I bought Baby Lock Jazz II three weeks ago. I reviewed it on You Tube video online for months and months. Since I live in remote community and no access to stores in the city, watching you tubes are only way for me to review sewing machines. I like Jazz II because it does what I want it to do for me. I am very happy with it. I watched Joe Neill demonstrating how Baby Lock Jazz II works many tmes and it is very helpful.
Yes we will include a walking foot. All machines even those made with sintered bushings need service every few years and along with the cleaning we lubricate them.
Thanks for watching the video. The thread goes around position 3 from right to left. That will make sure it makes contact with the check spring under the plastic cover. Tension is something to adjust depending on the fabric, thread and stitch. Normally it's between 3&5 on the dial but try different settings. For example a basting stitch has a very loose top tension to make it easier to remove.
I was able to use the deluxe walking foot on my Jazz II for the first time Monday. I did wonder why the shank screw loosened itself twice from a tight and secure state. Also, when I lift the presser foot, and try to lift it just that little bit more that you can usually do, it doesn't lift any more than it's normal position. What am I doing wrong please. Any ideas?
I sometimes put a lock washer on the screw to keep the ankle from getting loose with the vibration. The lift on the pressure foot should be at least 6mm. If not it needs adjustment. Thanks.
I am trying to learn how to use my new Jazz 2. The stitch length varies a lot while I'm sewing. I re-threaded the machine which seemed to help - for a while. But even set on 3 or 4 I'm getting tiny, uneven stitches. I had high hopes for this machine but I'm about done trying.
You may need to check the pressure on the presser foot. There is a dial/knob on the left top side that controls this if it is not pushing hard enough the feed teeth can not move the fabric properly. You can also check that the feed teeth are up high enough above the needle plate. They should be up ~1mm above the needle plate. While you are checking that change the stitch length and watch if the longer stitch length moves the feed teeth more. Have a great day and don't give up.
Hello, bought a Babylock Jazz II and I have a question. What is the side knob that is on the left side of the machine? What's it for? I bought it used off of Offer Up. It's in great condition, I just don't know what this knob is for.
It may sound silly, but I am often confused on which way I am supposed to use the thread spool cap. It will slide on from either side, but which is correct ? Also, you never mentioned the pressure adjustment dial for the presser foot.
On some spools it works best to have the large end closest to the spool of thread. The adjustment for pressure on the presser foot depends on the fabric. If you're doing free motion quilting then reduce it and drop the feed dogs.
Thank you, @@electrichospital ! It's surprising (and quite reassuring) to find that I can get an answer so quickly to any questions that I have ! I got my new Jazz 2 on July 13 or so, and tried everything out except for free-motion quilting, but life keeps getting in the way of giving her a real trial run ! I know it's going to be really good, but I appreciate you being on 'stand-by'. God bless you, Joe !
We often bundle the Jazz 2 with the Cutie frame a Westlee Ruler foot, a Precise Pedal Power and an extension cord for the foot control. This combination for $1,400 is a budget friendly way to quilt quickly even larger quilts. Call me for more details at 1-800-353-4677.
Hello. Thank you for this updated review.. I've been looking at this machine because of its simplicity and large throat space. I have heard that its a bit finicky in regards to type of thread used. Have you experienced this?. Have you had any issues after using it awhile? I'm interested in doing free motion and ruler quilting..tote bags and clothesline projects In your opinion does this machine handle these tasks well? Thank you for your time. Its most appreciated.
The original Jazz had some problem with the hopping foot that's been corrected. Using a ruler foot works well. It is adjusted to just clear the fabric and follows along the edge of your template.
Hi just watched this video and it confirmed that I'm threading the machine correctly on my new Baby Lock Jazz II. I too am having tension issues with big loopy thread nests that show up even after the machine has been sewing ok for a bit. I'm going to try dialing the numbers you displayed for the straight stitch although I think those are within a range that I've used before. I was so ready to love this machine after having used Singers all my life. If I can get the tension issues to work (and I've tried all combinations of settings) then this machine will be great - I love the large throat area even though I make small lap quilts - and the sturdiness of the machine. I would love to see a video on potential tension issues as this seems to be a common problem with the Jazz II. Thanks!
I too am having loopy threads and this is the first day to sew on my new machine. I am so disappointed. I really thought I could manage this machine since I have been sewing on mechanical ones since 1964. Also, I am disappointed with Baby Lock manufacturing such a failure in tension in the bobbin. Top tension can be changed, but the bottom (bobbin) is set as is and that is a big mess. I watched a video of the lady dropping the bobbin in and threading through the notch number one and then number two and over the bend. I have the notch number one, but no number two notch. What gives?
@@fayelewis606 Hi, so I managed to solve the issue I had with tension. I've always had Singers so the threading on this machine is a little different. My issue was the track of the upper threading so if you interpreted it the way I did this is what to do. Look at the manual look for the upper threading and the blow up of #4. The thread goes between the small metal plate and the machine itself traveling behind the small spools and then down as the arrows indicate. I didn't realize that the thread needed to go between the metal and the machine so, of course, my top thread was going all over the place. Even though I managed to get some good stitching, it kept bunching. So this was my solution to recognize that I had misread the manual. Even the youtube videos were not clear but if you look at this one again, she takes the thread between. Also, try her tension settings as indicated above in the video. I've had no problems and the machine is working great.
Sorry you are having tension over your tension problems. The bobbin tension is adjustable if necessary. Usually it is set at about 15 grams then the upper tension is adjusted to balance the stitches. However if it is making loops not caused by tension then adjusting the tension will only compound your problems (more tension for you.) Things that will make big loops are the clearances between the bobbin case and the positioning fingers and cushion spring. Also if the take up lever is failing to pull back up the loop that forms after the hook picks up the top thread. This can happen if the thread jumps out of the tension disks too. Examine the threading after it starts misbehaving and look for an anomaly in the thread path. If you are near Coos Bay Oregon come on down and I will help. Otherwise find some local friendly grey haired and balding old man that has been doing this for 40 years. Glad you figured it out on your own. Have a great day.
@@electrichospital Thanks Joe for the response. I have discovered that I was not correctly threading the upper thread BETWEEN the metal plates and behind the tension discs (#4 in the manual). From others who are new to Baby Lock (I've had 4 Singers) this seems to be a beginner's mistake. Now I'm getting good tension and stitches for straight sewing and have yet to test it for machine quilting (fingers crossed!). I did use your tension settings from this video. Fortunately I do have a dealer/fabric store not far from me if I run into other problems! I'm in MA!
I got the Jazz ll today and I was having a problem with bird nest on practice fabric .So i rethread machine a couple of times same thing I stopped video and saw the thread goes behind the little rectangle not in front down then go into uptake lever then I pull thread up slightly to see if it caught it and it did then I finished threading Now no more bird nest now it sews the right way I'm so happy I did it yes yes yes I did it
I purchased the Jazz II because of the great reviews on it for free motion quilting. However, I am disappointed in the machine now that i have it... I am really struggling trying to get the tension to work for FMQ. I am using Aurifil thread top/bottom... The bottom tension is horrible...just a big mess. I have tried changing the tension, rethreading both top and bobbin. It is a brand new needle since. I am at a loss. What kind of thread is recommended to use for FMQ with the Jazz II??? What number is recommended to set the tension to for FMQ?
Sorry to hear about the difficulties. We've found that a high quality thread such as Madeira or Floriani works well in sewing machines. However, the issue you describe sounds like there is a lack of upper thread tension or possibly the thread not being in the take up lever. Try these steps and see if they help: 1) Set your tension adjustment back to 4 or 5 2) Raise the presser foot and re-thread the machine one more time (make sure your thread gets in the take up lever) 3) Once you have threaded the needle, pull on the thread and feel that it flows fairly easily 4) Lower your presser foot and pull on the thread again; it should have significantly more resistance Once you've confirmed that your thread has tension, try sewing a straight stitch or zig zag first to ensure the stitches look correct. Assuming they sew normally, then try the free motion. Hope this helps! Let us know if you have other questions.
@@electrichospital I also am having with the upper tension. (Bottom side being a mess). I noticed the thread going to the first guide and beyond has absolutely no tension. I have the cap on as snugly as possible but the thread coming off the spool just flops around. (I have tried different threads). If I put the spool upright (or just hold the thread with a slight bit of tension) it sews very nicely. For a few times - then the thread gets extremely tight in the machine going from the take up lever down to the needle. It will only come out when pulled from thread on top. Do you have any suggestions? I am not a new sewer and have usually been able to figure out the tension problems but this one has me stumped!
I’ve had my machine since May of last year. Question, why would the machine continue to see without pressing the pedal? No I don’t have the sewing leg attached. It just randomly kept sewing after I had stopped pressing the sew peddle?
I too had this problem which is why I’m looking for a new sewing machine as there is not a computer board available as well as cheaper to buy another!! As
@@electrichospital , mine does this when using the needle down stop position. It seems to want to make 2 more stitches in order to stop in the down position.
I bought Baby Lock Jazz II three weeks ago. I reviewed it on You Tube video online for months and months. Since I live in remote community and no access to stores in the city, watching you tubes are only way for me to review sewing machines. I like Jazz II because it does what I want it to do for me. I am very happy with it. I watched Joe Neill demonstrating how Baby Lock Jazz II works many tmes and it is very helpful.
Does it come with a walking foot? Would my walking foot fit? I have a baby lock companion 1550. It's old but works great. Do you have to oil?
Yes we will include a walking foot. All machines even those made with sintered bushings need service every few years and along with the cleaning we lubricate them.
@@electrichospital thank you
Thank you for your video! I couldn't figure out why my new machine would not sew... I had no idea about the bobbin lock position! Thank you!!
Thank you so much. Your instructions are better than the manual.
What are you saying is the standard tension? And which side of the #3 does your thread belong?
Thanks for watching the video. The thread goes around position 3 from right to left. That will make sure it makes contact with the check spring under the plastic cover. Tension is something to adjust depending on the fabric, thread and stitch. Normally it's between 3&5 on the dial but try different settings. For example a basting stitch has a very loose top tension to make it easier to remove.
Can you position the needle to left /right /middle?
Thank you for watching our video. Yes you can position the needle on the straight stitch with the width knob.
I like the simplicity of this but the needle threading looks wicked
Thanks for watching. Yes we love needle threaders especially as a pass the 7 decade.
I was able to use the deluxe walking foot on my Jazz II for the first time Monday. I did wonder why the shank screw loosened itself twice from a tight and secure state. Also, when I lift the presser foot, and try to lift it just that little bit more that you can usually do, it doesn't lift any more than it's normal position. What am I doing wrong please. Any ideas?
I sometimes put a lock washer on the screw to keep the ankle from getting loose with the vibration. The lift on the pressure foot should be at least 6mm. If not it needs adjustment. Thanks.
@@electrichospital Sorry to be a pain, but what should I adjust?
You should have your dealer adjust it to protect the warranty if it too low.
@@electrichospital 😶
I am trying to learn how to use my new Jazz 2. The stitch length varies a lot while I'm sewing. I re-threaded the machine which seemed to help - for a while. But even set on 3 or 4 I'm getting tiny, uneven stitches. I had high hopes for this machine but I'm about done trying.
You may need to check the pressure on the presser foot. There is a dial/knob on the left top side that controls this if it is not pushing hard enough the feed teeth can not move the fabric properly. You can also check that the feed teeth are up high enough above the needle plate. They should be up ~1mm above the needle plate. While you are checking that change the stitch length and watch if the longer stitch length moves the feed teeth more. Have a great day and don't give up.
@@electrichospital Thanks. I will try that.
Hello, bought a Babylock Jazz II and I have a question. What is the side knob that is on the left side of the machine? What's it for?
I bought it used off of Offer Up. It's in great condition, I just don't know what this knob is for.
That knob adjusts the pressure on the presser foot.
@@electrichospital thank you 😊
Can this machine use a size 18 needle? Thank you.
Yes it can.
@@electrichospital thank you
My light under the throat flickers, I had it in the store and they did not fix it, what can I do to replace the light.
We have replaced the LED on these under warranty. Take it back to your dealer.
Audio is garbled. Hard to understand. You should demonstrate threading the bobbin and needle with the thread.
Thank you so much. It's a lot easier following your video than using the manual.
Glad it helped
It may sound silly, but I am often confused on which way I am supposed to use the thread spool cap. It will slide on from either side, but which is correct ? Also, you never mentioned the pressure adjustment dial for the presser foot.
On some spools it works best to have the large end closest to the spool of thread. The adjustment for pressure on the presser foot depends on the fabric. If you're doing free motion quilting then reduce it and drop the feed dogs.
Thank you, @@electrichospital ! It's surprising (and quite reassuring) to find that I can get an answer so quickly to any questions that I have ! I got my new Jazz 2 on July 13 or so, and tried everything out except for free-motion quilting, but life keeps getting in the way of giving her a real trial run ! I know it's going to be really good, but I appreciate you being on 'stand-by'. God bless you, Joe !
I wasn't too user this machine with a Cutie quilting frame because of its wide throat. How good is it for free motion quilting ?
We often bundle the Jazz 2 with the Cutie frame a Westlee Ruler foot, a Precise Pedal Power and an extension cord for the foot control. This combination for $1,400 is a budget friendly way to quilt quickly even larger quilts. Call me for more details at 1-800-353-4677.
Does this come with a walking foot?
No but it is an option.
Hello. Thank you for this updated review.. I've been looking at this machine because of its simplicity and large throat space. I have heard that its a bit finicky in regards to type of thread used. Have you experienced this?. Have you had any issues after using it awhile? I'm interested in doing free motion and ruler quilting..tote bags and clothesline projects
In your opinion does this machine handle these tasks well?
Thank you for your time. Its most appreciated.
Any good quality thread will work. Adjusting tension is necessary as it is not automatic. I have had customers need instructions on proper threading.
The original Jazz had some problem with the hopping foot that's been corrected. Using a ruler foot works well. It is adjusted to just clear the fabric and follows along the edge of your template.
Good point thanks for contacting us.
How do you use a large spool of thread on this machine? I can't get the spool holder to stay vertical
If using a cone I use a separate tree stand that is set on the side of the sewing machine.
Does this machine have an automatic thread cutter? What is the lever on the lower right front used for?
No this doesn't have a thread cutter. The lever is the reverse.
@@electrichospital , well, there is actually a thread cutter on the end of the machine, but it is not automatic.
I just got my new Jazzll. How do I use the self treading
Here is a video that may help. ruclips.net/video/PbnijSNKvpw/видео.html
Hi just watched this video and it confirmed that I'm threading the machine correctly on my new Baby Lock Jazz II. I too am having tension issues with big loopy thread nests that show up even after the machine has been sewing ok for a bit. I'm going to try dialing the numbers you displayed for the straight stitch although I think those are within a range that I've used before. I was so ready to love this machine after having used Singers all my life. If I can get the tension issues to work (and I've tried all combinations of settings) then this machine will be great - I love the large throat area even though I make small lap quilts - and the sturdiness of the machine. I would love to see a video on potential tension issues as this seems to be a common problem with the Jazz II. Thanks!
I too am having loopy threads and this is the first day to sew on my new machine. I am so disappointed. I really thought I could manage this machine since I have been sewing on mechanical ones since 1964. Also, I am disappointed with Baby Lock manufacturing such a failure in tension in the bobbin. Top tension can be changed, but the bottom (bobbin) is set as is and that is a big mess. I watched a video of the lady dropping the bobbin in and threading through the notch number one and then number two and over the bend. I have the notch number one, but no number two notch. What gives?
@@fayelewis606 Hi, so I managed to solve the issue I had with tension. I've always had Singers so the threading on this machine is a little different. My issue was the track of the upper threading so if you interpreted it the way I did this is what to do. Look at the manual look for the upper threading and the blow up of #4. The thread goes between the small metal plate and the machine itself traveling behind the small spools and then down as the arrows indicate. I didn't realize that the thread needed to go between the metal and the machine so, of course, my top thread was going all over the place. Even though I managed to get some good stitching, it kept bunching. So this was my solution to recognize that I had misread the manual. Even the youtube videos were not clear but if you look at this one again, she takes the thread between. Also, try her tension settings as indicated above in the video. I've had no problems and the machine is working great.
Sorry you are having tension over your tension problems. The bobbin tension is adjustable if necessary. Usually it is set at about 15 grams then the upper tension is adjusted to balance the stitches. However if it is making loops not caused by tension then adjusting the tension will only compound your problems (more tension for you.) Things that will make big loops are the clearances between the bobbin case and the positioning fingers and cushion spring. Also if the take up lever is failing to pull back up the loop that forms after the hook picks up the top thread. This can happen if the thread jumps out of the tension disks too. Examine the threading after it starts misbehaving and look for an anomaly in the thread path. If you are near Coos Bay Oregon come on down and I will help. Otherwise find some local friendly grey haired and balding old man that has been doing this for 40 years.
Glad you figured it out on your own. Have a great day.
@@electrichospital Thanks Joe for the response. I have discovered that I was not correctly threading the upper thread BETWEEN the metal plates and behind the tension discs (#4 in the manual). From others who are new to Baby Lock (I've had 4 Singers) this seems to be a beginner's mistake. Now I'm getting good tension and stitches for straight sewing and have yet to test it for machine quilting (fingers crossed!). I did use your tension settings from this video. Fortunately I do have a dealer/fabric store not far from me if I run into other problems! I'm in MA!
I got the Jazz ll today and I was having a problem with bird nest on practice fabric .So i rethread machine a couple of times same thing I stopped video and saw the thread goes behind the little rectangle not in front down then go into uptake lever then I pull thread up slightly to see if it caught it and it did then I finished threading Now no more bird nest now it sews the right way I'm so happy I did it yes yes yes I did it
Does anyone know how to change the needle position, as in center, left or right? I can't find this info anywhere!
When straight stitch is selected the width dial adjusts the needle position. Have a great evening.
I am also trying to figure this out too!!!
@@susancouture574 I figured it out! It's the white thumb dial to the left of the stitch length dial! 🙂
Is there an automatic thread cutter on this machine
No it does not have an automatic thread cutter.
I purchased the Jazz II because of the great reviews on it for free motion quilting. However, I am disappointed in the machine now that i have it... I am really struggling trying to get the tension to work for FMQ. I am using Aurifil thread top/bottom... The bottom tension is horrible...just a big mess. I have tried changing the tension, rethreading both top and bobbin. It is a brand new needle since. I am at a loss. What kind of thread is recommended to use for FMQ with the Jazz II??? What number is recommended to set the tension to for FMQ?
Sorry to hear about the difficulties. We've found that a high quality thread such as Madeira or Floriani works well in sewing machines.
However, the issue you describe sounds like there is a lack of upper thread tension or possibly the thread not being in the take up lever.
Try these steps and see if they help:
1) Set your tension adjustment back to 4 or 5
2) Raise the presser foot and re-thread the machine one more time (make sure your thread gets in the take up lever)
3) Once you have threaded the needle, pull on the thread and feel that it flows fairly easily
4) Lower your presser foot and pull on the thread again; it should have significantly more resistance
Once you've confirmed that your thread has tension, try sewing a straight stitch or zig zag first to ensure the stitches look correct. Assuming they sew normally, then try the free motion.
Hope this helps! Let us know if you have other questions.
@@electrichospital I also am having with the upper tension. (Bottom side being a mess). I noticed the thread going to the first guide and beyond has absolutely no tension. I have the cap on as snugly as possible but the thread coming off the spool just flops around. (I have tried different threads). If I put the spool upright (or just hold the thread with a slight bit of tension) it sews very nicely. For a few times - then the thread gets extremely tight in the machine going from the take up lever down to the needle. It will only come out when pulled from thread on top. Do you have any suggestions? I am not a new sewer and have usually been able to figure out the tension problems but this one has me stumped!
I’ve had my machine since May of last year. Question, why would the machine continue to see without pressing the pedal? No I don’t have the sewing leg attached. It just randomly kept sewing after I had stopped pressing the sew peddle?
I have seen this once before and it was a defective computer board. It should be covered by the warranty.
I too had this problem which is why I’m looking for a new sewing machine as there is not a computer board available as well as cheaper to buy another!!
As
I have the same problem.
@@electrichospital , mine does this when using the needle down stop position. It seems to want to make 2 more stitches in order to stop in the down position.
Your spoken instructions and hand movements are not in sync.
This video would be much better if her hand was not blocking the view. Maybe the camera person could stand in a different spot.
It might help if you actually used thread when showing how to thread the bobbin and machine…..not good just to point at it.😡
Thanks for the advice. Next time we will try that.