handi quilter HQ Amara 20 User Manual (English)

Other manuals for handi quilter HQ Amara 20

Quick Reference Card2 pages

User Guide8 pages

Questions and Answers:

R
Rose HooverAug 20, 2025
How to prevent skipped stitches handi quilter HQ Amara 20 Sewing Machine?
- A
  Ashley DiazAug 20, 2025
  To prevent skipped stitches with your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, replace the needle frequently, typically once or twice daily for continuous quilting, or at least per quilt. Use the recommended needle system. Always replace the needle if it hits a hard object, as this can damage the tip, leading to skipped stitches or thread issues. Also, replace the needle if it has been hit or bumped while quilting.
A
Alison OneillAug 22, 2025
What to do if the needle breaks on my Handi Quilter Sewing Machine?
- D
  Donald ManningAug 22, 2025
  If the needle of your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine breaks, replace it, ensuring it's fully inserted into the needle bar clamp, up to the top of the sight hole. Improper installation can damage the bobbin area and throat plate. Also, correctly position the needle, throat plate, or hopping foot, and replace the needle if it hits the throat plate.
S
Sharon GilmoreAug 25, 2025
Why is the stitch quality poor on my Handi Quilter Sewing Machine?
- S
  Scott AguilarAug 25, 2025
  To resolve poor stitch quality on your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, balance the needle thread tension after correctly adjusting the bobbin tension. Also, ensure the bobbin case is clean and free of lint or foreign material that could impede thread passage. Synchronize machine movement and needle speed to achieve the desired stitch length, as moving too fast can cause elongated stitches.
M
mandersonAug 26, 2025
Why does the thread keep breaking on my handi quilter HQ Amara 20 Sewing Machine?
- J
  Jessica ChenAug 26, 2025
  To fix thread breaks with your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, avoid poor quality, rotted, or brittle thread that may have severe twisting. Ensure balanced top and bobbin tensions. Check the machine is threaded correctly, inspect for double wrapping on thread guides, and properly position thread spools or cones. Remove any debris in tension discs, change the bobbin if rotation isn't smooth, and replace the needle, ensuring correct installation.
C
castilloevanAug 28, 2025
Why are the stitches puckered on my Handi Quilter Sewing Machine?
- K
  Kevin ThompsonAug 28, 2025
  If the stitches are puckered when using your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, balance the tension of the needle thread after ensuring the bobbin tension is adjusted correctly. If that doesn't work, replace the needle with a size better suited for the fabric.
C
Carolyn SmithAug 30, 2025
What causes thread nests under the quilt with Handi Quilter Sewing Machine?
- B
  Bethany SanchezAug 30, 2025
  If you find thread nests under the quilt with your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, check that the machine is threaded correctly, ensuring the thread is flossed snugly between the tension discs. If correctly threaded, tighten the top tension by rotating the tension knob clockwise.
D
Dorothy BradyAug 31, 2025
What to do if the hand wheel won’t rotate on my Handi Quilter Sewing Machine?
- K
  Keith SchwartzAug 31, 2025
  If the hand wheel of your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine won’t rotate, there may be a thread lock. Turn the machine on and use the on-screen hand wheel to break the thread lock by quickly moving your finger down and up several times. If that doesn’t work, turn the machine off and use the hand wheel at the back of the machine to resolve the thread lock. Carefully rock or turn the hand wheel in both directions until it breaks free, then remove the thread from the hook and basket and re-oil the hook.
C
Corey JohnsonSep 3, 2025
Why is my handi quilter HQ Amara 20 Sewing Machine hard to guide?
- D
  Denise ButlerSep 3, 2025
  If you are having trouble guiding your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, center the carriage wheels on the continuous track and ensure the machine carriage hasn't jumped the track. Also, remove any thread or debris from the wheels and ensure the tracks are free of lint and threads.
A
Ann JonesSep 5, 2025
What causes poor tension on a handi quilter HQ Amara 20?
- R
  Richard AdamsSep 5, 2025
  Poor tension on your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine can be caused by lint caught under the tension spring in the bobbin. If using short staple, inexpensive, industrial, or coated threads, lint may build up and lift the spring. Clear the lint by inserting a pin or business card corner under the spring. Test the tension before quilting.
K
kkerrSep 7, 2025
What causes an uneven quilt design with my Handi Quilter Sewing Machine?
- P
  Peter HopkinsSep 7, 2025
  To address uneven quilt designs with your Handi Quilter Sewing Machine, ensure the fabric isn't rolled too tight, causing the take-up rollers to bow. Check that the poles are fully inserted with push pins engaged to prevent bowing. If the leaders are stretched or worn, contact Handi Quilter for replacements.

handi quilter HQ Amara 20 Specifications

General

Machine Type	Longarm Quilting Machine
Throat Space	20 inches
Stitch Regulation	Yes
Stitch Length	Adjustable
Lighting	LED lighting
Work Height	Adjustable
Weight	approximately 40 lbs
Display	LCD screen
Bobbin Type	Large Capacity
Warranty	10 years
Dimensions	Varies by setup

Summary

How to Use This Manual

Special Information

Explains symbols used in the manual for important notes, cautions, and tips.

Finding Information

Lists topics and their corresponding locations within the manual for easy reference.

Important Safety Information

Important Safety Instructions

Essential precautions for safe operation and handling of the machine to prevent injury.

Disclaimer

States liability limitations for improper use or non-compliance with manual guidelines.

To Use the Machine Safely

Provides critical steps and practices for safe machine operation.

To Increase the Life of Your Machine

Offers advice on proper storage, cleaning, and handling to prolong machine lifespan.

Optional U.S. Grounding for Customers with 120 VAC Connections

To Repair or Adjust the Machine

Guidance on troubleshooting and contacting support for repairs or adjustments.

About Your Machine

General Specifications

Details technical specifications like dimensions, speed, power, and needle system.

Get to Know Your Amara

Left Side View

Identifies components of the machine from the left side, including optional rear handlebars.

Close-up View of Needle Area

Provides detailed labeling of parts around the needle assembly.

Right Side View

Identifies components of the machine from the right side.

Close-up View of Tension Assembly Area

Details the parts of the thread tension assembly.

Back Panel

Display Connections

Lists connections for front and rear displays and USB ports.

Machine Connections

Details electrical and communication connections for the machine.

Rear Side Connections

Specifies connections on the rear side of the machine, including encoders.

Installation and Setup

Front Handlebars

Information about the front handlebars, their adjustability, and attachment.

Adjusting Handlebar Position

How to adjust handlebar position and angle for comfortable use.

Configurable Handlebar Buttons

To Attach Labels to the Handlebars

Instructions on how to apply labels to handlebars for function assignment.

Optional Accessory: Rear Handlebars

To Install the Rear Handlebars

Step-by-step guide for attaching the optional rear handlebars.

Touch-Screen Displays

To Install the Front Display

Instructions for mounting the 7-inch front touch-screen display.

To Install the Optional Rear Display

Steps for installing an optional rear touch-screen display.

Thread Tray and Thread Mast

Optional Accessories

Introduces optional accessories for the machine.

Steady-Fit Ruler Base™

Details on installing and using the Steady-Fit Ruler Base.

Rear Laser Stylus

To Install the Mounting Post and Laser Stylus

Guide for installing the laser stylus mounting post.

Rear Laser Stylus Operation

Steps for attaching the laser clamp and plugging in the cable.

Laser Operation and Safety

Laser Focus and Image Size

How to adjust the laser's focus and image size.

Laser Safety

Safety precautions for using the laser stylus.

Machine Head USB Port

Information about the machine head USB port for accessories.

Horizontal Spool Pin

Mentions the horizontal spool pin and where to find installation videos.

Using Your Machine

Power Switch

Details the operation of the two power switches.

Lighting

Explains the different light sources and how to control them.

Magnetic Tool Minder Collar

Describes the use of the magnetic tool minder collar.

Machine Needle

Information on the recommended needle system and its benefits.

To Change the Needle

Step-by-step instructions for changing the machine needle.

Hopping Feet

Information about the two included hopping feet and their uses.

To Change the Hopping Foot

Steps for removing and attaching hopping feet.

Optional Accessory: Handi Feet

Information about optional Handi Feet accessories.

Bobbin and Bobbin Tension

To Wind the Bobbin

Instructions for using the separate bobbin winder.

To Insert the Bobbin into the Bobbin Case

Steps for inserting a bobbin into its case.

To Test Bobbin Tension

Method for checking and adjusting bobbin tension.

To Adjust the Bobbin Tension

How to adjust the tension screw on the bobbin case.

To Insert the Bobbin Case into the Machine

Steps for correctly inserting the bobbin case into the machine.

Easy-Set Tension™

To Adjust the Top Tension

Guide for adjusting the top thread tension for balanced stitching.

Tension Quick Start Guide

Threading the Machine

To Thread the Machine

Step-by-step instructions for threading the machine.

Threading the Machine Steps

Further steps and diagram for threading the machine.

Quilting With the Amara

Preparing to Quilt

Checklist and initial steps before starting quilting.

To Load the Quilt

Instructions for loading the quilt onto the frame.

To Bring Bobbin Thread to the Top of the Quilt

Method for bringing the bobbin thread to the top.

To Start or Stop Quilting

How to start and stop the quilting process using the handlebars.

To Tie Off Threads

Procedures for tying off threads at the beginning and end of stitches.

Free-Motion Quilting

Tips and guidance for performing free-motion quilting.

Micro Quilting

Advice on adjusting handlebars for micro quilting.

Optional Computer-Guided Quilting: Pro-Stitcher®

Using the Pro-Stitcher Tablet on Your HQ Amara

How to use the Pro-Stitcher tablet with the HQ Amara machine.

Handlebar Star and Diamond Buttons with Pro-Stitcher

Software Updates

Updating Machine Software

Steps for updating the machine's firmware via USB.

Updating Display Software

Instructions for updating the front and rear display software.

Using the Touch-Screen Displays

Touch-Screen Display Functions

Explains how the touch-screen displays function and their interface.

Overview of the Main Screen

Main Screen Layout

Describes the layout and functions of the main screen interface.

Stitching Modes

On-Screen Hand Wheel

How to use the on-screen hand wheel for manual control.

Manual Stitching Mode

Explanation of manual mode and stitch length control.

Configuring Manual Stitching Presets

Steps to save and set custom stitches-per-minute presets.

Stitch Regulation Mode

Explanation of stitch regulation modes.

Cruise Stitch Regulation

Guide to using the Cruise stitch regulation mode.

Precision Stitch Regulation

Instructions for using the Precision stitch regulation mode.

Basting Mode

Steps for performing basting stitches on a quilt.

Toolbar Options

Controlling the Lights

How to operate the machine's built-in lighting system.

Machine Tools

Quilting Timer, Alarm, and Stitch Counter

Explains how to use the timer, set alarms, and count stitches.

To Set the Quilting Alarm

How to set a reminder alarm for quilting sessions.

On-Screen Calculator

Provides access to a basic on-screen calculator.

Diagnostics

Running Diagnostics Tests

How to run diagnostic tests with technical assistance.

Machine Settings

Low-Bobbin Alarm

Information about setting up and using the low-bobbin alarm feature.

To Add Bobbin Configuration

Steps to configure bobbin settings and record capacity.

To Delete a Low-Bobbin Configuration

How to remove a saved bobbin configuration.

To Edit a Low-Bobbin Configuration

How to modify existing bobbin configuration settings.

Handlebar Button Options

Overview of configuring handlebar button functions.

To Customize Handlebar Buttons

Steps to customize button functions and switch left/right assignments.

Configuring Star and Diamond Buttons

How to assign functions to star and diamond buttons.

Needle Laser

To Turn the Laser On or Off

Instructions for activating or deactivating the needle laser.

Alarms

Configure Alarms

How to turn on or off various machine alarms.

Tie-offs

To Configure Tie-offs

Steps to set the number of micro stitches for automatic tie-offs.

Set Language

To Select a Language

How to change the display language for the machine.

Information Screens

Needle and Thread Chart

Accessing the on-screen guide for needle and thread compatibility.

Machine Threading Diagram

Accessing diagrams for threading the machine.

System Information

How to view machine hardware and software version details.

Machine Maintenance

Clean and Oil Your Amara

Instructions for cleaning and oiling the bobbin hook assembly.

To Clean the Bobbin Area and Oil the Bobbin Hook

Detailed steps for cleaning and oiling the hook assembly.

To Clean the Touch-Screen Display

How to clean the machine's touch-screen display.

Maintenance Schedule

Scheduled Servicing

Recommends periodic servicing by an authorized representative.

Troubleshooting

Appendix 1

FCC Declaration of Conformity

FCC compliance statement for the device.

Canadian Compliance Statement

Compliance statement for Canadian radio noise emissions.

Radio Interference (Other than USA and Canada)

Radio interference compliance for other regions.

HQ Quilting Machine Limited Warranty

Warranty Terms and Conditions

Details the limited warranty terms for mechanical, electronic, and manufacturing defects.

Warranty Exclusions

Lists conditions that void the machine's warranty.

Exclusive Remedy and Service

Describes warranty remedies and how to obtain service.

Handi Quilter Warranty Registration

Warranty Registration Process

Form and instructions for registering the machine's warranty.

HQ Amara New Owner and Training Checklist and Certificate

Training Checklist: Machine Setup

Checklist items related to machine setup.

Training Checklist: Machine Operation

Checklist items related to operating the machine.

Training Checklist: Machine Maintenance

Checklist items covering machine cleaning and oiling.

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handi quilter HQ Amara 20 User Manual

Table of Contents