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HQ Amara User Manual 

 | 27

The Amara uses the 134 needle system. Note that the needle has a 

round shank rather than a shank with a flat side like home sewing 

machines use. 

If you use the recommended needle, you will experience: 

•  Fewer skipped stitches

•  Less needle breakage

•  Less thread breakage, especially at high speeds

•  Less thread splicing or shredding

•  Optimum fabric protection

 

Â

IMPORTANT: Change the needle regularly. We recommend you use a new needle for each new quilt 

and any time the needle becomes bent, dull, or burred. 

 

U

CAUTION: A damaged needle may result in poor stitching quality or may even damage the machine 

or your quilt. 

To change the needle

 

ONLINE: For more information about replacing the needle, watch the video Replacing the Needle 

at: http://www.HandiQuilter.com/Amara/needle.

1.  Move the needle bar to the up position by pressing the needle up/down control on the handlebar. 

2.  Turn off all power to the machine. 

3.  Loosen the needle bar clamp screw with the 

2.5mm hex wrench. 

4.  Remove the old needle by pulling it down. Discard the old needle in a safe way. 

5.  With the scarf of the needle (indentation at 

the back of the needle just above the needle 

eye) facing the rear of the machine and the 

long groove down the front of the needle 

facing the front of the machine, push the 

needle all the way up into the needle bar 

until it stops. Check the sight hole in the 

needle clamp to verify that the top of the 

needle can go no farther up. 

 

U

CAUTION: Check the needle to confirm it is fully inserted. The needle bar has a sight opening 

above the needle bar clamp screw. Make sure the needle is touching the top of the sight opening. 

If it isn’t, the machine timing will be off and it may be possible for the needle to collide with 

internal parts causing damage not covered by warranty. 

6.  Carefully tighten the needle bar clamp screw. 

 

U

CAUTION: Although you can use your fingers to tighten the needle bar clamp screw, we recommend 

that after finger-tightening the screw you use the 2.5mm hex wrench to tighten it just a bit more. 

The Amara runs at very high speeds and this ensures the needle will not loosen while quilting. 

However, do not over tighten the needle clamp screw as this may strip the threads of the screw. 

Stripped threads are not covered under the warranty. It may also become difficult to insert the 

needle properly into the needle bar. Once the screw no longer turns freely by hand, gently turn  

the screwdriver until the screw is tightened snuggly.

Needle Size

Thread Size

12 and 14

monofilament, 100 wt. silk, 60 wt. polyester, mylar

16

monofilament, mylar, 100 wt., 80 wt., 60 wt., 50 wt., 40 wt. silk, polyester and cotton thread

18

40 wt. cotton and polyester, 30 wt. cotton and polyester

19 and 21

Any thread 30 wt. and heavier such as 12 wt., 19 wt., 30 wt.

 

“

QUILTING TIP: 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 21/130. Lofty batts and heavier fabrics such as denim, canvas, or 

densely woven fabric may also require a larger needle.

Hopping Feet

Your machine comes with two hopping feet: a ruler foot (comes installed) and an open-toe foot. Use the 

ruler foot for everyday quilting and ruler work, and use the open-toe foot when you need greater stitch 

visibility (such as when you are micro quilting).

 

ONLINE: For more information about changing the hopping feet, watch the video Changing  

Handi Feet at: http://www.HandiQuilter.com/Amara/handifeet.

 

Scarf at back of needle just above eye

Long groove at front of needle - shoulder to eye

Summary of Contents for HQ Amara 20

Page 1: ...HANDI QUILTER 20 INCH LONGARM Designed by a Quilter for Quilters USER MANUAL VERSION 1 0 ...

Page 2: ...cument is not warranted to be error free Handi Quilter Inc assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in the informational content contained in this manual Handi Quilter HQ Amara HQ Studio2 Frame and Pro Stitcher are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Handi Quilter Inc Printed in the United States of America Version 1 0 11 2017 USER MANUAL VERS...

Page 3: ...ded with your Machine User manual Machine Specifications User manual Frame Setup Information HQ Studio2 Frame installation manual Machine Setup Information User manual How to Thread your Machine Quick reference card Needle System for your Machine Quick reference card Getting Started with Quilting Getting Started videos USB stick Online Videos www HandiQuilter com videocatalog Basic Maintenance Use...

Page 4: ...en Displays 19 Thread Tray and Thread Mast 21 Optional Accessories 21 Using Your Machine 25 Power Switch 25 Lighting 25 Magnetic Tool Minder Collar 25 Machine Needle 25 Hopping Feet 27 Optional Accessory Handi Feet 28 Bobbin and Bobbin Tension 29 Easy Set Tension 31 Threading the Machine 32 Quilting With the Amara 34 Preparing to Quilt 34 Free Motion Quilting 35 Micro Quilting 35 Optional Computer...

Page 5: ...Set Language 60 Information Screens 60 Machine Maintenance 63 Clean and Oil Your Amara 63 Maintenance Schedule 64 Troubleshooting 65 Appendix 1 70 Federal Communications Commissions FCC Declaration of Conformity For USA Only 70 Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement For Canada Only 70 Radio Interference Other than USA and Canada 70 Warranty 71 Warranty Registration Card 73 Mach...

Page 6: ...e properly or if you don t use the correct packaging materials the machine could be damaged Handi Quilter is not liable for damage that occurs during return shipping   IMPORTANT These packaging materials are designed to prevent the machine from being damaged Keep them in case you need to bring this machine to the dealer or send it for repair What s Included With Your Machine Bobbins 5 pieces 3 m...

Page 7: ...be used indoors away from moisture The HQ Amara should not be stored or used in extreme temperatures Use the HQ Amara only for its intended use as described in this manual To disconnect from the wall outlet push the switch to the off position then remove the plug from outlet pulling from the plug not the cord Never operate the HQ Amara if the cord is damaged or not working correctly If a mechanica...

Page 8: ... hand wheel take up lever needle or other moving parts 2 Turn the machine off and unplug the cord in the following cases when you have stopped using the machine when you replace or remove the needle or any other part when you check or clean the machine when you leave the machine unattended 3 Connect the machine directly to the wall outlet or to a surge protector that connects directly to the wall ...

Page 9: ...utlet can be installed by a qualified electrician The green colored rigid ear lug and the like extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box cover Whenever the adapter is used it must be held in place by the metal screw   IMPORTANT In Canada the use of a temporary adapter is not permitted by the Canadian Electric Code To repair or adjus...

Page 10: ...e from 0 stitches per minute to full speed Stitches Per Inch 4 stitches per inch to 24 stitches per inch Basting mode one stitch per quarter inch one stitch per half inch one stitch per inch one stitch every two inches and one stitch every four inches Needle System 134 Needle Sizes recommended From 80 12 to 130 21 Hook System Rotary Horizontal Axis M class bobbin Bobbin Type Aluminum Class M Bobbi...

Page 11: ...r display optional accessory 2 Rear handlebars optional accessory 3 Machine Y encoder 4 Front on off switch 5 Front display 6 Front handlebars Close up view of needle area 7 Needle stop sight hole 8 Needle bar clamp screw 9 Needle bar thread guide 10 Needle 11 Ruler foot 12 Needle plate 1 2 3 6 4 7 8 9 10 11 12 5 ...

Page 12: ...pool pins 16 Thread mast 17 Thread guide 18 Magnetic Tool Minder Collar Close up view of tension assembly area 19 Three hole thread guide 20 Thread guide 21 Top tension assembly with take up spring 22 Thread stirrup 23 Take up lever 24 Thread break sensor 25 Lower thread guide 16 15 13 17 14 21 20 23 19 23 24 22 25 18 ...

Page 13: ...31 Machine rear display connection 29 to 25 32 Machine power connection 33 Machine to handlebar connection 31 to 26 34 Machine to Pro Stitcher communication 35 Auxiliary power 36 Main on off power switch connection Rear Side Connections 37 X carriage encoder connection top 38 Laser connection bottom 39 USB auxiliary power connection bottom 40 Y machine encoder connection top 26 Back Panel picture ...

Page 14: ...rame 2 Place the machine on the carriage U U CAUTION The HQ Amara is heavy Never attempt to lift it alone Always use two people when lifting Always lift from the throat of the machine not from the handlebars needle bar area or needle bar 3 From the back of the machine plug the carriage stitch regulator cable into the top round jack on the left hand side of the machine   IMPORTANT If you ever nee...

Page 15: ...ntographs and Groovy or pattern boards The front handlebars will be used for most other quilting activities The front handle bars can be independently adjusted This allows you to have one handle up and the other down or adjust them to any number of variable positions For more information about using the touch screen displays see Using the Touch Screen Displays later in this section of the manual U...

Page 16: ...e threaded hole on the handlebar bracket 6 Place the wedge and M6x45 hex screw with washer into hole and start the screw into the threaded piece with your fingers Once the screw is nicely started into the handle bar firmly tighten the screw with the provided 6mm socket tool 7 Connect the handlebar s USB mini B cables into the side of the machine Connect the longer cable coming from the handlebar t...

Page 17: ...handlebars Loosen the levers by turning them counterclockwise Then grasp the front of the handlebars and adjust them inward or outward to a comfortable position Tighten the levers by turning them clockwise when you are happy with the position To use the handlebars for micro quilting ONLINE For more information about adjusting the front handlebars for micro quilting watch the video Micro Quilting a...

Page 18: ...utton Starts or stops stitching Configurable button Increases or decreases stitching speed Manual mode Increases or decreases stitches per inch Regulated mode For more information about configuring the handlebars and buttons see To customize the handlebar buttons in the Toolbar Options section of this manual Install the handlebar labels according to what you want each handlebar to do For example i...

Page 19: ...lebar with the four small screws using the 2 5mm hex tool Connect the USB mini B connector to the back of the machine You will need the other end for the display later Note that this cable powers the display the round power input to the display is not used   IMPORTANT See To attach labels to the handlebars in the Configurable handlebar buttons topic below NOTE After installing and plugging in th...

Page 20: ...lips screwdriver to fully tighten the screws 3 Plug the USB mini B cable with 90 connection coming out of the top front cover into the bottom of the display This cable provides power and signal connection from the machine to the display The USB connection on the bottom right of the display is used for updating the display and the machine software   IMPORTANT Note the other connections on the bot...

Page 21: ...of connectors on the back of the display plus the USB mini B cable with 90 connector on one end NOTE If you do not have 2 5mm hex screws then you will have 4 40 screws for the rear handle bar hinges 2 Insert the screws into the openings on the display s metal hinge Align the screws in the hinge with the holes on the display bracket Use the 2 5mm hex wrench or Phillips screwdriver as required to fu...

Page 22: ... optional accessories For more information visit http www handiquilter com To install the ruler base ONLINE For more information about installing the ruler base and using rulers watch the video Ruler Base Installation at http www HandiQuilter com Amara rulerbase 1 The Amara machine comes with four preinstalled mounts for the ruler base 2 With the Steady Fit Ruler Base tilted down about 30 align th...

Page 23: ...ately 1 4 inch away from the ruler edge The markings on all Handi Quilter rulers take this into consideration NOTE Set the machine to stop in the needle down position to keep the machine from moving while making adjustments with the ruler Rear Laser Stylus The laser light for use with pantographs is installed on a mounting post The post is threaded into a hole on the machine casting The hole is fo...

Page 24: ...lus enabling you to use printed pantograph designs and stitch the pattern onto a quilt by tracing the design with the laser dot The laser attaches to a mounting post which attaches to the machine The laser stylus can move in any direction by rotating the clamp on the post and pivoting the laser up or down To make an adjustment simply loosen the black thumbscrews position and re tighten   IMPORTA...

Page 25: ...ever be left on and unattended Do not use the laser stylus as a toy Pay close attention when the laser stylus is being used by or near children or pets Use the laser stylus only for its intended use as described in this manual NOTE If you can t see the threaded housing the lens may be threaded too far into the laser body You will need to use a large slotted screwdriver to turn it counter clockwise...

Page 26: ...veral lights to make it easy for you to see your quilting area two lights under the throat of the machine that provide lighting to the quilting area and a light ring that illuminates the needle and stitching area There is also a bobbin area light Optional UV lights are available as an accessory for purchase UV lights are helpful when you need to see white thread or white chalk on white fabric Turn...

Page 27: ...le for each new quilt and any time the needle becomes bent dull or burred U U CAUTION A damaged needle may result in poor stitching quality or may even damage the machine or your quilt To change the needle ONLINE For more information about replacing the needle watch the video Replacing the Needle at http www HandiQuilter com Amara needle 1 Move the needle bar to the up position by pressing the nee...

Page 28: ...screw Stripped threads are not covered under the warranty It may also become difficult to insert the needle properly into the needle bar Once the screw no longer turns freely by hand gently turn the screwdriver until the screw is tightened snuggly Needle Size Thread Size 12 and 14 monofilament 100 wt silk 60 wt polyester mylar 16 monofilament mylar 100 wt 80 wt 60 wt 50 wt 40 wt silk polyester and...

Page 29: ...e Amara 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 tension discs are released and open to allow the thread to easily fall between the tension discs This isn t the case with the Amara ...

Page 30: ...binwinder To insert the bobbin into the bobbin case ONLINE For more information about inserting the bobbin and adjusting bobbin tension watch the video Bobbin Tension at http www HandiQuilter com Amara bobbintension U U CAUTION To prevent personal injury always turn off the front power switch while inserting and or removing the bobbin case or anytime your hands are near the needle area such as whe...

Page 31: ...lockwise to loosen the tension Make tiny adjustments to the bobbin tension and test again To insert the bobbin case into the machine 1 Move the needle to the up position Turn off the power to the machine using the front button 2 Place the bobbin in the bobbin case so that the thread pulls off clockwise when viewing the open side 3 Slide the thread through the slot and under the tension spring leav...

Page 32: ...tp www HandiQuilter com Amara toptension   IMPORTANT Before adjusting your top tension remember to floss the top thread up between the tension discs or it will float outside the discs providing little or no top tension This could cause significant tension or thread nesting problems QUILTING TIP Test the tension settings before quilting The best way to make sure the top and bottom tension setting...

Page 33: ...he top tension Threading the Machine Handi Quilter recommends that you select and use only high quality threads for your quilts To thread the machine 1 Place thread cone onto spool post on the thread tray insert the thread through the thread mast eyelet from back to front continuing to the thread guide 2 Continue to the three hole thread guide Wrap all three holes from back to front being careful ...

Page 34: ...atches on the take up spring Then guide the thread under the stirrup thread guide 5 Bring the thread up and through the hole of the take up lever from back to front and then through the pigtail thread guide and thread through the needle bar thread guide hole 6 Make sure the thread follows the groove down the front of the needle and insert the thread through the eye of the needle from front to back...

Page 35: ...oading the quilt using Standard mode of the QuiltmasterTM DuoLoad system watch the video HQ Studio2 Frame Standard Load at http www HandiQuilter com HQStudio2 standard To bring bobbin thread to the top of the quilt ONLINE For more information about starting and stopping quilting and programming handlebar buttons watch the video Bringing Up the Bobbin Thread at http www HandiQuilter com Amara bobbi...

Page 36: ... tie off For more information about tying off your stitching see To configure automatic tie offs in the Toolbar Options section of this manual Free Motion Quilting ONLINE For examples of different types of free motion quilting watch the video Free Motion Quilting at http www HandiQuilter com Amara freemotion QUILTING TIP When quilting relax your hands and maintain a light touch on the handlebars G...

Page 37: ...itcher software sometimes overrides some of the Amara settings For more information about how Pro Stitcher works with the Amara see the Pro Stitcher user manual First turn on the Amara then turn on the Pro Stitcher tablet computer Both the Pro Stitcher software and the Amara application console start up NOTE After the Amara application console starts it works the same as if you were running it fro...

Page 38: ...line See the Amara version of the Pro Stitcher manual for more information about how the star and diamond buttons work with these functions Updating the Amara Software If you are running the Amara from a Pro Stitcher tablet computer the Update screen has only the machine icon You will update the Amara machine software and the rear display using the Update option on the Tools menu However the Amara...

Page 39: ...Quilter com Amara display NOTE If you have Pro Stitcher you should have installed the tablet computer that came with Pro Stitcher at the front of the machine rather than the 7 inch touch screen You will then use the Pro Stitcher tablet to control the functions of the Amara Buttons are selected or on when they are green and display black text or graphics Buttons are off when they are purple and dis...

Page 40: ...o open the Settings For more information about the various settings see Machine Settings in the Toolbar Options section of this manual Touch this icon to see system information as well as a machine threading guide and needle thread guide For more information about the system information that is available see Information Screens in the Toolbar Options section of this manual These buttons indicate w...

Page 41: ...dicate you are using a full bobbin The number on this button shows an estimate of how much thread remains on the bobbin This number updates as you quilt As the number gets closer to zero the bobbin is running out of thread For more information about the low bobbin settings see To add a new bobbin configuration and record bobbin capacity in the Toolbar Options section of this manual   IMPORTANT T...

Page 42: ...nables you to choose between two modes of stitch regulation Cruise or Precision or to choose manual stitching It also includes a basting mode Manual Stitching Mode When using the manual stitching mode the length of the stitch is determined by how quickly or slowly you move the machine in combination with the number of stitches per minute up to 2500 you have selected For a consistent stitch length ...

Page 43: ...omes the current speed For example perhaps you will set one preset for the speed you prefer for continuous line free motion quilting a different speed for ruler work and yet another speed for micro quilting 1 Select Manual stitching mode by touching the Manual button 2 Press the plus button to increase or the minus button to decrease the current stitches per minute setting 3 Touch the save button ...

Page 44: ...diQuilter com Amara microquilting Touch the Regulated button and then touch the Cruise button After you press the Start Stop button on the handlebars the Start stitching indicator in the upper left corner of the screen turns green and the needle begins moving up and down according to the cruise speed or stitches per minute setting When you start moving the machine the needle will move according to...

Page 45: ... fingers QUILTING TIP When to use Precision stitch regulation Precision stitch regulation mode is useful for ruler work Stitch along the length of the ruler for the span of your hand and stop moving the machine but do not press the Stop button When you stop moving the machine the needle pauses Move the ruler and then begin moving the machine to continue quilting Precision stitch regulation helps y...

Page 46: ...ode watch the video Basting a Quilt at http www HandiQuilter com basting To baste a quilt 1 Touch the Regulated button 2 Press the minus button next to the stitches per inch box on the screen until you see 5 stitches per inch Continue touching the minus button and the five basting stitch options appear Choose the one you want to use either B1 4 B1 2 B1 B2 or B4 3 Begin basting the quilt by pressin...

Page 47: ...After selecting the icon it turns green and Lights screen opens When lights are on the on off button displays in color When off the button is gray Touch the on off button to quickly turn on or off the light Touch the All Lights 1 2 button to turn on or off all of the lights at once Controls lights Opens machine tools Opens machine settings Displays machine information Light 1 is under the arm of t...

Page 48: ...ustomize that setting The next time you touch the Tools icon the last Tools option you used appears Quilting Timer Alarm and Stitch Counter The timers screen enables you to track the amount of time you work on a quilt to set a timer to remind you when your quilting time is up and to track the number of stitches on a quilt ONLINE For more information about the quilting timer quilting alarm and stit...

Page 49: ...esume quilting press Play again The quilting timer will continue tracking your time and add it to the previously recorded time To track the number of stitches in a quilt Use the stitch counter to count the number of stitches in a quilt Press the Reset button to zero out the counter when you begin a new quilt To see the lifetime stitch count for your machine see the Information screen Stitch counte...

Page 50: ... the quilting alarm When the time has elapsed an alarm will sound On screen Calculator The Amara includes a basic on screen calculator It functions like all basic calculators For example press a number button and a function button followed by another number button Function buttons include addition subtraction multiplication x and division After you ve pressed the numbers and the function buttons p...

Page 51: ...port on the bottom left side of the front display Look for the message in the bottom bar that confirms a USB drive has been inserted If it doesn t appear reinsert the USB drive Then touch the Update button Press the Home button to return to the Main screen To update the machine s software ONLINE For more information about updating the machine s software watch the video Updating the Software on the...

Page 52: ...ill be prompted to choose the file you want to use to update the display software Touch the Select Version box and then select the filename of the update file you downloaded To update the machine software 1 Insert the USB drive into the USB port on the bottom left side of the front display Then touch the machine icon to update the machine s software 2 You will be prompted to choose the file you wa...

Page 53: ...that you may be asked to perform by Handi Quilter s technical solutions team or an authorized Handi Quilter representative They will give you a code to enter into the Diagnostics screen to be able to perform the tests Touch the Tools button in the Toolbar Then touch the Diagnostics button along the bottom of the screen Enter the code you received and follow the instructions for the different diagn...

Page 54: ...en to close Settings and return to the Main screen Low Bobbin Alarm The amount of thread that fits on a bobbin varies according to the type and weight of thread you use You can create a low bobbin capacity for up to twenty types of thread that you use in your bobbin You ll then use this capacity for setting a low bobbin alarm to alert you to when the bobbin thread is running out ONLINE For more in...

Page 55: ...e will reset to zero Quilt until the bobbin runs out NOTE The Reset Bobbin button on the Main Screen shows the bobbin level as you quilt When you touch the Reset Bobbin button it shows the estimated capacity of the full bobbin As you quilt this number counts down While you are recording the bobbin capacity of a bobbin the number increases as you quilt until it runs out of thread 4 Return to the lo...

Page 56: ...ied thread name by touching it Insert a full bobbin with that thread into the machine and press the Reset Bobbin button on the Main screen To delete a low bobbin configuration Touch the bobbin name box and choose the specified thread name by touching it Then touch the Delete Bobbin button To edit a low bobbin configuration Touch the bobbin name box and choose the specified thread name by touching ...

Page 57: ...he Main menu at any time by touching the Home button To switch the left and right handlebar buttons Press to switch the button configurations to match how you placed the labels on the handlebars The left button image represents the left handlebar the right button image represents the right handlebar Press the double arrow icon in the center of the screen to switch the options available for the lef...

Page 58: ...t Stop Starts or stops stitching Needle Up Down Performs a half stitch by cycling the needle up or down Increase Increases stitching speed in manual or SPI in regulated Decrease Decreases stitching speed in manual or SPI in regulated Tie Off Performs a tie off stitch   IMPORTANT If you use Pro Stitcher it will override your settings for the star and diamond handlebar buttons for selected Pro Sti...

Page 59: ... over speed Low bobbin alarm Alerts you when the low bobbin threshold has been reached indicating you will soon run out of bobbin thread For more information about the low bobbin alarm see Low Bobbin Alarm above Thread break alarm Alerts you if the top thread breaks while quilting Over speed alarm Alerts you if you are moving the machine faster than 100 of motor capacity and therefore are quilting...

Page 60: ...ing up the Bobbin Thread at http www HandiQuilter com Amara tieoff Touch the Settings icon in the Toolbar Then touch the Configure Tie offs button Press the plus or minus buttons to increase or decrease the number of micro stitches in a tie off After you indicate how many stitches are in an automatic tie off use the Tie off button on the Main screen to perform the tie off Touch the button and gent...

Page 61: ...row to display the list of available languages Touch your preferred language to select it Information Screens The Information option provides system information and quick reference guides about your Amara To see the needle and thread chart For quick reference the Amara has an on screen guide for which size needle is appropriate for different weights of thread Touch the Information icon in the Tool...

Page 62: ...hreading the Amara see Threading the Machine in the Using Your Machine section of this manual Touch the Information icon in the Toolbar Then touch the Machine Threading button Select one of the buttons along the left to see close up diagrams of steps 1 through 3 4 through 9 and 10 through 12 Shows close up diagrams of threading the machine Opens machine threading diagrams 1 3 4 9 ...

Page 63: ...ar Then touch the Information button Lifetime Stitch Count Shows the lifetime stitch count for your machine Lifetime Machine Time Shows the cumulative time your machine has quilted Machine Hardware Version Shows the electronics board version number Machine Software Version Shows the machine s software version number Screen Hardware Version Shows the screen s version number Screen Software Version ...

Page 64: ...o clean and oil the bobbin area watch the video Bobbin Tension and Maintenance at http www HandiQuilter com Amara bobbintension 1 Turn off the machine by powering off the front switch Then remove the bobbin and bobbin case 2 Clean the bobbin basket area using a lint brush 3 Put a small drop of oil on the hook in the region where the bobbin basket assembly and the rotating hook meet The oil will wo...

Page 65: ...erviced by an authorized Handi Quilter representative every 24 months or 10 million stitches whichever occurs first They will take care of oiling and greasing internal parts and ensure the machine is in tip top working order When your machine reaches 10 million stitches a pop up message appears to remind you to have your Amara serviced ...

Page 66: ...needle if it has been hit bumped or pulled off center while maneuvering the machine over the quilt A slightly bent needle can be a major cause of skipped stitches Incorrect needle size Use the proper size needle for the work and thread being used Some battings and fabrics used in quilting may constrict or impede the thread passing through the front groove of the needle This diminishes the loop req...

Page 67: ... bobbin area and throat plate The needle hits the throat plate Correctly position the needle throat plate or hopping foot Replace with a new needle Stitches are Puckered Corrective Measure s The tension is not balanced Balance the tension of the needle thread after ensuring the bobbin tension is adjusted correctly For more information about adjusting tension see Bobbin and Bobbin Tension and Easy ...

Page 68: ...w re oil the hook and make sure the hand wheel turns freely without the hook hitting the needle It is possible for a thread lock to cause a timing problem Thread Nests Under Quilt Corrective Measure s Not enough tension on top thread Check that the machine is threaded correctly Make certain that the thread is flossed snugly in place between the two tension discs If the machine is threaded correctl...

Page 69: ...cularly susceptible to dry rot or wet rot which makes thread brittle Do not use poor quality thread or thread that is rotted or brittle Top and bobbin tensions not balanced Balance the tension of the needle thread after ensuring the bobbin tension is adjusted correctly For more information about adjusting tension see Bobbin and Bobbin Tension and Easy Touch Tension in the Using Your Machine sectio...

Page 70: ...hrough 21 Other possible problems Needle too close to hook causing friction and possible collision of hook point and needle causing broken thread Needle plate damage Hook damage Broken needles or damaged needle bar clamp Nothing visible on the display Corrective Measure s Display cables unplugged Locate the black cables that plug into the touch screen display and connect to the side of the machine...

Page 71: ...adio communications However there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Inc...

Page 72: ...l parts which are covered under a separate warranty or consequential damage to the head caused by mechanical or electronic electrical part failures beyond their warranty period The limited warranty stated in sections b c and d above shall be limited solely to the replacement of parts which in the opinion of HQ are defective in workmanship or material and are returned to HQ or an authorized repair ...

Page 73: ...he balance of the applicable period of the original warranty or ninety days from the date of shipment of a repaired or replaced Product whichever is longer HQ s entire liability for any defective Product shall in no event exceed the purchase price for the defective Product This limitation applies even if Handi Quilter cannot or does not repair or replace any defective Product Service under the abo...

Page 74: ...mpany Business Name if applicable _______________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________ City State Zip __________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone ______________________________ Evening Phone ______________________________ Fax _________________________________ Emai...

Page 75: ... 74 www HandiQuilter com This page was intentionally left blank ...

Page 76: ...nually and with auto Tie off a How to use the menus explain each menu a How to adjust lighting a How to use the on screen handwheel a How to set and use the low bobbin estimator a Explain timers and stitch counters a How to switch between stitch regulation and manual mode a How to set the speed in manual mode how to set the presets a How to set the stitches per inch in stitch regulation a How to u...

Page 77: ... 76 www HandiQuilter com This page was intentionally left blank ...

Page 78: ...s reserved Printed in the U S A EDITED NOVEMBER 2017 Handi Quilter Inc 501 N 400 W North Salt Lake UT 84054 1 877 MY QUILT 697 8458 www HandiQuilter com HQ Amara is part of the family of innovative quilting products from Handi Quilter ...

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