Who here has an HQ?

[sadiedaisy1]

I'm so excited as I'm getting the new HQ Avante this week. I was just wondering who on here has an HQ so that maybe I can ask you questions as I start learning how to use it. I'm sure they are all similar.

[cindyg]

I have an HQ-16. Go ahead and ask any questions. Whether I can answer them or not is another story - LOL. But I'll try. I can tell you right at the start that my machine does NOT like Coats and Clark thread.

Have fun with your machine. I love mine.

[sadiedaisy1]

Thanks, Cindy. What brand(s) of thread do you use? What have you been doing with yours? Stippling? Pantographs? Using Groovy Boards? Or all of the above?

[purrfect-lady]

I can't speak for the HQ, but I had a Viking Mega Quilter before I bought my Nolting LA and, like Cindy's machine, neither of those machines liked Coast and Clark thread either. Just my 1-1/2 cents' worth.

One nugget of advice I would have for any machine - make a list of all the trouble shooting hints you read or get from anyone for problems like skipped stitches, rats' nests, and the like. and post it where you have easy access. That has solved so many of the problems I encountered much more quickly. Because you WILL have problems as you get to know your machine.

[quilterbee]

I use Bottom Line thread in my bobbin and Superier So Fine or King Tut on top. Both by Superior threads. Amie )

[sadiedaisy1]

Thanks purrfect lady & Amie! I appreciate any and all input.

[cindyg]

My machine and I like King Tut. Here's one thing I saw on a video: the best for good tension is to use the same thread in the top and the bobbin. You can use a thinner thread in the bobbin such as Bottom Line or So Fine but never use a thinner thread on the top than what's in the bobbin. I have used one color King Tut on top and a different color in the bobbin and that worked well because they were the same size thread.

Also, about tension, we were told in our HQ-16 class that your bobbin should "spider" down the thread and then the bobbin tension should be right. On another video they suggested that the bobbin tension should be a bit looser than that. Once you adjust your bobbin tension, don't mess with it anymore - only adjust from the top.

You will find that your machine will develope it's own personality and it will talk to you. It may try to intimidate you but remember that it is only a machine and that you are the one with the brain and the control switch!

I have done a little free motion but mainly I use groovy boards and pantographs. It doesn't get any easier than groovy boards.

[sadiedaisy1]

Thanks for all the information,Cindy. I will keep your advice in mind. It should be set up today. The boxes were delivered yesterday afternoon.

[cindyg]

Wellllllllllll, are you all set up? How exciting this is!!!

[sadiedaisy1]

I'm partly set up. The owner of the store I bought it from is supposed to come back this morning to finish setting it up and give me some lessons on it. Hopefully by this afternoon I'll be practicing on some muslin.