APQS Freddie Page 90 Installation Manual Download

Page: 90 / 101

9-1-2022

APQS.com

Quilting Basics

Attaching Fabric to the Frame

No matter which loading method you choose

–

“full float,” “partial float” or “full attachment”

–

you’ll even

discover several different methods for holding the fabric to your frame. These include pins of all types, zippers,

VELCRO®, staples, even magnets.

Gadgets that work similar to the closure on a Ziploc® bag are also popular (Leader Grips and Red Snappers are

two brands.) With those products, a plastic rod slips into a hem or pocket you create on each canvas. Your fabric

lies across this rod. You then press another piece of curved plastic down over the fabric and the rod (like closing

the Ziploc bag), securing it in place. Each attachment method also includes advantages and disadvantages.

Step-by-Step Quilt Loading Guide

Over time, you will try several different products and methods before you settle on one method that’s right for

you. However, since it would be a rare quilter who didn’t have ANY pins in her studio, we show you how to get

started with straight pins. Visit our YouTube quilting channel for videos showing how to partially float your quilt

top (the most common method for loading a quilt).

Step 1: Prepare Your Quilt Layers

•

Press the top and backing fabric.

•

Trim stray threads.

•

Check for loose or open seams.

•

Make sure the batting is 4 inches larger than your quilt on all sides.

•

Make sure the backing is at least 4 inches larger than your quilt on all sides (you’ll need 4

–

6 inches more

than that if you use Red Snappers or Leader Grips).

•

Mark the top of the quilt with a safety pin.

•

Mark the top of the backing with a safety pin.

Step 2: Choose Your Loading Method

While all three methods are options with advantages and disadvantages as earlier described, we’ll concentrate
on the most popular method to get you started

–

which is partially floating your quilt top.

Step 3: Choose Your Loading Device

Every loading device can present its own unique challenges as well as advantages. We encourage you to start

out with pins since they’re often already in your sewing room, but also so that you can get the process down

and understand what you like and don’t like about the loading process before investing in other loading

gadgets.

The pin type you choose is often dictated by what is readily available to you, as well as by whatever type or

brand your longarm instructor personally favors. Experiment, and don’t feel that you have to use a specific

brand or type of pin. The Clover Flower Head Pins are handy because you may find yourself turning a lot of

your quilts and re-mounting them to your frame. These pins help make that process easy and quick since you

can leave them in the quilt as you go and not worry about them bending or snagging your quilt.

Summary of Contents for Freddie

Page 1: ...familiarize yourself with their contents You ll learn the different part names and will better understand your setup should you ever need to call us for service Every machine purchased directly from APQS includes a free 6 hour beginner class Visit our Event Calendar to locate a beginner class near you or contact your local dealer for more information Be sure to join the APQS Quilting Channel on Yo...

Page 2: ... Rails 15 Step 3 Install the Table Top Leveling the Table 22 Step 4 Level the Table 23 Step 4 Level the Table 24 Step 5 a Install the Carriage Bliss Track 26 Step 5 b Install the Carriage Non Bliss Track 28 Step 5 c Millie 30 Carriage Bliss 32 Step 6 Install the Sewing Head 33 Step 7 Install the Rollers 37 Step 8 Install the Roller Hardware 41 Step 9 Install the Thread Stand Laser Light Bolt 49 St...

Page 3: ... the APQS Quilting Channel on YouTube to see hundreds of APQS videos that show you everything from loading the machine to quilting feathers Join us on the APQS Forum for fun conversation information sharing and everyday tips and hints Everyone is welcome we d love to see photos of your projects hear about your successes and even welcome your questions and suggestions on improving our machine and c...

Page 4: ...ct support APQS has trained several APQS Dealers with advanced troubleshooting and support skills These APQS Certified Technicians work closely with the factory team to solve problems and help you get back to quilting as quickly as possible Look for the Certified Technician symbol on the APQS Retailer listings to see if one is near you Warranty Information New APQS Machines sold directly through A...

Page 5: ...ed on the right side of the roller the left side of each roller has a threaded end The roller with no canvas is the Leveler Bar and is not labeled be sure the threaded end of this bar is brought into your sewing space with the threaded end going toward the left of your needle side of the table Be aware of your chosen orientation and which way the rollers need to be carried into your sewing space y...

Page 6: ...correctly with your machine Here are two models recommended by APQS Engineers Opti UPS Durable Series DS1500B 1500VA Tripp Lite SU1000XLA Are you adding the optional hydraulic lift or overhead lighting to your table See Hydraulic Lift or Overhead Lighting Instillation Manuals These instructions will tell you when it will be best to add those parts and are referenced so you can go to the appropriat...

Page 7: ...all the Rail Cross Tubes 3 Add the front Aluminum Table Rail to the two Table Legs If installing optional Quilt Path Overhead Lighting or a Hydraulic Lift add those BEFORE installing the Table Top 4 Install the Tabletop pads and bumpers then add the Table Top 5 Assemble and mount the Carriage 6 Assemble and install the Sewing Head 7 Install the Pick Up Roller and Leveler Bar 8 Deluxe or Standard T...

Page 8: ...Millie Millie 30 Freddie Installation 9 1 2022 APQS com 8 Assembly Tools Assembly Tools includes tools for optional accessories ...

Page 9: ...Lift Quilt Path Quilt Path will be labeled as the highest number in the shipment For example if you do not order the Overhead Lighting or Lift but you DO order Quilt Path Box 8 will be your Quilt Path unit If you order Overhead Lighting AND Quilt Path the lighting will be Box 8 and your Quilt Path will be Box 9 IMPORTANT Please keep the sewing head box plus all foam inserts and all packing boxes m...

Page 10: ...ad screws from each side of the top cover of box 2 Using utility knife cut packing tape on box 3 Once open cut zip ties from rails using wire cutters or scissors 4 Locate all hardware Attached to rails under a zip tie packed in plastic Do not throw this away 5 MOVE rails to sewing area individually be aware of sewing table orientation before moving the rollers and rails Each roller is stamped for ...

Page 11: ...t with the leg wrench you can turn the threaded leg counterclockwise to extend the leg to the correct distance Re tighten the jam nut when you are at your desired height Repeat the process for each leg Step 1 a Millie 30Leg Extensions Measure from the floor to your naval as your arm crosses your mid section across your body This is the height your table legs should be set to on the first roller Ba...

Page 12: ...e Measure or Ruler 4 Remove one of the table legs from the box Using a tape measure or ruler measure the distances shown above and record them for later use Measure Measure 5 Using the small side of the leg wrench that has been included loosen the nuts on each of the ball joints Unscrew the ball joints and place aside with nuts for now ...

Page 13: ...insert for the ball joint is pointed up Make sure the leg extension is inserted firmly onto the coupler Tighten both the set screws on each side of the leg extension with the 1 8 Allen wrench Additional Allen screw to be tightened 6 Screw the nut all the way onto the ball joint Screw the ball joint into the threaded insert on the leg extension until it is close to the measurement taken in the firs...

Page 14: ...l joint in place while using the included leg wrench to tighten the nut against the threaded insert Make sure the ball joint is pointing in the correct direction as shown above and does not move while tightening 9 Insert the cap M3 C into the open threaded insert on the leg ...

Page 15: ... front of the system Decide which direction you want the needle side of the machine to face and then use the side view diagram below to orient your two legs in the correct direction to match The table footprint is 5 6 deep with the head pushed as far back as possible toward the rear Pantograph side If you have the optional automatic quilt advance add 8 to the table length you ordered e g a 12 tabl...

Page 16: ... first based on the orientation described above However you could start with the left leg if it is more convenient but keep in mind the photo orientation 1 The flat rail side faces the leg s center Lift the rail end on to the leg s rear mounting bracket Tilt the leg toward the rail so that the rail is flush with the mounting bracket on the leg 2 Insert two bolts B through the rail and leg mounting...

Page 17: ...ermost bolts on each end of the rear rail This will keep the rail and legs solid as you install the cross tubes in the next step 5 Table with rear rail installed 3 Move to the opposite table leg and attach the rail to the other back leg using two of the bolts through the rail leg mounting bracket along with the lock washers and nuts ...

Page 18: ... cross tubes serrated bolts and spacers for this step You will only need 10 bolts and spacers we have included an extra bolt and spacer Set the felt dots and bumpers aside for now NOTE Ignore the labels on the cross tubes our vendor uses that information to package the tubes for APQS The 5 cross tubes keep the rails parallel and support the pantograph table top Install the cross tubes to the rear ...

Page 19: ...ou start the bolt slip the spacer into the rail hole 2 The cross tube has a threaded center hole Align this with the rail mounting hole 3 Hold the cross tube on the inside of the rail and start the bolt into the threaded mounting hole After you start the bolt slip the spacer into the rail hole 5 Repeat steps 1 4 for the remaining cross tubes along the rear rail Be sure that the spacers remain insi...

Page 20: ...e flat side toward the cross tubes Slide one end into one leg opening center rail between both legs 2 Align the rail mounting holes with each leg bracket Move the leg slightly left or right if necessary Slip a 5 16 x 1 bolt B into the mounting holes on both rail ends Add the lock washer C and nut D to each rail mounting bolt HAND TIGHTEN ONLY at this point ...

Page 21: ...rd the cross tube if necessary 2 Screw the bolt into the cross tube just far enough to keep the spacer in place 3 Insert the 4 remaining spacers and serrated bolts through the rail and into the corresponding cross tubes Double check that each cross tube is square with the rail 4 Use a open end wrench to tighten the 5 serrated bolts for both the front and rear rails 5 Check that the table legs are ...

Page 22: ... before going forward Peel the paper backing off the table top bumpers O Press firmly into position as instructed in the next steps 1 Position 6 bumpers on the center cross tube straddling the cross tube s center channel The table top sections will meet at the center cross tube 2 Stick 3 bumpers on each of the 4 remaining cross tubes Put them on one side of the cross tube s center channel or the o...

Page 23: ...emove the table top sections 3 Place one table top section on the table taking care to place the center sections over one set of bumpers on the center cross tube 4 Place the painter s tape side of the plastic pantograph cover facing the rear pantograph side of the table 5 Make sure the sections meet in the center with each half supported on the center cross tube bumpers 6 Remove the painter s tape...

Page 24: ... process you can also use it to adjust the table s working height The leg extensions allow 9 inches of upward adjustment 1 Move the table close to its final location 2 Place a level across the two rails near the end of the table parallel to the leg Adjust legs as described below 1 To adjust the leg levelers loosen the large jam nut directly underneath the leg with the leg wrench 2 Place a open end...

Page 25: ...drift A small amount of drift is normal However if your machine is moving more than a few inches you ll need to actually un level the table slightly to prevent it Make the adjustments described below after your system is fully assembled Since the Bliss carriage rides on top of the rails you will not notice the difference as you quilt In this case the goal is to put a slight twist in the table so t...

Page 26: ...rs Install the Bliss Carriage Axles To protect your table top and carriage you can leave the carriage inside the Styrofoam packaging until you have installed the axles Note The needle side of the carriage has two sets of axle mounting holes Install the Bliss front axle in the second inner set of holes as indicated in Image C above Image C ...

Page 27: ...o inner set of holes and start bolts by hand 3 Tighten the mounting screws securely with a 3 16 Allen wrench 4 Double check that the rail guard on the axle faces the carriage front 5 Place the Bliss rear carriage axle over the rear mounting holes Make sure the jack faces the rear of the carriage 6 Tighten the mounting screws securely with a 3 16 Allen wrench ...

Page 28: ...l the Carriage Non Bliss Track Tools Required 7 16 Open End Wrench 9 16 Open End Wrench Pliers The Non Bliss Carriage Axles are packed in a box inside of the head box Carefully remove the hardware box that is placed next to the sewing head to access the carriage axles Image D ...

Page 29: ...ure the rail stays in the wheel grooves as you install the front axle Have a helper ready to hold the rear axle in place while you install the front axle as directed below 1 Remove the rubber packing sleeves from the axle bolts 2 Locate the two holes at the rear of the carriage 3 Tighten the mounting screws securely with a 3 16 Allen wrench 1 Place the carriage on the table in the correct orientat...

Page 30: ...u turn the cam nut and move the reference mark closer to the rail the wheel gets tighter When the mark points directly at the rail the wheel is as tight as possible Step 4 NOTE Always set the left and right wheel cams to the same position 1 The front wheel grooves fit over the front rail lip as shown above These front wheels are adjustable for a custom table fit and feel The offset cam nut holds e...

Page 31: ...ne head on the carriage you can fine tune the carriage movement by adjusting these cams slightly tighter or looser The cam reference marks should point the same way for each cam Once the front axle mounting bolts are tight use a 9 16 box or open end wrench to adjust both the left and right cam nuts so the reference marks are set at the medium grip setting as shown in Step 3 in the previous section...

Page 32: ...ont carriage axle 4 Insert the two Phillips head screws that you removed in Step 1 do not tighten yet 5 The image with the screws and arrows is how it s adjusted The holes are slotted so you can adjust the stabilizer up or down to contact the edge correctly 6 6 As you install the Carriage Stabilizer make sure the bottom lip of the wheel is contacting the bottom edge of the rail image A 7 Once the ...

Page 33: ...wing Head Tools Required Phillips Screwdriver Secure Carriage on Table Use the Pony Clamps W to secure your sewing head to the table rail Use a Pony Clamp for each side of the carriage s front axle to keep the sewing head from rolling as you mount the sewing head onto the carriage ...

Page 34: ...the sewing head box and packing material for any future factory or service needs 1 Carefully open the sewing head box The head box includes custom foam inserts to protect the machine during shipping Sometimes the box s handle holds get stuck in the foam molds making it difficult to remove the head from the box If this happens just slide a flat head screwdriver between the foam insert and the box s...

Page 35: ... are two holes on the mounting face of the clamps Position these over the matching studs on the brace Slide into place as shown in Image B NOTE Black hand knobs can be loosened so that you can adjust the handles to a more comfortable level You can tighten the screws to hold the handles in a fixed position 6 The cutout in the handle clamp lines up with the threads on the underside of the top tube S...

Page 36: ...t or back of your table lift the quilting head and guide the axle wheels onto the carriage 2 Be sure to keep the sewing head level as you align the wheels with the carriage 3 To keep the head from rolling off the carriage use the clamps by placing one clamp on each side of the sewing head s front axle wheel as shown above ...

Page 37: ...c rollers have stamped labels of Pick Up Backing and Quilt Top The Leveler Bar has no canvas attached and is not labeled Each roller has a shaft end and a threaded end 2 Move the machine head toward the left table leg Place the shoulder bolts and spacers near this side of the table The shaft ends fit into ball heim joints on the RIGHT table leg when viewed from the needle side of the machine The t...

Page 38: ... mounts to the right table leg 5 With the machine head on the left side of the table insert the Pick Up Roller s threaded end into the machine s throat and rest the roller on the machine s throat if necessary while you begin to install the shaft end 6 Move to the right side of your table and insert the Pick Up Roller s shaft end into the uppermost ball joint ...

Page 39: ... to install the shaft end 2 Move to the right side of your table and insert the Leveler Bar s shaft end into the lower rear ball joint a Place a spacer collar between the roller and the ball joint Insert a shoulder bolt through the ball joint then through the collar spacer into the roller b Screw the shoulder bolt in until it is flush with the ball joint Hand tightening is sufficient You will see ...

Page 40: ... Rest the roller s threaded end on the floor Take note of each of the roller s placement in the image below 3 Insert both the Quilt Top and Backing Rollers shaft ends into the right leg s ball joint as shown in the following image 4 On the left side of the table raise the left side of the roller and install the shoulder bolt and collar as with the previous two rollers that you have already install...

Page 41: ...ler Brakes 3 Roller Handles OR 1 Roller Brake 2 Roller Handles Optional Automatic Quilt Advance Install the Quilt Top Backing Brake 1 Hold the blue handle turn the brake bolt counterclockwise to loosen it using a 3 16 Allen wrench 2 Loosen the brake bolt enough to slip the brake over the Quilt Top and Quilt Backing Rollers 3 Place the curved end of the two brake plates over the Quilt Backing Rolle...

Page 42: ...en its tip points down toward the brake Roller Brake Operation Install the Pick Up Leveler Bar Brake NOTE If you purchased the optional Automatic Quilt Advance you would not install a second roller brake Move ahead to the section titled Install the Automatic Quilt Advance on page 46 Follow the same process to install the second brake to the Leveler Bar and Pick Up Roller THE blue handle s outward ...

Page 43: ...ed rollers not on the Leveler Bar no canvas If you purchased the optional Automatic Quilt Advance the Pick Up Roller will not need a roller handle 1 Each handle is installed using a 5 32 Allen wrench Make sure the Allen set screw is not extending into the handle mounting hole 2 Align the handle set screw with the flat side of the Roller Shaft Push the handle on to the shaft and tighten the set scr...

Page 44: ...alled 2 The buckle should be on the outside of the leg the lever should open up 3 Unroll clamp with elastic II Hold the clamp so the side with the elastic attached is facing the floor 4 Raise the buckle lever and slide the elastic end into it as shown above 5 Pull the elastic through to the desired length for your quilt 6 Push the lever down to hold the elastic in position ...

Page 45: ...otor Controller Foot Pedal Power Cord 1 Locate the flat side on the Pick Up Roller Shaft 2 Locate the set screws in the motor coupler Rotate the Pick Up Roller until the flat side on the shaft aligns with the motor coupler set screw 3 Push the motor toward the table leg as far as it will go aligning the mounting fork with the opening in the leg bracket 4 Make sure that the roller shaft flat side i...

Page 46: ...de the bracket onto the right table leg 6 Pinch the bracket ends back together 7 Reinsert the bracket screw 8 Hold the controller in place and tighten the bracket screw 9 The grounding wire from the controller must be installed on one of the two rail mounting bolts on the table leg Use a socket wrench and a open end wrench to remove the nut and lock washer from one of the bolts 10 Place the ground...

Page 47: ... the motor controller 2 Place the foot pedal under the quilting table and feed the wire up to the controller 3 Plug the foot pedal into the pedal jack on the motor controller 4 Insert the power cord Press the switch to the solid line to turn on the Automatic Quilt Advance 5 The blue pedal advances the quilt the white pedal unwinds the quilt This can be placed under your table either in the front o...

Page 48: ...rol box is turned to the on position toward the straight line on the switch the O indicates the off position If it still will not operate check the fuse in the controller 1 Turn the unit s power off and remove the power cord Use a flat blade screwdriver to pull the fuse drawer from the motor controller as shown 2 The active fuse is exposed in the fuse holder box If it appears cloudy or black insid...

Page 49: ...thread stand mounts on the thread path side of the machine Loosen these two mounting screws 2 Slip the thread stand over the mounting screws slide the stand down so the screw slots engage tighten securely 3 Place the thread stand foam disc on the thread stand 1 Thread the laser light bolt into the mounting hole on the thread path side of the machine 2 Tighten the nut against the machine with a ope...

Page 50: ...et with the silver guide posts on the machine 2 Push the mounting bracket on to the guide posts until the bracket is flush with the machine 3 Insert the included 9 64 Allen wrench into the lower hole on the mounting bracket The wrench will align with the bolt sealed inside the bracket Tighten the screw securely 4 Repeat with the second mounting screw 5 To adjust a handle loosen the corresponding k...

Page 51: ...Path skip this step and move to the Quilt Path Manual to complete your setup 1 Plug the RIGHT rear handle into the Right handle jack middle outlet 2 Plug one end of the 3 foot CAT 5 cable into the CARRIAGE ENCODER jack 3 Plug the blue LEFT rear handle cable into the Left handle jack 4 Locate the Sewing Head CAT 5 cable taped to the machine s throat It will connect the head encoder pictured above t...

Page 52: ...22 APQS com 52 Bliss Track Carriage Connection Non Bliss Carriage Connection 1 a Plug the other end of the CAT 5 cable into the jack inside the carriage 2 b Plug the other end of the 3 foot CAT 5 cable into the encoder on the carriage s rear axle ...

Page 53: ... power cord and CAT 5 Carriage Encoder Cable 4 Slip the cushion clamp over the power cord Insert the mounting screw into the mounting hole Just get it started for now 5 Push the machine all the way forward to check the cord travel Adjust the cushion clamp on the carriage to allow free movement without binding the cords or having them rub on the table Tighten the cushion clamp Use zip ties to hold ...

Page 54: ...titches per inch when in Stitch Regulator mode Increase or decrease motor speed when in Manual sewing mode Needle Position Indicator Indicates whether needle is set to stop up or down Stitch Default Button Tap the button to return to your favorite pre set stitch length Bobbin Reset Button Tap the button when inserting a new bobbin to reset the Low Bobbin Thread Break Indicator Emits a short audibl...

Page 55: ...n Tap the button to return to your favorite pre set stitch length Bobbin Reset Button Tap the button when inserting a new bobbin to reset the Low Bobbin Gauge Thread Break Indicator Emits a short audible beep then indicator remains on until reset Low Bobbin Indicator Emits a short audible beep then indicator remains on until reset OPTIONAL Quilt Glide Button Engage constant needle motion with the ...

Page 56: ...hen the Stitch Regulator is ON you ll hear a beep about every 7 8 seconds to remind you that you are in regulated mode Stitch Regulator Off Manual Sewing Mode When the LED light is off your machine is in Manual Sewing Mode Tap this button to place the machine in Stitch Regulated Mode Stitch Default Stitch Regulator Mode Your machine is set for a default stitch length of approximately 11 stitches p...

Page 57: ...is button to lock the machine so that it only sews left to right horizontally across the table s length as indicated by the arrows on the button When the red LED light is on the Channel Lock is active Tap the button to release the lock Electronic Channel Locks are only found on Millennium models Channel Lock Front to Back Tap this button to lock the machine so that it only sews forward and backwar...

Page 58: ...le canceling the sewing motor Tap any handle s toggle switch toward the white dot to change the needle position to the down position Needle Down Indicator Yellow DOWN arrow indicates the needle will stop in the down position when you tap the sewing motor toggle switch on any handle canceling the sewing motor Tap any handle s toggle switch toward the white dot to change the needle position to the u...

Page 59: ...ad sensor will reset when you stop the sewing motor to check for the thread break Using the Top Thread Break Sensor is optional unless you wish to use the Low Bobbin Indicator If you are working on the needle side of the machine where you will obviously see the top thread break you may choose to turn the sensor off and then thread your machine in the standard format as indicated on page 73 in this...

Page 60: ...e Top Thread Break Sensor without pulling an equal amount of bobbin thread through at the same time In essence any situation where you pull more top thread through the Top Thread Break Sensor than you pull up from the bobbin or vice versa Your APQS machine does not know how many yards of thread are on the bobbin you are using The thread yardage on a bobbin will vary by thread weight thickness and ...

Page 61: ... these parts on your machine Top Thread Break Sensor Photo A Bobbin Level Gauge on the LCD Panel Photo B Bobbin Level Adjustment Knob on the Left Side Panel Photo C Low Bobbin Warning Light and Audible Signal Photo D Bobbin Reset Button on the Touch Pad Photo D A C D B ...

Page 62: ...rocess unless you switch to a different type of bobbin or a different thread in the bobbin For example if you complete Step 1 and determine the full bobbin level for a cardboard pre wound bobbin all bobbins of that type will use a similar setting Complete preliminary tension adjustments on the machine first since thread tension will affect the sensor s accuracy Use a bobbin that contains the threa...

Page 63: ...1 below Now that you ve run out of bobbin thread you need to adjust the Bobbin Level Gauge down to the E empty mark to match your newly empty bobbin Rotate the Bobbin Level Adjust Knob counterclockwise this time until the Bobbin Level Gauge drops even with the E on the indicator bar as in Photo 2 below Leave a little bit of the Gauge s colored line visible on the screen across from the E so that y...

Page 64: ... Quilt until you hear the audible bobbin low signal or you see the low bobbin light flashing on the Smart Touch Pad as shown below Step 6 Check the Bobbin When you hear or see the low bobbin alert stop quilting and check the bobbin You may decide to quilt for a little while longer depending on your project and the remaining thread on the bobbin or you may choose to change it Move to Step 7 when yo...

Page 65: ...hat identifies the full setting for that particular bobbin thread To avoid marring the surface of your machine consider a non permanent marking solution such as adding a piece of masking tape on which to write or mark If you change to a different bobbin thread you ll need to start with Step 1 to reset your bobbin full level However once you return to your previous thread you can simply turn the Bo...

Page 66: ...is before you shut off the machine When you turn the machine off it will remember where you had set the full mark for your particular bobbin thread but it will not know how much thread you have already used on that particular bobbin When you turn the machine back on the bobbin indicator will rise up to wherever full was for your bobbin type Next turn the bobbin level knob on the side of the machin...

Page 67: ...n Type ____________________ Thread Type Brand ____________________ Thread Weight _______ Bobbin Type ____________________ Thread Type Brand ____________________ Thread Weight _______ Bobbin Type ____________________ Thread Type Brand ____________________ Thread Weight _______ Bobbin Type ____________________ Thread Type Brand ____________________ Thread Weight _______ Bobbin Type _________________...

Page 68: ...e Photos A and B If you start with the needle in the UP position and begin sewing when you stop the machine and turn off the sewing motor see toggle switch function 2 below the needle will cycle back to the UP position If you start with the needle in the DOWN position the needle will cycle back to the DOWN position when you stop the sewing motor see 2 on the next page You can change your mind whil...

Page 69: ...sed toward the white dot rather than tapping it repeatedly This will make the machine cycle through a complete UP DOWN sequence so that you can make full stitches Place these stitches very close together to secure your stitches Place at least 8 10 stitches right next to each other for a firm secure start When you release the toggle switch the machine will cycle the needle into the position indicat...

Page 70: ... Regulator icon on the Smart Touch Pad reminds you that the Stitch Regulator is active see photo at right In Stitch Regulated Mode the machine will not start sewing until you press the sewing motor toggle switch on any handle and then start moving the machine If you stop moving the machine in Stitch Regulated Mode but do not tap the sewing motor toggle switch the machine is still active but will n...

Page 71: ...wn at right The Stitch Length Gauge currently lines up with the middle mark on the gauge right at about 11 stitches per inch half way between the minimum of 7 SPI and the maximum of 15 SPI When you tap the Stitch Regulator button on the LCD screen to turn of the Regulator that same Stitch Length Gauge now refers to your motor speed Since the Stitch Length Gauge is right in the middle of the graph ...

Page 72: ... thread guide place thread under the batting not through it to prevent the thread from jumping off the spool or puddling on the bottom of the spool holder 4 IF you have a Thread Break Sensor thread the three hole thread guide directly below the Thread Break Sensor Wheel spiraling around the vertical three hole thread guide 5 IF you DO NOT have a Thread Break Sensor place thread in any hole to pass...

Page 73: ...using tangling or looping around the needle Images above show some optional thread paths through the three hole guide next to the tension assembly Be sure to use the bottom most hole in the guide illustrated with arrows above This last hole ensures that your thread stays deeply between the tension disks and does not slide in and out as you sew 6 Pull the thread between the tension control disks an...

Page 74: ...he pigtail guide from the right This will slip the thread inside the guide without having to poke it down into the guide 10 The first pigtail guide is on the right side of your machine s head and the next two photos show the pigtail guide that is directly above your needle 7 From the check spring on the tension disks feed the thread down and under the L shaped guide shepherd s hook up through the ...

Page 75: ...his point or you can wait until your quilt is loaded and you take your first stitch Due to the generous size of the throat your Millie 30 thread path includes one additional thread guide after the thread passes over the thread break sensor wheel The photo above shows a close up of that area Refer to the additional directions for Millie on previous page for more information ...

Page 76: ... through the thread guides including the Top Thread Break Sensor Wheel if equipped Depending on the thread thickness you may be able to pull the knot through the needle If the knot will not pass through the needle hole cut the knot off the thread and re thread the needle NOTE Take a moment to double check that the thread passed correctly through all thread guides is correctly wrapped clockwise aro...

Page 77: ...talled towards the center of the bottom plate and the tall stand is installed close to the front edge opposite from power cord Install the posts by threading them into the metal plate until you can see them coming through to the back Do not thread in too far as it will not allow the winder assembly to sit flat on a surface If posts are hard to start threading into the plate use some pliers to help...

Page 78: ... optical sensor to see how full the bobbin is This sensor is adjusted by loosening the two mounting screws on the sensor housing with a Phillips screwdriver A preliminary setting would be similar to what is shown below depending on bobbin size The line is a visual representation of where the sensor is seeing the thread level on each bobbin size For the L size the mounting screws are positioned jus...

Page 79: ...ap the thread around the tension discs counterclockwise and through the thread guide closest to the bobbin Once the thread is through the tension discs pull on both sides to make sure the thread is seated between the tension discs Then if your bobbin has slots in the center run the thread through the slot towards the center and out the top of the bobbin If your bobbin does not have slots leave the...

Page 80: ...he motor will shut off once the bobbin is filled The first photo below shows the bobbin filled without any assistance while winding since the thread will move up and down on the bobbin of its own accord assisting the filling towards the top and bottom of the bobbin will ensure more thread is wound on the bobbin The second photo below was done with minimal assistance with a finger or pencil to guid...

Page 81: ...in washers Tension adjustments can be made using the knob on the tension control The end goal is to wind the thread with enough tension to ensure that when you push on the thread with your fingernail it should feel firm If it feels spongy tighten the tension on the thread as it is winding on the bobbin A thread cutter blade has been included on the winder for your use just wrap the thread under th...

Page 82: ...moving dust between the tension discs is all it will need to run in top shape If you have any questions please contact the Service Team at 800 426 7233 or via email at service apqs com Monday thru Friday 8 a m to 5 p m 1 Basic maintenance includes cleaning sensors with a cotton swab to remove dust and lint and using compressed air to remove lint between the tension discs ...

Page 83: ...ke or check spring see photos below for more information about the brake spring Inserting L Bobbin into Bobbin Case Place the bobbin into the bobbin case so that the bobbin rotates clockwise when it is inside of the bobbin case Guide the thread tail through the slot on the bobbin case Photo A and then under the flat tension finger on the outside of the case Photo B If you need to adjust the bobbin...

Page 84: ... rotates clockwise when you pull the thread through the exit hole Guide the tail through the slot on the case Photo C below and then under the flat tension finger on the outside of the case Photo D below If you need to adjust the bobbin tension use a small screwdriver to rotate the larger screw in small increments 5 minute turns turning left to loosen and right to tighten tension Pre wound with Ca...

Page 85: ...test your tension on fabric and batting similar to your quilting project so that you can make adjustments before you begin quilting on a quilt top Bobbins are available in several different materials including aluminum metal pre wound versions and magnetic core 1 Hold the thread close to the bobbin and pull it behind the pigtail guide then around toward the outside of the pigtail guide in a spiral...

Page 86: ...wo straight pieces of metal that look like fingers bending slightly up from the bottom of the case The Big Bobbin case in Photo B has U shaped fingers that also bend up slightly These fingers apply pressure on the bobbin once it is inserted into the bobbin case it will stop the bobbin from over spinning when you stop sewing or change directions Align the shorter cut out edge or rounded edge of the...

Page 87: ...bin case firmly into the assembly until you hear it clearly click into place 3 Avoid opening the lever to insert the bobbin unlike some home sewing machines it is not necessary to open the latch to insert the bobbin If you do use the latch there is a greater chance that the bobbin case will not get properly seated into the assembly When the machine is running the bobbin case could fall out and cau...

Page 88: ...d a quilt top including pinning floating and even using zippers discussed in a bit more detail below We ll demonstrate the two most common types of loading here but don t be afraid to experiment until the method feels right to you We recommend that you first load practice fabric and batting such as muslin old sheets etc Spend time and practice practice practice If you want to develop your skills q...

Page 89: ... available for both standard and deluxe tables check it out on our Online Store However this method does not provide a lot of control over the quilt top and it could shift quite a bit unless you use other clamping methods to hold it securely on the Quilt Back Roller Method 3 Full Attachment The full attachment method involves pinning the quilt top to the Pick Up Roller in addition to the backing f...

Page 90: ...oose or open seams Make sure the batting is 4 inches larger than your quilt on all sides Make sure the backing is at least 4 inches larger than your quilt on all sides you ll need 4 6 inches more than that if you use Red Snappers or Leader Grips Mark the top of the quilt with a safety pin Mark the top of the backing with a safety pin Step 2 Choose Your Loading Method While all three methods are op...

Page 91: ... put a safety pin in the top of your quilt When it s time to load the layers on your frame make sure the safety pins end up on the same side of the frame No matter what loading method or attachment device you use the backing fabric must always be loaded to the Quilt Back Roller and the Pick Up Roller While your backing does not need to be completely square it DOES need to have two straight paralle...

Page 92: ...anvas Start in the center of your backing fabric and pin it to the canvas center mark on your Backing Roller keeping the pins close but not overlapping Position the pins about inch in from the raw edge with pins going in the same direction Work from the center to one end then return to the center and pin to the other end of the fabric For Both Methods Engage the brake after positioning the backing...

Page 93: ...bric should also be straight and parallel to the floor If not begin rolling it on again striving for consistent pressure from both hands as you wrap it on the roller Step 6 Prepare and Mount the Quilt Top Press the quilt if necessary and trim any threads that might shadow through to the quilt s surface Check for holes or seams that are not secure and repair if needed Remember that if you re mounti...

Page 94: ... on the left side of the frame hold the quilt top so its safety pin is also on the left side Place the excess body of the quilt top across the frame and over the Pick Up Roller Then align the straight edge with the Quilt Top Roller s canvas edge matching your center mark from the quilt top with the center mark on the canvas If the quilt is square and wavy borders are not a concern pin as you did t...

Page 95: ...he quilt to check that it is rolling straight the seams should stay parallel to the roller If not twist the seams that are wrapping around the roller to tighten them until the horizontal seam stays parallel with the roller With each seam that wraps around the roller twist the seam as if to tighten it onto the roller This allows the quilt to stay flat and prevents sagging side borders Work the seam...

Page 96: ...Up Roller wrapping the leveler bar inside the Pick Up Roller canvas The leveler bar will be hiding inside the wrap over of the Pick Up Roller canvas Now bring your quilt backing across the table and over the top of the Pick Up Roller Line up the backing s straight edge with the edge of the Pick Up Roller canvas again matching the center marks Pin it in place just as you did on the Quilt Backing Ro...

Page 97: ...k Up Roller canvas Adjust the batting and backing until they are smooth Allow the excess batting to drape on the floor under the frame Step 9 Align the Quilt Top and Secure it to the Batting Remember partially floating a top means that it is NOT attached to the Pick Up Roller Canvas it will rest on the backing and batting instead However you ll want to keep the quilt straight and if you re going t...

Page 98: ...ic You might wish to start in the center and baste out to the left and right if your batting is puffy to keep the quilt from creeping to the right as you baste If your quilting will stay on the quilt top such as a border design that stays inside the border you can use pins along the reference line instead For the most control use your needle up down button to place single stitches about one inch a...

Page 99: ...trying to stay inside the seam allowance for the binding To help keep the side edges from scooting as you work down the quilt try stitching the left edge of the quilt from top to bottom move from the leveler bar toward the quilt top roller and then stitch the right border from bottom to top from the quilt top roller to the leveler bar A word of caution the straight basting stitch method locks the ...

Page 100: ...Tubes 37 Box 3 23 Box 4 18 Box 4 Carriage Hardware Cross Tubes Optional Accessories 9 Box 5 Table Leg 9 Box 6 Table Leg 9 Box 7 Head Box 34 Box 7 Sewing Head 9 Box 8 9 or 10 Optional Accessories 9 Boxes 5 6 11 Brake Adjustment 42 Brake Operation 42 Cables and Power 51 Carriage 9 Changing Threads 76 Channel Lock 57 Cord Management 53 Cross Tubes 18 Customer Service Team 1 Education Tab 3 Fabric Cla...

Page 101: ...3 Roller Hardware 41 Roller Installation 37 Scoop Foot 98 Secure Threads 69 service apqs com 1 Sewing Head Box 34 Shipping Box Content 9 Smart Touch Pad Features 54 Stitch Default 56 Stitch Regulated Mode 56 Table Leg 9 Table Orientation 15 Thread Break Sensor 59 Thread Cutter 57 Thread Stand 49 Threading Machine 72 Threading Millie 30 75 Troubleshooting Thread Loops on Quilt 73 Uninterruptible Po...

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APQS Freddie, Installation Manual

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Summary of Contents for Freddie

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