HQ 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

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.