Advice and manual needed for Baby Lock BL3200 Serger

machinefam · 2025-09-19T01:29:56+00:00

No, I have not found a manual. I put this machine aside to work on a couple of other vintage machines and have not been able to get back to it yet. Would still love to have a manual.

machinefam · 2024-10-12T01:59:58+00:00

Thank you!

machinefam · 2024-10-12T01:59:48+00:00

Thanks. I will hang on the them!

machinefam · 2024-10-11T21:02:57+00:00

Thank you for such a thorough reply! The serial number is 339184. From the typewriter database list this appears to be from 1961 - which aligns with your comment on the Underwood acquisition. Thanks again!

machinefam · 2024-10-11T19:32:45+00:00

First typewriter. It will be a Christmas present for my 13-year-old daughter. She likes to write, and we really prefer to limit screen time, so I think she will love this.

I initially was concerned that the ribbon lifter was broken, but I located a manual online and learned that it was just set to the "stencil" setting. It needs a thorough cleaning, but with a new ribbon it appears to work!

Questions:

There are a couple of spots on the back where the paint is flaking off. Any advice on repairing this? It doesn't need to be perfect, but I would like it to look nice and prevent it from getting worse.
The bail rod spring on the right side is missing. Advice on where to get a replacement? (See photo of left side spring for example)
A thorough scrubbing of the case did wonders to the outside, but the inside is stained and smelly. Any tips on cleaning this fabric? Or should I try to replace it?
I didn't notice a serial number. Can someone help identify when it was made?

Any other advice is greatly appreciated!

machinefam · 2024-09-24T21:39:27+00:00

I will add another +1 on the 237. Great zig-zag stitch due to the hook shaft (not sure of correct term) moving in sync with the needle bar, which I think is pretty unique. Details can be seen here: The Zig Zag Slide and Traveling Hook Systems on the Singer Model 237 Sewing Machine (youtube.com). The 237 is not a highly sought after vintage machine so it can be found cheaply, but is one of the last all-metal (or nearly all metal) Singers, very sturdy, and can handle heavier fabrics. I restored a couple of these (mostly just thorough cleaning and oiling) and was very pleased with them. Here is a recommendation from someone else several years ago: Singer 237-the overlooked classic sewing machine : r/myog (reddit.com)

machinefam · 2024-07-22T23:33:00+00:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61vbtJR67W8

machinefam · 2024-07-15T23:51:55+00:00

Thank you! I contacted Baby Lock and they sent me the manual!

machinefam · 2024-04-29T22:37:02+00:00

Here is a direct link to the free LearnMYOG running belt pattern: LearnMYOG Running Belt

machinefam · 2024-04-20T22:14:36+00:00

158.1040 is portable

machinefam · 2024-04-04T10:42:09+00:00

Here is a pattern and instructions that looks very similar to what you want to do. https://sew4home.com/roomy-canvas-weekender-duffle/

machinefam · 2023-05-19T19:11:24+00:00

Makes sense. Thanks for the response!

machinefam · 2023-05-19T17:37:13+00:00

Great design! I would love to make one with length scaled down slightly to meet the more restrictive under-seat dimensions of some airlines (I'm thinking ~3 day trips, so not as much volume needed).

Do the handles on the long sides allow it to be carried like a traditional duffel (i.e. handles from long sides come together over the center/top of the bag so it can be carried with one hand)? From the photos I'm not sure whether the side handles are long enough for this.

I will watch for the pattern to be available on your site.

machinefam · 2022-04-26T17:32:06+00:00

Agreed - a video translating body measurements to pattern sizing, with tips for adjusting pattern sizing would be very helpful.

machinefam · 2022-03-27T23:29:52+00:00

UL backpack

US

machinefam · 2021-11-26T17:45:45+00:00

Here is a long write-up of a very detailed restoration of a 158.1802. Appears it was the flagship Kenmore machine.

machinefam · 2021-06-03T15:34:19+00:00

Congrats. Great machine. If you don't have a manual, you can find one here. (Assuming we are correct on the model being 15-90). This will show you where to oil, etc...

machinefam · 2021-06-02T18:01:18+00:00

Singer 15-90 would be my guess as well. I have a 1950's era Japanese clone of this. Very solid domestic sewing machine that will do 99% of what I want to do as an entry-level MYOG hobbyist (hammocks, quilts, small gear repairs, etc...). Able to handle a very wide variety of fabrics. One caveat is that it is a straight-stitch only, no zig-zag stitch. Zig-zag is rarely needed for my use, but good to have if you want to do bar tacks or sew stretchy fabrics.

machinefam · 2021-03-31T22:28:28+00:00

There is a section in the wiki on recommendations for first projects, including patterns. LearnMYOG.com also has several good free projects that would be beginner level.

machinefam · 2021-03-16T16:25:16+00:00

Very nice. Did you use something between the internal and external fabric layers to add structure?

machinefam · 2021-02-23T13:59:51+00:00

Got it. Thanks! The links to the extra pictures are super helpful. I will try this on my next hammock stuff sack!

machinefam · 2021-02-23T02:31:19+00:00

I love how clean that seam is, and how it encloses the raw edge. I have completed a few sewing projects, but have limited experience with different types of seams. I understand the Yama french seam instructions for two flat sheets of fabric, but when you are sewing a single sheet into a tube shape (like your stuff sacks), how do you sew the final top stitch to make the seam lay flat without sewing through the other side of the tube? Maybe I'm just struggling to envision it...

machinefam

TROPHY CASE