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Troubleshooting
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Summary of Contents for Grace Company surestitch Elite
- Page 1 sure s t i tc h Instructions...
- Page 2 Carefully follow the Assembly and Setup manual before using this booklet as a guide to create more even and consistent stitches. Please keep this manual as a reference. Thank you! The Grace Company Copyright September 17, 2021 Grace Company Version 1.0...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Contents Hardware Specifications ......5 SureStitch Elite Screen ......6 SureStitch Elite Control Box...... 8 Encoders ..........10 Cables ...........12 Screen Guide ........16 Sewing Modes ........17 Sewing Mode Screens ......18 Regulated Screen ........19 Manual Screen ........20 Menus ..........21 Settings Menu ........22 Display Settings Menu ......23... - Page 4 Measure Tool .........34 Screen Calibration ........36 Calculator ..........37 Lock Screen ...........38 Support ..........39 Getting Started ........ 40 Selecting Your Machine ......41 Step 1 - Preparing your Machine .... 43 Step 2 - Basting ........51 Step 3 - Tie-offs and Starts ....57 Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread ....58 Step 5 - Using Manual Mode ....64 Step 6 - Using Regulated Mode ....
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Page 5: Hardware Specifications
Hardware Specifications SureStitch Elite Screen ......6 SureStitch Elite Control Box ....8 Encoders ........10 Cables ........... 12... -
Page 6: Surestitch Elite Screen
SureStitch Elite Screen Full-Color Touchscreen Handlebar Attachment Clip... - Page 7 SSE-09-20021 Control Box Connector Port Programming and Service Port M5 Knob...
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Page 8: Surestitch Elite Control Box
SureStitch Elite Control Box Display Connector Port Upper Carriage Encoder Port (Purple Sticker) Lower Carriage Encoder Port (Green Sticker) Power Thread-Cutter Port Connector Port Connector Port to Machine’s Foot Pedal Port... - Page 9 SSE-09-20020 The Control Box uses signals from the encoders to track the location of your sewing machine over the frame. It communicates with your machine to adjust the stitching rate so that each stitch is consistent in size. Connect the display to the control box using the screen cable (SSE-02-14992).
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Page 10: Encoders
Encoders Upper Encoder V5 O-Ring Rides the frame tracks to calculate location. Lock Collar Tensions encoder on the track. Encoder Cable Port Lower Encoder V5 Encoder Screw Attaches encoder to carriage (4 mm Allen wrench). Lock Collar Screw (2.5 mm Allen wrench) - Page 11 PART: SSE-09-20026 (silver spring) The upper encoder (silver spring) is installed on the top carriage and tracks the front- and-back movement of the machine. Contact between the O-ring and the tracks is critical for movement tracking. The encoder must be well-tensioned according to the instructions and installed in the proper place.
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Page 12: Cables
Cables Power Adapter SSE-02-11395 Connects SureStitch to a power outlet. Screen Cable SSE-02-14992 Connects the display to the control box. - Page 13 Cables (Continued) Thread Cutter Cable SSE-02-14988 Connects SureStitch to your machine’s thread cutter port (not available on all machines). Foot Pedal Cable “A” SSE-02-14994 Connects SureStitch to the foot pedal port on some sewing machine models.
- Page 14 Cables (Continued) Foot Pedal Cable “B” SSE-02-14995 Connects SureStitch to the foot pedal port on some sewing machine models. Foot Pedal Cable “C” SSE-02-14989 Connects SureStitch to the foot pedal port on some sewing machine models.
- Page 15 Cables (Continued) Foot Pedal Cable “D” SSE-02-14990 Connects SureStitch to the foot pedal port on some sewing machine models. Foot Pedal Cable “E” SSE-02-14991 Connects SureStitch to the foot pedal port on some sewing machine models.
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Page 16: Screen Guide
Screen Guide Sewing Modes ........ 17 Menus ........... 21 Tools, Options, and Features ... 27... -
Page 17: Sewing Modes
Sewing Modes The sewing mode screens control sewing functions. There are two sewing modes: • Regulated: Stitch at a chosen stitch length. • Manual: Stitch at a chosen speed (stitch length is managed by changing the rate that you move the machine over the project). -
Page 18: Sewing Mode Screens
Sewing Mode Screens The following options are available from both Regulated and Manual sewing modes: Settings Sewing Mode Screen Lock Opens Press to cycle Settings through other Prevents menu. modes. stitching or settings changes until unlocked. Stitch Control Buttons Cut Thread Start/Stop Button only displays for Stitching... -
Page 19: Regulated Screen
Regulated Screen SureStitch boots up in Regulated sewing mode, where the stitch length correlates with a size value of your choice. Stitch Stitch Length Length Set stitch Presets length Press to from quickly 1 to 10. set length to the number indicated. -
Page 20: Manual Screen
Manual Screen The Manual screen controls stitching based upon a set speed (instead of length). Stitch Stitch Speed Speed Presets Set stitch Press to speed from quickly 10% to set speed to the 100%. number indicated. To customize presets: 1. Set desired stitching speed. 2. -
Page 21: Menus
Menus Menus provide access to options, features, and tools. • Settings ........22 • Display Settings ......23 • Machine Settings ......24 • Tools ..........25 • Machine ........26... -
Page 22: Settings Menu
Settings Menu The Settings menu is accessed by pressing ) at the top left of any the gear icon ( sewing screen. It provides the following options: Choose Home a color Returns to sewing screen. theme and Access calibrate machine the display. -
Page 23: Display Settings Menu
Display Settings Menu Press “Display Settings” in the Settings menu to open the Display Settings menu. It provides the following options: Home Returns to sewing screen. Press to cycle through menu color options. Calibrate touchscreen (for troubleshooting only). See page 36. -
Page 24: Machine Settings Menu
Machine Settings Menu The Machine Settings Menu is accessed by pressing “Machine Settings” from the Settings menu. The following options display: Home Returns to sewing screen. Open the Machine Menu to Choose select idle speed your settings. machine. See page See page Sounds an alarm when the machine is being moved too quickly for stitch... -
Page 25: Tools Menu
Tools Menu The Tools menu is reached by selecting “Tools” from the Settings menu. It provides the following options: Home Returns to sewing screen. Measure distance Calculate between simple equations points. easily. See page Set an alarm to let you know when you’re nearing the edge of your quilt. -
Page 26: Machine Menu
Machine Menu To reach the Machine Menu, press the Settings icon. Open “Machine Settings,” and then choose “Select Sewing Machine.” Home Returns to sewing screen. Here you can select your sewing machine. Make sure your sewing machine is off (or that SureStitch is NOT plugged in) before setting your machine. -
Page 27: Tools, Options, And Features
Tools, Options, and Features SureStitch provides many tools to assist with quilting your masterpiece. • Idle Speed ........28 • Overspeed ........30 • Edge Warning ....... 31 • Measure Tool ........ 34 • Screen Calibration ......36 • Calculator ........37 •... -
Page 28: Idle Speed
Idle Speed The Idle Speed settings are accessed in the Machine Settings menu. Press the Settings Icon ( ) and choose “Machine Settings.” “Idle speed” is the speed that your machine will stitch at while you’re not actively moving your machine around in regulated stitching. - Page 29 Idle Speed (Continued) All sewing machines are a little different, and performance may vary: • Some machines may not idle (stitch in place in regulated mode) unless the idle speed percentage is up higher. • Other machine features, like “tortoise” and “rabbit,”...
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Page 30: Overspeed
Overspeed The Overspeed sound can be turned on or off from the Machine Settings Menu. Press the Settings Icon ( ) and select “Machine Settings.” Press to turn sound on or off. If you move the machine too quickly across the frame, the machine motor won’t be able to stitch quickly enough to maintain stitch regulation. -
Page 31: Edge Warning
Edge Warning The Edge Warning tool can be reached by pressing “Tools” from the Settings Menu ), and choosing “Edge Warning”. Home Returns to sewing screen. The edge warning can be set to go off within a half inch or inch of the quilt edge. - Page 32 Edge Warning (Continued) rails. You can also set different boundaries, such as around a particular block or section of the quilt. To set the boundaries for the edge warning alarm, take the following steps: Choose whether you want the alarm to sound when you’re within an inch or half an inch of the boundary.
- Page 33 Edge Warning (Continued) Move your machine to the upper right boundary of your quilt. Press “Upper Left.” Slide the machine across the frame to the bottom right corner of your quilt boundary. Press “Lower Right.”...
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Page 34: Measure Tool
Measure Tool Use SureStitch to measure the distance between two points. The Measure tool is accessed by pressing “Tools” from the Settings Menu ( ) and choosing “Measure.” Home Returns to sewing screen. Displays the horizontal, vertical, and diagonal measurements between two points. - Page 35 Measure Tool (Continued) To use the measuring tool, take the following steps: Choose whether you want the result to display in inches or centimeters. Move your machine to the point from which you wish to measure. Press “Start.” Note: If you hit “Start” in the wrong spot, hit “C”...
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Page 36: Screen Calibration
Screen Calibration To access Screen Calibration, select “Display Settings” from the Settings menu ( ). Then choose “Calibrate Touch.” This syncs up touch sensors with on-screen images. If buttons are offset or are difficult to press, follow the directions on the screen. -
Page 37: Calculator
Calculator To access the Calculator, select “Tools” from the Settings menu ( ), and choose “Calculator.” Result displays here. -
Page 38: Lock Screen
Lock Screen The Lock Screen is accessed by pressing the lock icon at the top right of sewing mode screen. While in this screen, it is not possible to sew or modify settings. -
Page 39: Support
Support This screen provides the Grace Company support email and phone number, as well as SureStitch firmware information. #####.## ##/##/#### Please send us an email or give us a call with any questions or concerns about your product. -
Page 40: Getting Started
Getting Started Selecting Your Machine ......41 Step 1 - Preparing your Machine ..43 Step 2 - Basting .........51 Step 3 - Tie-offs and Starts ....57 Step 5 - Using Manual Mode ....64 Step 6 - Using Regulated Mode ...67... -
Page 41: Selecting Your Machine
Selecting Your Machine Warning: Power off your sewing machine before taking these steps. Press the Settings icon and choose Machine Settings from the Settings menu. The Machine menu will display. - Page 42 Selecting Your Machine (Continued) Choose the brand of your machine, and then select the model from the model drop-down. When finished, press the Home icon at the top to close out of the Machine menu.
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Page 43: Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine
Step 1 - Preparing your Machine Take the following steps every time you’re about to begin sewing with SureStitch. Switch to quilting mode if available on your machine. For instructions on switching between machine modes, see your sewing machine user manual. Note: Not all sewing machines will have this mode, but must be used if available. - Page 44 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) Swap out your presser foot for a free- motion or embroidery presser foot. Free-motion Foot...
- Page 45 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) Lower your machine’s feed dogs so they don’t catch on the quilt backing. Feed Dogs...
- Page 46 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) Thread your sewing machine (see your machine’s manual for details). Threading Your Machine Test your bobbin’s thread tension: a. Place the bobbin case on your palm, on it side. b. Pull up on the thread. c.
- Page 47 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) Too Little Tension • Thread runs freely from bobbin case. • Case remains in palm, on its side. Too Much Tension • Thread unwinds slowly. • Case lifts out of palm Correct Tension •...
- Page 48 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) Follow the instructions in your frame manual to install scrap material onto the frame for practice. Scrap Quilt Note: Electronic copies of Grace Company instruction manuals can be found at www.graceframe.com.
- Page 49 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) Check with your machine manual to set the presser foot pressure to match the thickness of the fabric you’re working with. Presser foot Pressure...
- Page 50 Step 1 - Preparing Your Machine (Continued) If your machine has a tortoise (low speed) and rabbit (high speed) mode, switch to rabbit mode. Clean your work area: • Check over quilting area and clear the space of stray objects. •...
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Page 51: Step 2 - Basting
Step 2 - Basting It’ll take some time to get used to regulated stitching. Practice the remaining “Get Started” steps on a scrap quilt before trying them out on your work-in-progress. Position your machine over the top left corner of your scrap quilt, over the batting layer. - Page 52 Step 2 - Basting (Continued) Basting in Regulated Mode SureStitch boots up in Regulated sewing mode automatically. In this mode, SureStitch tracks the movement of the sewing machine and “regulates” the length of each stitch. Sewing Mode: Displays at the top of the screen.
- Page 53 Step 2 - Basting (Continued) Press [+] to increase the stitch length. Larger baste stitches will be easier to pick out later. Stitch Length Press [Start] to begin stitching! Steadily move your machine across the top of the quilt, where you want the baste line to be.
- Page 54 Step 2 - Basting (Continued) Basting in Manual Mode SureStitch boots up in Regulated sewing mode automatically. Press the Sewing Mode to cycle to Manual Mode. Sewing Mode: Displays at the top of the screen. Press to cycle to other modes.
- Page 55 Step 2 - Basting (Continued) Press [-] to decrease the stitch speed. It is easier to create large basting stitches on a slow stitch speed. Stitch Speed Press [Start] to begin stitching! Steadily move your machine across the top of the quilt, where you want the baste line to be.
- Page 56 Step 2 - Basting (Continued) Baste across the top of your quilt to the other side of the batting. End Point Backing Batting Quilt Layer Layer Note: On hoop frames the right side of your quilt may drape off the end of the frame.
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Page 57: Step 3 - Tie-Offs And Starts
Step 3 - Tie-offs and Starts Tie-offs and starting knots are essential to the long-term durability of your quilt. A traditional tie-off (or starting knot) is created by stitching in place 3 times. • If your machine has a single-stitch button, press it three times to create a tie-off. -
Page 58: Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread
Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread After cutting the thread from a tie-off, there will be a tail on top of the quilt and underneath the quilt (from where you cut the bobbin thread). It can be tedious to keep up with trimming down the tails from the bobbin thread on the underside of the quilt. - Page 59 Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread (Continued) Hold the tail of the top thread up, away from the fabric. Jog the needle down and up once. Top Thread Note: Appearance of needle area will vary by machine model.
- Page 60 Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread (Continued) Continue to hold the top thread tail, and move the machine away from the stitch you made. Bobbin Thread Stitch Hole The top thread will pop out of the stitch hole, pulling up a loop of the bobbin thread.
- Page 61 Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread (Continued) Use your finger to pull on the loop of bobbin thread until the tail comes up from underneath the fabric. Bobbin Thread...
- Page 62 Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread (Continued) Now hold both thread tails, and re- position the machine back to the starting point.
- Page 63 Step 4 - Pull Up Bobbin Thread (Continued) Start stitching from this point. Both the bobbin and top thread tail are at the top of the quilt, where they can be easily trimmed away.
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Page 64: Step 5 - Using Manual Mode
Step 5 - Using Manual Mode In manual sewing mode, stitching occurs at a speed of your choosing. Instead of controlling stitching speed with a foot pedal, select the speed you want to work in on the display. For details on the screen options, see “Manual Screen”... - Page 65 Step 5 - Using Manual Mode (Continued) It’s also useful for areas that require irregular stitch length or stippling. Stitch a simple pattern into the practice quilt, such as your name in cursive. Remember, in this mode the length of your stitches changes based on the speed the machine moves across the frame.
- Page 66 Step 5 - Using Manual Mode (Continued) • Until you get the hang of stitching in Manual mode, your stitch length will probably vary significantly. Be patient with yourself, and don’t forget to have fun!
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Page 67: Step 6 - Using Regulated Mode
Step 6 - Using Regulated Mode In Regulated mode, the speed of stitching is adapted to your movements so that every stitch is the desired size. For details on the screen options, see “Regulated Screen” on page 19. While regulated stitching can be used for both curves and straight lines, it excels at corners and angular shapes. - Page 68 Step 6 - Using Regulated Mode (Continued) Stitch out your name or a simple pattern. Try out different stitch lengths. Every sewing machine is a little different, so test out different lengths to see what looks best to you. Stitch Length Over time, you will grow more familiar working in a few specific lengths.
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Page 69: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Directory ....70 General Troubleshooting Steps ..74 Encoder Troubleshooting Steps ..76... -
Page 70: Troubleshooting Directory
Troubleshooting Directory Concern Cause SureStitch won’t Loose display or turn on. power cables. Screen buttons not Screen is not working. calibrated. Some of my stitches Encoder issue. are long. My machine won’t Machine start sewing or the requirements not stitch regulation isn’t met or machine working. - Page 71 Troubleshooting Directory (Continued) Correction • Check that the display cable is firmly plugged in to the display and the control box. • Check that the power cable is firmly plugged into the control box and into a functional power outlet. •...
- Page 72 Troubleshooting Directory (Continued) Concern Cause Quilt backing is Feed dogs are up. snagging or getting roughed up. Machine is stitching • Idle speed is set slowly. too low. • Machine is set to “tortoise” mode. My machine isn’t Machine is not listed in “Choose compatible with Your Machine.”...
- Page 73 Troubleshooting Directory (Continued) Correction • Follow your machine’s instruction manual on lowering the feed dogs. • Increase the idle speed in the idle speed screen (see page 28). • Check your machine speed settings, including setting it to high speed mode if that is an option.
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Page 74: General Troubleshooting Steps
General Troubleshooting Steps Take detailed notes the problem and include pictures whenever possible. Pay special attention to error messages displayed on your machine. This will help technical support determine what has gone wrong if you end up needing to call in. If the problem is with the electronic equipment (the screen, for example), turn the equipment off and then back... - Page 75 General Troubleshooting Steps (Continued) For stitch quality problems that aren’t listed in the troubleshooting directory on page 70, take the following steps: • Check your frame’s rail alignment. • Check your machine’s presser foot height. • Check your needle for bends or burrs.
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Page 76: Encoder Troubleshooting Steps
Encoder Troubleshooting Steps Encoder issues manifest in problems regulating stitch size. Most often, stitches going in one direction (either side-to-side or front-to-back) will be longer than they should. Long Stitches Standard Stitches Causes: • Encoder came unplugged. • Encoder is off the track. •... - Page 77 Gently lift the O-ring off the track a couple centimeters. It should resist being picked up. If it does not, the encoder may not be assembled correctly, or the spring may be broken. Call (800) 264-0644 to speak to a Grace Company technical support representative for assistance.
- Page 78 The Grace Company Phone: 1-800-264-0644 www.graceframe.com...
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Questions and answers
Put the sure stitch elite on my baby lock jazz2 yesterday. Trite everything to get it to start followed instructions I thought. It has baby lock jazz 2 on screen set to regulated but does nothing.
To troubleshoot the Grace Company SureStitch Elite on a Baby Lock Jazz 2 that is not starting, follow these steps:
1. Check Cable Connections – Ensure all cables are fully plugged into the SureStitch Elite and the encoder.
2. Inspect Encoder O-Rings – Make sure the O-rings on both encoders are on the track. When moving the top and bottom carriages, the O-ring should roll smoothly like a wheel.
3. Adjust Lock Collars – Verify that the lock collars on both encoders are pointing upward. If not, twist them to point up and tighten them with a 2.5 mm Allen wrench.
4. Test Encoder Resistance – Lift the O-ring off the track slightly. It should resist being lifted. If it does not, the encoder may be assembled incorrectly, or the spring may be broken.
5. Check Machine Compatibility – Confirm that the SureStitch Elite is properly set up for the Baby Lock Jazz 2 in the machine settings.
6. Seek Technical Support – If the issue persists, contact Grace Company technical support at 1-800-264-0644 for further assistance.
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We have Surestitch elite (2022 edition). Just bought a new Babylock Allegro sewing machine. The Grace website indicates that this machine is compatible but the selection doesn't show up in the regulator screen. We tried using the two available on the screen to see if they might work for the Allegro but no luck. How can we get ours updated to include the Allegro? Is there a firmware update available?
Do you have printed instructions on how to connect Sure Stitch Elite to a Baby Lock Allegro?