Common Service Questions

Once in a great while a customer will contact our service department and say they accidentally turned a knob too far and had the entire laser assembly come apart in their hands. In this video  APQS National Education Director Dawn Cavanaughwe shows you how to put it all back together.

Threading your APQS longarm quilting machine is easy! This video takes you through the process step by step. The easy thread path on APQS longarm machines means better stitch quality and the freedom to use virtually any thread.

A clean bobbin case means a happy quilting experience! APQS Education Director Dawn Cavanaugh shows you how to properly clean your bobbin case and adjust tension for a beautiful stitch.

Customer service is our top priority. APQS offers lifetime customer support! Whether you just purchased your first APQS quilting machine, or you've owned one for 20 years, our team is here to help.

To keep your machine performing its best for years to come, follow these general maintenance tips.

The usual culprit is lint! Be sure to blow out the thread cutter blades (the section where the puller arm draws the thread to cut) every day. If you do not, the lint will build up between the wave washers (you can't even see it!) and cause the top blade to raise up just enough so that it won't always cut. DO NOT LOOSEN or REMOVE THE BLADES!!

This problem deals with long inconsistent stitches with the chosen stitch length--not skipped stitches. To verify that the problem is related to your stitch regulator and is not a timing issue, try your machine in the manual sewing mode. If it skips stitches in BOTH modes, then start by checking the timing on your machine.

APQS quilting machines have come in a variety of configurations over the years, including systems with horizontal wheels, vertical wheels, and Bliss systems. Choose the section in this post that describes your particular table set-up and follow the helpful hints to improve the way your machine moves.

Your APQS machine will go through a "break in" period when it is new. During that time, the electronics "loosen up" and react to the incoming power in your home or studio. Occasionally this causes your needle positioner to over-cycle and take more than one stitch when you turn off the sewing motor and stop sewing.

While we prefer polyester thread at the factory for its strength, durability, and relatively lint-free properties, we know that quilters often have other ideas!