handi quilter HQ Sweet Sixteen, User Manual

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Page 15
Loosen Top Thread Tension
To loosen the tension, turn the top thread tension knob
(page 5, Figure 1, #5)
counter-clockwise .
NOTE: Before adjusting the top tension, remember to
fl oss or pull the top thread up into the tension discs or
it will fl oat outside the discs providing little or no top
tension. This could cause signifi cant tension or nesting
problems on the bottom side of the quilt. If the top ten-
sion is too loose (causing loops of thread on the underside
of the quilt) and no amount of tightening the top thread
tension knob seems to affect it, there’s a good chance that
the thread is riding on the outside of the tension discs
and is not “fl ossed” between them.
NOTE: Turn off the machine and remove the power cord
when performing maintenance on the machine.
Cleaning and Lubricating the Machine
Only use light sewing machine oil in the HQ Sweet
Sixteen. Internal oiling is not necessary on the HQ Sweet
Sixteen except when the machine is taken to a service
technician for routine maintenance and cleaning. The
hook assembly, however, needs regular lubricating. Fail-
ure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can cause severe
damage to the machine.
Maintenance
Figure 16
To lubricate, turn off the machine. Remove the bobbin
and case before oiling. Clean around the hook assembly
with a soft brush to remove lint. Put a very small drop of
oil on the hook in the region where the bobbin basket as-
sembly and the rotating hook meet (see Figure 17)). 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 lubri-
cates 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 run-
ning the machine if it has not been used regularly, or
every other bobbin change if used frequently. After oiling,
always stitch through a scrap piece of fabric, 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 Touch-Screen Display
Use a soft rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently
wipe the display and remove any marks. Never use any
other chemicals to clean your display as they may ad-
versely affect the touch-screen response and clarity.
Tight Top Thread
Loose Top Thread
A stitch is balanced when the
top thread and the bobbin thread
meet in the middle of the quilt
sandwich.
Figure 17