out the end of the bobbin thread a Upper thread b Bobbin thread e Pu...

Page 51: ...Overcasting on medium weight or stretch fabrics attaching elastic darning etc 5 0 3 16 1 5 7 0 1 16 1 4 1 0 1 16 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement Overcasting stitch G Overcasting on thin or m...

Page 52: ...ect or c Attach overcasting foot G For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 29 d Position the fabric with the edge of the fabric against the guide of the presser foot and then lower the pr...

Page 53: ...ted with the straight stitch left needle position and the triple stretch stitch by adjusting the stitch width Press the side of the stitch width key for a left needle position or press the side for a...

Page 54: ...asting fold back the fabric along the basting and then position the fabric with the wrong side facing up a Wrong side of fabric b Basting stitching c Desired edge of hem d 5 mm 3 16 inch e Edge of hem...

Page 55: ...needle is positioned too far to the left Press the side of the stitch width key to adjust the needle position so that the needle slightly catches the fold of the hem a Wrong side of fabric b Right sid...

Page 56: ...zontal button holes on thin and medium weight fabrics 5 0 3 16 3 0 5 0 1 8 3 16 0 5 1 32 0 2 1 0 1 64 1 16 No No Automatic Reinforcement A Secured button holes for fabrics that have backings 5 0 3 16...

Page 57: ...es of parts of buttonhole foot A which is used for sewing buttonholes are indicated below Before replacing the presser foot be sure to turn off the sewing machine otherwise injuries may occur if a but...

Page 58: ...9 16 inch and a thickness of 10 mm 3 8 inch the button guide plate should be set to 25 mm 1 inch on the scale a 10 mm 3 8 inch b 15 mm 9 16 inch X The size of the buttonhole is set c Turn on the mach...

Page 59: ...o cut towards the pin and open the buttonhole a Seam ripper For keyhole buttonholes use the enclosed eyelet punch to make a hole in the rounded end of the buttonhole and then use the seam ripper to cu...

Page 60: ...illustration so that it fits into the grooves and then loosely tie it b Turn on the sewing machine c Select stitch or d Attach buttonhole foot A For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 2...

Page 61: ...tch width so that it is the same as the distance between the holes in the button g Place the button into button fitting foot M a Button X The button is held in place When attaching four hole buttons f...

Page 62: ...a Drop feed lever as seen from the rear of the machine Memo The feed dog position switch is normally set to the right side as seen from the rear of machine The feed dogs come up when you start sewing...

Page 63: ...ching the zipper opening For details on basic stitching refer to Basic Stitching page 51 c Baste the two pieces up to the edge of the fabric a Basting stitching b Reverse stitching c Wrong side of fab...

Page 64: ...ing stitching Inserting a side zipper Stitching is sewn on only one piece of fabric Use this type of zipper for side openings and back openings a Stitching b Right side of fabric c End of zipper openi...

Page 65: ...inch f Align the zipper teeth with the pressed edge of the fabric having the extra 3 mm 1 8 inch and then baste or pin the zipper in place a Zipper teeth b Basting stitching g With the pattern select...

Page 66: ...e of the pin in step h change it to the left side of the pin a Left side of the pin b Needle drop point For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 29 m Topstitch along the zipper Sew reverse...

Page 67: ...the elastic tape be used a Pin the elastic tape to the wrong side of the fabric Pin the elastic tape to the fabric at a few points to make sure that the tape is uniformly positioned on the fabric a E...

Page 68: ...astic tape to the fabric while stretching the tape so that it is the same length as the fabric While pulling the fabric behind the presser foot with your left hand pull the fabric at the pin nearest t...

Page 69: ...7 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 16 0 2 5 0 1 64 3 16 No No Reinforcement Joining stitch J Patchwork stitch ing and decorative stitching 4 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 1 2 1 16 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement J Patc...

Page 70: ...select stitch or f Attach zigzag foot J For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 29 g Turn the handwheel toward you and then begin sewing around the edge of the appliqu making sure that t...

Page 71: ...itch a 6 5 mm 1 4 inch Memo To change the width of the seam allowance the needle position adjust the stitch width Quilting Sandwiching batting between the top and bottom layers of fabric is called qui...

Page 72: ...g the feed dog position switch so that the fabric is not fed The optional quilting foot is needed for free motion quilting a Turn off the sewing machine b Remove the presser foot and the presser foot...

Page 73: ...ial select stitch or h Use both hands to stretch the fabric taut and then move the fabric to follow the pattern Reinforcement stitches are sewn at the beginning and end of stitching a Pattern Reverse...

Page 74: ...e of the stitch width key for a left needle position or press the side for a right needle position a Stitch width b Stitch width key c Moves the needle position to the left d Moves the needle position...

Page 75: ...cale b Length of bar tack c 5 mm 3 16 inch b Turn on the machine c With the pattern selection dial select stitch d Attach buttonhole foot A For details refer to Replacing the presser foot page 29 e Pa...

Page 76: ...pper thread in your left hand and then start sewing X Once sewing is completed the machine automatically sews reinforcement stitches then stops i Raise the presser foot lever cut the threads and then...

Page 77: ...32 1 4 2 5 3 32 1 0 4 0 1 16 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement J Patchwork stitch ing and decorative stitching 5 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 1 2 1 16 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement Shell tuck stitch J S...

Page 78: ...stitch width to 7 0 mm 1 4 inch For details refer to Selecting a stitch page 38 g Sew with the center of the presser foot aligned along the center of the two pieces of fabric h After sewing is finish...

Page 79: ...J d Sew parallel stitching at intervals of 1 cm 3 8 inch a 1 cm 3 8 inch Do not sew reverse reinforcement stitches or cut the thread e Pull the bobbin threads to create gathers Smooth the gathers by i...

Page 80: ...side faces up and then sew over the seam with the center of the presser foot aligned with the seam a Right side of fabric Heirloom stitching When sewing with the wing needle the needle holes are enlar...

Page 81: ...ew along the other edge of the frayed section so that it looks like the previous stitching Drawnwork Example 2 a Pull out several threads from two sections of the fabric separated by an unfrayed secti...

Page 82: ...UTILITY STITCHES 80 c Select stitch For details refer to Selecting a stitch page 38 d Sew along the center of the unfrayed section N...

Page 83: ...er foot lever e Raise the presser foot lever even higher and then hook the connecting fork of the side cutter onto the needle clamp screw a Connecting fork b Needle clamp screw Stitch Name Pattern Pre...

Page 84: ...he rear of the sewing machine i Make a cut of about 2 cm 3 4 inch long in the fabric at the beginning of the stitching a 2 cm 3 4 inch j Position the fabric Position the fabric so that the right side...

Page 85: ...s sewn the seam allowance will be about 5 mm 3 16 inch a 5 mm 3 16 inch Note The side cutter can cut as much as one layer of 13 oz denim After using the side cutter clean it by removing any lint or du...

Page 86: ...UTILITY STITCHES 84...

Page 87: ...Yes Reverse Center J Attaching zippers basic stitching and sewing gathers or pintucks etc 3 5 1 8 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 0 2 5 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J Yes Reverse Triple stretch stitch J Attaching sleeves s...

Page 88: ...8 2 5 7 0 3 32 1 4 2 5 3 32 1 6 4 0 1 16 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement Shell tuck stitch J Shell tuck stitching 4 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 0 2 4 0 1 64 3 16 Yes J No Reinforcement Piecing straight...

Page 89: ...Decorative stitch J Decorative stitch ing 4 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 3 0 1 8 2 0 4 0 1 16 3 16 No No Reinforcement J Decorative stitch ing 4 0 3 16 0 0 7 0 0 1 4 2 5 3 32 1 0 4 0 1 16 3 16 Yes J No Reinfo...

Page 90: ...c Reinforcement Bar tack stitch A Reinforcing open ings and areas where the seam easily comes loose 2 0 1 16 1 0 3 0 1 16 1 8 0 4 1 64 0 3 1 0 1 64 1 16 No No Automatic Reinforcement Decorative stitch...

Page 91: ...the presser foot holder and then loosen the needle clamp screw and remove the needle e Grasp both sides of the needle plate cover and then slide it toward you to remove it a Needle plate cover f Remov...

Page 92: ...s with the disc shaped screwdriver c Remove the tangled thread from the needle plate d Return the needle plate to its original position and then tighten the screws with the disc shaped screwdriver Not...

Page 93: ...on disconnect the foot controller page 40 The needle breaks The needle is incorrectly installed Correctly install the needle page 27 The needle clamp screw is loose Use the screwdriver to firmly tight...

Page 94: ...r the nearest authorized service center The area around the hole in the presser foot is scratched Replace the presser foot Contact your retailer or the nearest authorized service center The bobbin cas...

Page 95: ...or blunt Replace the needle with a new one page 27 If thin fabrics are being sewn the stitch is too long or the fabric is not being fed correctly Sew with stabilizer material under the fabric page 47...

Page 96: ...gled for example in the bobbin case Remove the tangled thread If the thread is tangled in the bobbin case clean the race page 89 The fabric does not feed The feed dogs are lowered Slide the feed dog p...

Page 97: ...inuing the opera tion The buttonhole or bar tack stitch was selected and the start stop button was pressed The foot controller was depressed if it is connected while the button hole lever is raised Lo...

Page 98: ...k for the cause of the error and correct it before continuing to sew Canceling the operation beep When the sewing machine is purchased it is set to beep each time an operation panel key is pressed Thi...

Page 99: ...er 9 free motion quilting 70 H heirloom stitching 78 I included accessories 9 J joining 78 M main power switch 12 maintenance 89 monogramming foot 9 N needle 25 needle plate cover 89 needle position 5...

Page 100: ...stitch guide foot 10 stitch length 38 stitch settings 85 stitch width 38 straight stitch 51 stretch stitching 65 T thread guide 18 thread tension 45 thread tension dial 45 triple stretch stitching 72...

Page 101: ...99...

Page 102: ...English 885 V12 XE4568 001 Printed in China...

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