17
Top Tension
Puckering, gathers and thread breakage occur
when the top tension is too tight. Loops and thread
nests occur when the top thread tension is too
loose. Tension may need to be adjusted depending
on the fabric, thread or batting you are using on
each project.
Important:
Top tension should be adjusted
after the bobbin case foundation tension
adjustment is made.
To adjust the top tension tighter, turn the tension
knob clockwise. To loosen the tension, turn the
tension knob counterclockwise. If the bobbin case
tension is adjusted a degree on the screw the top
tension may need to be adjusted a ¼ to ½ turn to
compensate or balance the tension.
Important Note:
Before adjusting your top
tension remember to floss or pull the top
thread up into the tension discs or it will float
outside the discs providing little or no top
tension. This could cause significant tension
or nesting problems on the bottom side of
the quilt.
One of the joys of quilting with the Baby Lock
Jewel is its ability to handle many different types
of threads. You can quilt with almost anything,
as long as you first adjust your bobbin tension,
and then adjust the top tension to suit the thread
you’ve chosen.
Dark threads will be heavier (because of dye) than
light threads of the same weight. The type or brand
of thread may also affect tension settings. Each
time you change threads, you will need to check
your tension.
Maintenance
Cleaning and Lubricating the Machine
Only use light sewing machine oil in the Baby
Lock Jewel. Internal oiling is not necessary on the
Baby Lock Jewel except when the machine is taken
to a service technician for routine maintenance
and cleaning.
The bobbin basket assembly, however,
needs regular lubricating.
Failure to keep the bob-
bin assembly lubricated can cause severe damage
to the machine. To lubricate, turn off the machine.
Clean around the bobbin assembly with a soft
brush to remove lint.
Photo 15
Put a very small drop of oil on
the hook in the bobbin assembly
(
Photo 15
). (Remove
bobbin and case before oiling).
The frequency depends upon
the usage of the machine.
Lubricating is recommended
before running the machine if
it has not been used regularly,
or every other bobbin change
if used frequently. Always sew
a scrap piece as oil may cling to
thread. Over oiling can cause
excess dripping from the bobbin
assembly. Lack of lubricant may
be noticed by a change in the
sound of the machine and will
affect stitch quality.
