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Quilting with the Gallant XL
Preparing to Quilt
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IMPORTANT
: Make sure your machine has been cleaned, oiled, has a new needle, and that the
tracks on the frame are free from threads or other debris.
1. If the machine isn’t already plugged in, plug it in now.
2. Select the thread and wind one or more bobbins.
3. Set the bobbin tension and thread the machine.
4. Turn on the main power switch at the back of the machine.
5.
After loading the quilt top, use a scrap of fabric along the edge of the quilt backing and batting to test
the top tension. Make adjustments to the top tension as needed.
To load the quilt
1.
Start with the backing fabric. Find the center of the bottom edge of the backing and match with the
center of the backing pole leader. You marked the center of the leader when you installed it with the
Velcro. The wrong side of the fabric should be facing up. It is helpful to drape the backing fabric over
the take-up pole as you pin the bottom edge to the backing pole leader.
2.
Match the raw edge of the fabric with the edge of the leader and pin together. Use long, sturdy quilting
pins and insert the pins parallel to the edge of the leader, about 1/4 inch away from the edge. Place
pins about 1/2 inch apart. Start pinning at the center and work your way to one side, being careful not
to stretch the fabric. Return to the center and work your way to the opposite side.
3.
Once the bottom edge is pinned in place, make sure the ratchet stop is engaged and roll the fabric
around the pole, smoothing gently as you go. The top edge of the backing fabric gets pinned to the
take-up pole leader in the same fashion, matching center of fabric to center of leader. Make sure the
leader travels
under
the idler pole before getting pinned to the top edge of the backing fabric.
4.
Next, find the center of the bottom edge of the quilt top. The right side of the quilt top should be facing
up. It is helpful to drape the quilt top over the take-up pole as you pin the bottom edge to the top
pole leader. Pin the quilt top to the top pole leader in the same way you pinned the backing. Once the
edge is pinned in place, make sure the ratchet stop is engaged and roll the quilt top around the pole,
smoothing gently as you go. The top edge of the quilt top will get basted in place to the backing and
batting.
5.
Consult the diagram on the following page to determine the correct pole and the direction of rolling
for each of your pieces. If you engage the ratchet stop before rolling, you will always roll in the correct
direction.
