“Sewing Stories & Advice with Jan” ❤️🪡

Hello, I’m Jan! After years in the sewing industry, I’ve learned a thing or two about tricky stitches and creative projects. I love showing what baby lock machines can do—grab your thread and let’s turn your ideas into something amazing!

WOOLLY NYLON IS AWESOME!

For many years, we in Great Britain were forced to look on in envy as our American cousins praised the virtues of their woolly nylon. “Fabulous for covering pokies in rolled hems!” they cried. “Ideal for children’s clothes, or chub rub!” they boasted.

I, for one, was more than a tad jealous. The only equivalent to be found here was the leftovers from industry, only to be discovered on market stalls or those damp and dark mill sales.

Then one glorious day, baby lock Japan took note. They sourced a quality thread, ideal for all overlockers, in a spectacular range of colours and finishes. baby lock’s Woolly Lock was born. Yours truly was addicted! “I’m officially hooked—here are 4 reasons these threads are irresistible!” ❤️✂️

The different finishes are as follows:

  • Standard in a wonderful range of colours for every project. I inevitably use this for all of the garments made for my grandchildren, as it creates an incredibly soft seam without chafing.
  • Metallic – the core woolly lock is wrapped in either silver or gold foil. If you love bling (who doesn’t?) then this is for your shopping list!
  • Variegated – in a multitude of shades, the variegated threads add a big POP to seams and decorative stitching
  • Extra! – Woolly Lock Extra is an extra thick version, specifically created for the Wave Stitch exclusive to certain models, but also brilliant on a three thread edge stitch.

Things to note: When threading your jet air threading baby lock, the puff of air will blast straight through the woolly texture of the thread. Therefore, you will need to use a THREAD CRADLE.

Do not be tempted to tie a knot and pull it through! This, if the knot gives way part way through the tube, can cause a real blockage.

To use a thread cradle: Take a long length of normal overlock thread ( maybe 60” or 150cms), fold it in half, and, whilst holding the loop end, put both cut ends into the threading port and whoosh it through. Now insert the end of the Woolly Lock into the loop and pull everything through to the business end!

When using ANY thicker thread in the loopers, always start with a long stitch length. This will prevent the fatter stitches crowding together. Slowly reduce the length until the stitch looks good.

I found that the Woolly Lock, because it has some stretch, may pull in the fabric if it is very lightweight. A washable double sided sticky tape proved enough to stabilise the edge and prevent this.

Thanks for reading! Until next time, keep those machines running and your creativity flowing.

🎉 “Stitch, smile, repeat.” 😄🧵