The info the others sent is all true. I had the HQ16 for several years and now have the HQ18 Avante. It is almost impossible to get rid of the little dots. The rep was correct. The trick of using pens to color the dots is used a lot. It is also true that when you wash the quilt to dots seem to pull back down and are not as noticible. Useing the same color thread is the only true way to not see them or using a monofilament in the bobbin which I don't like to do. Have fun on your new machine.