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Foot hitting needle plate
dgroby
Joined: Nov. 24, 2008
Posted: Jan. 27, 2009, 5:21 AM
Just a question for the HQ Educators:

My foot hits the needle plate very hard when it comes into it's down position. It is so firmly up against it, that you are unable to slip a business card under the foot. When you insert the card while the foot is raised, then lower it by hand, you are unable to pull it out without ripping it. It startles you if there is no quilt loaded and you have oiled, and you do an up/down needle to distribute the oil prior to inserting the bobbin. It is loud :)

I am also unable to sew with any batting thicker than a low loft (and some mid-lofts) as I cannot get it under the foot. I am unsure if it will be causing other problems in the future. The quilt is held so firmly under this foot that there is no room to move it, without skewing the fabric.

Should the foot be raised up some? It seems to me to be a tad low. Should I call the help-desk for instructions on this matter? Or is this just normal and they all do this?

Thanks!
Debbie
Re: Foot hitting needle plate
kathisalter
Joined: Dec. 2, 2008
Posted: Jan. 27, 2009, 2:18 PM
How long have you had your machine and have you ever raised or lowered the hopping foot?

When no fabric is under the hopping foot, it might hit the needle plate. If you lower your needle in the lowest position so that the hopping foot is touching or almost touching the needle plate and then lift up on the hopping foot, it should raise 1/4-5/16 inches above the needle plate. If you can not lift it up off the needle plate(it is spring loaded), it may be adjusted too low. If this is the case, you should call HandiQuilter and ask for Greg. If you adjust it too high, it can cause skipping, because it will not give the fabric enough pressure while you are sewing. Greg will be able to help you know what to do. Our hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM.

I hope this helps you.

Kathi Salter
HandiQuilter Educator