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