Frequently asked questions

Thread and Needle Issues

View this great video on Threads Needles and Tension (TNT)

What if I’m having problems with Skipped Stitches?

  • Needle is not in the 6:00 position
  • Needle is in backwards
  • Needle is bent, has a burr or dull point
  • Damaged hook
  • Poor Thread
  • Tension is too tight
  • Threaded improperly
  • Try turning the needle to the 6:30 position

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Why does my needle keep breaking?

  • Needle is not placed all the way up in needle bar
  • Hook out of timing
  • Hook and needle bar out of timing
  • Incorrect needle system for machine
  • Needle struck ruler, pin or other foreign object

I have breaking thread, fraying, or shredding.

  • Upper tension too tight
  • Incorrect size needle with thread
  • Old thread or poor thread
  • Burr on hook
  • Burr on needle
  • Burr on needle bar thread guide
  • Lint in thread guides or tension disks
  • Needle in backwards
  • You may need to turn needle to the 5:30 position

Tension Issues

How do I check my bobbin tension?

Bobbin tension changes with the weight and type of thread you are using. Make sure that you are using a bobbin that has been wound properly and isn’t too tight or “spongy”. Load the bobbin in the bobbin case and while holding the thread drop the bobbin. It should crawl downward smoothly like a spider on a thread. If it catches or falls too quickly you will need to adjust your tension.

Which screw do I use to adjust my bobbin tension?

The small screw, with the ring around it, in the center of the tension spring is where the adjustment is made. Turn clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen the bobbin case tension.

My bobbin winder is not winding properly.

Make sure that the thread has been wound through the tension discs properly.

I have Tension Issues (Set Bobbin tension first)

1.My top thread lays flat on fabric

a. Upper tension dial too tight
b. Lint in upper discs
c. Machine is not threaded correctly
d. Lint in bobbin tension spring
e. Poorly wound bobbin
f. Thread not in bobbin tension spring
g. Bobbin tension is not set correctly

2. My lower Thread Lays Flat

a. Upper thread tension is too loose
b. Lint in bobbin tension spring
c. Poorly wound bobbin
d. Machine is not threaded correctly
e. Bobbin is not set correctly

3. I’m getting bottom Loops

a. Thread is not flossed in top tension disks
b. Top thread tension set too loose
c. Machine not threaded correctly
d. Burr on hook

Machine Maintenance

How do I clean my machine?

Clean the lint from your bobbin case and bobbin area frequently using a brush or small cloth. We don’t recommend using a blower or canned air as it can push link further into the machine into areas that are not easy to reach or clean. You may consider removing the needle plate to access some areas.

How do I clean the lint from the tension spring on my bobbin case?

Gently slide a small pin or piece of paper under the tension spring on the bobbin case. Be careful not to the bend the spring.

How often do I need to oil my machine?

The great thing about HQ machines is that they are self-lubricating and don’t need to be oiled as frequently as other machines. We do recommend placing a small drop of oil on the bobbin basket on every bobbin change. Every 12-18 months you should consider having a certified HQ service technician reapply the lubricating agents inside the machine. View a video here.

How often should I change the needle?

We believe that every quilt deserves a new needle. You may need to change the needle more often if you are working on micro quilting, or delicate an high-thread count fabrics. Groz-beckert 100 series needles are recommended for all HQ machines. View a video here.

Tips and Tricks

My fabric keeps puckering whats wrong?

  • Top thread too tight
  • Bottom thread too tight
  • Bobbin is not correct size for bobbin case
  • Poorly wound bobbin
  • Bobbin too full

The backing on my quilt keeps getting caught and creased?

  • Make sure that the quilt has been loaded squarely
  • Tack the quilt edges down as you go

My bobbin didn’t load properly, but I don’t want to loose that much thread.

Place the bobbin in a glass jar or cup then thread the bobbin winder and rewind the bobbin.

General Information

Where do I place the laser light on the front of the machine?

Use the laser post that came with the machine or purchase the Horizontal Spool Pin. Locate the threaded hole on top of the machine near the front. Tighten the post in the hole until it is securely in place. Place the laser light on the post and ensure the plug is firmly seated into the HQ Sixteen laser port.

How can I use spools of thread on my Handi Quilter Machine?

An optional Horizontal Spool Pin is available for metallic and specialty threads wound on a spool. The Horizontal Spool holder mounts on the top of the machine near the front.

How do I attach the Handi Light to my Handi Quilter machine?

There are two positions that work well for the placement of the Handi Light. Clip it onto the front of the machine using the laser post or the Horizontal Spool Pin. Or, clip it onto the back of the machine using the ridge on the power pod.

Where do I place the Channel Lock on the machine?

The Channel Lock should be placed on either of the two front wheels of the Handi Quilter machine. One on each front wheel make for a tighter grip.

Your thoughts here

  1. Renee Leon

    I have a new HQ Sweet Sixteen. My top tension discs will not hold tight enough; and YES I AM FLOSSING. Pleasse help. I’ve tried to correct this all morning, with no results. The thread holds properly for a second, and then pops out to no tention at all (EVERY TIME). Can you please respond by e-mail. I’ve had my machine about 3 weeks so far, and have done a lot of successful quilting, until today.

  2. Carol langevin

    Please provide me a price list. Thanks, Carol

  3. Chemaine Tieland

    I’m interested in purchasing a machine but would like price information. Also, are there any used models available for sale?

  4. Betty

    I currently have a HQ Sweet 16 purchased 2 years ago. Due to a shoulder injury my very Sweet 16 has been under plastic until I can sell it. I recommend trying to purchase a used machine first. I paid over $6000 for mine and less than 6 months of use and less stitch count than a floor model, my dealer offered to buy it back for $1600. Make sure you find a great dealer and one that you can rely on for help and questions.

  5. Kelley Richardson

    Can the Simply sixteen fit on the 10 foot studio frame??

  6. I have a h q sweet sixteen with out low- bobbin estimator and alarm is there a attachment kit for this
    Thanks terri

  7. Faye Oszli

    I had a needle break and when I put the new one in – i get message that no needle is detected. It says to turn the hand wheel , but it won’t turn. I have shut it off and restarted, but no joy? what am I doing wrong?
    Thanks

  8. Larry Webb

    I am looking for someone in Ontario that could upgrade our Iconia tablet W500, instead of sending the tablet out west

  9. Bonnie

    I bought Amara 20 used from a local distributor they said they went through the machine but the thread has been breaking since I bought it, I keep calling and traveling to talk to them about it. They give a run around with are you doing this. I’ve done everything I’ve read to do and it still frays and breaks at the take up arm. I’ve changed needles, I went to 40 weight thread beacause the 50 is worse for breaking. I’ve bought different needles. Help me please, the drive is 50 miles to take it to the shop to look at and they say they have a 21 to 30 day turn around. I don’t know if I can handle going that long without my longarm.

    • Valerie Morrison

      Did you ever get an answer about breaking thread? I just bought an Amara 20 ST from a small quilting shop that was liquidating, it only had 7,000 stitches on it so was new basically. the first few small projects went well, but with my first lap quilt the thread is breaking after about 30 seconds, right at the cuff just before the needle, or in the needle. Any insight?

  10. Sam

    I could not find a place for questions so am asking here…
    Do you have a quilting machine which quilts itself..ie set it up, chose a pattern and press start?

  11. Gaetane Pepin

    Hello!

    I’m leaving in Quebec and I see that there is no retailer from here.

    May I have a price list and a “good retailer reference”
    Someone who knows the product and can answer if I called for help.

    I’m looking for A Sweet Sixteen or a Capri. It’s for a personal use.

    Thanks.

  12. Darlene Easton

    I’m interested in a Handi Quilter probably the Amara 20 inch with frame. can someone email me a price list. thanks.

  13. Eleanor Stringer

    Is the new Moxie machine available in Canada.
    If so, what is the price?

  14. Julie Guilbeault

    What are the dimensions of the 12 foot frame once assembled for the HQ amara ?
    Thank you
    Julie

  15. Faye Cutforth

    Hi
    I inherited a sweet sixteen HQ and I would like to know what generation mine is and if has a built in STITCH regulator in the software

  16. Faye Cutforth

    My serial no# is HD052983310

  17. Cindy Nixdorff

    I am looking to purchase a used Avante (machine, frame, pantos, etc). The gal has only done about 25 quilts on it. Can someone suggest a fair price for purchase?

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