Baby Lock Decorator's Choice Sewing Machine Manual

The Baby Lock Decorator's Choice is a professional-grade sewing machine designed for home decor projects, featuring advanced stitching capabilities, automatic thread tension, built-in decorative stitches, adjustable speed control, needle up/down function, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and specialized feet for home decor applications. 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. Accessory Feet Guide 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty & Support 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Advanced sewing machine with decorator-focused features, Foot Controller, Accessory Feet, Bobbins, Needles, Power Cord.

Feature	Description
Automatic Needle Threader	Easy threading with push-button operation
Drop Feed System	For free-motion quilting and decorative stitching
Speed Control Slider	Adjustable sewing speed from slow to fast
Built-in Decorative Stitches	50+ stitches including home decor patterns
Automatic Thread Tension	Self-adjusting for perfect stitches
Needle Up/Down Function	Programmable needle position
LCD Display	Shows stitch selection and settings
Knee Lifter Compatible	For hands-free presser foot lifting
Automatic Bobbin Winding	Built-in bobbin winding system
LED Work Light	Bright illumination of sewing area

Installation & Setup

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

Connect power: Plug foot controller into machine, then plug power cord into wall outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Wind bobbin: Place bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, press foot controller.
Insert bobbin: Open bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.

WARNING! Always unplug machine when changing needles or performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; familiarize yourself with basic functions.

Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch position.
Adjust stitch length: Set to medium (2.5-3.0) for general sewing.
Test sew: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press foot controller.
Practice threading: Use automatic needle threader for easy needle threading.
Experiment with speed: Use speed control slider to find comfortable sewing pace.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle; always use presser foot.

Specifications

Machine Type: Electronic Home Decor Sewing Machine
Stitch Capacity: 50+ built-in stitches
Stitch Width: Up to 7mm
Stitch Length: Up to 5mm
Speed: Up to 850 stitches per minute
Needle System: HAx1 standard
Bobbin Type: Class 15 transparent
Presser Feet: 8 included specialized feet
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Warranty: 25-year limited warranty

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel and dials. Front Panel: Power Switch, Stitch Selection Dial, Stitch Length/Width Controls, Reverse Stitch Button.

Additional Controls: Thread Cutter, Presser Foot Lever, Handwheel, Bobbin Winder, Needle Position Button.

Stitch Settings: Length (0-5mm), Width (0-7mm), Mirror Image, Memory Function. Tension: Automatic adjustment with manual override available. Special Functions: Needle Up/Down programmable, Speed Control, Automatic Thread Cutter (optional).

Stitch Selection

Built-in stitches for home decor projects including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches.

Basic Stitches: Straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitches.
Decorative Stitches: Scallops, waves, leaves, flowers, geometric patterns.
Buttonhole Styles: 4-step, 1-step automatic, keyhole, stretch.
Specialty Stitches: Quilting stitches, monogramming alphabet.

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Accessory Feet Guide

Specialized feet included for home decor applications.

Foot	Use	Application
All-Purpose Foot	General sewing	Most fabrics and stitches
Zipper Foot	Zipper installation	Dresses, pillows, home decor
Buttonhole Foot	Automatic buttonholes	Garments, curtains
Blind Hem Foot	Invisible hems	Draperies, slipcovers
Overcasting Foot	Seam finishing	Preventing fabric fraying
Quilting Foot	Quilting lines	Quilts, home accessories
Walking Foot	Even feeding	Multiple layers, vinyl, leather
Rolled Hem Foot	Narrow rolled hems	Curtains, table linens

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 (use sewing machine oil only).
Monthly: Clean tension discs and thread path with soft brush.
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for safe operation.

Always disconnect power when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle and mechanical parts
Use proper needle for fabric type to prevent breakage
Do not pull fabric while sewing - let feed dogs move fabric
Keep work area well-lit and free from obstructions
Store machine covered when not in use to prevent dust accumulation

Warranty & Support

Baby Lock 25-year limited warranty covering mechanical components. Electronic components covered for 2 years. Labor covered for 1 year. For technical support, contact Baby Lock at 1-800-313-4115 or visit www.babylock.com. Register your machine online for warranty validation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; check tension setting
Needle breaking	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure proper installation
Uneven stitches	Dirty feed dogs/tension	Clean feed dogs; adjust tension
Machine not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; check stitch setting
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Rethread bobbin; check bobbin case
Machine won't start	Power connection/foot controller	Check power cord; test foot controller
Unusual noise	Lint buildup/needle issue	Clean bobbin area; replace needle

Reset: Turn machine off and unplug for 2 minutes to reset electronics.

Service: 1-800-313-4115; www.babylock.com