Grace Company Q'nique 16X ELITE User manual

Instruction Manual
Copyright June 15, 2022 V 1.6wThe Grace Company

i
Important Safeguards
When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed,
including the following.
DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not leave the machine unattended when plugged
in. Always unplug this machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, re, electric shock, or injury to persons:
• This appliance is not to be used by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or
instruction concerning use of the appliance in a safe way and understand the hazards involved.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance. Children shall not
play with the appliance.
• Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children without supervision.
• Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments
recommended by the manufacturer as contained within this manual.
• Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, it is not working properly, or it has been
dropped, damaged, or dropped into water. Return the machine to the nearest authorized dealer or
service center for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the quilting
machine free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• The appliance is intended for indoor use only. Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being
administered.
• Connect this appliance to a properly grounded outlet only. See grounding instructions on next page.
• To disconnect, turn all controls to the o position, then remove the plug from the outlet by grasping
the plug. Do not pull on cord. Always switch o or unplug the appliance when leaving it unattended.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• If the supply cord is damaged, it must by replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or similarly
qualied persons in order to avoid a hazard.
• Keep ngers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the quilting machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent or damaged needles.
• Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deect the needle, causing it to break.
• Switch the quilting machine o when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading
the needle, changing the needle, or changing the presser foot, etc.
• Always unplug the quilting machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or
when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
• CAUTION: In order to avoid a hazard due to inadvertent resetting of the thermal cut-out, this
appliance must not be supplied through an external switching device, such as a timer, or connected
to a circuit that is regularly switched on and o by the utility.
If using this machine in an area with inconsistent input power, it is recommended the surge protector
is connected to a backup battery supply.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Do not discard box or packaging.

ii
Important Safeguards (continued)
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
This product must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path
of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped
with a cord that has an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. Plug the cord from the
quilting machine into a surge protector. The surge protector must be plugged into an appropriate outlet
that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
DANGER - Improper connection of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric
shock. The conductor with insulation having an outer surface that is green, with or without yellow
stripes, is the equipment-grounding conductor. If repair or replacement of the cord or plug is necessary,
do not connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a live terminal. Check with a qualied electrician
or serviceman if the grounding instructions are not completely understood, or if in doubt as to whether
the product is properly grounded.
Do not modify the plug provided with the product - if it will not t the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualied electrician.
Grounding Methods
Figure 61.1
(B)
Cover of
Grounded
Outlet Box
Metal
Screw
(A)
Grounding
Pin
Surge
Protector
To Sewing
Machine
(C)
Adapter
Grounding
Means
(D)
Grounding
Pin
Surge
Protector
To Sewing
Machine
Grounding
Conductor
This product is for use on a nominal 120 V circuit, and has a grounding pin as illustrated above (A). A
temporary adapter, shown in (B) and (C), may be used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle (B) if
a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly
grounded outlet can be installed by a qualied electrician. The green colored rigid ear, lug, and the like,
extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded
outlet box cover. Whenever the adapter is used, it must be held in place by the metal screw.
A qualied electrician should be consulted if there is any doubt as to whether an outlet box
is properly grounded.
Grounding Methods

iii
Table of Contents
Important Safeguards ................................ i
Table of Contents...................................... iii
Machine Specifications...............................iv
Machine Layout..........................................v
Ports and Plugins ..................................... vii
My Machine Details ...................................ix
Included Parts and Tools ............................x
Welcome to Your Q’nique 16X Elite ............. 1
Animated Instructions ............................... 3
Out-of-the Box Assembly...............3
Part One ................................... 4
Task 1 - Installing the Lower Encoder ......... 5
Part Two ................................. 10
Task 2 - Installing the Wheels ...................11
Part Three............................... 16
Task 3 - Installing the Handlebars..............17
Task 4 - Connecting the Display ................20
Task 5 - Attaching the Thread Stand..........22
Task 6 - Installing the Upper Encoder ........23
Task 7 - Turning the Machine On/Off .........25
Preparing to Quilt ........................26
Task 8 - Winding a Bobbin ........................27
Task 9 - Loading the Bobbin Case..............30
Task 10 - Threading the Machine...............32
Part Four................................. 38
Quilting ........................................39
Choosing Machine Settings .......................40
Using the Handlebar Controls....................42
Using Precise Quilting Mode......................43
Using Cruise Quilting Mode .......................45
Using Manual Quilting Mode......................47
Using Baste Quilting Mode ........................49
Using the Bobbin Estimator Tool................51
Using the Edge Warning ...........................53
Adjusting Thread Tension .........................56
Taking Measurements...............................59
Making Calculations..................................61
Tracking Stitch Count and Run Time ..........62
Getting Started........................................63
Maintaining the Machine.............. 67
Preparing the Oil Bottle ............................68
Oiling and Cleaning ..................................69
Changing the Needle................................73
Adjusting the Hopping Foot.......................75
Reinstalling the Needle Plate .....................78
Reinstalling the Anti-Backlash Spring .........80
Repairs and Diagnostics ..............82
Updating the Software .............................83
Replacing the Encoder Spring....................84
Reinstalling the Hook Holder .....................87
Timing the Machine..................................90
Appendix......................................94
Choosing Your Needle ..............................95
Choosing Your Thread ..............................97
Choosing Your Fabric and Batting ............ 100
Troubleshooting Guide............................ 101
Index.................................................... 103

iv
Machine Specifications
iv
Features
• Adjustable handles for comfortable extended
use (page 17)
• 7” Touch Display (page 20)
• Dual thread mast and stands for quilting and
winding bobbin at the same time
• Built-in bobbin winder (page 27)
• Dual wheels for stability (page 11)
• Stitches per minute (SPM) range of 90 to
2000 stitches
• Regulated stitching
• Quilt-edge warning feature
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Product Dimensions
Body:
• Height: 781.05 mm, or 30.75 inches
• Width: 381 mm, or 15 inches
• Length: 820 mm, 32.3 inches
• Weight: 21.5 kg, or 47.5 lbs
Quilting Arm:
• Height: 210.8 mm, or 8.3 inches
• Length: 406.4 mm, or 16 inches
Electrical
• Input Voltage: 115/230 VAC
• Peak Power Consumption: 350 W
Patents Pending

v
Machine Layout
Quilting Machine (Front View)
1. 7” Touch Display (page 20)
Provides access to quilting options.
• Small Thread Tensioner (page 32)
Tensions thread when quilting.
• Take-Up Lever (page 32)
Tensions thread when quilting.
• Tensioner Check Spring (page 32)
Applies additional tension to thread.
• Throat Lights (page 40)
Lights up sewing area when machine is on.
2. Handlebar Controls (page 42)
Controls machine functions.
• Large Thread Tensioner (page 32)
Tensions thread as adjusted when quilting.
• Thread Guides (page 32)
Positions thread when quilting.
3. Handle Bar Levers (page 17)
Used to adjust handle position.
Lamp (page 40)
Lights up needle area when machine is on.
• Thread Cutter (page 32)
Cuts excess thread from threading machine.
• Needle Bar (page 32)
Holds the needle when quilting.
• Hopping Foot (page 75)
Presses fabric down when quilting.
• Needle Plate (page 78)
Covers top of hook assembly.
1
10
7
11
12
13
8
14
3
6
92
4
5
11
8
12
13
14
10
15
16
17
3
7
9
2
6
1
5
4

vi
Machine Layout (continued)
1. Hand Wheel
Raises and lowers the needle bar.
2. Bobbin Thread Tensioner (page 27)
Tensions thread when winding a bobbin.
3. Bobbin Thread Guide (page 27)
Guides thread to the bobbin thread tensioner.
4. Bobbin Stand (page 27)
Holds the bobbin for winding.
5. Bobbin Thread Cutter (page 27)
Cuts wound bobbin thread.
1. Bobbin Winder Thread Stand (page 27)
Holds a cone of thread for winding bobbin.
2. Thread Mast (page 22)
Guides thread when quilting.
1. Top Thread Stand (page 32)
Holds a thread cone for threading machine.
Handle Bar Clamp (page 17)
Used to adjust handlebar position.
• Bobbin Case (page 30)
Holds M class bobbin and controls bottom
thread tension.
• Hook Assembly (page 30)
Holds the bobbin case and hooks the top
thread to create stitches.
• Machine Wheels (page 11)
Shuttles the machine up and down the
bottom carriage.
Quilting Machine (Top View)
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
15
16
17
18
19
21
20
23
24
25
26
20
22

vii
Ports and Plugins
Power On/O Switch (page 25)
Turns machine on and o.
Power Port with Retainer (page 25)
Connects and holds power cable to the
machine.
Back Handle Mount Cover
For mounting the back handle accessory.
USB Connector Port
For 7 inch back handles display and for
updating.
USB Connector Port
For 2.4 inch back handles display.
Quilt Motion Tablet Port
For optional automation accessory.
Left Rear Handle Cable Port
For back handle accessory.
Right Rear Handle Cable Port
For back handle accessory.
Lower Encoder Port (page 23)
Connects encoders to machine.
Upper Encoder Port (page 23)
Connects encoders to machine.
Accessory Ports
For laser accessory.
Machine Rear (Rear View)
1
10
7
8
3
6
9
2
4
5
1
10
7
8
3
6
9
2
4
5
11
11

viii
Ports and Plugins (continued)
Machine Throat Left
Left Accessory Port
For laser accessory.
Left Handlebar Port (page 17)
Connects handlebar controls to machine.
Right Accessory Port
For laser accessory.
Right Handlebar Port (page 17)
Connects handlebar controls to machine.
13
12
13
12
Machine Throat Right
15
14
15
14

ix
My Machine Details
Use this page to write down some information about your machine. This will be helpful if you ever
need to call a Grace Company support technician.
Machine Type: ______________________________________
Machine Serial Number: _______________________________
Date of Purchase: ____________________________________
What Frame are You Using? ____________________________
Select Which Machine Accessories You Have Purchased:
Q’nique 16X Elite
Find your serial number on the silver sticker on
the back of the machine.
You may also be asked about your machine’s
 rmware version. You can  nd this on the display
after the machine is assembled and turned on.
See page 83 for details.
• QuiltMotion
• Back Handles
• Q’nique Laser Stylus
• Magni que Magnifying Glass
• Ruler Base
• Quilt Perfect Ruler Feet Kit
• 360 Wonder Foot
• 4 Piece Accessory Hopping Foot
• 9 Piece Accessory Hopping Foot
• Thread Spool Accessory
#.#.#
#X##
XX/XX/XX

x
Included Parts and Tools
Front Wheel
Assembly
SMP-09-16239
See page 11
Back Wheel
Assembly
SMP-09-16244
See page 11
Level One (Workstation)
T-handle Allen
Wrench 4 mm
4 mm
HDW-03-13114
T-handle Allen
Wrench 3 mm
3 mm
HDW-03-13115
T-handle Allen
Wrench 2.5 mm
2.5 mm
HDW-03-13116
Tools Box
2 mm
T-handle Allen
Wrench 2 mm
HDW-03-13117
Lint
Brush
SMP-03-10170
See page 69
Needle
Magnet
SMP-09-13837
See page 73
Needle Size 16
(one ten pack)
ACC-01-14516
See page 73
ACC-01-14517
See page 73
Needle Size 18
(one 10 pack)
(one pre-installed)
Tip: Parts are grouped together in the
packaging for your convenience. For the
best experience, do not remove parts from
the packaging until instructed to do so.

xi
Upper Encoder
Spring (silver)
HDW-03-10216
See page 84
HDW-03-10671
See page 84
Lower Encoder
Spring (black)
Upper Encoder
(silver spring)
SMP-09-15701
See page 23
Lower Encoder
(black spring)
SMP-09-15700
See page 5
Zip Tie (x2)
Zip Tie Mount (x2)
MIS-08-10805
Hopping Foot
Height tool
SMP-03-12171
See page 75
Flat-head
Screwdriver
SMP-03-10169
See page 78
Timing
Spacer Tool
SMP-03-11320
See page 90
M Class Bobbin (x3)
(Two pre-installed)
SMP-08-10070
See page 27
Encoder Box

xii
Wheel Base Hardware Box
SBHCS Screw
M6 x 35 mm (x2)
HDW-03-10738
See page 11
Shoulder Bolt
M6 (x2)
HDW-03-10541
See page 11
Thread Stand Hardware Box
SBHCS Screw
M4 x 12 mm (x3)
HDW-03-14247
See page 22
SBHCS Screw
M4 x 20 mm (x1)
HDW-03-11661
See page 22
7-Inch Touch
Display
SMP-09-16754
See page 20
Display Box
SBHCS Screw
M5 x 16 mm (x2)
HDW-03-10857
See page 20
Display Cable
SMP-02-16412
See page 20
Washer M6 (x2)
HDW-03-11557
See page 11

xiii
Handlebar
Assembly
SMP-09-14066
See page 17
Level Two
SMP-09-16235
See page 22
Thread Stand
Assembly Sample Thread Kit
MIS-11-16122
M3 Thumb Screw
(needle bar spare)
HDW-03-11736
See page 73
Hopping Foot
Screw
HDW-03-10966
See page 75
Power
Cord
SMP-02-14466
See page 25
Oil
Bottle
SMP-09-13888
See page 68
Power Cord/Oil Bottle Box

xiv

1
Welcome to Your Q’nique 16X Elite
We are pleased to introduce you to the newest part of your quilting setup. This machine has been
especially designed to help quilters like you have the tools available to create quality projects.
This manual is broken into four sections (or parts). Notications at the end of each section will
direct you to switch to your frame manual or QuiltMotion manual for instructions on assembling
those products. This creates a streamlined process of building a complete quilting setup in the most
ecient way. Use the following owchart to guide you in navigating multiple manuals. If you are not
using one of the products in the owchart, just move to the next item in the chart.
Thank you again for choosing us to help with your quilting projects.
- The Grace Company
Start Here: Frame Manual: Part One
• Assemble the frame’s legs, table, and sides.
• Install the channel lock onto the bottom
carriage.
• Align your tracks.
Quilting Machine Manual: Part One
• Install the lower encoder onto the bottom
carriage.
QuiltMotion Manual: Part One
• Prepare the bottom carriage.
• Install the long belt across the frame.
Quilting Machine Manual: Part Two
• Install your machine’s wheels.
• Align your wheels.
QuiltMotion Manual: Part Two
• Install the short belt.
• Tension the short belt.

2
Frame Manual: Part Two
• Install the channel lock on the machine or top
plate.
• Prepare the top plate and home sewing
machine.
• Place the machine or top plate on the frame.
Quilting Machine Manual: Part Three
• Install the display, handles, and thread mast.
• Install the upper encoder.
Frame Manual: Part Three
• Install the rails and fabric bungees.
• Position and adjust the rails.
• Adjust the carriage stop.
• Level the frame.
QuiltMotion Manual: Part Three
• Install the tablet bracket.
• Plug in QuiltMotion.
• Use the quilting modes and settings in the
display.
• Maintain the machine and perform repairs.
Quilting Machine Manual: Part Four
Frame Manual: Part Four
• Install the velcro tape
• Install the cloth leaders
• Attach the fabric

3
Out-of-the Box Assembly
This section of the manual covers all the steps to assemble the machine after you bring it home for
the  rst time.
Animated Instructions
To provide the best possible customer experience, we also o er animated video instructions for
setting up this product. To view the animated instructions, visit our website at:
https://l.ead.me/16xelitestart.
You can also use your smartphone to scan this QR code:
Task 1 - Installing the Lower Encoder .................................................................page 5
Task 2 - Installing the Wheels ...........................................................................page 11
Task 3 - Installing the Handlebars .....................................................................page 17
Task 4 - Connecting the Display .........................................................................page 20
Task 5 - Attaching the Thread Stand..................................................................page 22
Task 6 - Installing the Upper Encoder................................................................page 23
Task 7 - Turning the Machine On/Off .................................................................page 25

4
Part One | Out of Box Assembly
Part One
Before completing the tasks in Part One of your machine instructions, please complete Part One of
your frame instructions.
Progress Checkpoint:
Have you:
• Assembled your frame’s legs and table?
• Installed and align the frame tracks?
• Installed the channel lock on the bottom carriage?
• Installed the rail supports?
Note: Do not install the rails at this time.
If you’ve already fully assembled your frame, uninstall your frame’s take-up rail.

5
Task 1 - Installing the Lower Encoder
Parts & Tools Needed:
T-handle Allen
Wrench 4 mm
T-handle Allen
Wrench 2.5 mm
Lower Encoder
(black spring)
1. The parts and tools needed for this step are
located in the encoder and tools boxes.
The lower encoder has the black spring and
green sticker.
1
Instructions
The encoders monitor the position of the machine over the frame, allowing for regulated stitching.
The lower encoder is installed on the left-rear wheel of your frame’s bottom carriage. Please take the
following steps to install the encoder onto the bottom carriage:
Front
1. Locate the back left wheel of your bottom
carriage. Note: If needed, review your frame
assembly manual to determine the front of
the bottom carriage.
1. Loosen the lock collar screw on the lower
encoder with the 2.5 mm Allen wrench until
the lock collar (shown in blue) turns freely.
Lock Collar Screw
4 mm
2.5 mm
Encoder Box Tools Box Tools Box
Note: Bottom carriage appearance will vary by
model.
Part One | Out of Box Assembly
2
3
Encoder Box Tools Box