handi quilter Avante QM30239 User manual

HANDI QUILTER 18-INCH LONGARM
Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters.
®
USER MANUAL
QM30239 • VERSION 3.0

HandiQuilter.com Page 1

Page 2 HQ Avanté User Manual
Congratulaons on your purchase of the HQ Avanté from Handi Quilter!
You haven’t just purchased a quilting machine,
you’ve joined the Handi Quilter family and we
welcome you.
Handi Quilter is commied to innovaon, reliability,
customer service and educaon. Our machines are
“Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters®” and we are
commied to your quilng success.
With that in mind, we invite you to bookmark our
website: www.HandiQuilter.com and invite you to
visit to learn more about the art of quilng. We’ve
posted ps, tricks and tutorials on subjects as di-
verse as “Oiling Your Machine” to “Loading a Quilt”
to “Making Perfect Feathers”. We’ve got videos to
watch, pdf les to print out for reference and forums
for asking quesons.
Remember, if you ever have quesons, your local Rep
can help you. If the Rep is not available, contact Handi
Quilter directly at techsupport@HandiQuilter. com or
by calling us at 1-877-697-8458, Monday- Friday,
8-5 MST.
Package Contents
Please keep your original box and packaging
Contents of Package
1. Bobbins (5 pieces, one in machine)
2. Needle (135x5) size 16 (pack of 10)
3. Needle (135x5) size 18 (pack of 10)
4. Bobbin Case
5. Thread Mast
6. Pin Oiler
7. Lint Brush
8. Screwdriver
9. Power Cord
10. 2.5 mm L Allen tool
11. 3 mm L Allen tool
12. 5 mm L Allen tool
13. Laser Stylus and Clamp
14. Laser Stylus Post
15. Open-toe Handi Foot
16. Extra encoder O-ring
17. HQ Quilng Machines “Geng Started” DVD
18. User Manual
19. HQ Avante Quilng Machine
Oponal Accessories
1. Micro Handles
2. Ruler Base
3. Horizontal Spool Pin
4. Groovy Board Stylus and Adaptor
5. HQ Pro-Stcher

Note: A set of Handi Quilter Geng Started DVDs is included with your HQ Avanté machine. Review the DVDs and
these instrucons to beer understand how to set up and use the HQ Avanté.
Table of Contents
Package Contents ............................................................ Inside Front Cover
Safety Secon ..............................................................................4
Components (Front Side View) ................................................................5
Components (Back Side, Rear and Front Views) .................................................6
Installaon (Frames) ........................................................................7
Installaon (Handlebars) .....................................................................8
Installaon (Power Cord). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Inserng Needle ...........................................................................9
Changing the Handi Feet .....................................................................9
Laser Stylus ...............................................................................10
Installaon (Thread Mast) ...................................................................11
Threading the Machine .....................................................................12
Horizontal Spool Pin .......................................................................14
Bobbin and Thread Tension Adjustments ......................................................14
Easy-Set Tension™ Adjustment ...............................................................15
Maintenance (Oiling and Lubricang) .........................................................16
Touch Screen Displays ......................................................................17
System Informaon ........................................................................24
Diagnoscs Tests ..........................................................................24
HQ Stch Regulator Operaon ...............................................................28
Geng Started Quilng ....................................................................29
Troubleshoong ...........................................................................30
Warranty Informaon ......................................................................33
Warranty Registraon Card ..................................................................35
Installaon and Training Checklist ............................................................37
Page

Page 4 HQ Avanté User Manual
Safety Secon
General Specicaons
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operaon is subject to the following two condions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause
undesired operaon.
Please note: Do not operate your HQ Avanté®
quilng machine unl you have completely read the
informaon contained in this manual. Please keep
all packaging and order informaon for warranty
purposes.
1. The HQ Avanté is very heavy. Never aempt to li
it alone – always use two people when liing.
2. Always unplug the HQ Avanté from the electrical
outlet when performing any maintenance, changing
the needle, removing thread locks, or when le
unaended.
3. Keep ngers away from all moving parts. Use
cauon around the needle or sharp external
components.
4. Change the needle oen. Do not use bent or dull
needles. “Every quilt deserves a new needle”.
5. Switch the power o when making any adjustments
in the needle or bobbin area, such as threading the
needle, installing the bobbin case, or when oiling or
cleaning.
6. Never drop or insert foreign objects into any
opening.
7. The HQ Avanté should only be used indoors away
from moisture.
8. The HQ Avanté should not be stored or used in
extreme temperatures.
9. Use the HQ Avanté only for its intended use as
described in this manual.
10. Use only aachments recommended by the
manufacturer.
11. To disconnect from the wall outlet, push the
switch to the o posion, then remove the plug
from outlet pulling from the plug, not the cord.
Never operate the HQ Avanté if the cord is
damaged or not working correctly. If a mechanical
or electrical problem is encountered, return the
HQ Avanté to the nearest authorized service
center or the manufacturer for examinaon,
repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
12. It is not recommended that the HQ Avanté
The HQ Avanté ulizes high-tech electronics and an
innovave touch-pad user interface to oer greater
funconality and ease of operaon to home quilters
than ever before conceived in the quilng industry.
The HQ18 Avanté quilng machine is a high quality
machine that incorporates very robust design
features and is very easy to service.
Disclaimer
Handi Quilter and its Representaves are in no
way legally responsible or liable for damage to the
HQ Avanté when used improperly or not in
accordance with the guidelines stated in this manual
or when used on Machine Quilng Frames not
recommended by Handi Quilter.
Quilng Machine be used with any machine
quilng frame other than those recommended by
Handi Quilter.
Sewing Opening Dimensions:
Sewing Speed:
Stches-Per-Inch:
Needle System:
Needle Sizes, (recommended):
Hook System:
Bobbin Type:
Bobbin Case:
Motor Type:
Needle Posioning:
Electrical Power:
LED Power Consumpon:
Sew Foot Stroke/Li:
Needle Bar Stroke:
Take-Up Stroke:
Lubricaon, main components:
Lubricaon of hook:
(245 mm X 610 mm)
8.25” X 18”
Manual Mode:
Min 90spm, Max 2,200spm
Regulated Mode:
Min 0spm, Max full speed
4spi – 18spi
134 (135 X 7)
12/80 - 20/125
Rotary, Horizontal axis, M-class bobbin
Aluminum, Class M
Type MF
Brushless DC
Up and down, walking stch
90 – 264 VAC, 47-63Hz, 300W peak
8 W
5 mm
35.3 mm
73 mm
Kluber Lube, permanent
Velocite 10, Texaco 22

HandiQuilter.com Page 5
1. Thread Mast
2. Thread Guide A
3. Three Hole Thread Guide B
4. Thread Guide C
5. Tension Assembly
6. Srrup Thread Guide E
7. Take-Up Lever
8. Thread Guide F
9. Front Casing/Frame
10. Handwheel
11. Side Laser Stylus Post Hole
HQ Avanté Components
Front Side View
3
1
2
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
3
1
2
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
3
1
2
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
3
1
2
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
3
1
2
10
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
Figure 1

Page 6 HQ Avanté User Manual
12. Ruler Foot
13. Needle
14. Needle Bar Thread Guide
15. Needle Bar
16. Presser Bar
17. Handi Feet Mount
18. Needle Plate
19. LED Light Ring
20. Front Handlebar Connector
21. Ruler Base Posion Guides
22. Front Wheel Base
23. Wheels (4)
24. Back Casing/Frame
25. Rear Wheel Base
26. Front Threaded Handle Holes
27. Top Laser Stylus Post Hole
Back Side View
28. Spool Pin 1
29. Electronic Control Pod (C-Pod)
30. Laser Stylus Power Connector
31. Serial Port for Stch Regulator
32. Rear Handle Bar Serial Port
33. Rear Threaded Handle Holes
34. Accessory Power Outlet
35. Power Cord Connector
36. On/O Switch
37. Power Pod (P-Pod)
38. Spool Pin 2
39. Bobbin Assembly
Rear and Front Views
35
37
36 26
27
33
28
29
30
31
32
34
35
37
36 26
27
33
28
29
30
31
32
34
Rear Front
Figure 2
Figure 3
25
24
23 22 21
27
26 16
17 12
13
14
15
18
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38 28
29
39
20
19

HandiQuilter.com Page 7
1. Place the carriage on the table rails, ensuring that
the Carriage Encoder Assembly will be toward the
back of the machine (the power cord side of the
machine). The back side of the carriage has an
encoder assembly aached to the rear cross-piece.
Be sure to place the carriage on the frame correctly
(see Figure 4).
2. Place the machine on the carriage.
3. Plug the Ribbon cable into the Carriage Encoder
Assembly. The connector is keyed to assure correct
alignment. Make sure the keyed poron of the
cable connector aligns with the keyed poron of
the encoder connector. Do not force.
4. The remaining length of cable comes back under
the Power Pod from the Rear Encoder Assembly,
behind the machine, and into the 9 pin serial port
of the machine (see Figure 5).
5. REMEMBER that if the machine is to be removed
from the carriage, the cable must be disconnected
from the Carriage Encoder Assembly. The other
two connectors on the cable should remain in
place. Failure to unplug the cable when removing
the machine from the carriage could result in
damage to the cable, encoders, and carriage.
Installaon (Studio Frame)
Figure 4
Installing Front Handlebars
Cauon: Unplug the HQ Avanté from the electrical outlet. All power to the machine must be turned o
when installing the front handles. Failure to do so can result in damage to the machine.
Locate the three long bolts and the 5mm Hex wrench. To install the handlebar,line up the holes on top of
the handles with the pre-drilled holes on top of the machine. Slide a single bolt into one of the holes unl
it stops. Hand-ghten the bolt enough to secure the handles to the top of the machine. Insert and hand-
ghten the remaining two handlebar bolts.
Use the included 5 mm Hex wrench to securely fasten the handles to the front of the machine.
Once the bolts are in place, plug the 9-pin connector into the serial port located on the le-hand side of the
machine (see Figure 2, #18, page 6). Ensure the pins are lined up so they are not damaged when the plug is
pushed in. Push the plug securely in place.

Page 8 HQ Avanté User Manual
Note: Aer the handles have been completely installed
and plugged in, test them by turning the HQ Avanté
on/o switch to “on”. You will not be able to turn on
the machine unl the front handlebars are installed.
If nothing is displayed, check that the handlebar cable
on the side of the machine is plugged in securely, that
your machine is turned on, and that the power cord is
plugged into the machine as well as a power source.
Check that the HQ Avanté is unplugged from the
electrical outlet. All power to the machine must be
turned o when installing the back handlebar. Failure
to do so can result in damage to the machine.
The rear handle bar comes mounted with three
screws to the “L” bracket. Line up the two holes in
the “L” bracket with those on the rear of the machine.
Slide the short bolts into holes unl they stop. Hand
ghten, and then use the 5mm wrench to securely
fasten the handles to the back of the machine.
Once the two bolts are in place, plug the 9-pin
connector into the serial port underneath the rear
handles. Ensure the pins are lined up so they are not
damaged when the plug is pushed in. Push the plug
securely in place.
Installing Rear Handlebars
Insert the cord into top power connector on the
rear of the machine. Plug the three-prong end into a
power source (see Figure 6).
The lower power connector is for powering other
aachments developed by Handi Quilter. (Not
yet available)
Turning on the HQ Avanté
There are two power switches for your machine. The
main power switch is at the rear of the machine and a
red power switch is under the right handlebar at the
front of the machine for your added convenience.
The machine is turned on when both switches are
turned on. The machine is turned o when both
switches are o. However, you may turn o the
machine funcons by turning o only the front switch
if you will be returning to quilt within a day.
Turn on the back switch rst by toggling the switch
from the 0 posion to the 1 posion. Then turn on
the front switch by pressing and releasing the red
buon. The front switch will not turn on the machine
unless the back switch is already on.
Installing the Power Cord
Figure 5
IMPORTANT: If you will not be using the machine
for more than a day, we recommend you turn o
both switches and unplug the power cord from the
power source.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the safety instrucons.
Figure 6

HandiQuilter.com Page 9
Inserng (or changing) the Needle
Figure 7
1. Check that all power is turned o.
2. Move the needle bar to the highest posion by
turning the hand wheel or by pressing the needle
up/down control on the handles (prior to turning
the power o).
3. Loosen the needle-bar clamp thumb screw
(Figure 7).
4. With the scarf (small ground out secon/dip on the
back side of the needle just above the needle eye)
facing the rear hand wheel side of the machine,
and the long groove down the front of the needle
facing the bobbin case side (see Figure 7), push the
needle all the way up into the needle bar – unl it
can go no farther. Look into the sight hole to verify
that the bu of the needle reaches the top of the
sight hole.
5. Carefully ghten the needle bar clamp screw. Over
ghtening the needle clamp screw will result in
damaged threads stripping the hole. Stripped holes
are not covered under warranty. Another side
eect of damaged threads from over-ghtening
that the needle may be very ght when inserted up
into the needle bar. To avoid over-ghtening the
screw, nger ghten only.
NOTE: Changing the needle is recommended for each
new quilt loaded on the machine or any me the
needle becomes bent, dull or burred.
IMPORTANT: Check the needle to conrm that it is
fully inserted. The needle bar has a stop/sight hole
Your machine came with two Handi Feet: a ruler foot and
an open-toe foot. Use the ruler foot for ruler work and
everyday quilng, and the open-toe foot when you need
greater stch visibility (such as micro quilng). Other Handi
Feet are available, such as the Handi Feet Couching Kit.
1. Remove the
foot that is
on the mount
by using the
2.5mm hex
wrench to
loosen the
mounng
screw far
enough that
you can slide
the foot o of
the mount.
2. Slide the
desired foot
onto the mount
(gure 8). Note
that the opening on the side of the foot is lined up
with the screw hole. Push the Handi Foot up as far
as it will go.
3. Ensure the foot
is centered with
the needle when
the foot is fully
ghtened with
the 2.5mm hex
wrench. If it isn’t
properly centered,
loosen the lock
nut; center the
foot with the
needle; hold the
foot in posion;
and rmly ghten
the lock nut
(Figure 9).
Changing the Handi Feet
SIGHT
HOLE
above the needle bar clamp screw – make sure the
needle is touching the top of the stop/sight hole
(Figure 7). If it is not, the machine ming will be
o and it may be possible for the needle to collide
with internal parts causing damage not covered by
warranty.
Figure 8
Figure 9

Page 10 HQ Avanté User Manual
The laser stylus projects a straight laser beam visible
as a dot on surfaces it hits. The laser dot is used as
a guide or stylus, allowing you to stch the same
paern onto a quilt that is being traced with the laser
dot.
Laser Operaon and Use
There is not a separate on/o switch for the laser.
Power is supplied to the laser when it is plugged into
the HQ Avanté . Be sure the laser is aached to the
HQ Avanté and pointed downward toward the table
before connecng it to the port. Never point it in a
direcon that would project the beam into someone’s
eyes. If the laser should cease to operate, check to
ensure the plug is rmly seated into the HQ18 Avanté
laser port.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or
performance of procedures other than those specied
herein may result in hazardous radiaon exposure.
Laser Focus/Laser Image Size
This high quality laser is focusable. The laser is
focused by simply grasping the threaded housing
surrounding the lens and turning clockwise or
counter-clockwise (see Figure 10). The laser image
can be adjusted bigger or smaller. The direcon of
rotaon needed is determined by the distance of
the laser from the intended focal plane. Experiment
by turning the threaded end to achieve your desired
focal size.
Clamp Adjustment
The laser aaches to a mounng post. The post may
be vercal or horizontal. The clamp is designed to
arculate in any direcon by rotang the clamp on
the post and pivong the laser up or down. To make
an adjustment, simply loosen the black thumbscrews,
posion, and reghten.
Locaon of Laser Labels
The label is aached to the case of the laser and
contains an arrow which indicates the direcon the
laser light will shine when energized. The label must
remain in place on the laser. Removal of the label will
void the laser’s warranty.
Laser Stylus Safety and Use Guidelines
Figure 10

HandiQuilter.com Page 11
For use at front of machine
Begin by locang the laser stylus post, the laser
holder and the laser stylus.
To aach the laser stylus to the top of the machine:
1. Locate the threaded hole on top of the machine
near the front (see Figure 2, #20, page 6). The laser
stylus guide post comes with the washer and nut
Installing the Laser Stylus
Figure 11
on it. Remove the nut and washer, replace the nut
onto the post and then place the washer under the
nut and onto the machine painted surface. The
washer protects the painted surface when the nut
is ghtened. Tighten the post clockwise unl it is
securely in place. Use the nut to secure the post to
the machine.
2. Be sure the laser stylus is inserted into the laser
clamp.
3. Slide the laser clamp over the post to the desired
height.
4. Plug the laser into the top port on the side of the
front electronic control pod (see Figure 11).
For use at rear of machine
To aach the laser stylus to the side of the machine:
1. Place the nut on the laser stylus post with the
washer under it and thread the laser post into
the threaded hole (see Figure 1, #11, page 5),
near the rear wheel base. Turn unl securely in
place. Lock in place with lock nut. The washer
will be under the nut to protect the machine paint.
An unused spool pin can also be used to mount the
laser.
Follow steps 2-4 above.
Locate the threaded hole on top of the machine near
the rear by the hand wheel. The thread mast comes
with the washer and nut on it. Remove the nut and
washer, replace the nut onto the mast and then place
the washer under the nut and onto the machine
painted surface. The washer protects the painted
surface when the nut is ghtened. Tighten the mast
clockwise unl it is securely in place. Use the nut to
secure the mast to the machine.
Note: The eyelets of the thread mast MUST be
centered over the spool pins. This ensures that the
cone of thread will not pull, turn or lt, causing
thread tension problems (see Figure 12).
Installing the Thread Mast
Figure 12

Page 12 HQ Avanté User Manual
1. Place a cone or spool of thread on the spool pin.
Pass the thread through the thread-mast eyelet
from back to front, connuing to thread guide A.
(Figure 13)
2. Connue to the three-hole thread guide B. Wrap
all three holes from back to front, hand wheel side
to needle side (see Figure 14).
Note: The purpose of the three-hole thread guide B
is to prevent loops of thread coming o the thread
cone from going into the top tension as a knot causing
thread breakage and bad tension. For most threads
on a cone, it is important to thread all three holes
for consistent results and to make adjustments at
the top tension assembly. An excepon to this rule
is when working with very delicate threads, such as
holographic or threads that are prone to breakage, in
which case you may try skipping one or two holes on
thread guide B.
Threading the Machine
B
C
D
E
A
BACKFRONT
2
TENSION ASSEMBLY
TAKE UP SPRING
1
E
C
D
DETAIL 2
B
DETAIL 1
Figure 13
Figure 14
Note: See Geng Started DVDs (included with your
machine) for videos showing threading and other ps.
These videos are also available on www.HandiQuilter.
com.
DETAIL 2
F

HandiQuilter.com Page 13
3. Thread connues through thread guide C, and then
down to the tension assembly (see Figure 15).
NOTE: It is important that the thread is “ossed”
up between the two tension discs. If the thread is
not rmly in place between the two tension discs,
the thread rests on the outside of the tension discs
(without tension) and looping on fabric or thread
nests may occur.
4. Once the thread is in place, be sure that the thread
catches on the take-up spring and then pull it down
under the srrup (thread guide D).
5. Bring the thread back up through the take-up
lever from back to front, and then down through
thread guide E. Pull the thread at the take up lever
to ensure that it is properly ossed between the
tension disks. If it is properly ossed in the tension
disks you should feel some resistance as you pull
the thread. If it is not, then the thread will pull
freely.
6. Pull the thread down to the needle thread guide
and thread through the hole (thread guide F).
7. Make sure the thread is following the groove down
the front of the needle and threads from front to
back. Be careful that the thread does not twist
around the needle.
Figure 15
Important notes: The HQ Avanté quilng machine
does not have a presser foot lever or top tension
release like a home sewing machine. On a home
sewing machine the top tension is released when the
presser foot is raised, allowing the thread to come
freely out of the machine. When a home machine is
threaded, the presser foot is raised and the tension
discs are released and open for the thread to easily
fall between the tension discs. This is not the case
with the HQ Avanté quilng machine where the top
tension is always ght and the tension discs are never
open. Therefore, the thread must be pulled up or
“ossed” between the tension discs or it will stay
outside the discs and oat without tension, causing
serious tension problems and/or thread nests. It is
also possible to bend the needle while it is threaded
if care is not taken while moving the machine around
the quilt because the top tension is never released.
E
C
D
DETAIL 2
F

Page 14 HQ Avanté User Manual
1. An oponal horizontal spool pin is available for
metallic and specialty threads wound on a spool
(not a cone).
2. The horizontal spool pin mounts on the laser stylus
guide post on the top of the machine
(see Figure 16).
3. When using threads on the Horizontal Spool Holder,
skip thread guide A. Thread the top hole only of
the three-hole thread guide B, back to front.
4. Connue threading the machine as described in
steps 3 through 7 on page 13.
Oponal Horizontal Spool Pin
Inserng the Bobbin
Note: Turn o the power switch while inserng the
bobbin case or anyme your hands are near the
needle area.
1. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case so that the
thread pulls o clockwise when viewing the open
side (Figure 17).
2. Slide the thread through the slot (Figure 18) and
under the tension spring leaving 5-6 inches of
thread hanging loose (Figure 19, next page).
Bobbin and Thread Tension
Adjustments
Figure xx
Note: See the Geng Started DVDs (included with
your machine) for videos showing adjusng bobbin
tension and other ps. These videos are also available
on www.HandiQuilter.com.
Figure 16 Figure 17
Figure 18

HandiQuilter.com Page 15
Figure 19
TENSION
SPRING
3. Turn o the power switch while inserng the
bobbin case or anyme the hands are near the
needle area.
4. Do not li the lever on bobbin case. When placing
the machine t the bobbin case onto the hook
spindle in the machine. Rotate the casing unl the
open throat keys into the alignment notch in the
middle of the hook. Push the casing in unl it stops
in place. Push inward unl it clicks (see Figure 20).
Note: It is not suggested that the lever on the bobbin
case be used for this installaon. The latch lever
should be used only for removal of the bobbin case.
Figure 20
Drawing the Bobbin Thread to the Top of the Quilt
1. Aer the machine is threaded, locate needle
up/needle down buon on the le handle.
2. While rmly holding the tail of the needle thread
with the le hand, press the needle up/down
buon with right hand, bringing the needle back to
the up posion.
3. Pull the machine three to four inches away while
holding the needle thread.
4. Bobbin thread will pull up and through to the top,
allowing you to grasp the loop and pull it to the
desired length.
Bobbin Tension
The bobbin tension is the foundaon tension for the
enre machine. To test that bobbin tension is correct,
hold the bobbin case in the palm of your hand with
the open end facing up. Wrap the thread around
your index nger and while pulling up on the thread
and gently wiggling the nger front to back (not up
and down which is not consistent), the bobbin case
should li up on its side, but NOT li out of your
hand. If it will not li up onto its side, it is too loose
and if it lis out of your hand, it is too ght. The small
screw in the center of the tension spring is where the
adjustment is made (see Figure 21). Turn clockwise to
ghten and counter-clockwise to loosen the bobbin
case tension. Check your bobbin tension every me a
new bobbin is inserted.
Figure 21

Page 16 HQ Avanté User Manual
IMPORTANT: Top tension should be adjusted only
aer the bobbin case foundaon tension adjustment
is made.
Puckering, gathers and thread breakage occur when
the top tension is too ght. Loops and thread nests
occur on the back when the top thread tension is too
loose. Tension may need to be adjusted depending on
the fabric, thread or bang you are using on
each project.
It is easy to set the top tension with the HQ Avanté
Easy-Set Tension. To adjust the top tension ghter,
turn the tension knob clockwise. To loosen the
tension, turn the tension knob counterclockwise.
Unlike the bobbin-case adjustment, which requires
minute adjustments (like the ck of a clock), the top
tension knob might need to be turned anywhere
from 1/4 of a turn to two to four turns to achieve
balanced tension.
As you adjust the tension, a tension value appears on
the Main Screen (when the machine is turned on).
make a note of this value to easily set the tension
again in the future for the same type of thread.
Note: Before adjusng your top tension, remember
to oss or pull the top thread up into the tension discs
or it will oat outside the discs providing lile or no
top tension. This could cause signicant tension or
nesng problems on the boom side of the quilt.
Easy-Set Tension™ Adjustment
Cleaning and Lubricang the Machine
Only use light sewing machine oil in the HQ Avanté.
Internal oiling is not necessary on the HQ Avanté
except when the machine is taken to a service
technician for roune maintenance and cleaning. The
hook assembly, however, needs regular lubricang.
Failure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can
cause severe damage to the machine.
To lubricate, turn o the machine. Remove bobbin
and case before oiling. Clean around the hook
assembly with a so brush to remove lint. Put a very
Maintenance
Figure 22
small drop of oil on the hook in the region where the
bobbin basket assembly and the rotang hook meet
(see Figure 22). The bobbin basket is the poron of
the hook that the bobbin case snaps into. The bobbin
basket remains staonary while the hook rotates
around the basket. The oil lubricates the region
where these two components interlock. A drop of oil
in the region indicated will work its way back into the
interlocking area of the hook and bobbin basket.
The frequency of lubricaon depends upon the usage
of the machine. Lubricang is recommended before
running the machine if it has not been used regularly,
or every other bobbin change if used frequently. Aer
oiling, always sew a scrap piece as oil may cling to
thread. Over oiling can cause excess dripping from the
bobbin assembly. Lack of lubricant may be noced by
a change in the sound of the machine and will aect
stch quality.
Cleaning the Touchscreen
Never use any chemicals to clean your display as this
may adversely aect the touch screen response. Use
a so rag dampened with isopropyl alcohol and gently
wipe the display to remove any marks.

HandiQuilter.com Page 17
The HQ Avanté has touch-screen displays on the front
and rear handlebars. Sengs may be changed at
either of these locaons.
Main Screen
Manual Mode Screen
Buon Funcons:
Pressing the “Regulated” buon while in the Manual
Mode Screen will toggle to the Regulated Mode
Screen. The current stching mode is displayed at the
top le corner of the screen. Dierent opons are
available depending upon which mode the system is
in. (Figure 23)
Needle Stop
The Needle Stop seng enables you to specify
whether you want the needle to end in the up or
down posion when you stop quilng (Figure 24).
If you select Down, when you press the stop buon
on the right handlebar, the needle ends in the down
posion. If you select Up, the needle ends in the up
posion when you press the stop buon on the right
handlebar. Switch between the up and down posion
by pressing the Needle Stop buon.
Easy-Set Tension
The tension box (Figure 25) on the Main Screen shows
the current tension seng as a numeric value. As
you turn the tension dial clockwise to ghten the
top tension, the number increases in increments of
ve. As you turn the tension dial counterclockwise
to loosen the top tension, the number decreases in
increments of ve. The faster you turn the dial, the
faster the numbers increase or decrease.
Aer seng the bobbin tension, test the top tension
by stching on a fabric scrap on the edge of the quilt
bang and backing. Increase or decrease as needed
unl you have achieved balanced tension. Make a
note of the type of thread (weight, brand, color)
you’re using and the tension value. You will be able to
quickly and easily set the tension when you use this
same thread again in the future.
Using the Touch Screen Displays on the Handlebars
Machine and Handlebar Menus
Figure 23
Figure 24
Figure 25

Page 18 HQ Avanté User Manual
Figure 26
Figure 27
Figure 28
Bobbin Thread Indicator
If you use the Low-Bobbin Esmator feature, The
Bobbin Thread Indicator box (Figure 26) shows how
much bobbin thread remains on the bobbin. The
value counts down unl it gets to zero, at which me
the low-bobbin alarm alerts you that it is me to put
in a new bobbin if the alarm is enabled. While the
machine is recording how much thread is on a bobbin,
REC appears on the screen to remind you that it is
esmang the bobbin capacity.
Speed
Pressing the Limit “+” will increase the manual mode
motor speed and pressing the Limit “–” buon will
decrease the manual mode motor speed. This has
the same eect as pressing the “+” and “-” buons
on the actual handles. The speed range is between
5% and 100%, or between 90 and 2,200 stches per
minute (SPM). The percent speed is displayed in the
white box at the top of the screen. (Figure 27)
Manual Presets
Save up to three manual-mode preset speeds to
quickly switch between speed preferences. For
example, you may prefer a slower speed when
using rulers and a faster speed when doing all-over
meandering quilng. Use the “+” and “-” buons to
adjust the speed percentage and then press one of
the record buons next to the preset value to store
that speed as a preset. When you want to use one of
the preset speeds, simply press the speed. (Figure 27)
On/O Indicator
The box in the center of the top bar turns green
when you press the “Start” buon on the handles
to indicate the needle is in moon. When you press
“Stop,” the box will turn red. (Figure 28)
Regulated Mode Screen Buon Funcons
Stches Per Inch (SPI)
Pressing the “+” or “-” buons near the top right
poron of the screen will increase or decrease the
stches per inch (SPI) seng. The seng is reected
in the white indicator box at the top right poron of
the screen. This value can be adjusted between 4 and
18 stches per inch. (Figure 28)
Figure 29
Regulated
Manual
Up
Down
Stitch Mode
Needle Stop
More
Avanté
18
Speed
Manual 94 %

HandiQuilter.com Page 19
Figure 30
Basng Stches
There are four basng stch sengs controlled by
the stches per inch funcon. Aer the SPI reaches
its lowest stch seng of 4 stches per inch, pressing
the “-” buon will acvate the basng sengs:
• 0.5-inch baste (one stch every half-inch
movement of the machine)
• 1-inch baste (one stch every one inch movement
of the machine)
• 2-inch baste (one stch every two inches of
movement of the machine)
• 4-inch baste (one stch every four inches of
movement of the machine)
Aer selecng the basng stch seng, begin
quilng by pressing the Start buon. As you move
the machine across the quilt, it will perform a stch
(needle down and then needle up) every half inch,
one inch, two inches, or four inches according to your
choice. The basng stch opons are available in
stch regulaon mode: Cruise and Precision.
(Figure 29)
Stch Regulaon Style (SR)
The “SR Style” box in the lower le-hand corner
of the screen indicates whether the machine is in
“Precision” regulaon mode or in “Cruise” regulaon
mode. (Figure 30)
Precision
If “Precision” mode is selected, the HQ Avanté will not
start stching unl you begin pushing the machine.
(Figure 31)
Figure 31