Handiquilter Simply Sixteen (on frame) sewing issues
 

Hi everyone! I just got my first long arm quilter, the HQ Simply Sixteen! I used it successfully for the first month, but yesterday ran into some issues that I'm having some trouble resolving. As I begin to sew, the top thread picks up the bottom thread each time (leading me to believe my timing is OK) but then the sewing does not go very smoothly. At first it was not sewing at all, but then I adjusted my top and bottom tension and was able to get some stitches, but each time the top thread started shredding and breaking after about 2 inches of sewing. I know for sure that the bottom tension is properly set, but could be mistaken with the settings on my top thread. I've continued to make adjustments, but the thread continues to break and shred and there have also been instances where the mechanism gets jammed into the bottom and I have to use the hand wheel to release it. I live in Brooklyn and haven't been able to find anyone who has experience working with these machines so any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm using 110/18 needles with 69 210D poly bonded thread. My "quilt" surface has some fabric + thickness variation, but from everything I've read about this machine that shouldn't keep it from stitching.

Thank you in advance!

Handiquilter Simply Sixteen (on frame) not sewing when I move machine backwards
 

Hi all! My HQ Simply Sixteen is working fine when I'm moving the machine forward and side to side, but if I move it backwards the threads no longer engage. If I pull it forward again they will begin to engage immediately and I can't figure out why backwards movement doesn't work. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Does it have a stitch regulator? If so, you need to make sure the black rubber O-rings are engaging on the surface of the carriage correctly.

If not, there could be a burr on the needle plate or in the needle plate hole or on the hook.

With most HQ's, it helps to turn the needle slightly to the right. It off-sets the physics of the rotary hook when moving the machine right to left or backwards.

Isn't that heavy duty outdoor upholstery thread, not quilting thread? That might be the problem, especially in a higher-speed machine like a longarm.

Isn't that heavy duty outdoor upholstery/leather sewing/bag topstitching thread, not quilting thread? That might be the problem, especially in a higher-speed machine like a longarm.

Check that your encoders are plugged in tightly.

Watson