Page 16
HQ
18
Avanté User Manual
Important: Top tension should be adjusted only after
the bobbin case foundation tension adjustment is
made.
Puckering, gathers and thread breakage occur when
the top tension is too tight. Loops and thread nests
occur on the back when the top thread tension is too
loose. Tension may need to be adjusted depending on
the fabric, thread or batting you are using on each
project.
To adjust the top tension tighter, turn the tension
knob
clockwise
. To loosen the tension, turn the
tension knob
counter-clockwise
. Unlike the bobbin-
case adjustment, which requires minute adjustments
(like the tick of a clock), the top tension knob might
need to be turned anywhere from 1/4 of a turn to 2-4
turns to achieve balanced tension.
Note: Before adjusting your top tension, remember
to fl oss or pull the top thread up into the tension
discs or it will fl oat outside the discs providing little
or no top tension. This could cause signifi cant ten-
sion or nesting problems on the bottom side of the
quilt.
Top Thread Tension Adjustment
Cleaning and Lubricating the Machine
Only use light sewing machine oil in the HQ
18
Avanté. Internal oiling is not necessary on the HQ
18
Avanté except when the machine is taken to a service
technician for routine maintenance and cleaning.
The hook assembly, however, needs regular lubricat-
ing. Failure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can
cause severe damage to the machine.
To lubricate, turn off the machine. Remove bobbin
and case before oiling. Clean around the hook as-
sembly with a soft brush to remove lint. Put a very
small drop of oil on the hook in the region where the
bobbin basket assembly and the rotating hook meet
(see Figure 20). The bobbin basket is the portion of
the hook that the bobbin case snaps into. The bob-
bin basket remains stationary while the hook rotates
Maintenance
Figure 20
around the basket. The oil lubricates the region
where these two components interlock. A drop of oil
in the region indicated will work its way back into
the interlocking area of the hook and bobbin basket.
The frequency of lubrication depends upon the usage
of the machine. Lubricating is recommended before
running the machine if it has not been used regu-
larly, or every other bobbin change if used frequently.
After oiling, always sew a scrap piece as oil may cling
to thread. Over oiling can cause excess dripping from
the bobbin assembly. Lack of lubricant may be no-
ticed by a change in the sound of the machine and
will affect stitch quality.
Cleaning the Touch Screen Display
Never use any chemicals to clean your display as this
may adversely affect the touch screen response. Use
a soft rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol and gen-
tly wipe the display to remove any marks.
