The Joy of Quilting with Your Long-Arm Machine
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KathyQuilts.com
The Block Rockit User Manual has detailed instructions of the machine controls and
settings for your reference. If it is difficult to remember which buttons to use while
you quilt, we suggest marking the buttons with a marker or small sticker to help you
remember which buttons to use. As you become more familiar with the machine, you
will get use to the buttons and menu options. Also, if you want to change the machine
controls from right to left handed, you can do so in the menu.
Quilting Modes
The Block Rockit has four quilting modes: regulated precise, regulated cruise, manual,
and baste. For basic instructions on what each mode does, refer to the Block Rockit
User Manual.
Start with Regulated Precise Mode
For most beginning quilters, regulated precise is the easiest setting to use while you
become familiar and comfortable with the machine; it is the most “forgiving” mode in
that the stitch keeps up with the pace at which you move the machine. When you are
just learning to quilt it is important to get a good feel for the movement of the machine
and frame--the regulated precise mode is the best mode for this. It will also allow you
to do most types of quilting, from large stitches to fine-tuned, detailed designs. Once
you become more comfortable with your Block RockiT it is a good idea to experiment
with the other modes.
Keep in mind that even in the stitch-regulated modes (regulated precise and
regulated cruise), you cannot move the machine as fast as you want and always
maintain a uniform stitch. If you move the machine too quickly, the stitches will start
to spread apart. When you are first learning to use the machine, you can refer to
the green circle on the display screen. When you move the machine too quickly to
maintain uniform stitches, the green circle will turn red. You can even set the Block
Rockit to have an alarm sound go off when you are moving it too fast so that you do
not need to look at the display screen. Using these guides, you can get the feel for the
machine and know how fast to move it. Once you get the feel for the machine speed,
you will not likely need to refer to the display screen to know how fast to move it.
