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Summary of Contents for handi quilter HQ Amara 20
- Page 1 HANDI QUILTER 20-INCH LONGARM Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters. ® USER MANUAL VERSION 1.0...
- Page 2 This document is not warranted to be error-free. Handi Quilter, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in the informational content contained in this manual.
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Page 3: How To Use This Manual
U CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for causing harm to your quilting machine, the quilt, or to yourself. ONLINE: Indicates there is more information online, such as a video. “ QUILTING TIP: Handi Quilter educators share tips to get you started quilting. Finding Information What are you looking for? Find it here Warranty Information ...................... -
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Contents How to Use This Manual..........................2 Congratulations on Your Purchase! ......................5 What’s Included With Your Machine ......................5 Important Safety Information (English) ....................5 About Your Machine ........................... 9 General Specifications ..........................9 Get to Know Your Amara .......................... 10 Installation and Setup ........................ - Page 5 Machine Tools ..........................47 Quilting Timer, Alarm, and Stitch Counter ....................47 On-screen Calculator ..........................49 Software Updates ............................. 50 Diagnostics ............................... 52 Machine Settings ..........................53 Low-Bobbin Alarm ............................ 53 Handlebar Button Options ........................55 Laser Lights ............................... 58 Alarms ..............................
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Page 6: Congratulations On Your Purchase
Congratulations On Your Purchase! You haven’t just purchased a quilting machine, you’ve joined the Handi Quilter family and we welcome you. You have acquired the most advanced quilting machine available in today’s market. Handi Quilter is committed to innovation, reliability, customer service, and education. Our machines are Designed by a Quilter, for Quilters®... -
Page 7: Important Safety Instructions
• Do not pull or push the machine across the fabric excessively while stitching. It may deflect the needle enough to cause it to break. • Use only needles designed for free motion quilting and recommended by Handi Quilter for this machine. Other types of needles may be break during normal quilting. - Page 8 This machine is intended for household or commercial use. Disclaimer Handi Quilter and its Representatives are in no way legally responsible or liable for damage to the HQ Amara 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.
- Page 9 Optional U.S. Grounding for Customers with 120 VAC Connections GROUNDED OUTLET BOXES TAB FOR METAL GROUNDING SCREW SCREW GROUNDING PIN ADAPTER 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 above.
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Page 10: About Your Machine
About Your Machine General Specifications The HQ Amara uses 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 industry. The HQ Amara quilting machine is a high quality machine that both incorporates robust design features and is easy to service. -
Page 11: Get To Know Your Amara
Get to Know Your Amara Left side view (picture shown with optional rear handlebars) 1. Rear display (optional accessory) 2. Rear handlebars (optional accessory) 3. Machine "Y" encoder 4. Front on/off switch 5. Front display 6. Front handlebars Close-up view of needle area 7. - Page 12 Right side view (picture shown with optional rear handlebars) 13. Hand wheel 14. Thread tray 15. Spool pins 16. Thread mast 17. Thread guide 18. Magnetic Tool Minder Collar Close-up view of tension assembly area 19. Three-hole thread guide 20. Thread guide 21.
- Page 13 Back Panel (picture shown with optional rear handlebars) 33 34 Display Connections 26. Rear display power outlet (not used) 27. Rear display power and communication (#25 to #29) 28. Rear handlebar to machine connection (#26 to #31) 29. Rear display audio (not used) 30.
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Page 14: Installation And Setup
Installation and Setup Carriage You should have already set up the HQ Studio2 Frame™. Refer to the frame manual for detailed instructions about setting up the frame. Â IMPORTANT: Make sure the frame is set up for a 20-inch machine, not an 18-inch machine. To install the carriage and machine on the frame 1. -
Page 15: Power Cord
Power Cord To install the power cord • Insert the cord into the power connector on the rear of the machine. Plug the three-prong end into power source. Do not turn on the machine until the handlebars and display are installed. To disconnect the power cord •... - Page 16 4. From the front of the machine, bring the handlebar set up into the “U” shaped slot in the machine casting located behind and below the top tension assembly. 5. Looking through the hole found on the left side of the machine just above the “U” shaped cutout, locate and align the threaded hole on the handlebar bracket.
- Page 17 8. Each side of the handlebar can be individually adjusted forward or backward to a comfortable position for quilting. Loosen and tighten the handlebar lever bolt closest to the machine body. Fully hand-tighten the levers once in the desired position. Each side can also be adjusted in and out and rotated up or down as desired using the lever closest to the handle control switches.
- Page 18 Once configured, the front and back handlebars work the same. The machine comes from Handi Quilter configured to have the right handlebar control starting and stopping quilting, and increasing stitching speed in Manual mode or stitches per inch in Regulated mode.
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Page 19: Optional Accessory: Rear Handlebars
Optional Accessory: Rear Handlebars ONLINE: For more information about installing the rear handlebars, watch the video Quilt from the Back Kit at: http://www.HandiQuilter.com/Amara/QFTB. 1. Locate the four 4mm hex screws for the rear handlebars and the 4mm hex wrench. 2. -
Page 20: Touch-Screen Displays
Touch-Screen Displays The Amara comes with one 7-inch touch-screen front display. If you have purchased the optional back handlebar, the display will be identical. To install the front display 1. For the front display, locate the four 4-40 screws and a small Phillips screwdriver (not provided). You’ll also need the display with the hinges attached to the bottom row of connectors on the back of the display. - Page 21 To install the optional rear display ONLINE: For more information about installing the optional rear display, watch the video Quilt from the Back Kit at: http://www.HandiQuilter.com/Amara/QFTB. 1. Locate four 2.5mm hex screws and the 2.5mm hex wrench. You’ll also need a display with the hinges attached to the bottom row of connectors on the back of the display, plus the USB mini B cable with 90˚...
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Page 22: Thread Tray And Thread Mast
Thread Tray and Thread Mast To install the thread tray on the machine 1. Locate the two small M4x10mm hex button head screws and the thread mast assembly. 2. Align the screws in the thread mast bracket with the two holes in the side of the machine (top tension side). - Page 23 3. Press ruler against ruler base with only as much force as is necessary to keep the ruler from slipping. Too much pressure will keep the machine from moving. The quilting line will be approximately 1/4 inch away from the ruler edge. The markings on all Handi Quilter rulers take this into consideration.
- Page 24 3. Slide the laser clamp onto the mounting post and tighten the two knobs on opposite sides of the clamp. 4. Plug the laser cable end into the laser stylus port on the back of the machine. This is found on the tension side of the machine inset in the rectangular shaped opening.
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Page 25: Horizontal Spool Pin
Laser Operation and Safety Unplug the laser from the back of the machine to turn it off. Be sure the laser is attached to the machine and pointed downward toward the table before connecting it to the port. Never point it in a direction that would project the beam into someone’s eyes. If the laser should stop working, ensure the plug is firmly seated into the Amara laser port. -
Page 26: Using Your Machine
Using Your Machine Power Switch There are two power switches for your machine. The main power switch is at the rear of the machine and another power switch is at the front of the machine for added convenience. The machine is turned on when both switches are turned on. The machine is turned off when both switches are off. - Page 27 The Amara uses the 134 needle system. Note that the needle has a round shank rather than a shank with a flat side like home sewing machines use. If you use the recommended needle, you will experience: • Fewer skipped stitches •...
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Page 28: Hopping Feet
5. With the scarf of the needle (indentation at the back of the needle just above the needle eye) facing the rear of the machine and the long groove down the front of the needle Scarf at back of needle just above eye facing the front of the machine, push the needle all the way up into the needle bar until it stops. -
Page 29: Optional Accessory: Handi Feet
To change the hopping foot 1. Raise the needle and foot to their highest position. Remove the foot that is on the mount by using the 2.5mm hex wrench to loosen the mounting screw far enough that you can slide the foot off of the mount. -
Page 30: Bobbin And Bobbin Tension
Bobbin and Bobbin Tension The Amara quilting machine uses M-class bobbins that are larger than home sewing machine L-class bobbins. The larger bobbins hold more thread and enable you to quilt for a longer time between bobbin changes. The Amara also has a low-bobbin alarm. For more information about the low-bobbin alarm, see To configure the low-bobbin alarm settings in the Toolbar Options section of this manual. - Page 31 2. Wrap the thread two to three times around the index finger of the opposite hand and attempt to lift the bobbin up by the thread. The bobbin case should stand up on its side, and slightly lift out of your hand.
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Page 32: Easy-Set Tension
Easy-Set Tension™ One of the joys of quilting with the Amara is its ability to handle many different types of thread. You can quilt with almost any high-quality thread as long as you first adjust the bobbin tension and then adjust the top tension to suit the thread you’ve chosen. -
Page 33: Threading The Machine
Solution: Turn the top tension dial clockwise to tighten the top tension. Threading the Machine Handi Quilter recommends that you select and use only high-quality threads for your quilts. To thread the machine 1. Place thread cone onto spool post on the thread tray, insert the thread through the thread-mast ①... - Page 34 3. The thread continues down to thread guide ⑤ just above the top tension and then on to the top tension assembly ⑥ Â IMPORTANT: The thread must be flossed up between the two tension discs. If the thread is not firmly in place between the two tension discs, the thread will lay on top of the tension discs (no tension) and thread looping on the bottom of the quilt can occur.
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Page 35: Quilting With The Amara
Quilting With the Amara Preparing to Quilt 1. Make sure your machine has been cleaned, oiled, has a new needle, and that the tracks on the frame are free from threads or other debris. If the machine isn’t already plugged in, plug it in now. 2. -
Page 36: Free-Motion Quilting
NOTE: If you have customized either the star or diamond button to do a tie-off, press that button on the handlebar instead. For more information about configuring the handlebar buttons, see To customize the handlebar buttons in the Machine Settings section of this manual. To start or stop quilting •... -
Page 37: Optional Computer-Guided Quilting: Pro-Stitcher
Optional Computer-Guided Quilting: Pro-Stitcher® The Pro-Stitcher® quilting system integrates Handi Quilter’s quilting machines with the best computer technology for computer-guided quilting using digital designs. The software is managed from a state-of- the-art tablet computer that is conveniently mounted on top of the machine. This rich and full-featured... - Page 38 Handlebar Star and Diamond Buttons with Pro-Stitcher Four functions in Pro-Stitcher override your custom settings for the star and diamond buttons on the handlebars. When creating areas, the star button is 2-point and the diamond button is multi-point. When using Freehand Record, the star button starts and stops recording. When using Mark to create lines for quilting, the diamond button creates points on the line.
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Page 39: Using The Touch-Screen Displays
Using the Touch-Screen Displays The Amara has touch-screen displays on the front and rear handlebars. They each work the same. For example, use the displays to alternate between stitch-regulated and non-stitch-regulated operation, to control settings for how you prefer your machine to operate, and to use tools such as counting stitches on a quilt or logging how much time it took to finish your quilt. -
Page 40: Overview Of The Main Screen
Overview of the Main Screen The Amara main screen provides quick access to all functions. These buttons This Toolbar appears indicate whether or on every screen to not your machine is provide quick access stitching or paused. to often-used options. It is currently When selected, the paused because... - Page 41 This area of the main screen controls the stitching modes. It is currently set to The on-screen hand wheel manual mode. It also enables you to rotate the shows the current machine's hand wheel stitches per minute from the main screen setting and three rather than reaching stitches-per-minute...
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Page 42: Stitching Modes
To use the on-screen hand wheel The on-screen hand wheel enables you to rotate the hand wheel from the Main screen rather than reaching around the machine to do it manually. Drag your finger down from the top of the on-screen hand wheel (in the direction of the arrows) to cycle the needle bar and the presser bar. - Page 43 • Touch the Manual button and then specify the stitches per minute (SPM) by pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons on the screen or selecting one of the stitches-per-minute presets. Pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons on the screen to change the stitches per minute has the same effect as pressing the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons on the handlebars.
- Page 44 (stitches per minute) until you press the stop button on the handlebars. The minimum speed of the needle is dependent upon the stitches-per-minute setting you choose. Handi Quilter recommends beginning with a setting of 200. Begin moving the machine immediately after pressing the Start/Stop button to avoid stitching in place for too long.
- Page 45 To use Precision stitch regulation ONLINE: For more information about using Precision stitch regulation, watch the video Micro Quilting at: http://www.HandiQuilter.com/Amara/microquilting. • Touch the Regulated button and then press the Precision button. The Regulated The Precision Mode button is stitch regulation selected.
- Page 46 Basting Mode The Amara includes five basting stitch options for basting a quilt. The basting stitch options are available in stitch regulation mode only. The stitches-per-inch setting ranges between 24 stitches per inch and 5 stitches per inch. If you continue to press the minus (–) button on the screen, after 5 you will see B1/4", B1/2", B1", B2", and B4".
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Page 47: Toolbar Options
Toolbar Options The toolbar is in the upper-right corner of the screen at all times. Opens machine Controls settings. lights. Opens Displays machine machine tools. information. Controlling the Lights Your Amara comes equipped with three standard lighting areas: throat, needle, and bobbin. To control the lights on the machine •... -
Page 48: Machine Tools
Use the slider to vary the intensity of the light. Touch the black dot and drag to the right to increase the intensity or to the left to decrease the intensity. The intensity settings are saved when lights are turned off and will be the same when you turn them on again. - Page 49 • Touch the Tools icon in the Toolbar. Then touch the Timers button. Press the Home button to return to the Main screen. Quilt timer tracks how much time Stitch counter you spend stitching tracks how many a quilt. stitches you have quilted.
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Page 50: On-Screen Calculator
To set the quilting alarm Use the quilting alarm to set a reminder that alerts you when the time you’ve allotted for quilting is done. After you enable the alarm, the time begins to count down. Unlike the quilting timer, this alarm measures elapsed time, not machine quilting time. -
Page 51: Software Updates
Software Updates From time to time Handi Quilter releases a software update for our machines. This update feature enables you to take advantage of the latest new capabilities added to machines. When an update is released, download the updated file(s) to a USB drive using a computer that is connected to the Internet. - Page 52 To update the machine software 1. Insert the USB drive into the USB port on the bottom-left side of the front display. Then touch the machine icon to update the machine’s software. 2. You will be prompted to choose the file you want to use to update the machine software.
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Page 53: Diagnostics
There are several diagnostics tests that you may be asked to perform by Handi Quilter's technical solutions team or an authorized Handi Quilter representative. They will give you a code to enter into the Diagnostics screen to be able to perform the tests. -
Page 54: Machine Settings
Machine Settings To open the machine settings, touch the Settings icon in the Toolbar. After selecting it, the icon turns green. Then choose one of the seven options that appear along the bottom of the screen. After you select an option, the button background turns green and the screen changes allowing you to customize that setting. - Page 55 • Touch the Settings icon in the Toolbar. Then touch the Low-bobbin Alarm button. Add a new Delete a bobbin bobbin Edit bobbin description Name that button. describes the thread in the Press to toggle bobbin. on and off the low-bobbin alarm.
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Page 56: Handlebar Button Options
5. Estimate how much bobbin thread you think you’ll use for tie-offs and decrease the bobbin capacity by that much. Press the Minus (–) button to decrease the capacity. Or, touch the Bobbin Capacity box to pop up an on-screen number pad and enter the number directly. - Page 57 After you have placed the labels on the handlebars, use the handlebar customization settings to confirm your handlebar button choices and to customize the functions of the star and diamond buttons on the handlebars. Â IMPORTANT: However you configure the front handlebars, the rear handlebars are automatically configured the same way.
- Page 58 To configure the star and diamond buttons on the handlebars Touch the star or diamond to select the function from the drop-down menu. 1. Select the down arrow next to the star or diamond to display a drop-down box with the options for the star and diamond buttons.
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Page 59: Laser Lights
Needle Laser The Amara comes equipped with a needle laser. It precisely shows where the needle will enter the quilt. Turn the laser on or off with the Laser settings. To turn the laser on or off • Touch the Settings icon in the Toolbar. Then touch the Laser button. Touch the toggle button to turn the laser on or off. -
Page 60: Tie-Offs
Thread-break alarm Low-bobbin alarm Over-speed alarm Purple indicates the alarm is off, green alarm is on. Touch to toggle between on Configure alarms and off. To turn on or off alarms • Touch the bell button below the alarm to turn it on or off. It is on when it appears green with the sound-wave symbols. -
Page 61: Set Language
Set Language The language setting determines the language used on the Amara information screens. The choices are English, French, German, and Spanish. To select a language • Touch the Settings icon in the Toolbar. Then touch the button to set the language. Press the down arrow to display the list of available languages. - Page 62 To see the machine threading diagram For quick reference, the Amara has an on-screen guide that shows how to thread the machine. For more information about threading the Amara, see Threading the Machine in the Using Your Machine section of this manual.
- Page 63 10-12 To monitor system information about your machine You may need to provide system information to Handi Quilter or an authorized Handi Quilter representative when purchasing machine accessories or receiving technical assistance. • Touch the Information icon in the Toolbar. Then touch the Information button.
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Page 64: Machine Maintenance
Machine Maintenance Clean and Oil Your Amara The only place where you need to regularly oil your machine is the bobbin hook assembly. Failure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can cause severe damage to the machine. We recommend that you oil the hook assembly with each bobbin change and before use if you haven’t used the machine for a few days. -
Page 65: Maintenance Schedule
In addition to the ongoing cleaning and oiling maintenance, you should have your machine serviced by an authorized Handi Quilter representative every 24 months or 10 million stitches, whichever occurs first. They will take care of oiling and greasing internal parts and ensure the machine is in tip-top working order. -
Page 66: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting You can correct many problems on your own. If you need additional help, contact your local, authorized Handi Quilter representative. You can also contact Handi Quilter technical solutions at 1-801-292-7988 or 1-877-MY-QUILT (697-8458). First check the following: 1. The AC power cord is properly connected and both power switches are turned on. - Page 67 The needle is not positioned • Position the needle properly to the needle bar. Inspect the properly position of the needle to make sure the needle is at the 6 o’clock position. When you stand directly in front of the needle (facing the bobbin case side of the machine), you will see the entire needle eye directly facing you.
- Page 68 Tension is Poor Corrective Measure(s) Lint caught under the tension • If using short staple threads, inexpensive, or industrial threads, spring in the bobbin or coated threads, lint and other material will build up under the tension spring and begin to lift the spring, reducing the spring’s ability to compress against the thread.
- Page 69 Check that poles are inserted completely together with the push pins engaged so bowing won’t occur. Leaders are stretched or worn • If fabric is beginning to stretch or fray, contact Handi Quilter to purchase replacement leaders. Thread Breaks...
- Page 70 Consult a repair technician to polish any hard-to-reach or delicate areas, or if the burr is inside the throat. Wrong type of needle • Use only the needles recommended by Handi Quilter (134, sizes 12 through 21). Other possible problems •...
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Page 71: Federal Communications Commissions (Fcc) Declaration Of Conformity (For Usa Only)
Appendix 1 Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Declaration of Conformity (For USA Only) Responsible Party: Handi Quilter, Inc. 501 North 400 West North Salt Lake, UT 84054 declares that the product Product Name: HQ Amara 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. -
Page 72: Warranty
501 North 400 West North Salt Lake, UT 84054 801-292-7988 • 877-697-8458 Email: sales@handiquilter.com www.HandiQuilter.com Warranty issues should, whenever possible, first be submitted to the Authorized Representative who completed your service and training. These representatives have been selected for their dedication to customer satisfaction and have been trained in technical service. - Page 73 HQ's entire liability for any defective Product shall in no event exceed the purchase price for the defective Product. This limitation applies even if Handi Quilter cannot or does not repair or replace any defective Product. Service under the above warranties may be obtained by returning the quilting machine, with proof of purchase, to the authorized Representative from whom the machine was purchased, a local Representative, or to Handi Quilter Customer Support.
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Page 74: Warranty Registration Card
Handi Quilter Warranty Registration Mail or Fax completed Warranty Registration Card within 30 days of purchase. If you have questions, email HQCares@HandiQuilter.com or call Customer Relations at 1-877-697-8458. Online warranty registration is also available at HandiQuilter.com. MAIL TO: Handi Quilter, Inc. - Page 75 This page was intentionally left blank. 74 | www.HandiQuilter.com...
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Page 76: Machine Setup And Training Checklist And Certificate
FAX How to set and use the low bobbin estimator (1-801-294-3011) or MAIL: Explain timers and stitch counters Handi Quilter How to switch between stitch regulation 501 North 400 West and manual mode How to set the speed in manual mode; how to set... - Page 77 This page was intentionally left blank. 76 | www.HandiQuilter.com...
- Page 78 North Salt Lake, UT 84054 1-877-MY-QUILT (697-8458) • www.HandiQuilter.com HQ Amara ™ is part of the family of innovative quilting products from Handi Quilter ® EDITED NOVEMBER 2017 © 2017 Handi Quilter, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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Questions and answers
Can not get power to my machine
If your Handi Quilter Amara 20 machine is not receiving power, do the following:
1. Ensure the machine is connected directly to a wall outlet or a surge protector that connects directly to the wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord.
2. Check if the outlet provides power and is properly grounded.
3. If using a temporary adapter (U.S. only), ensure it is securely connected and properly grounded with the metal screw.
4. If the machine still does not receive power, consult the troubleshooting chart in the appendix or contact an authorized Handi Quilter representative or technical support.
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proper order for turning on the HQ Amara 20