Page 16
HQ Avanté User Manual
IMPORTANT: Top tension should be adjusted only
after the bobbin case foundation tension adjustment
is made.
Puckering, gathers and thread breakage occur when
the top tension is too tight. Loops and thread nests
occur on the back when the top thread tension is too
loose. Tension may need to be adjusted depending on
the fabric, thread or batting you are using on
each project.
It is easy to set the top tension with the HQ Avanté
Easy-Set Tension. To adjust the top tension tighter,
turn the tension knob clockwise. To loosen the
tension, turn the tension knob counterclockwise.
Unlike the bobbin-case adjustment, which requires
minute adjustments (like the tick of a clock), the top
tension knob might need to be turned anywhere
from 1/4 of a turn to two to four turns to achieve
balanced tension.
As you adjust the tension, a tension value appears on
the Main Screen (when the machine is turned on).
make a note of this value to easily set the tension
again in the future for the same type of thread.
Note: Before adjusting your top tension, remember
to floss or pull the top thread up into the tension discs
or it will float outside the discs providing little or no
top tension. This could cause significant tension or
nesting problems on the bottom side of the quilt.
Easy-Set Tension™ Adjustment
Cleaning and Lubricating the Machine
Only use light sewing machine oil in the HQ Avanté.
Internal oiling is not necessary on the HQ Avanté
except when the machine is taken to a service
technician for routine maintenance and cleaning. The
hook assembly, however, needs regular lubricating.
Failure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can
cause severe damage to the machine.
To lubricate, turn off the machine. Remove bobbin
and case before oiling. Clean around the hook
assembly with a soft brush to remove lint. Put a very
Maintenance
Figure 22
small drop of oil on the hook in the region where the
bobbin basket assembly and the rotating hook meet
(see Figure 22). The bobbin basket is the portion of
the hook that the bobbin case snaps into. The bobbin
basket remains stationary while the hook rotates
around the basket. The oil lubricates the region
where these two components interlock. A drop of oil
in the region indicated will work its way back into the
interlocking area of the hook and bobbin basket.
The frequency of lubrication depends upon the usage
of the machine. Lubricating is recommended before
running the machine if it has not been used regularly,
or every other bobbin change if used frequently. After
oiling, always sew a scrap piece as oil may cling to
thread. Over oiling can cause excess dripping from the
bobbin assembly. Lack of lubricant may be noticed by
a change in the sound of the machine and will affect
stitch quality.
Cleaning the Touchscreen
Never use any chemicals to clean your display as this
may adversely affect the touch screen response. Use
a soft rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol and gently
wipe the display to remove any marks.
