handi quilter HQ Sweet Sixteen QM30270 User manual

USER MANUAL
04/04/14 © 2014 Handi Quilter, Inc.
© 2014 Handi Quilter, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. 04/04/14
QM30270, version 2.1

Congratulations on your purchase of the HQ Sweet Sixteen from
Handi Quilter!
You haven’t just purchased a quilting machine,
you’ve joined the Handi Quilter family and we wel-
come you.
Handi Quilter is committed to innovation, reliability,
customer service and education. Our machines are
“Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters®” and we are
committed to your quilting 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 quilting. We’ve
posted tips, 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 files to print out for reference and forums
for asking questions.
Set up your own Handi Quilter “Glog” (a combina-
tion blog and photo gallery) where you can share
your own quilting story. Your new quilting friends
are already there, waiting for you!
Remember, if you ever have questions, 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-Fri-
day, 8-5 MST.

Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only)
Responsible Party:
declares that the product
Product Name: HQ Sweet Sixteen
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inter-
ference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
– Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or local sales distributor could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: REGULATIONS
Handi Quilter, Incorporated
445 North 700 West
North Salt Lake, UT 84054 USA
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement (For Canada Only)
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus as
set out in the interference-causing equipment standard entitled “Digital Apparatus”, ICES-003 of the Depart-
ment of Communications.
Radio Interference (Other than USA and Canada)
This machine complies with EN55022 (CISPR Publication 22) /Class B and AUS/NZ 55022/Class B.
Quick Facts
The HQ Sweet Sixteen utilizes high-tech electronics and an innovative touch-screen user interface to offer
greater functionality and ease of operation to home quilters than ever before conceived in the quilting indus-
try. The HQ Sweet Sixteen quilting machine is a high quality machine that incorporates very robust design
features and is very easy to service.

Read all instructions before using.
When using this machine, basic safety precautions should always be taken, including the following:
Read all instructions before using.
DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock:
• A quilting machine should never be left unattended when plugged in. Always unplug the machine from the
electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons:
• Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this quilting machine is used by or near
children.
• Use this quilting machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments rec-
ommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual.
• Never operate this quilting machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has
been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the quilting machine to the nearest authorized
dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.
• Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the machine free
from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
• Never drop or insert any object into any opening.
• Do not use outdoors.
• Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
• To disconnect, turn the machine switch to the symbol “O” position which represents off, then remove plug
from outlet.
• Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine needle.
• Always use the proper needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Switch the machine to the symbol “O” position to turn it off when making any adjustments in the needle
area, such as threading needle, changing needle, threading bobbin, or changing presser foot, and the like.
• Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating, or when making
any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in the instruction manual.
• This sewing machine is not intended for use by young children or infirm persons without supervision. (For
Australia and New Zealand only)
• Young children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with this machine.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
This machine is intended for household use.
Disclaimer
Handi Quilter and its Representatives are in no way legally responsible or liable for damage to the
HQ Sweet Sixteen when used improperly or not in accordance with the guidelines stated in this
manual or when used on machine quilting frames not recommended by Handi Quilter.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

HOW TO UNPACK/REPACK THE MACHINE
PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE MACHINE.
To use the machine safely
1. Carefully watch the needle when sewing. Do not touch the hand wheel, take up lever, needle or other mov-
ing parts.
2. Turn the machine off and unplug the cord in the following cases
• when you have stopped using the machine;
• when you replace or remove the needle or any other part;
• in case of failure when you use the machine;
• when you check or clean the machine;
• when you leave the machine unattended.
3. Connect the machine directly to the wall outlet. Do not use extension cords.
To increase the life of your machine
1. Do not store this machine in areas exposed to direct sunlight or high humidity. Never use or store the
machine near a heater, an iron, a halogen lamp or other hot things.
2. Use only neutral soaps or detergents to clean the machine. Benzene, solvents and scouring powders can
damage the case and the machine and therefore should never be used.
3. Do not drop or bump the machine.
4. Always consult the manual to replace or fix the presser foot, needle or any other part of the machine.
To repair or adjust the machine
If the machine breaks down or needs adjustment, first check the troubleshooting chart in the appendix to
inspect and adjust the machine yourself.
For more product information and updates, visit our website at www.HandiQuilter.com.
The contents of this manual and product specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Keep the carton and packing materials. You will need them in the event that you need to return the machine
to the dealer or send it for repair. If you do not pack the machine properly or if you do not use the correct
packaging materials, the machine could be damaged. Handi Quilter is not liable for damage that occurs dur-
ing return shipping. Follow the diagram below to unpack and repack the machine.
IMPORTANT
These packaging materials are designed to prevent the machine from being damaged. Keep them in case you
need to bring this machine to the dealer or send it for repair.

If this machine is fitted with a three-pin non-rewireable BS plug then please read the following.
IMPORTANT
If the available socket outlet is not suitable for the plug supplied with this equipment, it should be cut off and
an appropriate three pin plug fitted. With alternative plugs an approved fuse must be fitted in the plug.
NOTE: The plug severed from the main leads must be destroyed as a plug with bared flexible cords is hazard-
ous if engaged in a live socket outlet. In the event of replacing the plug fuse, use a fuse approved by ASTA to
BS 1362, i.e. carrying the mark, rating as marked on plug.
Always replace the fuse cover. Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted.
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED
WITH THE LETTER ‘E’, BY THE EARTH SYMBOL OR COLOURED GREEN OR GREEN AND
YELLOW.
The wires in this main lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Blue Neutral
Brown Live
As the colours of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured mark-
ings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘N’ or
coloured black or blue.
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the let-
ter ‘L’ or coloured red or brown.
FOR USERS IN THE UK, EIRE, MALTA AND CYPRUS ONLY

GROUNDED OUTLET BOXES
METAL
SCREW
ADAPTER
(B) (C)
TAB FOR
GROUNDING
SCREW
(A)
GROUNDING PIN
This product is for use on a nominal 120 V or nominal 220 V circuit, and has a grounding plug that looks like
the plug illustrated in sketch A in Figure 1. A temporary adapter, which looks like the adapter illustrated in
sketches B and C, may be used to connect this plug to a 2-pole receptacle as shown in sketch B if a properly
grounded outlet is not available. The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded out-
let can be installed by a qualified 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. When-
ever the adapter is used, it must be held in place by the metal screw.
Note: In Canada, the use of a temporary adapter is not permitted by the Canadian Electric Code.
GROUNDING
Figure 1

Lorsque vous utilisez cette machine, vous devez toujours respecter des précautions de base, notam-
ment les suivantes :
Lisez toutes les instructions avant d’utiliser la machine.
DANGER - Pour réduire le risque de choc électrique:
• Ne laissez jamais la machine sans surveillance alors qu’elle est branchée. Débranchez toujours la machine
de la prise de courant dès que vous avez fini de l’utiliser et avant de la nettoyer.
WARNING - Pour réduire le risque de brûlure, d’incendie, de choc électrique ou
de blessure:
• Cette machine n’est pas un jouet. Vous devez donc être très attentif lorsque des enfants l’utilisent ou se
trouvent à proximité.
• N’utilisez cette machine que de la manière prévue, décrite dans ce manuel. N’utilisez que les accessoires
recommandés par le fabricant, conformément au manuel.
• N’utilisez jamais cette machine si une fiche ou un câble est endommagé, si elle ne fonctionne pas cor-
rectement, si elle a chuté ou a été endommagée ou si elle est tombée dans l’eau. Renvoyez-la au revendeur
ou centre de dépannage agréé le plus proche à des fins d’examen, de réparation ou de réglage électrique ou
mécanique.
• N’utilisez jamais la machine lorsque les aérations sont bloquées. Ne laissez pas des peluches, poussières et
tissus s’accumuler dans les ouvertures de ventilation de la machine.
• N’insérez ni ne laissez tomber aucun objet dans les ouvertures.
• N’utilisez pas la machine à l’extérieur.
• Ne faites pas fonctionner la machine en cas d’utilisation d’aérosols (pulvérisations) ou d’administration
d’oxygène.
• Pour débrancher la machine, mettez l’interrupteur de la machine en position “O” (position d’arrêt), puis
retirez la fiche de la prise.
• Ne débranchez pas la machine en tirant sur le câble. Tirez plutôt sur la fiche.
• Ne touchez pas les pièces mobiles. Faites particulièrement attention à l’aiguille de la machine.
• Utilisez toujours la plaque d’aiguille appropriée. Si vous utilisez une plaque inadéquate, vous risquez de
casser l’aiguille.
• N’utilisez pas d’aiguilles tordues.
• Mettez la machine hors tension (interrupteur principal sur “O”) lorsque vous effectuez des réglages liés à
l’aiguille, comme l’enfilage et le changement d’aiguille, l’enfilage de la canette ou le changement de pied-de-
biche, etc.
• Débranchez toujours la machine de la prise électrique lorsque vous retirez les capots, ajoutez du lubrifiant
ou effectuez d’autres opérations d’entretien mentionnées dans le manuel d’instructions.
• Cette machine à coudre n’est pas conçue pour être utilisée par de jeunes enfants ou des handicapés sans
surveillance. (Uniquement pour l’Australie et la Nouvelle-Zélande)
• Les jeunes enfants doivent être surveillés pour s’assurer qu’ils ne jouent pas avec cette machine.
CONSERVEZ CES INSTRUCTIONS
Cette machine est conçue pour une utilisation domestique.
INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

COMMENT DÉBALLER/REMBALLER LA MACHINE
VEUILLEZ LIRE CES INSTRUCTIONS AVANT D’UTILISER LA MACHINE.
Pour utiliser la machine en toute sécurité
1. Surveillez attentivement l’aiguille lorsque vous cousez. Ne touchez pas la molette, le levier compensateur
du fil, l’aiguille ou d’autres pièces mobiles.
2. Mettez la machine hors tension et débranchez le cordon dans les cas suivants:
• lorsque vous avez cessé d’utiliser la machine ;
• lorsque vous remplacez ou retirez l’aiguille ou toute autre pièce ;
• en cas de panne lorsque vous utilisez la machine ;
• lorsque vous vérifiez ou nettoyez la machine ;
• lorsque vous laissez la machine sans surveillance.
3. Branchez la machine directement à la prise murale. N’utilisez pas de rallonge.
Pour augmenter la durée de vie de votre machine
1. Ne rangez pas cette machine dans des endroits exposés directement à la lumière du soleil ou très humides.
N’utilisez pas et ne rangez pas la machine près d’un chauffage, d’un fer à repasser, d’une lampe à halogène ou
d’autres objets chauds.
2. N’utilisez que des savons ou détergents neutres pour nettoyer le boîtier. Le benzène, les solvants et les
poudres à récurer peuvent endommager le boîtier et la machine et ne doivent donc jamais être utilisés.
3. Ne faites pas tomber et ne cognez jamais la machine.
4. Consultez toujours ce manuel pour remplacer ou fixer correctement les pieds-de-biche, l’aiguille ou toute
autre pièce.
Pour réparer ou régler la machine
Si la machine tombe en panne ou nécessite des réglages, consultez tout d’abord le tableau de
dépannage en annexe pour inspecter et régler la machine vous-même. Si le problème persiste,
contactez votre revendeur local agréé.
Pour plus d’informations sur le produit et les mises à jour, visitez notre site Web à l’adresse
www.HandiQuilter.com.
Le contenu de ce manuel et des spécifications de ce produit sont sujets à des modifications sans
préavis.
Conservez le carton et les matériaux d’emballage. Il est possible que vous deviez ramener la machine au
revendeur ou l’envoyer pour la faire réparer. Si vous ne l’emballez pas correctement ou si vous n’utilisez pas
les matériaux d’emballage corrects, la machine pourrait être endommagée.
Suivez le schéma ci-dessous pour déballer et remballer la machine.
IMPORTANT
Ces matériaux d’emballage sont conçus pour éviter que la machine ne soit endommagée.
Conservez-les au cas où vous auriez besoin de ramener cette machine au revendeur ou de l’envoyer pour la
faire réparer.

NOTE: A Handi Quilter “Geng Started”
set of DVDs is included with your
HQ Sweet Sixteen machine. Review the
DVDs and these instrucons to beer
understand how to set up and use the
HQ Sweet Sixteen.
Table of Contents
4 Safety Secon
Quick Facts
5 Components (Front Side View)
6 Components (Back Side View)
7 Components (Rear and Front Views)
8 Seng Up the Table
Placing Machine in Table
Installing Power Cord
Installing Foot Pedal
9 Installing Thread Mast
Installing Color Touch-Screen
10 Inserng Needle
Needle/Thread Selecon Guide
Changing the Hopping Foot
11 Threading the Machine
13 Bobbin Case and Bobbin Thread Tension Adjustments
14 Top Thread Tension Adjustment
Maintenance
16 Using the Touch-Screen Displays
23 Geng Started Quilng
24 Correcng Common Issues
27 Oponal Accessories
29 Warranty
31 Warranty Registraon Form
33 Training Checklist

Page 4 HQ Sweet Sixteen User Manual
Safety Secon Quick Facts
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 Sweet Sixteen
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 Sweet Sixteen is very heavy. Never aempt
to li it alone – always use two people when liing.
2. Always unplug the HQ Sweet Sixteen 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 Sweet Sixteen should only be used indoors
away from moisture.
8. The HQ Sweet Sixteen should not be stored or used
in extreme temperatures.
9. Use the HQ Sweet Sixteen 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 Sweet Sixteen if the
cord is damaged or not working correctly. If a
mechanical or electrical problem is encountered,
return the HQ Sweet Sixteen to the nearest
authorized service center or the manufacturer
for examinaon, repair, electrical or mechanical
adjustment.
The HQ Sweet Sixteen 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 HQ Sweet Sixteen 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 Sweet Sixteen
when used improperly or not in accordance with the
guidelines stated in this manual or when used on machine-
quilng tables not recommended by Handi Quilter.
Throat Dimensions:
Quilng Speed:
Needle System:
Needle Sizes:
Hook System:
Bobbin Type:
Bobbin Case:
Motor Type:
Needle Posioning:
Electrical Power:
LED Power Consumpon:
Hopping Foot Stroke/Li:
Needle Bar Stroke:
Take-Up Stroke:
Lubricaon, main
components:
Lubricaon of hook:
8.25” X 16”
(245 mm X 610 mm)
Maximum: 1500 SPM
134 (135 X 7)
12/80 - 20/125
Rotary, Vercal, M-class
bobbin
Aluminum, Class M
Type MF
Brushless DC
Up and down, e-o stch
90 – 264 VAC, 47-63Hz,
300W peak
2.25W
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. Top Thread Tension Assembly
6. Srrup Thread Guide E
7. Take-Up Lever
8. Thread Guide F
9. Front Casing/Frame
10. Hand Wheel
HQ Sweet Sixteen Components
Front Side View
Figure 1
3
2
1
7
6
4
5
8
10
22
17
18
20
19
15
14
13
12
11
DETAIL 'A'
Components Not Idened
Because the HQ Sweet Sixteen is upgradeable to a stand-up
frame quilng system, there are components found on the
machine that are not used for sit-down machine quilng
(such as threaded holes for handlebars).
9
5
4
8
6
3
7
1
2
10

Page 6 HQ Sweet Sixteen User Manual
18. Front Threaded Display Mounng Holes
19. Front Base
20. Back Casing/Frame
21. Rear Base
22. Color Touch-Screen Display Connector
23. Threaded Horizontal Spool Pin Mounng Hole
11. Needle Bar
12. Needle Bar Thread Guide
13. Needle
14. Ruler Foot
15. Needle Plate
16. Handi Feet mount
17. Presser Bar
Back Side View
Figure 2
3
2
1
7
6
4
5
8
10
23
18
19
21
20
15 14
13
12
11
DETAIL 'A'
17
16
22

HandiQuilter.com Page 7
Detail
26
24
23
28
32
31
29
30
27
23. On/O Switch
24. Power Cord Connector
25. Accessory Power Outlet
26. Foot Pedal Connector
Rear and Front Views
Rear Front
Figure 3
27. Spool Pin 1
28. Electronic Control Pod (C-Pod)
29. Bobbin Assembly
30. LED Light Ring
31. Power Pod (P-Pod)
32. Spool Pin 2
25
24
23
31
26
32
28
27
30
29

Page 8 HQ Sweet Sixteen User Manual
Seng Up the Table (and Taking it
Down for Storage)
Check that the On/O switch (page 7, Figure 3, #23) is
turned o (the 0 seng). Plug the power cord into the
top power outlet on the back of the machine (Figure 4).
Do not plug the power cord into a power source at this
me.
The lower power connector is available for powering
future aachments as they are developed by Handi
Quilter. (Not yet available.)
Installing the Power Cord
1. Plug in the foot pedal cord end into the foot pedal
connector (see page 7, Figure 3, #26).
2. Place the foot pedal under the table where operator
can reach it from the front of the machine.
The HQ Sweet Sixteen table has been designed to
accommodate the HQ Sweet Sixteen machine. It has
folding legs that are height-adjustable and is heavy
enough to provide stabilizaon for quilng at high speeds.
1. Open the box and gently remove the table, taking care
not to drop the table on the oor. The table weighs
nearly 50 pounds, so it is recommended that you ask
someone to help.
2. Unfold the legs, pulling on the horizontal braces unl
the legs snap into place. Set the table upright.
3. Make the table taller by pinching the two height-
adjustment tabs on each set of legs and liing on table,
while holding legs down with foot. Make the table
shorter by pinching the same tabs and pushing down on
the table.
4. To store the table, remove machine and return legs to
their lowest posion.
5. The legs are aached to the table top with brackets
of two dierent sizes. One is longer than the other.
Idenfy the long and the short leg brackets.
6. Fold in the short bracket leg rst. Push on the horizontal
braces to loosen the legs and push them back toward
the table top.
7. Repeat with the long bracket leg.
Installing the Foot Pedal
Placing the Machine in the Table
1. We recommend having someone help li and place the
machine.
2. Li the machine by pung one arm through the throat
space.
3. Guide the machine from the back of the table into the
slot. Machine is posioned correctly when the back of
the machine is ush with the back of the table.
Figure 4

HandiQuilter.com Page 9
1. Locate the threaded hole on top of the machine near
the rear by the hand wheel.
2. The thread mast comes with a washer and a nut.
Remove the nut and washer, replace the nut onto the
mast for two or three turns.
3. The washer protects the painted surface when the nut
is ghtened. Place the washer on the hole and insert
the thread mast.
4. Turn the thread mast clockwise several revoluons,
stopping when the mast eyelets are posioned directly
over the spool pins.
5. Tighten the nut to secure the mast to the machine.
Installing the Thread Mast
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, which will cause thread tension
problems (see Figure 5).
Figure 5
Installing the Color Touch-Screen
The color touch-screen comes pre-installed on its
mounng bracket and should have one end of the D cable
aached to the back of the touch-screen (see Figure 6).
NOTE: Conrm that the power is turned oer before
installing the Color Touch-Screen.
1. Remove the two long bolts from the bag in which they
are packed.
2. There are three holes on top of the machine head (see
page 6, Figure 2, #17). Only the two holes that are in
line with each other are used. Ignore the third hole
located to the side of these two holes.
3. Align the holes in the color touch-screen bracket with
the two holes on top of the machine, with the touch-
screen facing the needle end of the machine.
4. Use a 5 mm Allen wrench to insert the two long bolts
through the holes of the bracket and into the machine
(Figure 6). Tighten in place.
5. Plug the remaining cable end into the display connector
located on the side of the machine (page 6, Figure 2,
#21).
6. Remove the protecve plasc from the touch-screen
before using.
Figure 6

Page 10 HQ Sweet Sixteen User Manual
Needle Size
12 (80)
14 (90)
16 (100)
18 (110)
20 (120)
Inserng (or Changing) the Needle
Figure 7
The needle that is in the machine when it arrives at
your home has been used for 20 minutes of tesng. It is
possible that it could be damaged in shipping or as you
remove the machine from the box. For these reasons,
Handi Quilter recommends that you replace the needle
before beginning to quilt with your new machine.
1. Move the needle bar to the highest posion by turning
the hand wheel.
2. Conrm that the power is o and that the machine is
unplugged.
3. Loosen the needle-bar clamp thumb screw (see
Figure 7) enough to assure that the needle can be
inserted all the way up to the top of the sight hole.
4. With the scarf (small ground out secon/dip on the back
side of the needle just above the needle eye) facing the
hand wheel end 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 further. Look into the
sight hole to verify that the bu of the needle reaches
the top of the sight hole.
5. Carefully ghten the thumb screw. Over-ghtening the
thumb screw will result in damaged threads or stripping
of the screw hole. Stripped holes are not covered under
warranty. 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.
Needles are inexpensive and are important to the success
of your project. Plan to change needles every 5-7 hours of
quilng or more oen if working with a lot of fusibles or
heavy materials.
Needle/Thread Selecon Guide
Threads
Monolament, 100 wt. Silk,
60 wt. poly, mylar
Silk (100 wt) 60 wt., monolament,
glier, some metallics
60 wt., 50 wt., 40 wt., monolament,
glier, metallics
50 wt., 40 wt., 30 wt., metallic
30 wt., 20 wt., 12 wt.
SIGHT
HOLE
Changing the Hopping Feet
Your machine comes with
two hopping 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).
1. Remove the foot that is
on the mount by using
the 2.5mm Allen 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 foot up as
far as it will go.
3. Ensure the middle of the
foot opening is centered
with the needle when
the foot is fully ghtened with the 2.5mm Allen 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).
Figure 8
Figure 9

HandiQuilter.com Page 11
1. Place a cone or spool of thread on the spool pin. If using
a spool, make sure that the slits on the spool are against
the base of the spool pin holder. Pass the thread through
the thread-mast eyelet from back to front, connuing to
thread guide A. (Figure 10)
2. Connue to the three-hole thread guide B. Beginning
at the top, wrap all three holes from back to front, hand
wheel side to needle side (see Figure 11).
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. You may try skipping one or two holes on thread
guide B when using these threads.
Note: See “HQ Quilng Machines Geng Started” DVD
(included with your machine) for videos showing threading
and other ps. These videos are also available on www.
HandiQuilter.com.
Threading the Machine
Figure 11
F
Page 12 HQ18 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, continuing to thread guide A.
(Figure 11)
2. Continue to the three-hole thread guide B. Wrap
all three holes from back to front, hand wheel side to
needle side (see Figure 12).
Note: The purpose of the three-hole thread guide B
is to prevent loops of thread coming off the thread
cone from going into the top tension as a knot caus-
ing 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 adjust-
ments at the top tension assembly. An exception 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 11
Figure 12
Note: See “HQ Quilting Machines Getting Started”
DVD (included with your machine) for videos show-
ing threading and other tips. These videos are also
available on www.HandiQuilter.com.
B
E
C
D
DETAIL 2
F
DETAIL 1
C
Take Up Spring
Tension Assembly
FRONT
BACK
A

Page 12 HQ Sweet Sixteen User Manual
3. Thread connues through thread guide C, and then
down to the tension assembly (see Figure 12).
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The HQ Sweet Sixteen 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 Sweet Sixteen 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 stch
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.
Figure 12
F
DETAIL 2
C

HandiQuilter.com Page 13
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 13).
2. Slide the thread through the slot (Figure 14) and under
the tension spring leaving 5-6 inches of thread hanging
loose (Figures 14 and 15).
Bobbin and Thread Tension Adjustments
Figure 13
Figure 14
NOTE See “HQ Quilng Machines Geng Started” DVD
(included with your machine) for videos showing adjusng
bobbin tension and other ps. These videos are also
available on www.HandiQuilter.com.
3. To insert the bobbin case into the machine, grasp the
bobbin case with thumb and rst nger. Do not li the
lever on bobbin case. Fit the bobbin case onto the hook
spindle in the machine. Rotate the case unl the open
throat keys into the alignment notch in the middle of the
hook. Push the case in unl it stops in place. Push the
case inward further unl it clicks (see Figure 16). Allow
the thread end to hang freely.
NOTE: Pulling out the latch lever pushes the bobbin
forward in the bobbin case, aiding in removal of the
bobbin. The lever should be used only for removing the
bobbin case from the machine.
Figure 16
Figure 15
TENSION
SPRING