HQ Sixteen
™
User Manual 1.6
Page 18
To Begin Quilting
Thread Requirements
Threads have a tendency to dry or wet 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 Sixteen™ 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 Sixteen™, 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.
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.
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.
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 Sixteen™, combined with any one of its home machine quilting frames will give you
a smooth even glide.
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