HQ Simply Sixteen User Manual
| 51
Thread tension too tight
•
Check bobbin case tension and then check top thread tension. (For
more information about adjusting tension, see
Bobbin and Bobbin
Tension
and
Top Thread Tension
in the
Using Your Machine
section
of this manual.)
The needle is not positioned
properly
•
Position the needle properly to the needle bar. Inspect the
position of the needle to make sure the needle is at the 6 o’clock
position. When you stand directly in front of the needle (facing the
bobbin case side of the machine), you will see the entire needle
eye directly facing you. This is 6 o’clock position.
•
Make sure (a) the needle is installed all the way into the needle
bar to the needle-stop hole in the needle bar, (b) the long groove
in the needle is toward the front (bobbin case side), and (c) the
scarf (scooped out part of the back of the needle) is toward the
back of the machine.
•
The needle can sometimes be rotated to 5 o’clock (slightly right)
or 7 o’clock (slightly left) to adjust for a more positive thread loop
pickup by the hook point.
Improper threading
•
Ensure that the machine is threaded correctly.
The Needle Breaks
Corrective Measure(s)
The needle is bent or not
installed properly
•
Replace the needle. Make sure that the needle is pushed into the
needle bar clamp until it can go no farther. Visually check that it is
up to the top of the stop/sight hole above the needle bar clamp
screw. If the needle isn’t installed properly, it can cause damage in
the bobbin area and needle plate.
The needle hits the needle plate
•
Correctly position the needle, needle plate, or hopping foot.
Replace with a new needle.
Stitches are Puckered
Corrective Measure(s)
The tension is not balanced.
Top and bottom tension are both
too tight.
•
Balance the tension of the needle thread after ensuring the
bobbin tension is adjusted correctly. (For more information about
adjusting tension, see
Bobbin and Bobbin Tension
and
Top Thread
Tension
in the
Using Your Machine
section of this manual.)
Needle too large for quilting
fabric
•
Replace the needle with a size better suited for the fabric.
Poor Stitch Quality
Corrective Measure(s)
The tension is not balanced
•
Balance the tension of the needle thread after ensuring the
bobbin tension is adjusted correctly. (For more information about
adjusting tension, see
Bobbin and Bobbin Tension
and
Top Thread
Tension
in the
Using Your Machine
section of this manual.)