baby lock BLG-FM Free-Motion Quilting Foot Instructions
- June 13, 2024
- Baby Lock
Table of Contents
baby lock BLG-FM Free-Motion Quilting Foot
Product Information: Baby Lock Sewing Accessories – Free-Motion Quilting
Foot (BLG-FM)
The Free-Motion Quilting Foot is a sewing accessory designed for stippling, meandering, and thread painting. It allows for free-motion quilting by lowering the feed dogs, enabling the fabric to be moved freely in any direction. This foot is essential for achieving precise and intricate quilting designs.
To ensure optimal performance, attach the foot controller and sew at a consistent speed. Adjusting the upper thread tension may be necessary to achieve balanced stitches.
Product Usage Instructions
- Select the straight stitch on your sewing machine.
- Remove the presser foot holder.
- Align the quilting foot with the lower-left side of the presser bar. Ensure that the pin on the quilting foot is positioned over the needle clamp screw.
- Hold the quilting foot in place with your right hand while tightening the presser foot holder screw using a screwdriver held in your left hand. (Refer to the user manual for visual reference).
- Lower the feed dog position switch, located at the rear of the machine’s base, to disengage the feed dogs.
- Set your desired stitch length, typically around 1/16 to 3/32 inch.
- Once sewing is complete, raise the feed dog position switch to re-engage the feed dogs.
Stippling:
Stippling is a technique where you sew with the needle in the center
straight stitch position and the feed dogs lowered. To begin, bring up the
bobbin thread to the top of the fabric, sew a few stitches, and trim the
thread. Run your Baby Lock machine at the fastest speed while moving the
fabric in a slow, fluid motion. Stippling involves not crossing over any of
the stitches.
Meandering:
Meandering follows the same steps as stippling, except the stitches are
crossed. This technique creates a more interconnected and flowing design.
Thread Painting:
Thread Painting is a creative technique that imitates hand embroidery using
a sewing machine. Start by dropping the feed dogs and fill in the design you
are creating with either a straight or zigzag stitch. This technique allows
for detailed and intricate thread work.
Note: When using different threads, such as The Finishing TouchTM, SulkyTM, variegated, or metallics, select the appropriate needle to avoid fraying and shredding. For metallic or heavier threads, use a Metallica needle with a larger and longer eye.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact Baby Lock customer support at 800-422-2952 or visit www.babylock.com.
Free-Motion Quilting Foot (BLG-FM) Instructions
The Free-Motion Foot can be used for stippling, meandering and thread
painting. With free-motion quilting, the feed dogs can be lowered so that the
fabric can be moved freely in any direction.
The quilting foot is needed for free-motion quilting.
Attach the foot controller and sew using a consistent speed. In order to sew a
balanced stitch, it may be necessary to lower the upper thread tension.
INSTRUCTIONS:
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Select the straight stitch.
-
Remove the presser foot holder.
-
Align the quilting foot with the lower-left side of the presser bar. The pin on the quilting foot should be positioned over the needle clamp screw.
-
Hold the quilting foot in place with your right hand, and then tighten the presser foot holder screw using the screwdriver in your left hand.
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Pin on quilting foot
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Presser foot holder screw
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Needle clamp screw
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Lower the feed dog position switch, located at the rear of the base of the machine, to
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Use both hands to stretch the fabric taut, and then move the fabric at a regular pace in order to sew uniform stitches roughly 2.0-2.5 mm (approx. 1/16 – 3/32 inch) in length.
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After sewing is finished, raise the feed dog position switch to to raise the feed dogs.
Stippling: Stippling is done with the needle in the center straight stitch position and the feed dogs lowered. To start, bring up the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric, sew a few stitches, and trim your thread. Run your Baby Lock machine at the fastest speed and move your fabric in a slow, fluid motion. Stippling simply means you do not cross over any of the stitches.
Meandering: Meandering is done following the directions above, except the stitches are crossed.
Thread Painting: Thread Painting is a fun technique and was an early form of computerized machine embroidery. To start, drop the feed dogs and fill in the design you are creating with either a straight or a zigzag stitch.
Threads and needles to use: A variety of threads may be used, such as The Finishing Touch™, Sulky™, variegated and metallic. The thread you choose will determine the needle you need. When using metallic or heavier threads, be sure to use a Metallica needle. This needle has a larger, longer eye than the typical needle which prevents the thread from fraying and shredding.