handi quilter HQSixteen, User Manual

HQ Sixteen

™

 User Manual 1.6 

 Page 20

Tension is Poor 

Corrective Measure 

 “Fuzz” caught under the 
tension spring in the bobbin 

If using short staple threads, inexpensive or industrial threads or coated threads, lint and other 
material will build up under the tension leaf spring and begin to lift the spring, reducing the 
spring’s ability to compress against the thread. By inserting a needle under the spring and 
clearing out the lint, the bobbin tension will return fairly close to its preset tension.  

Hand Wheel Won’t 

Rotate 

Corrective Measure 

Thread is entangled and 
caught in the hook  

Turn off the machine

and unplug the machine

 from the electrical outlet. Lubricate the hook, 

strongly turn the hand wheel clockwise and if necessary counterclockwise several times, and 
then remove the thread caught in the hook. 

Thread Nests Under 

Quilt 

Corrective Measure 

Not enough tension on top 
thread 

Improper threading 

Check that the machine is threaded correctly. Make certain that the thread is flossed snugly in 
place between the two tension discs.  If machine is threaded correctly, tighten top tension by 
rotating the tension knob clockwise. 

Refer to threading diagram and threading instructions (page 10). 

Hard to Guide Machine 

Corrective Measure 

Carriage wheels not centered 
on track 

Thread caught in wheels 

Center the carriage wheels on top of the continuous track. Check that the machine carriage has 
not “jumped” track. Slightly loosen wheel on one side to allow machine to more easily follow 
track 

alignment.

Remove all thread or debris in wheels. Check that the tracks are free of lint and threads. 

Motor Fails to Run 

Corrective Measure 

On/Off switch turned off 

Machine not receiving power  

Turn the machine on by using the switch on the back electrical control pod. 

Check that the power connector is securely plugged into the back of the machine and the three-
prong end is plugged into the power source. 

Uneven Quilt Design 

Corrective Measure 

Take-up rollers may be 
bowed or bent 

Leaders are stretched/worn  

Make certain the fabric is not rolled too tight, causing the poles to bow. Check that poles are 
inserted completely together with the push pin engaged so bowing won’t occur. 

If fabric is beginning to stretch or fray, contact Handi Quilter LLC for replacement leaders. 

Needle Thread Breaks 

Corrective Measure 

Thread cones/spools are 

poor quality or may have 
severe twisting or thread rot 
 

Top and bobbin tensions not 

balanced 
 

The machine head has been 

threaded incorrectly or 
thread spools are not 
positioned correctly 

Particles in tension discs 

Bobbin rotation is not smooth 

Needle is burred, bent or dull, 

or installed incorrectly 

Needle not suited for thread 

Hesitating too long at one 

point in pattern 

Improper needle/hook 
relationship 

Damage or “Burr” at needle 
hole of throat plate or other 
thread handling part 

Look for severe twisting of threads when approximately 12 to 15 inches has been pulled off, 

with the ends pinched together. Cotton threads are particularly susceptible to dry rot or wet rot 
which makes thread brittle.  Do not use poor quality thread, or thread that is rotted or brittle. 

Check thread tension in top and bobbin for proper balance.  See pages 12-13. 

Check that the machine is threaded correctly. 

Inspect for accidental double wrapping of thread on thread guides.   

Inspect the thread mast, making sure the eyelets of the mast are directly over the spools. 

Inspect the vertical positioning of the thread cones. Tipped cones can dramatically affect thread 

tension and can cause breakage. 

Inspect for particles and remove any fuzz or debris. 

Change the bobbin. The slightest hesitation of the bobbin rotation can be the cause of dramatic 

tension change and thread breakage. 

Change the needle at least once per quilt. Make sure the needle is installed to the top of the 

stop hole in the needle bar. 

Replace the needle to one better suited for the thread. Use the proper size needle.  

Move more quickly so stitches don’t overlap or build up. When starting the machine, begin 
moving immediately. Sewing in one place too long will cause the thread to break. 

Timing of the machine is improper.  Consult a repair technician. 

If thread is shredding at the throat plate, check for burrs or jagged edges. Gently rub with metal 

cloth to remove the sharp edge. Consult a repair technician to polish any hard to reach or 
delicate areas, or if the burr is inside the throat.