ABM International, Inc. Series: 1018, 1022 & 1026 V5.0
Model: Innova Longarm Quilting Machine Service Guide
Proprietary information of ABM INTERNATIONAL, Inc. furnished for customer use only.
No other uses are authorized without the prior written permission of
ABM INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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2.0 INSTALLING A NEEDLE IN THE INNOVA
The Innova quilter is capable of sewing with various needle types and sizes. ABM recommends the use
of Groz Beckert, 134SAN11 needles in either a size 16 or 18.
The main difference between a size 16 and 18 is the diameter of the needle section that penetrates into
and through the material and the size of the needle eye. The size 18 needle is considerably larger than
the 16 and as a result, the 18 is a much stiffer needle. The stiffness of the needle helps reduce needle
deflection. Deflection is the largest cause of sewing problems with a machine that stitches in all directions
– left, right, forward and back. Unlike standard sewing machines equipped with feed dogs that only sew
in one direction (or possibly two if back tacking), quilting machines, like the Innova, sew in all directions
and benefit greatly from using the largest possible needle. However, the user must decide on the
appropriate size needle for the application. Size 18 needles will produce a larger hole that many threads
will not fill.
As a rule of thumb, ABM recommends using size 16 needles in the Innova. If skipping is encountered
while sewing a product, and you do not have the time to inspect or adjust the hook, install a size 18
needle in the machine to alleviate the problem quickly. Then when you have more time available, install a
size 16 needle and adjust the needle and/or hook as needed.
The single largest service issue ABM has faced with the Innova is incorrect installation of the needle in
the needle bar. In most cases, the needle is installed facing the wrong direction. However, there have
been some instances of the needle not being inserted all the way into the needle bar. First, we will look
at the correct orientation of the needle on the machine.
Sewing machines will only sew with the needle installed in the correct direction. However,
round shank needles, like the ones on most quilters can easily be installed incorrectly. In an
Innova, the scarf of the needle must face toward the machine foot. When the needle is installed
correctly, the thread groove should face directly toward the top fabric and liner rollers. When
viewed by standing in front of the Innova, the operator should be able to see through the eye of
the needle.
