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Page 13
3. Thread continues through thread guide C, and then
down to the tension assembly (see Figure 15).
NOTE: It is important that the thread is “flossed”
up between the two tension discs. If the thread is
not firmly in place between the two tension discs,
the thread rests on the outside of the tension discs
(without tension) and looping on fabric or thread
nests may occur.
4. Once the thread is in place, be sure that the thread
catches on the take-up spring and then pull it down
under the stirrup (thread guide D).
5. Bring the thread back up through the take-up
lever from back to front, and then down through
thread guide E. Pull the thread at the take up lever
to ensure that it is properly flossed between the
tension disks. If it is properly flossed in the tension
disks you should feel some resistance as you pull
the thread. If it is not, then the thread will pull
freely.
6. Pull the thread down to the needle thread guide
and thread through the hole (thread guide F).
7. Make sure the thread is following the groove down
the front of the needle and threads from front to
back. Be careful that the thread does not twist
around the needle.
Figure 15
Important notes: The HQ
Avanté quilting machine
does not have a presser foot lever or top tension
release like a home sewing machine. On a home
sewing machine the top tension is released when the
presser foot is raised, allowing the thread to come
freely out of the machine. When a home machine is
threaded, the presser foot is raised and the tension
discs are released and open for the thread to easily
fall between the tension discs. This is not the case
with the HQ
Avanté quilting machine where the top
tension is always tight and the tension discs are never
open. Therefore, the thread must be pulled up or
“flossed” between the tension discs or it will stay
outside the discs and float without tension, causing
serious tension problems and/or thread nests. It is
also possible to bend the needle while it is threaded
if care is not taken while moving the machine around
the quilt because the top tension is never released.
E
C
D
DETAIL 2
F