I Love the New HQ Avante

Posted: 10 March 2010 at 3:17 p.m.

I've been using the new HQ 18" Avante now for about 3 months and what a great improvement HQ has made. The new rail system eliminates the little squiggles of the old plastic rails. The new poles do not deflect, which means quilts stay straighter and chances for wrinkling on the back are reduced. The new bungee style side clips are also wonderful. They allow for a fair amount of rolling forward and back (about 6" - 8") without having to undo the clips each time. The table is sturdier and better supported too, so it doesn't bounce or sag.

But, the pièce de résistance is the new stitch regulator ... wow! It is so precise and the new "precision" mode allows sharp turns without tons of extra stitches being inserted. You can even stop motion briefly, then when you resume it picks right up where you left off.

Tags: avante, stitch-regulator

Comments

  • Candace - I don't have the Pro Stitcher (so that green color you see is envy), so I can't be of much help how to advance the rows, etc.
    by bill on 17 May 2010 at 3:49 p.m.
  • I have the Avante with a pro stitcher. I've been playing with it for about a month now. I know the basics but can not figure out how to repeat a pattern line after line down through the entire quilt. I can program in a pattern that fits within the quilting space. Once the quilt is advanced I am at total loss on placement of the next row etc. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
    by Candace on 17 May 2010 at 8:16 a.m.
  • Thanks, Bill. I am still waiting. Maybe it will get here this week.
    by skaduzy on 10 April 2010 at 5:53 p.m.
  • For sure there is some practice involved. Try some simple all-over patterns on muslin at first, then work on some quilts that are going to charity. Mostly it is just getting relaxed and in tune with the machine. If your are too tense or nervous is shows up as squiggles. If you are confident and relaxed you get smooth curves.
    by bill on 08 April 2010 at 7:33 p.m.
  • I am glad to see that you have an Avante and really like it. I have one on order and am really excited. Can't wait until it gets here! I am really new to longarm quilting and am a little nervous about getting started. With such a good machine, I should have no trouble? Right? I know, practice, practice, practice
    by Skaduzy on 08 April 2010 at 5:57 p.m.

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