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Page 13
3. Thread continues through thread guide
C
, and
then down to the
tension assembly
(see Figure 13).
NOTE: It is important that the thread is “flossed” up
between the two tension discs. If the thread is not
firmly in place between the two tension discs, the
thread rests on the outside of the tension discs (with-
out tension) and looping on fabric or thread nests
may occur.
4. Once the thread is in place, be sure that the thread
catches on the take-up spring and then pull it down
under the stirrup (thread guide
D
).
5. Bring the thread back up through the take-up
lever from back to front, and then down through
thread guide E. Pull the thread at the take up le-
ver to ensure that it is properly flossed between the
tension disks. If it is properly flossed in the tension
disks you should feel some resistance as you pull the
thread. If it is not, then the thread will pull freely.
6. Pull the thread down to the needle thread guide
and thread through the hole (thread guide
F
).
7. Make sure the thread is following the groove
down the front of the needle and threads from front
to back. Be careful that the thread does not twist
around the needle.
Figure 13
Important notes:
The HQ
18
Avanté quilting machine
does not have a presser foot lever or top tension
release like a home sewing machine. On a home
sewing machine the top tension is released when the
presser foot is raised, allowing the thread to come
freely out of the machine. When a home machine is
threaded, the presser foot is raised and the tension
discs are released and open for the thread to easily fall
between the tension discs. This is not the case with
the HQ
18
Avanté quilting machine where the top tension
is always tight and the tension discs are never open.
Therefore, the thread must be pulled up or “flossed”
between the tension discs or it will stay outside the
discs and float without tension, causing serious ten-
sion problems and/or thread nests. It is also possible
to bend the needle while it is threaded if care is not
taken while moving the machine around the quilt be-
cause the top tension is never released.
E
C
D
DETAIL 2
F
