HQ Fusion
™
User Manual 1.0
Page 23
To Begin Quilting
Thread Requirements
Choose high quality threads for your valuable heirloom quilts. Most machine quilting threads
on the market today are acceptable for use with the HQ Fusion. Threads may weaken with
time, so keep your thread collection fresh.
Needle Requirements
For general quilting, a size 16/100 needle will accommodate most threads and fabrics. Heavier
threads, such as topstitch 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 Fusion™ 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 Fusion™, users can begin with
a few ―begi
nne
r‖
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.
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 START on the front or rear
handle bars, 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 STOP button at the
same moment the machine stops moving. If the machine is still moving when the STOP button
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 button 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
Fusion™, combined with the Fusion Frame system will give you a smooth even glide.
