Encore sitdown User manual
sitdown model
User Guide
Updated January 2019 | 3
Warranty ........................................................................................................ 3
Attaching your Square Tubing ....................................................................... 4
Your Light Fixture .......................................................................................... 5
Your Thread Stand ....................................................................................... 6
What is the Tension Release Lever? ............................................................... 7
How Do I Adjust the Height of the Hopping Foot? ......................................... 7
Routine Cleaning and Oiling ........................................................................... 8
Bobbin Winder and Bobbins ......................................................................... 9
Machine Part Names .................................................................................... 12
Threading Overview ..................................................................................... 13
How Do I Thread the Machine? .................................................................... 13
How Do I Change the Needle? ..................................................................... 16
How Do I Make Adjustments to Make the Perfect Stitch? ............................. 17
Tension, Tension, Tension ............................................................................. 18
Trouble Shooting Checklist
4 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Warranty
We believe that we have designed and are manufacturing the best long arm quilting
machine available.
•Your Encore 18x6 Sitdown has a full labor warranty for one year from the day you
receive your machine. We guarantee the machine parts for five years.
• The machine must be cleaned and oiled regularly according to the instructions in this
manual. Failure to properly maintain the machine will void this warranty.
•Your Encore 18x6 Sitdown must be plugged into a surge-protected electrical outlet. We
highly recommend using an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) also known as a Battery
Backup. This helps to ensure that you are getting a regulated 110 volts into your
machine. (See photo below of UPS battery backup.)
• Should we mutually decide that your machine cannot be repaired using normal
communications, we will arrange for the machine to be returned to the factory.
Should You Have a Problem
Please contact the dealer where you purchased your machine. They are also your
servicing dealership.
Updated January 2019 | 5
Your Light Fixture
To add your light xture to your machine, rst
loosen the nut and washer from the base of the
light xture.
Slide the lamp base into the lamp holder on the
side of the machine.
Your light xture came with a long cord. At this time
you can trim the cord so that it will reach the outlet
on top of the power box. This outlet is also where
you will nd the plug for your lamp.
Open your plug by pulling on the silver tab and
open the plug. Trim the wires ush, with enough to
reach the outlet on the top of the power box. Lay
the wires in the space provided in the plug and
close the plug. Before you close, make
sure that you do not have any wires crossed, as this
will create a short.
Plug in and enjoy light as you quilt.
6 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Your Thread Stand
Your Encore 18x6 Sitdown model comes
with a four-spool Thread Stand. Some
assembly required.
Attach the upper thread support to the cone
support base.
1. Place the upper thread support into the
hole provided on the base between the
cone holders.
2. Use the screw provided to secure the
upper thread support into place.
To attach the Thread Stand on the side of
the machine with the motor, you will see two
screws toward the front of the machine.
1. Loosen the two screws on the side of the
machine.
2. Slide the Thread Stand over the two
screws.
3. Level the Thread Stand with the top of
the machine.
4. Tighten the two screws to hold the
Thread Stand securely in place.
Updated January 2019 | 7
Connecting the Foot Control
The Foot Control is connected to the power supply
box on the bottom side of the box. Plug the Foot
Control plug into the jack provided on the base of
the power supply.
Turn the sewing speed controller dial to the
right to increase the motor speed; turn the dial to
the left to decrease the motor speed.
Needle position buttons:
Power cord connection:
Foot control connection is under here:
8 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Needle Position
For needle up, tap the foot pedal. This will cause the machine to make one full rotation,
bringing the needle to the up position. Pressing the foot pedal slowly will position the
needle down. This may take some test presses to get it down, and to get the feel for the
foot pedal needle control. Alternatively, you can use the buttons on the control panel.
Needle Up Position:
Needle Down Position:
Updated January 2019 | 9
What is the Tension Release Lever?
The Tension Release Lever raises the Hopping Foot and releases
the tension on the thread. You can watch the tension disc plates
open as you lift the lever.
NEVER start sewing with the lever up, because there is no tension
on the thread, and the bottom stitches will be huge loops.
How Do I Adjust the Height of the Hopping
Foot for Thicker or Thinner Batting?
Adjustment Screw:
If you are quilting on batting that is thicker than normal, you
might need to raise the Hopping Foot. Loosen the screw
holding the Hoping Foot on, slide the foot up for thicker or
down for thinner. Be sure to tighten the screw after your
adjustment.
The normal height of the Hopping Foot should be
approximately the height of a dime, or three business cards
when the needle is in the down position.
10 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Routine Cleaning and Oiling
Routine cleaning and oiling is very important to the longevity of your quilting machine. Brush
out the fuzz from around the hook and foot. Change your needle regularly to avoid thread
breakage, tension problems and needle breakage. A worn needle can mean skipped stitches,
shredded thread and a weakening of the needle itself. These things can lead to stitch quality
issues.
Lint has a tendency to build up in the bobbin case. A tiny amount of lint can cause poor
stitches. Check the bobbin case each time you change the bobbin to keep it clean. We
suggest using a soft bristle brush to wipe out the bobbin case and the bobbin area. Canned
air only blows the lint around. By using a soft bristle brush you collect the dust on the brush.
Occasionally, place a drop of machine oil on a cotton swab to wipe out the bobbin case.
Keep your table clean of dust and oil. Clean the bars and carriage deck regularly for smooth
movement.
Oiling is extremely important to the longevity of your quilting machine. Failure to oil your
machine regularly can void your warranty.
The one oiling spot marked with red arrow is marked with red paint on your machine. An oil
bottle is included with your machine. The one oiling spot marked with a blue arrow contains a
dip stick. Remove the dip stick by lifting it up with a nger nail or screw driver. Place drops of
oil in this hole.
After every nished quilt, place 3 to 4 drops of oil in the indicated
spot. At this time, make sure oil is present on the dip stick. If not, add 3-4 more drops of oil.
Run the machine to lubricate. When you run out of oil, please purchase high grade sewing
machine oil. (Note: The machine pictured here is before complete assembly from
factory; your machine has more components attached.
Oil point top of machine Oil Reservoir with dip stick Oil Reservoir with dip
stick removed
Updated January 2019 | 11
Bobbin Winder and Bobbins
A Bobbin Winder is included with your machine. The thread on a properly wound
bobbin should be snug and have even layers of thread. A sloppy or mushy wound
bobbin will result in poor stitch quality.
Bobbin Thread:
Bobbin Thread Guide:
Bobbin Winder:
1. Insert an empty bobbin on the Bobbin Winder spindle.
2. Place a cone of thread on the holder.
3. Bring the thread up through the guide over the cone of thread.
4. Insert the thread through the top guide hole, then around the tension disc and
through the bottom thread guide. This tension is for the bobbin tension when lling
the bobbin.
12 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
5. Wrap the thread around the bobbin three or four times.
6. Push the trip mechanism forward until it snaps into position.
7. The Bobbin Winder will start winding the bobbin once you press the foot pedal. You can
quilt while your bobbin is winding. Once it is full, it will stop.
8. If you wind your bobbin only (when not quilting), ensure that you do not have thread in the
needle to prevent jams. Also remove the bobbin and bobbin case to prevent damage.
NOTE: There is no way to stop the needle from moving while the bobbin is winding.
The bobbin will ll until the trip mechanism is pushed out by the thread. It will then disengage
the wheel. The bobbin should ll to just below the rim. Having the bobbin too full will cause
tension problems.
This picture is provided for your reference should you need to make an adjustment to your
bobbin ll mechanism. Never adjust unless you are told to do so by our technicians.
Updated January 2019 | 13
Check the tension of the bobbin by holding the
loaded bobbin case in one hand. With one hand
under the bobbin case, hold the tail of thread and
watch as the thread ows out of the bobbin case.
A slight bounce should cause the bobbin case to
slide down the thread. If the thread slides out of
the case as you pick it up, it needs more tension.
If it barely moves down the thread or doesn’t
move at all, it needs less tension.
Use a small screwdriver to turn the largest set
screw on the bobbin case to adjust tension.
Make very, very small adjustments. Be very
careful not to remove the screw as it is very small
and difcult to nd if lost. Remember, righty
(clockwise) tighty, lefty (counter clockwise) loosey.
1. Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case.
2. Holding the bobbin case, pull the thread
through the slot.
3. Draw the thread down and under the spring,
making sure the thread is in the highest
position of the bobbin case.
4. Place the bobbin case in the machine.
Always listen for the pop as it engages in the
machine.
We suggest using a soft bristle brush to wipe out
the bobbin case and the bobbin area. Canned
air only blows the lint around. By using the soft
bristle brush you collect the dust on the brush.
Each day before you start quilting, unthread
your machine past the take up lever and remove
the bobbin case. Place a small drop of oil in the
bobbin hook area before you begin quilting. This
will clean out the fuzz and lint. Place a drop of oil
in the bobbin hook area. Turn your machine on
to run at the slowest setting.
14 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Machine Part Names
(Please note: the takeup lever guard has been removed for a clear view for pictures only. Never run
the machine without the guard in place. Extreme head injury may occur.)
This is a diagram of the side of your long arm machine. The front of the machine faces the
belly bar. The back of your machine has the electrical outlet and stitch regulator plugs. The
numbers have been assigned in threading order.
1. Upper Thread Guide
(Note: some machines do not have this)
2. Three Hole Thread Guide
3. Tension Disc
4. Check Spring
5. Silver Angle Bracket
6. Thread Guide
7. Take Up Lever
8. Thread Guide
9. Thread Guide
10. Thread Eyelet Above the Needle
11. Needle
Updated January 2019 | 15
Threading Overview
Please note: The takeup lever guard has been
removed for a clear view for pictures only.
Never run the machine without the guard in
place. Extreme head injury may occur.
How Do I Thread the Machine?
1. Place a cone of thread on the thread holder.
2. Pull thread through the eyelet above the cone of
thread. Make sure the eyelet is directly above the
thread cone.
3. Thread the upper thread guide as shown in
picture.
Figure 1
Figure 2
16 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
4. Weave thread as shown on three hole thread
guide.
5. Take thread between the two tension discs from
back to front all the way around, up and over the
check spring. Be sure the thread is going
between the discs, and go far enough
to catch the check spring. The check spring
should come down as you pull the thread. Pull
the thread tightly to ensure the thread is in the
tension disc.
6. Thread runs under silver angle bracket. See
picture for details.
7. Bring the thread up through the thread guide just
above the check spring.
8. Take the thread through the take up lever from
back to front.
9. Bring the thread down through the two thread
guides on the left side.
10. Bring the thread through the thread eyelet
directly above the needle.
11. Thread the needle left to right.
TIP: Use a dental oss threader to thread the
guide directly above the needle. The threader will
also thread your needle.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 5
Updated January 2019 | 17
How Do I Change the Needle?
A 134RSAN needle (size 18) will be installed on your Encore 18x6
Sitdown model from the factory. When it is time to replace the
needle, you can easily install one. Be sure the power switch is off
on the machine. Remove the bobbin case.
To remove the needle, use the smaller screwdriver included with
your machine. Loosen the screw just above the thread guide on
the needle bar; the needle should fall out as you loosen the screw.
Look closely at the needle. Your home sewing machine needle
shank (top of the needle) has a at side. The top of the long
arm machine needle is round. On the point end of the needle
there is a scarf, or notch, in one side.
When the needle goes down through the fabric into the bobbin
case, the hook comes around behind the needle to pick up the
thread. The scarf has to be there to provide a way for the hook
to get between the needle and the thread in order to pick up the
thread.
Place the new needle up in the slot, making sure the needle is
up in the needle bar as far up as it will go. Make sure the scarf is
facing the right of your machine. Tighten the screw on the needle
bar while holding the needle up.
Before you turn your machine on, go to the back of the machine
and turn the hand wheel a complete turn making sure the needle
goes down in the center of the throat plate, and the hook in the
bobbin area rotates with the needle smoothly. Put the needle
down as far as possible. In the bobbin area, you should be able
to see you the eye of the needle. When the hook rotates, it picks
up the thread at the back of the needle, then the top thread pulls
the bobbin thread up to create a stitch. The scarf must face the
right of your machine.
TIP: Use the old needle to hold the new needle in place while you tighten
the screw. By placing the point of the old needle into the eye of the new
needle, you can see how straight you are placing the scarf of the needle.
18 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Understanding how your long arm machine makes a stitch will help you make the proper
adjustments to make the perfect stitch. The technique all long arm machines use to make
a stitch is basically opposite of the home sewing machine. The home sewing machine is
designed to press together two layers of fabric and sew while the fabric is held in place
by the presser foot. Long arm machines are designed to press and sew multiple layers
together while the machine head is moving. The difference is that there is practically no
needle deection on a standard sewing machine and a large amount of needle deection on
the long arm. The higher the tension, the more the needle will deect. Another cause for the
needle to deect on a standard machine is the type of fabric being sewn. A tightly woven
fabric tends to force the needle in different directions as it penetrates the fabric. This type
of deection depends greatly on the type of needle and type of point you use, such as a ball
point or sharp point.
What is Needle Deflection? What Causes Needle Deflection?
How is Needle Deflection Related to the Stitches on my Quilt?
On a long arm quilting machine, a stitch is mechanically created the same as a home
sewing machine, except the quilter is the feed dog, moving the machine head over the
fabric. The hopping foot presses the fabric together tighter and quicker than a home
sewing machine presser foot, because the fabric must be able to slide between the foot
and the needle plate as the machine is sewing. This means that the machine is moving
while the needle is in the fabric. The worst thing for a needle is to be in the fabric while the
machine is moving, which bends the needle, creating needle deection.
Good stitches will interlock in the batting between the quilt top and backing. In real life, this
goal is rarely achieved. For this reason, you need to be aware that you will have “pokies”
if you use different colors of thread on top and in the bobbin. Pokies are where you can
see tiny dots of the contrasting thread where the bobbin catches the top thread. If there is
slightly more tension on the top than on the bottom, then you will see the pokies on the top
side of the quilt. If the greater tension is on the bobbin, then you will see the pokies on the
back of the quilt. If the pokies are objectionable to you, use the same color thread on both
top and bottom.
Tip: A general rule of thumb is that if the stitch looks bad on the top, it is the
bottom tension. If the stitch looks bad on the bottom, is the upper tension. The
upper and lower threads play tug of war with each other.
How Do I Make Adjustments to Make the Perfect Stitch?
Updated January 2019 | 19
Tension, tension, tension… This probably causes more problems than anything else.
You need correct tension on the top and bottom threads, but you also must have correct
tension on the quilt held between the bars. You should be able to gently rock the belly bar
where the backing fabric is attached. This allows enough movement of your quilt layers for the
needle to penetrate and make good stitches.
Before you start making adjustments to your machine, ask yourself, “What changed?” If your
machine was stitching great and all of a sudden it has loopies on the back or puckers, “What
changed?” Did you just change the bobbin? Did you just lift the take up bar? Did you lower
the take up bar after nishing your last quilt? Did you recently change the needle? Did you
just roll the quilt?
If the take up bar with the quilted portion of your quilt is too high, it will result in poor stitch
quality. You need a nger tip space between the quilt and the machine bed. Higher will result
in poor stitch quality. Lower and the quilt will create a drag on your machine’s movement.
Look at your bobbin. A sloppy wound bobbin will not create a good stitch. Make sure that the
threads on the bobbin are snug and evenly wound. Check to see if there is a piece of lint in
the bobbin case.
• Is the side tension lever down?
• Have I oiled my machine regularly?
• Is the quilt too tight on the frame?
• Is the thread coming off the cone freely?
• Has your thread jumped out of the tension discs?
• Check your threading. Has anything been missed or has the thread ipped itself around
something, increasing your tension?
• Is the hopping foot too high or too low?
• Is your take up bar too high? Did you lower the take up bar after your last quilt?
• Do you need to change your needle?
• Is your needle in properly?
• Check to see that your thread is coming off the spool freely. The thread guide is centered
over the spool and has not developed any burrs or catches.
• Check to see if the thread has looped itself around the spool pin.
• Check to see if the needle is in correctly, with the scarf facing the back of the machine.
• Have you recently changed the needle? Is it as high as it will go in the needle bar?
20 | Encore 18x6 Sitdown Model User Guide
Eyelashes on the back of the quilt can be caused by too little top tension. Turn the thread
tension disk clockwise ¼ turn. Make small adjustments. Repeat until stitch quality is good.
Remember the upper and lower thread play tug of war with each other.
Is the tension lever handle down? It lowers the hopping foot and applies the tension disc.
Is the bobbin thread inserted in the slot of the bobbin case? Adjust the tension disc small
turns clock wise. Repeat until stitch quality if good.
Is your backing fabric stretched too tight? While the backing fabric needs to lie at and
without wrinkles, stretching it too tight can make the quilt top pucker. After stitching and
releasing the backing fabric, the top will pucker.
Is the top tension too tight? Adjust the tension disc small turns counter clockwise. Repeat
until stitch quality is good.
Skipped stitches leave needle holes without thread, while large and small stitches in regulated
mode means the encoders are not picking-up the signal of your movements because of lint or
thread stopping or slowing the reading.
First, check to see that your machine is threaded correctly. Look at the check spring. Does
the thread lay in the check spring? When properly threaded, the check spring will move up
and down as the machine is stitching and the thread is owing freely.
Check the needle. Be sure it is all the way up into the shaft and the scarf is toward the back.
If it has been used for some time, replace the needle. A blunt needle will make a popping
sound as it penetrates the quilt sandwich.
Check to make sure the quilt on the take up bar is not dragging on the bed of the machine. A
nger tip distance between the take up bar and the bed of the machine is all that is necessary.
Elevating the take up bar too high can cause loopies on the back. Look for lint or thread that
might be snagging as you move the machine.
Check for lint or other debris on the track and bars. Sometimes the smallest pieces of thread
create the biggest headaches.
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