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Getting Started Quilting
Thread Requirements
Be sure to choose high quality threads for your valuable heirloom quilts.
Needle Requirements
For general quilting, a size 16/100 needle will accom modate most threads and fabrics. Heavier threads,
such as top stitch and some decora tive threads, require a larger needle such as 18/110 or 21/125. Heavier
fabrics such as denim, canvas, or densely woven fabric may re quire a larger needle.
To Prepare for Quilting
With any quilting machine, it is important to under stand the basics of free motion quilting. The Regent
quilting machine does not have feed dogs like domestic machines; therefore, the fabric does not
automatically feed under the hopping foot.
In Manual mode, the operator controls the machine sewing speed with the My Speed setting and the foot
pedal, and moves the fabric to get an even, consistent stitch.
In order to become comfortable using the Regent, quilters can begin with a few simple techniques using
a sample quilt sandwich (two pieces of fabric with a layer of batting between them). Set the machine at
a medium My Speed setting (700 SPI) and begin moving the fabric until you become ac customed to the
resistance. By moving the fabric faster, the stitches begin to elongate. The My Speed setting can either
be increased or the fabric can be moved slower to get the stitches back to the desired length. By moving
the fabric slower, the stitches get shorter and can build up on top of each other, breaking the thread or
making it extremely difficult to unpick.
The My Speed setting can be decreased or the foot pedal released slightly, while maintaining a constant
motion with the fabric, to bring the stitches back to the desired length.
In Regulated mode, the Stitch Harmony optical sensors in the table insert match the machine sewing
speed to the movement of the fabric to maintain a consistent number of stitches per inch. Slow fabric
movement will result in slow machine speed. Rapid fabric movement will result in rapid machine speed.
In Regulated/Precision mode, the machine will not stitch until the fabric is moved. In Regulated/Cruise
mode, the machine will continue to stitch at the speed set on the display screen (50-1100 stitches per
minute) regardless of how slowly the fabric is moving across the table.
When using Regulated mode, be careful not to wrinkle or bunch the quilt near the sensors. Keep your
hands close to the hopping foot to ensure that the fabric is smooth over the sensors.
Different colors of fabric may require different brightness settings for the LED light ring to
prevent eye strain�