HQ Sixteen™ User Manual 1.6 Page 20Tension is Poor Corrective Measure “Fuzz” caught under thetension spring in the bobbin If using short staple threads, inexpensive or industrial threads or coated threads, lint and othermaterial will build up under the tension leaf spring and begin to lift the spring, reducing thespring’s ability to compress against the thread. By inserting a needle under the spring andclearing out the lint, the bobbin tension will return fairly close to its preset tension.Hand Wheel Won’tRotate Corrective Measure Thread is entangled andcaught in the hook Turn off the machine and unplug the machine from the electrical outlet. Lubricate the hook,strongly turn the hand wheel clockwise and if necessary counterclockwise several times, andthen remove the thread caught in the hook.Thread Nests UnderQuilt Corrective Measure Not enough tension on topthread Improper threading Check that the machine is threaded correctly. Make certain that the thread is flossed snugly inplace between the two tension discs. If machine is threaded correctly, tighten top tension byrotating the tension knob clockwise. Refer to threading diagram and threading instructions (page 10).Hard to Guide Machine Corrective Measure Carriage wheels not centeredon track Thread caught in wheels Center the carriage wheels on top of the continuous track. Check that the machine carriage hasnot “jumped” track. Slightly loosen wheel on one side to allow machine to more easily followtrack alignment. Remove all thread or debris in wheels. Check that the tracks are free of lint and threads.Motor Fails to Run Corrective Measure On/Off switch turned off Machine not receiving power Turn the machine on by using the switch on the back electrical control pod. Check that the power connector is securely plugged into the back of the machine and the three-prong end is plugged into the power source.Uneven Quilt Design Corrective Measure Take-up rollers may bebowed or bent Leaders are stretched/worn Make certain the fabric is not rolled too tight, causing the poles to bow. Check that poles areinserted completely together with the push pin engaged so bowing won’t occur. If fabric is beginning to stretch or fray, contact Handi Quilter LLC for replacement leaders.Needle Thread Breaks Corrective Measure Thread cones/spools arepoor quality or may havesevere twisting or thread rot Top and bobbin tensions notbalanced The machine head has beenthreaded incorrectly orthread spools are notpositioned correctly Particles in tension discs Bobbin rotation is not smooth Needle is burred, bent or dull,or installed incorrectly Needle not suited for thread Hesitating too long at onepoint in pattern Improper needle/hookrelationship Damage or “Burr” at needlehole of throat plate or otherthread handling part Look for severe twisting of threads when approximately 12 to 15 inches has been pulled off,with the ends pinched together. Cotton threads are particularly susceptible to dry rot or wet rotwhich makes thread brittle. Do not use poor quality thread, or thread that is rotted or brittle. Check thread tension in top and bobbin for proper balance. See pages 12-13. Check that the machine is threaded correctly. Inspect for accidental double wrapping of thread on thread guides. Inspect the thread mast, making sure the eyelets of the mast are directly over the spools. Inspect the vertical positioning of the thread cones. Tipped cones can dramatically affect threadtension and can cause breakage. Inspect for particles and remove any fuzz or debris. Change the bobbin. The slightest hesitation of the bobbin rotation can be the cause of dramatictension change and thread breakage. Change the needle at least once per quilt. Make sure the needle is installed to the top of thestop hole in the needle bar. Replace the needle to one better suited for the thread. Use the proper size needle. Move more quickly so stitches don’t overlap or build up. When starting the machine, beginmoving immediately. Sewing in one place too long will cause the thread to break. Timing of the machine is improper. Consult a repair technician. If thread is shredding at the throat plate, check for burrs or jagged edges. Gently rub with metalcloth to remove the sharp edge. Consult a repair technician to polish any hard to reach ordelicate areas, or if the burr is inside the throat.