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Thread Requirements
Threads have a tendency to dry 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 accom-
modate most threads and fabrics. Heavier threads,
such as top stitch and some decora tive threads, require
a larger needle such as 18/110 or 20/120. Heavier
fabrics such as denim, canvas or densely woven fabric
may re quire a larger needle.
To Prepare for Quilting
With any quilting machine, it is important to
under stand the basics of free motion quilting. The
powerquilter
™
16.0
Quilting Machine does not have
feed dogs like domestic machines; therefore, the fabric
does not automatically feed under the hopping foot.
The operator controls the machine sewing speed with
the My Speed setting and the foot pedal, and moves
the fabric to get an even, consistent stitch.
In order to become comfortable using the
powerquilter
™
16.0
quilting machine, quilters can begin with a few
simple techniques using a sample quilt sandwich (two
pieces of fabric with a layer of batting between them).
Set the machine at a medium My Speed setting
(perhaps 25%) and begin moving the fabric until you
become ac customed to the resistance. By moving the
fabric faster, the stitches begin to elongate. The My
Speed setting can either be increased or the fabric
can be moved slower to get the stitches back to the
desired length. By moving the fabric 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 My Speed setting can be decreased or the foot
pedal released slightly, while maintaining a constant
motion with the fabric, to bring the stitches back to the
desired length.
Getting Started Quilting
When quilting, relax your hands and maintain a light
touch on the fabric. Gripping the fabric too tightly may
cause body tension resulting in poor quilting quality
and discomfort.
Different colors of fabric may require different
brightness settings for the LED light ring to prevent eye
strain.
