How to thread BabyLock when air-threading fails

BabyLock sewing machines with ExtraordinAir and RevolutionAir thread loopers with a push of a button, but not all specialty threads can be fed in with air. (For example, stretchy thread like woolly nylon, Maxilock stretch, or shirring elastic.)

Here are two ways to thread the BabyLock overlocker, chain stitch, or combination sewing machines when the air threader doesn’t work with your thread.

Threading using the looper threading wire

BabyLock sewing machines come with a looper threading tool, which looks like a long piece of thin wire with a loop on one end.

To thread specialty thread with a looper threading wire:

1. Put the serger into threading mode (with the threading tubes engaged);
2. Push the wire (the end without the loop) into the threading port until the end appears out of the other side;
3. Feed about 7cm of specialty thread into the wire’s loop; and
4. Pull the end of the wire completely out of the machine, and with it comes the specialty thread.

Above is an example of using the wire to thread shirring elastic into the chain looper.

Feeding the wire through the chain looper port is a little tricker than the overlock upper looper, probably because there is a 90degree upwards bend in the tube. The thread cradling technique below is easier (for both ports actually, including threading woolly nylon into the upper looper).

Threading using sacrificial thread (cradle)

To thread specialty thread using sacrificial thread:

1. Put the serger into threading mode (with the threading tubes engaged);
2. Feed normal thread in with the air threader (by pressing the button like usual) until it appears out the other side.
3. Cut the normal thread outside the threading port and start tying a knot. When the knot is almost closed, insert the specialty thread into the knot and tie it tight.
4. Pull the end of the normal thread completely out of the machine, and with it comes the specialty thread. Cut the normal thread and knot off.

This technique very similar to using a “thread cradle”, but uses half the amount of extra thread as it’s not folded in half before using.

Which one is better?

I used to use the thread looper wire every time, but it’s quite awkward to take out and store the long thin wire that’s the looper threading tool. It wants to spring out.

Today was the first time I used the sacrificial thread cradle method, and, I gotta say it’s so much easier because:

• I don’t have to take the wire out of the tool box and its packaging that keeps the long wire coiled;
• I can use the air threading button like normal, which is easier than inserting the long wire all the way through the looper ports;
• I don’t have to coil the wire and place it back into its packaging carefully so it doesn’t spring back into its long form, and store back into the toolbox.

So… I think the sacrificial thread (or thread cradling) wins.