HandiQuilter.com
Page 29
Thread Requirements
Threads have a tendency to dry rot over a period
of time. Be sure to choose high quality threads
for your valuable heirloom quilts. Most machine
quilting threads on the market today
are acceptable.
Needle Requirements
For general quilting, a size 16/100 needle will
accommodate most threads and fabrics.
Heavier threads, such as top stitch and some
decorative threads, require a larger needle such as
18/110 or 20/120. Lofty batts and heavier fabrics
such as denim, canvas or densely woven fabric may
also require a larger needle.
To Prepare for Quilting
With any quilting machine, it is important to
understand the basics of free motion quilting. The
HQ Avanté Quilting Machine does not have feed
dogs like domestic machines; therefore, the fabric
does not automatically feed under the hopping
foot. The operator should synchronize the speed
as well as the movement of the machine to get an
even, consistent stitch.
In order to become comfortable with the free
motion of the HQ Avanté, users can begin with a
few “beginner” techniques.
In Manual Mode: Set the machine at a medium
speed and begin moving it until you become
accustomed to the resistance. By moving the
machine faster, the stitches begin to elongate.
The stitch speed can either be increased or the
machine can be moved slower to get the stitches
back to the desired length. By moving the machine
slower, the stitches get shorter and can build up on
top of each other, breaking the thread or making it
extremely difficult to unpick. The stitch speed can
be decreased, while maintaining a constant motion
with the machine to bring the stitches back to the
desired length.
Getting Started Quilting
In Stitch Regulator Mode: Set the machine to desired
stitch length. Begin moving the machine to become
accustomed to the resistance. The machine motor
will slow down or speed up to maintain a consistent
stitch length according to how quickly or slowly you
move the machine. Moving the machine too fast or
in radical or jerky movements will defeat the stitch
regulator function.
In MANUAL or CRUISE REGULATION mode, when
pressing the “Start/Stop” key on the front or rear
handle bars to begin quilting make certain to begin
moving the machine immediately. If the needle
stitches in one place too long, the stitches build up
on top of each other causing a build-up of thread or
thread breakage. When bringing the machine to a
complete stop press the “Start/Stop” key at the same
moment the machine stops moving. If the machine is
still moving when the “Start/Stop” key is pressed, it
can cause deflection in the needle, possibly causing it
to bend or break.
In PRECISION REGULATION mode, the needle will not
begin moving when you press the “Start/Stop” key
until you begin moving the machine.
When quilting, relax your hands and maintain a light
touch on the handlebars. Gripping the handlebars
too tightly may cause body tension resulting in poor
quilting quality. The HQ
18
Avanté, combined with
the Avanté Frame system will give you a smooth
even glide.