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Wavy leaders came with new machine
Posted: Feb. 17, 2009, 5:36 PM
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* tecdavidt
* Nov 22nd 2008 I bought a HQ 16 and it was installed today. I had the quilt class before the machine was installed. The class was in 2 parts, taught by HQ educator Nanc. The leaders in that class fit the two tables with no problems and no waves. (The machine was bought during the Des Moines APQ show. I had to wait 4 weeks for delivery.) I opened up my leaders package and noticed they looked wavy. I did press with low temp. the wrinkles out hoping the wavy velcro edges might fix themselves. They did not. I attached the velcro to the poles. When I attempted to attach the leaders it was obvious the three leaders provided with the machine are either defective or HQ has horrible quality leaders and the leaders. It appears that the leader fabric was stretched when the velcro was sewn onto the fabric. I did do a search for Leaders on this board and discovered that people make their own. I will be calling my dealer tomorrow and discuss the problem. I can't use the machine if the leaders are wavy. The width varies from 15" wide to 16" wide. They don't even lay flat. The posts did explain how to make your own leaders. Has anyone out there had the problem where it was so bad they couldn't use them at all? It really is a disappointment to finally get the machine and not be able to use it. I was tempted to order a new set but after reading the posts on this board from others I fear the new ones would be just as bad. My husband had one comment, "for a product that cost so much money you should not be dealing with necessary parts not functioning--that is poor quality." I did look up other brands of long arm quilting machines. What I could find, canvas seems to be the choice for leaders. The HQ leaders are not canvas. One company did indicate on their web site that they also make leaders for other brands. Any suggestions please. I just want to try out my new machine. At least the bobbin winder worked. Thank you, Kathy T. |
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Re: Wavy leaders came with new machine
Posted: Feb. 17, 2009, 5:36 PM
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* cjtinkle
* Nov 23rd 2008 I think the only suggestion you will get is to purchase either canvas or ticking and make your own, the supplied leaders are awful to the point of being worthless. I bought canvas for mine, at Hobby Lobby when it was 40% off. |
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Re: Wavy leaders came with new machine
Posted: Feb. 17, 2009, 5:37 PM
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* Grandmapeg
* Nov 23rd 2008 I know that it hard to wait until HQ16 opens but I think after you spent all that money you should have them send you replacement leaders. It's always nice to have more that one set so you could make another set, but insist HQ16 replace them if they are defective. Velcro isn't cheap, so make sure you get the right one if you make another set. Good luck. |
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Re: Wavy leaders came with new machine
Posted: Feb. 17, 2009, 5:37 PM
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* neecees quilts
* Nov 23rd 2008 tecdavidt I too had funky leaders. I tried ironing mine but there was some type of finish put on the fabric that gunked up my iron. I struggle with them every time I load on a quilt because they aren't straight. I have been looking to replace them but haven't bothered going back to HQ because I'm afraid I'll just get another bad pair. I truly love my HQ Sixteen and everything else about it except the Leaders. I am so backed up with quilts now that I don't have the time to make a pair but will check out the suggestion of Hobby Lobby since I have one near by. Good Luck with your search and thanks to everyone for their suggestions. This forum has been a life saver in so many ways. |
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Re: Wavy leaders came with new machine
Posted: Feb. 17, 2009, 5:37 PM
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* mollywog79
* Nov 23rd 2008 For anyone who is interested, Allbrands has Gracie leaders. They are expensive ($89), but you get a package of three, all gridded and hemmed. They also come with the velcro. I have seen these leaders and they are of nice quality. |
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Re: Wavy leaders came with new machine
Posted: Feb. 20, 2009, 12:54 PM
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| I got my new Studio Table at Xmas and the new leaders that came with it were of poor quality as well. Pressing them seemed to shrink them a lot. Then I use a 14 inch square ruler and trimmed the excess - measured from the velcro side. I cut off from 5 to 1 inch of fabric! then I ran them thru my serger to put a good edge on them. They seem to work fine now, but what a lot of work! I'm thinking of getting a set of those gridded ones. Any one used them yet? |
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