21
To Begin Quilting
To Prepare for Quilting
With any quilting machine, it is important to understand the basics
of free motion quilting. The Baby Lock Jewel Quilting Machine does
not have feed dogs like domestic machines; therefore, the fabric does
not automatically feed under the hopping foot. The operator should
synchronize the speed as well as the movement of the machine to get
an even, consistent stitch.
In order to become comfortable with the free motion of the Baby
Lock Jewel, users can begin with a few “beginner” techniques.
In Manual Mode:
Set the machine at a medium speed and begin
moving it until you become accustomed to the resistance. By moving
the machine faster, the stitches begin to elongate. The stitch speed can
either be increased or the machine can be moved slower to get the
stitches back to the desired length. By moving the machine slower, the
stitches get shorter and can build up on top of each other, breaking the
thread or making it extremely difficult to unpick. The stitch speed can
be decreased, while maintaining a constant motion with the machine
to bring the stitches back to the desired length.
In Stitch Regulator Mode:
Set the machine for 10 stitches per inch.
Begin moving the machine to become accustomed to the resistance.
The machine motor will slow down or speed up to maintain a
consistent stitch length according to how quickly or slowly you
move the machine. Moving the machine too fast or in radical or
jerky movements will defeat the stitch regulator function.
When pressing
Start
on the front or rear handles, make certain to
begin moving the machine immediately. If the needle stitches in one
place too long, the stitches build up on top of each other causing the
thread to break or nest. When bringing the machine to a complete stop
press the
Stop
button at the same moment the machine stops moving.
If the machine is still moving when the
Stop
button is pressed, it can
cause deflection in the needle, causing it to break.
When quilting, relax your hands and maintain a light touch on the
handles. Gripping the handles too tightly can cause uneven patterns
and irregular circles and loops. Baby Lock Jewel, combined with any
one of its home machine quilting frames will give you a smooth
even glide.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
• It is important to not move the machine too
fast since this will result in an
overspeed condi-
tion
. See
Regulated on page 18
for further
details. A beep will sound when your speed
exceeds 100% unless the overspeed alarm is
disabled. If you desire, the overspeed alarm
can be disabled by selecting
Setup
from the
Menu
, then choose
Alarm Mode
.
• You can return to
Manual
mode from the
Menu
by scrolling to
Quilt Mode
and push-
ing
Select
. Choose
Manual Mode
and press
Select
. Then choose needle speed % by press-
ing speed up or down on handles
Thread Requirements
Threads have a tendency to dry or wet rot over a
period of time. Be sure to choose high quality
threads for your valuable heirloom quilts. Most
machine quilting threads on the market today are
acceptable.
Needle Requirements
For general quilting, a size 16/100 needle will
accommodate most threads and fabrics.
Heavier threads, such as top stitch and some
decorative threads, require a larger needle such as
18/110 or 20/120. Lofty bats and heavier fabrics
such as denim, canvas or densely woven fabric may
also require a larger needle.
