Pfaff powerquilter 16.0 Manual - Page 28

Getting Started Quilting Thread Requirements Threads have a tendency to dry rot over a period of time. Be sure to choose high quality threads for your valuable heirloom quilts. Most machine quilting threads on the market today are acceptable. Needle Requirements When quilting, relax your hands and maintain a light touch on the fabric. Gripping the fabric too tightly may cause body tension resulting in poor quilting quality and discomfort. Different colors of fabric may require different brightness settings for the LED light ring to prevent eye strain. For general quilting, a size 16/100 needle will accom­ modate most threads and fabrics. Heavier threads, such as top stitch and some decorat­ive threads, require a larger needle such as 18/110 or 20/120. Heavier fabrics such as denim, canvas or densely woven fabric may re­quire a larger needle. To Prepare for Quilting With any quilting machine, it is important to unders­tand the basics of free motion quilting. The powerquilter™ 16.0 Quilting Machine does not have feed dogs like domestic machines; therefore, the fabric does not automatically feed under the hopping foot. The operator controls the machine sewing speed with the My Speed setting and the foot pedal, and moves the fabric to get an even, consistent stitch. In order to become comfortable using the powerquilter™ 16.0 quilting machine, quilters can begin with a few simple techniques using a sample quilt sandwich (two pieces of fabric with a layer of batting between them). Set the machine at a medium My Speed setting (perhaps 25%) and begin moving the fabric until you become ac­customed to the resistance. By moving the fabric faster, the stitches begin to elongate. The My Speed setting can either be increased or the fabric can be moved slower to get the stitches back to the desired length. By moving the fabric slower, the stitches get shorter and can build up on top of each other, breaking the thread or making it extremely difficult to unpick. The My Speed setting can be decreased or the foot pedal released slightly, while maintaining a constant motion with the fabric, to bring the stitches back to the desired length. Page 28