Baby Lock Sewing Machine BL1556 Manual

The Baby Lock BL1556 is a versatile sewing machine designed for home use with advanced features including automatic needle threading, built-in stitches, LCD display, drop-in bobbin system, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet options. 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 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: LCD display, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin system, built-in stitches, free arm, adjustable speed control, and multiple presser feet.

Feature	Description
Automatic Needle Threader	Easy threading with push-button mechanism
LCD Display	Shows stitch selection and settings
Drop-in Bobbin	Top-loading bobbin system with clear cover
Built-in Stitches	Multiple stitch patterns including utility and decorative
Free Arm	Removable extension table for cylindrical sewing
Speed Control Slider	Adjustable sewing speed
Presser Feet	Multiple feet included: zigzag, buttonhole, zipper
Stitch Length/Width	Adjustable settings for customization
Buttonhole Stitch	One-step automatic buttonhole
Reverse Stitch	Built-in reverse sewing function

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Install foot controller: Plug into machine port.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Attach extension table: Slide into position for flat sewing surface.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure stable surface placement.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup procedure.

Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension, wind on bobbin.
Insert bobbin: Drop bobbin into case with thread clockwise.
Thread upper thread: Follow numbered guides, use automatic needle threader.
Select stitch: Use stitch selection dial or buttons.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch quality.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle during operation. Always turn off when threading.

Specifications

Machine Type: Electronic Sewing Machine
Stitches: 55 built-in stitches
Buttonhole: One-step automatic
Needle Positions: Multiple positions available
Stitch Length: Adjustable up to 5mm
Stitch Width: Adjustable up to 7mm
Bobbin: Top-loading drop-in system
Speed: Up to 850 stitches per minute
Power Supply: 110V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg)

Controls and Settings

Access functions via control panel and dials. Front Panel: Power switch, stitch selection dial, LCD display, stitch width/length controls.

Control Panel: Power button, reverse stitch, needle up/down, automatic needle threader, stitch pattern buttons.

Stitch Settings: Length (0-5mm), Width (0-7mm), tension adjustment (0-9). Display: Shows selected stitch, recommended foot, stitch settings. Special Functions: Mirror image, memory stitch, automatic thread cutter.

Stitch Selection

55 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches.

Basic Stitches: Straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, stretch stitches.
Decorative Stitches: Scallop, honeycomb, smocking, quilting stitches.
Buttonhole: One-step automatic with sensor technology.
Selecting Stitches: Turn stitch selection dial or press pattern buttons.
Adjusting Settings: Use length/width controls for customization.

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

Threading & Bobbin

Proper threading ensures optimal stitch quality.

Upper Threading: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
Automatic Needle Threader: Push lever down and forward to thread needle.
Bobbin Winding: Place thread on spool pin, guide through tension, wind evenly.
Bobbin Insertion: Drop into case with thread pulling counter-clockwise.
Drawing Up Bobbin Thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you.

WARNING! Ensure presser foot is raised when threading. Turn power off during threading process.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures long machine life.

Daily: Remove 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.
Needle Replacement: Change needle after every project or 8 hours of sewing.

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

Accessories

Standard accessories included with BL1556.

Accessory	Use
All-purpose Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Automatic buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Invisible hemming
Overcasting Foot	Preventing fabric fraying
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Extra Bobbins	Additional thread storage
Screwdriver	Needle and foot changes

Warranty Information

Baby Lock BL1556 comes with 25-year limited warranty on mechanical parts and 2-year warranty on electronic components. Warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Registration required within 30 days of purchase. For service, contact authorized Baby Lock dealers only.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Needle breaks	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct type/size; check insertion.
Thread bunching	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread machine; check bobbin; adjust tension.
Skip stitches	Dull needle/wrong foot	Replace needle; ensure proper presser foot.
Machine won't start	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal plugged in.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Clean tension discs; re-thread; adjust tension settings.

Service: Contact authorized Baby Lock dealer for repairs.

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