Fabric Is Caught in the Machine and Cannot be Removed

If the fabric is caught in the machine and cannot be removed, the thread may have become tangled under the needle plate. Follow the procedure described below to remove the fabric from the machine. If the operation could not be completed according to the procedure, instead of attempting to complete it forcefully, contact your authorized Baby Lock retailer.

Removing the Fabric from the Machine

1. Immediately stop the machine.

2. Turn the main power to OFF, and then unplug the machine.

3. Remove the needle.

   If the needle is lowered into the fabric, turn the handwheel away from you (clockwise) to raise the needle out of the fabric, and then remove the needle.

   Refer to Changing the Needle.

4. Remove the presser foot.

   If the thread is entangled on the presser foot, remove the entangled thread, and then raise the presser foot lever to remove the presser foot. Otherwise, the presser foot may be damaged.

   Refer to Replacing the Presser Foot.

5. Lift up the fabric and cut the threads below it.

   If the fabric can be removed, remove it. Continue with the following steps to clean the race.

6. Remove the needle plate and bobbin case.

   If threads remain in the bobbin case, remove them.

   Refer to Cleaning the Race.

7. Remove any threads in the race and around the feed dogs.

   Refer to step 8 of Cleaning the Race.

   
   1. Cleaning brush
   2. Race

8. Insert the bobbin case and then attach the needle plate.

   Refer to steps 9 through 11 of Cleaning the Race.

   

9. Check the condition of the needle, and then install it.

   If the needle is in a poor condition, for example, if it is bent, be sure to install a new needle.

   Refer to Changing the Needle.

Checking Machine Operations

If the needle plate has been removed, check machine operations to confirm that installation has been completed correctly.

1. Turn on the machine.

   • The needle moves to the left and right.
     • If an error occurs, the machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact your authorized Baby Lock retailer.

2. Select Straight stitch (Middle).

   Refer to the Stitch Chart.

   • Do not yet install the presser foot and thread.

3. Slowly turn the handwheel toward you (counterclockwise), and look from all sides to check that the needle falls at the center of the hole in the needle plate.

   
   1. Hole in the needle plate
   2. Handwheel

   If the needle or feed dogs contact the needle plate, the machine may be malfunctioning; therefore, contact your authorized Baby Lock retailer.

4. Turn off the machine, and then install the bobbin and presser foot.

   Never use a scratched or damaged presser foot.

   Otherwise, the needle may break, or sewing performance may suffer.

   Refer to Setting the Bobbin and Changing the Presser Foot.

5. Correctly thread the machine.

   For details on the machine, refer to Upper Threading.

   • The thread may have become tangled as a result of incorrect upper threading. Make sure that the machine is correctly threaded.

6. Perform trial sewing with normal fabric.

   • Remember when sewing thin fabrics, select a center stitch that is shorter in length and use the straight stitch needle plate for straight sewing stitches. A lightweight paper stabilizer can also be placed on the underside of the fabric.