Important Safety Instructions Please read all these safety instructions before using this machine. DANGER - To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not leave the machine unattended when plugged in. Always unplug this machine from the electric outlet when not in use and before cleaning. WARNING - To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock, or injury to persons: •...
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Important Safety Instructions GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS This product must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord that has an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. Plug the cord from the quilting machine into a surge protector.
Table of Contents Important Safety Instructions ....2 Maintaining the Machine ....... 49 Machine Specifications ......5 Preparing the Oil Bottle ......50 Machine Layout ........6 Oiling and Cleaning ....... 51 Ports and Plug-Ins ........8 Changing the Needle ......54 Included Parts & Tools ......9 Adjusting the Bobbin Cam .....
Machine Specifications Product Dimensions Features Body: • Ergonomic handles and handlebars for efficient, extended use (page 17) • Height: 515 mm, or 20.25 inches • OLED Display (page 19) • Width: 395 mm, or 15.5 inches • Length: 824 mm, or 32.4 inches •...
Ports and Plug-Ins Quilting Machine (Rear View) Quilting Machine (Front View) Power Port with Retainer (page 25) Encoder Ports (page 21) Connects and holds power cable to the Connects encoders to machine. machine. Back Handle Port Cover Power On/Off Switch (page 25) For optional back handle accessory.
Included Parts & Tools Please make sure all pieces are included in your kit. Box 1 Back Wheel Front Wheel Plastic Base - Right Plastic Base - Left Support Assembly Support Assembly SMP-05-11705 SMP-05-11704 SMP-09-13184 SMP-09-13185 (See page 16) (See page 16) (See page 13) (See page 13) Handlebar Assembly...
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Box 2 Continued Needle Size 16 (x10) Needle Magnet Needle Size 18 (x11) Lint Brush (one pre-installed) ACC-01-11024 SMP-09-13837 ACC-01-11025 SMP-03-10170 (See page 54) (See page 54) (See page 54) (See page 51) Timing Spacer Flat-head Hopping Foot T-handle Allen Screwdriver Height tool Wrench 2 mm...
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Box 4 SBHCS Screw Shoulder Bolt SBHCS Screw Power Cord M6 x 20 mm (x2) M6 (x2) M6 x 16 mm (x6) SMP-02-10845 HDW-03-10088 HDW-03-12206 HDW-03-10974 (See page 25) (See page 13) (See page 16, 20) (See page 13) M3 Thumb Screw Oil Bottle (needle bar spare) HDW-03-11736...
Out-of-the-Box Assembly These steps are for assembling the machine after it is first removed from the packaging materials. Please set up your quilting frame prior to machine assembly. Installing the Wheels ..................page 13 Installing the Wheel Covers ................page 16 Assembling the Handlebars ................page 17 Connecting the Display ..................page 19 Attaching the Thread Stand ................page 20 Installing the Upper Encoder ................page 21...
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Wheels Set up the frame before assembling the machine. Parts & Tools Needed: Back Wheel Support SBHCS Screw T-handle Allen Front Wheel Assembly M6 x 20 mm (x2) Wrench 4 mm Support Assembly Shoulder Bolt M6 (x2) Instructions To install the machine wheels and adjust them to fit your bottom carriage: 1.
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Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Wheels (Continued) 3. Place the front wheel support assembly Loosen two set screws on one side of the under the front of the machine, with the set machine (either the right side or left side) screws facing the rear. with the 4 mm Allen wrench.
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Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Wheels (Continued) 8. Re-tighten the wheel block set screws that you loosened using the 4 mm Allen wrench.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Wheel Covers Parts & Tools Needed: SBHCS Screw T-handle Allen Plastic Base - Left Plastic Base - Right M6 x 16 mm (x4) Wrench 4 mm Instructions Take the following steps to install the wheel covers onto the machine: 1.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Assembling the Handlebars Parts & Tools Needed: T-handle Allen Handlebar Assembly Wrench 4 mm Instructions Take the following steps to install the machine handlebars: 1. With the 4 mm Allen wrench, remove the 2. Slide the handlebars into the slot so the handlebar cover screw.
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Out-of-the-Box Assembly Assembling the Handlebars (Continued) 4. Hold the handlebars at the desired angle 7. Twist the controls until they are comfortable and tighten the cover screw. to hold and operate. 5. Plug the cables from the handlebars into the 8.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Connecting the Display Parts & Tools Needed: OLED Display with Cables Instructions Take the following steps to install the display. Note: To remove the display, power off the 1. If not already done, plug one end of the ribbon cable into the display.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Attaching the Thread Stand Parts & Tools Needed: Thread Stand T-handle Allen SBHCS Screw Assembly Wrench 4 mm M6 x 16 mm (x2) Instructions To install the thread stand assembly: • Use two M6 x 16 mm SBHCS screws to install the thread stand assembly on the right side of the machine.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Upper Encoder Parts & Tools Needed: T-handle Allen Upper Encoder T-handle Allen Wrench 4 mm (silver spring) Wrench 2.5 mm Instructions The encoders monitor the movemet of the machine over the frame, allowing for regulated stitching. The upper encoder is installed on the outward-facing, left-rear wheel of the machine.
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Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Upper Encoder (Continued) 6. Plug the encoder cable into one of the 3. Place the encoder screw into the left rear encoder ports on the back left of the wheel hole so the encoder O-ring is machine.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Lower Encoder Parts & Tools Needed: Lower Encoder Zip Tie (2) T-handle Allen T-handle Allen (black spring) Zip Tie Mount (2) Wrench 4 mm Wrench 2.5 mm Instructions The encoders monitor the movement of the machine over the frame, allowing for regulated stitching. The lower encoder is installed on the left-rear wheel of the bottom carriage.
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Out-of-the-Box Assembly Installing the Lower Encoder (Continued) 3. Slide the wheel onto the encoder screw 6. Turn the encoder lock collar (shown in with the wheel hub facing away from the blue) to point up. Then tighten the lock collar screw with the 2.5 mm Allen encoder.
Out-of-the-Box Assembly Turning the Machine On/Off Parts & Tools Needed: Power Cord Instructions The power cable port and power switch are located on the back of the machine. To power on the machine, take the following steps: 3. Press the power cable retainer down firmly 1.
Preparing to Quilt This section of the manual covers choosing the settings for your machine, winding the bobbin, loading the bobbin case, and threading the machine. Winding a Bobbin ....................page 27 Loading the Bobbin Case ..................page 29 Threading the Machine ..................page 31 Final Checklist ....................page 36...
Preparing to Quilt Winding a Bobbin For information on adjusting the bobbin fill levels, see page 56. Parts & Tools Needed: Bobbin (Class M) Instructions Your machine comes with two bobbins pre-wound with 50 weight cotton thread. An empty M-class bobbin has also been provided.
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Preparing to Quilt Winding a Bobbin (Continued) 1. Run the thread through the thread mast 4. Tightly wrap the thread clockwise around guide loop directly above the thread cone. the bobbin a few times to hold the thread in place. Push the bobbin cam toward the bobbin to start winding.
Preparing to Quilt Loading the Bobbin Case Take the following steps to insert the wound bobbin into the bobbin case and place it in the machine: 4. Place the wound bobbin into the bobbin 1. Check that the needle is up. If needed, rotate the hand wheel to raise the needle.
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Preparing to Quilt Loading the Bobbin Case (Continued) 6. Test the tension of the bobbin case every time the bobbin thread is changed; bobbin tension is the foundation for correct thread tension. a. Place the bobbin case on its side, on your palm. b.
Preparing to Quilt Threading the Machine Before threading the machine, make sure you’ve selected quality thread for your project. Choosing the right thread for the machine can prevent the thread from breaking or tangling up under the needle plate. For more information on choosing thread, see page 82. Note the following: •...
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Preparing to Quilt Threading the Machine (Continued) The following diagram outlines the path (shown in blue) the thread must take through the machine. 1. Thread Cone 2. Thread Mast 3. Thread Guide Rod 4. Small Thread Tensioner 5. Right Thread Guide 6.
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Preparing to Quilt Threading the Machine (Continued) 1. Rotate the hand wheel at the rear of the 4. Pull the thread straight up, through the thread mast guide loop above the thread machine to raise the needle to the top position.
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Preparing to Quilt Threading the Machine (Continued) 7. Feed the thread through the thread guide 10. Next, pass the thread down and around the thread guide next to the large thread above the large thread tensioner. tensioner. Thread Guide 8. Pull the thread around the large thread 11.
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Preparing to Quilt Threading the Machine (Continued) 13. Now pass the thread through the front of the needle bar eyelet, located above the needle. Thread the eye of the needle from front to back. Needle Bar Eyelet Eye of the Needle...
Preparing to Quilt Final Checklist Before you begin quilting, make sure that: • The bobbin is wound and installed in the machine. • The needle is straight, and held firmly to the needle bar. • The power cord is connected to the machine and power outlet. •...
Quilting Now that the machine is set up, it’s time to start quilting! This section of the manual describes handlebar control, using the four quilting modes, and tensioning the thread. Using the Handlebar Controls ................page 38 Using the Precise Quilting Mode ................page 40 Using the Cruise Quilting Mode ................page 41 Using the Baste Quilting Mode ................page 42 Using the Manual Quilting Mode ................page 43...
Quilting Using the Handlebar Controls When first powered up, the machine is in precise regulated quilting mode and can start quilting right away. Please take a moment to review the handlebar controls. These controls are used for quilting and navigating the menus on the display. Note: Left-handed quilters may prefer to reverse these buttons.
Quilting Choosing a Quilting Mode When first powered up, the machine starts in precise regulated quilting mode. To switch to a different quilting mode, press the menu button on the handlebar to go to the Main Menu. MAIN MENU REGULATED PRECISE CRUISE BASTE MANUAL...
Quilting Using the Precise Quilting Mode The machine defaults to the precise quilting mode when turned on. In this regulated quilting mode, the machine maintains the length of the stitch despite the speed and direction of the quilter’s movements. If the quilter stops moving, the machine stops stitching. The precise quilting mode can be accessed by selecting “Precise”...
Quilting Using the Cruise Quilting Mode In cruise mode, the quilting machine maintains the length of the stitch despite the speed and direction of the quilter’s movements. However, the machine will continue to stitch in place (at the minimum speed) if the quilter stops moving the machine. The cruise quilting mode can be accessed by selecting “Cruise”...
Quilting Using the Baste Quilting Mode Use the basting mode to create loose, temporary stitches to hold layers of fabric together while quilting. The baste quilting mode can be accessed by selecting “Baste” from the Main Menu. Over-speed Stitch Size Indicator SMALL Needle Stop Position...
Quilting Using the Manual Quilting Mode In this quilting mode, the machine produces stitches at a certain speed. It’s up to the quilter to move the machine the distance needed to get the desired stitch length. This mode is useful for small, continuous stippling patterns.
Quilting Adjusting Thread Tension Proper thread tension prevents unwanted puckering, poorly-formed stitches, and malfunctions that can damage the fabric. Test your thread tension on extra materials before sewing on a project. Tip: Bottom thread tension is addressed in “Loading the Bobbin Case” (see page 29). Large Thread Tensioner 1.
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Quilting Adjusting Thread Tension (Continued) 1. Slowly increase the tension while stitching into scrap material. When the thread tension is balanced, the top and bottom thread (shown in blue and red) will knot in the middle of the fabric layers. Balanced Tension Too Little Top Tension Too Much Top Tension...
• System Information displays the control firmware versions for the machine motor and the OLED Display. • Diagnostics tests should be used at the direction of a Grace Company technician to troubleshoot problems with the machine. • Preferences is where machine defaults can be customized.
Quilting Tracking Stitch Count and Run Time The Stitch/Time tool is reached by choosing Tools from the Main Menu, and then by selecting Stitch/ Time. HOURS 0:00 RESET RESET TOTAL TOTAL STITCH HOURS This tool tracks the total hours the machine has run, and the total stitch count. These are displayed at the bottom of the screen and cannot be reset.
Quilting Choosing Machine Settings Machine defaults can be customized in the Preferences menu. Access the Preferences menu by choosing Tools from the Main Menu, and then selecting Preferences. PREFERENCES DEFAULT CRUISE UNITS INCHES BASTE SMALL STITCH INCH 10 OVER SPEED ON RIGHT HANDED Here are a list of the options available for each setting: •...
Maintaining the Machine Keep your machine performing at its peak by practicing good machine maintenance habits. Preparing the Oil Bottle ..................page 50 Oiling and Cleaning ....................page 51 Changing the Needle ..................page 54 Adjusting the Bobbin Cam ..................page 56 Adjusting the Hopping Foot................page 57 Reinstalling the Needle Plate ................page 62 This section of the manual covers oiling the machine, changing the needle, adjusting the bobbin cam and hopping foot, and reinstalling the needle plate.
Maintaining the Machine Preparing the Oil Bottle Parts & Tools Needed: 3. Peel the safety foil off the opening of the oil bottle. Oil Bottle • Scissors (not included) Instructions Take the following steps to prepare the oil bottle for use in oiling the machine. 1.
Maintaining the Machine Oiling and Cleaning Parts & Tools Needed: Lint Brush Oil Bottle • Compressed Air Can (optional; not included) Instructions Oil and Clean: • At the start of a new project • After 20 hours of use Machine •...
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Maintaining the Machine Oiling and Cleaning (Continued) 3. Clear debris from the spring and discs of the 1. In and around the hook assembly, clear small thread tensioner. away any lint, cloth, and thread remnants using the lint brush or compressed air. Hook Assembly Small Thread Tensioner...
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Maintaining the Machine Oiling and Cleaning (Continued) 4. Reload the bobbin case and return it to the machine. For detailed instructions, see “Loading the Bobbin Case” on page 29. 5. Place one to two drops of oil down the hole at the top of the machine, near the display.
Maintaining the Machine Changing the Needle For information on selecting a needle, see “Choosing Your Needle” Parts & Tools Needed: on page 80. Needle Needle Magnet Instructions A broken, bent, or burred needle may break thread, damage fabric, or even damage the machine. Always check that the needle is in good repair before starting a new project, and replace the needle after eight hours of use.
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Maintaining the Machine Changing the Needle (Continued) 5. Insert the new needle all the way into the 8. Tighten the needle thumb screw. Do needle bar. Check the needle bar sight not over-tighten if using the flat-head hole above the thumb screw to make sure screwdriver.
Maintaining the Machine Adjusting the Bobbin Cam Parts & Tools Needed: • 1.5 mm Allen Wrench (not included) Instructions The machine’s bobbin cam is set so the bobbin will wind completely before the winder shuts off. To change how much the bobbin fills before the winding stops, take the following steps: 1.
Maintaining the Machine Adjusting the Hopping Foot Parts & Tools Needed: T-handle Allen Hopping Foot Wrench 3 mm Height Tool Height Adjustment When quilting with thick fabric or batting layers, the hopping foot may press down on the quilt too tightly and begin to drag. Alternatively, setting the hopping foot too high, can result in skipped stitches.
Maintaining the Machine Adjusting the Hopping Foot (Continued) Rotation Instructions The hopping foot can be rotated to improve line of sight. To rotate the hopping foot, please take the following steps. 1. Power off the machine. 5. With the 3 mm Allen wrench, loosen the collar screw that holds the hopping foot 2.
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Maintaining the Machine Adjusting the Hopping Foot (Continued) 1. Lift the hopping foot collar back up to the press bar, and re-tighten the collar screw. Collar Screw 2. Slide the hopping foot into the collar and screw in place with the hopping foot screw.
Maintaining the Machine Adjusting the Hopping Foot (Continued) Removal Instructions To remove the hopping foot for maintenance or to adjust the hopping foot angle, take the following steps: 1. Power off the machine. 2. Rotate the hand wheel to lift the needle from the inside of the hopping foot. Hand Wheel 3.
Maintaining the Machine Adjusting the Hopping Foot (Continued) Installation Instructions To install the hopping foot on your quilting machine, please take the following steps: 1. Power off the machine. 2. Slide the hopping foot to the slot in the hopping foot collar. Use the 3 mm Allen wrench and hopping foot screw to tighten in place.
Maintaining the Machine Reinstalling the Needle Plate Parts & Tools Needed: Flat-head Screwdriver Removal Instructions To remove the needle plate from the quilting machine, take the following steps: 1. Power off the machine and raise the needle to the highest position using the hand wheel. Hand Wheel 2.
Maintaining the Machine Reinstalling the Needle Plate (Continued) Installation Instructions To install the needle plate onto the quilting machine, take the following steps: 1. Power off the machine. Raise the needle to 4. Slowly lower the needle with the hand wheel. the highest position using the hand wheel.
Repairs and Diagnostics The instructions in this section should only be taken at the direction of a Grace Company support technician. If you are experiencing problems with your machine, please contact our technical support team: • Phone: (800) 264-0644 • Email: support@graceframe.com Checking the Firmware ..................page 65...
Repairs and Diagnostics Checking the Firmware The control firmware versions for the machine motor and the OLED Display are found by selecting Tools from the Main Menu, and choosing System Info. SYSTEM INFO MACHINE REV: #.## ##/##/## DISPLAY REV: #.## ##/##/## The following information displays: •...
Repairs and Diagnostics Running Diagnostics Diagnostics tests can be reached by selecting Tools from the Main Menu and choosing Diagnostics. Run diagnostics tests at the direction of a Grace Company technician only to troubleshoot problems with the machine. DIAGNOSTICS ENCODER TEST...
Repairs and Diagnostics Running Diagnostics (Continued) Encoder Test Instructions To access the encoder test, choose Diagnostics from the Tools menu. 1. The Encoders test screen displays. ENCODERS 2. Move the machine left and right across the frame. The X indicator should turn green while the machine is moving.
Repairs and Diagnostics Running Diagnostics (Continued) Button Test Instructions To access the Buttons test, choose Diagnostics from the Tools menu. 1. The Buttons test screen displays. BUTTONS 2. Press each button on the handlebar. The corresponding button indicator will turn green. BUTTONS...
Repairs and Diagnostics Running Diagnostics (Continued) Sensor Test Instructions To access the Sensors test, choose Diagnostics from the Tools menu. 1. The Sensors test screen displays. SENSORS NEEDLE SPEED PRESS THE NEEDLE BUTTON 2. Press the needle button (large button on the left handlebar) until the needle drops to the down position.
Repairs and Diagnostics Replacing the Encoder Spring Please speak to a Grace Company support technician before Parts & Tools Needed: attempting these instructions. Upper Encoder Lower Encoder T-handle Allen T-handle Allen Spring (Silver) Spring (Black) Wrench 2.5 mm Wrench 4 mm Instructions If the encoder spring is over-tensioned, it may break and need to be replaced.
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Repairs and Diagnostics Replacing the Encoder Spring (Continued) 1. Remove the plastic stop, wheel spacer, washer, broken encoder spring, and shoulder spacer from the encoder. Plastic Shoulder Stop Spacer Wheel Spacer Encoder Washer Spring 4. Place the long arm of the encoder spring 2.
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Repairs and Diagnostics Replacing the Encoder Spring (Continued) 1. Complete the assembly instructions for the Adjust the screw and lock collar so the head of the screw slides in between the lock collar. encoder you repaired. For the upper encoder (silver spring) assembly instructions, see page 21.
Removal Instructions The hook holder keeps the hook assembly in place. The following procedure should only be attempted if determined necessary by a Grace Company support technician. If done incorrectly, major machine problems can result. 4. Slide the hook holder (shown in blue) from 1.
Repairs and Diagnostics Reinstalling the Hook Holder (Continued) Installation Instructions 5. Turn the inside portion of the hook assembly (shown in blue) so that the 1. Turn off the machine. positioning guide is at the highest point. 2. Rotate the hand wheel to raise the needle Positioning Guide to the highest point.
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Repairs and Diagnostics Reinstalling the Hook Holder (Continued) 2. Align the hook holder with the inside edge of the positioning guide, as shown below. 3. Tighten the hook holder screw to fasten the hook holder in place. The inside portion of the hook assembly should no longer rotate freely by hand.
Timing your machine aligns the needle and hook assembly so that they are in the correct places during the creation of a stitch. Improper timing can result in damage to the machine and needle, or make sewing impossible. Please consult with a Grace Company support technician before attempting to adjust the timing on your machine.
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Repairs and Diagnostics Timing the Machine (Continued) 8. Stop raising the needle once the eye is about 5. As each of the 3 set screws aligns with the level with the hook. Do not continue to raise timing cut-out, loosen them with the 2 mm the needle.
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Repairs and Diagnostics Timing the Machine (Continued) Position the tip of the hook (shown in blue) in the middle of the back of the needle (shown in gray). This is easier to see from the back of the machine. Push the hook assembly inward (toward the rear of the machine) while tightening the set screw through the timing cut-out.
Appendix This section of this manual covers additional information on quilting with your machine. Choosing Your Needle ..................page 80 Choosing Your Thread ..................page 82 Choosing Your Fabric and Batting ..............page 85 Troubleshooting Guide ..................page 86 Index ........................page 88...
Appendix Choosing Your Needle Using the wrong type of needle, or using a needle that is bent, broken, or blunt, can damage the fabric, the machine, and needle. For best results: • Use the recommended needle style for your machine (see below). •...
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Appendix Choosing Your Needle (Continued) Needle Diagram Needle Front View Needle Side View Shank Shaft Groove Scarf Point • Shank: Where the needle bar grasps the needle. • Shaft: The long, narrow part of the needle. Needle size is based upon the diameter of the needle shaft.
Appendix Choosing Your Thread Choosing the best thread for your project is just as important as choosing the correct needle. Good thread is strong and can pass the “Yank Test” (see “Threading the Machine” on page 31). It holds its color well over time (colorfastness), and uses long fibers (extra-long staple) that resist pilling or creating lint.
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Appendix Choosing Your Thread (Continued) Thread Size The thickness of the thread is called the weight (wt.). This number is usually stamped on the edge of the top or bottom of the thread cone. Notice that as the thread becomes heavier and thicker, the weight decreases: •...
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Appendix Choosing Your Thread (Continued) Our Recommended Thread Finesse thread is specially-designed for quilting by the Grace Company. It can be used with domestic (sewing) and quilting machines, and comes in 60 colors. • 100% Polyester, 3-ply thread • 110/18 or 100/16 quilting machine needle •...
Appendix Choosing Your Fabric and Batting Fabric Some fabrics are not recommended for use with the quilting machine. Thick fabrics, such as denim or leather, have a lot of resistance that can bend or snap a needle, and misalign or break internal machinery.
(page 25). Machine switch is off Check power button is pressed down on right side (page 25). If problem persists, please contact a Grace Company support technician. Call (800) 264-0644. Stitches are skipped. Damaged needle Check needle (page 54).
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Needle plate is rubbing needle Check that needle plate is centered and does not hit needle (page 62). If problem persists, please contact a Grace Company support technician. Call (800) 264-0644. Machine is running loud. Machine and/or hook assembly Oil the machine and hook needs oiling assembly (page 51).
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