Baby Lock Companion 1550 Sewing Machine Manual

The Baby Lock Companion 1550 is a versatile computerized sewing machine featuring 150 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, LCD screen, speed control slider, built-in needle plate thread guide, knee lifter, and automatic thread cutter. Designed for both beginners and experienced sewers with easy-to-use functions and professional results. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Threading & Bobbin 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Computerized control panel, LCD display, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, knee lifter, accessory storage, and built-in stitch patterns.

Feature	Description
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push-button operation
Drop-in bobbin system	Top-loading bobbin with clear cover
LCD screen	Displays stitch selection and settings
Speed control slider	Adjustable sewing speed from slow to fast
Knee lifter	Hands-free presser foot lifting
Automatic thread cutter	One-touch thread cutting
150 built-in stitches	Includes utility, decorative, and quilting stitches
Needle up/down position	Programmable needle stop position
Stitch length/width adjustment	Customizable stitch dimensions
Memory function	Stores favorite stitch combinations

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
Attach power cord to machine and plug into grounded electrical outlet.
Install foot controller into designated port.
Set up accessory box with included presser feet, bobbins, and needles.
Adjust machine position for comfortable sewing posture.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care using both hands. Ensure stable surface to prevent tipping.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; familiarize with basic functions.

Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder and thread through tension disc.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Select basic stitch: Choose straight stitch for initial testing.
Test sew on scrap fabric to ensure proper operation.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always use proper presser foot for selected stitch.

Specifications

Stitch Capacity: 150 built-in stitches
Stitch Types: Utility, decorative, heirloom, quilting stitches
Maximum Sewing Speed: 850 stitches per minute
Needle Positions: Adjustable left/right needle position
Presser Feet: 7 included presser feet
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Display: LCD screen with stitch information
Power Source: 110V AC, 60Hz
Dimensions: Standard sewing machine size with accessory storage

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel buttons and LCD display. Main Panel: Power switch, stitch selection buttons, reverse stitch, needle up/down, automatic thread cutter.

Control Panel: Stitch category selection, stitch length/width adjustment, mirror image, memory buttons, speed control slider.

Basic Settings: Stitch length (0-5mm), stitch width (0-7mm), needle position, thread tension (automatic), presser foot pressure. Advanced: Memory storage for stitch combinations, automatic thread cutter activation, knee lifter sensitivity adjustment.

Stitch Selection

Access 150 built-in stitches through category selection.

Utility Stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, overcast, blind hem
Decorative Stitches: Scallops, waves, leaves, flowers, geometric patterns
Heirloom Stitches: Hemstitch, fagoting, smocking, entredeux
Quilting Stitches: Stippling, decorative quilting patterns
Alphabet: Block and script letters for monogramming

Tip: Test new stitches on scrap fabric to check tension and appearance before sewing project.

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures optimal stitch quality.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Follow numbered threading path from spool pin to needle.
Use automatic needle threader: Lower lever and hook thread through needle eye.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension, hold thread end, press foot controller.
Insert bobbin: Drop into case with thread pulling counterclockwise, pull thread through slot.

WARNING! Always raise presser foot when threading. Ensure proper bobbin insertion to prevent thread jams.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts as per manual instructions.
Monthly: Clean tension discs and check needle plate for burrs.
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. Copyright © Baby Lock International; all rights reserved. For technical support and warranty information, contact authorized Baby Lock dealers or visit www.babylock.com.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread machine completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle plate.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle with correct type for fabric; ensure proper insertion.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Remove and reinsert bobbin; ensure thread pulls counterclockwise.
Machine not feeding	Presser foot pressure/feed dogs	Check presser foot is lowered; clean feed dogs; adjust pressure.
Unusual noise	Lint buildup/thread jam	Clean bobbin area; remove thread tangles; check for foreign objects.

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset computerized functions.

Service: Contact authorized Baby Lock dealer for technical service and repairs.