GLOSSARY + FAQ

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The machine needs to be at 100 degrees for normal operations. A main axis error is the machine’s way of letting you know that the sensor is not aligned. To resolve this, select the 100 degree icon on your control panel. If a “No needle” error is displayed, then the needle is not being detected over the working area. To correct this, turn off the machine. Then, locate the degree wheel knob in the back of your machine and manually align it to 100 degrees. Turn the machine back on, and the machine will automatically find a needle position. After everything has finished loading, press the 100 degree icon on the panel once more. If there are no more error messages displayed, the machine is functional.

Looping stitches can be the result of incorrect threading. Make sure the top and bobbin thread are threaded correctly. If the machine is threaded correctly, check the thread tension. Also, be sure to check the needle. An old or loose needle will cause looping and other embroidery problems.

Ballpoint needles can be used for all types of projects. However, we recommend using sharp point needles on leather, satin or any other fine material. For heavy material, we recommend using an 80/12 needle. On metallic threads, use a 90/14 needle, which has a larger eye that will reduce friction as the thread passes through.

Yes; backing is fundamental because it’s the stabilizer for your design. The backing you use will depend on the material you’re embroidering. On heavyweight materials, use thick backings. For lightweight garments, use thin backings.

We recommend 100% polyester for all embroidery projects. Polyester thread is more durable and tends to leave less lint than rayon thread.

No. Every type of thread will work differently, so be sure to adjust the tension depending on the thread you use. For metallic threads, loosen the top tension knob and reduce the speed of your machine to about 500 SPM for better quality stitches.

The size of the hoop depends on the size of the embroidery you want to create. The best hoop to use is the smallest hoop that the design will fit in. You can place the hoop on top of the printout from your embroidery software to get an idea of the hoop size you should use for the particular design.

The most commonly used color spools, usually black and white, should be placed on the right side of the machine. You can also place them toward the back of the thread rack if you don’t have ample space to walk toward the back of your machine to change spools.

You are getting this error because your logo may be too big for the hoop, or you are trying to stitch outside the preset hoop margin. You can either use a bigger hoop, or move the logo around so you stay within the hoop’s boundaries.

Common causes of thread breaks:

The needle can be worn out if you’ve been using it for a long period of time or on thick materials.

Your machine may be threaded incorrectly. Check the thread passage to make sure all the threads are correctly positioned.

Threads might be damaged or old.

Prolonged exposure to air, light and heat can make your thread brittle. To prevent breaks, store thread in a dark, cool place.

Hooping may not be tight enough.

The tension might be too loose or too tight.

This is a hooping error. You need to create proper tension by making sure the hooping is tight and the fabric is not wrinkled. Be sure not to stretch the material, as this could ruin the design. You might need a strong stabilizer.

The needle might be worn out. Structured hats have a thick cardboard or plastic in the middle section, which could break the needle. When sewing caps, make sure the bill of the cap is as flat as possible. It’s also very important to pay attention to the digitized logo. You should be aware of which logos may be used for different materials. The way the DST was created may not be suitable for hats. Also, the hooping may not be correct.

You should change the needle’s size to control the bending of the needle. The size of the needle depends on the size of the stitch you want to create. Generally, heavy fabrics require large needles, and light fabrics require small needles.

A basic guideline that many professional embroiderers use to determine when to change needles is the three strikes rule. You should replace a needle whenever there has been three consecutive thread breaks on the needle. You should also change a needle if it breaks or is skipping stitches.

Common reasons why needles break:
The needle is worn out, bent or old.
The design may have too many stitches for the area.
You might have hit a hoop.
Hooping wasn’t tight or smooth.
The fabric or material is too thick for the type of needle.

Begin by clipping the thread from the existing spool and adding a new spool in its place. Then, create a knot with the loose end of the old thread and the loose end of the new thread. Last, grab the thread from the presser foot, and pull the new thread all the way through the thread passage until it reaches the needle.

There is no default setting on the machine at this time. If the problem is on one needle, you can start by pulling the thread and feeling its tension. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. Check the needles that are functioning properly and try to mimic their tension. As you pull, you should be able to feel when problem needle has reached the same tension as the needles that are working well. Once you believe you have acquired a good standard tension, try an “H” or “I” test. During the “I” test, you should follow the one-third rule. Make sure you have one-third of bobbin thread in the middle and one-third of top thread on both sides. Generally, if you have fairly even columns, your tension should be correct.

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