plays10s

Hi - I just got a used (practically new - never used because the lady bought it and had a stroke) HQ Avante with Pro-Stitcher. I do feel so sorry for her, but I am super excited! As of now, I know nothing about it. It was just too good of a deal to pass up. I have been watching videos, etc.

I have some questions.
- Where is the best place to buy thread and what brand do you use?
- What about bobbins? There was a HQ bobbin winder included. Where do you buy bobbins?
- Also, where do you buy your needles? What brand?
- Is it worth it to upgrade to Pro-Stitcher Premium?

Any other use information would be helpful. Thanks so much!
LaDonna

Dolphyngyrl

I am new so so far have only used superior which I like. If I were going to do prewounds superior does make some. Don't have prostitcher so not sure. I do love my baby though

quiltingshorttimer

directly from Superior on threads and needles. HQ probably is best place to order extra bobbins. I don't have HQ, but love to long arm and hope you have lots of fun! One suggestion--sure that HQ has a FB page and I found that when I joined the Gammill page I learned a lot plus it's helpful when you run into a problem at 10pm and your tech support is closed!

Dolphyngyrl

Facebook has some nice longarm group, and a few handiquilter groups I recommend

tallchick

Congratulations on your longarm, you’re going to have fun! I have a Fusion and just bought prostitcher last year, but have not used it (my goal this year is to become proficient with it). As others have mentioned, join groups for help and inspiration, there are many on yahoo and Facebook. As far as upgrading to prostitcher premium, I think it would be worth your while, as if you have issues, you can still use the original version as well.
For threads and needles I buy from Superior Threads, IMHO you cant go wrong with them they know their stuff. As to thread choices, that’s up to you, buy some “try me packs” and play with them to see what works for you, mine only seems to like King Tut and I’ve given up on trying to get it to like other threads.
There are tons of things you can buy for your longarm, it can be overwhelming but do some research, play with your machine then when you’re really comfortable you will have a better idea what you need for you. Have fun!

PaperPrincess

I have an Avante w/o the pro stitcher. I would start with the Handi quilter website:
http://www.handiquilter.com/

If you didn't get the manual, you can down load it from there. There are tons of training videos and lots of tips. It will tell you the type of needles to purchase. I got some bargain bobbins from ebay. They fit, but the handi quilter bobbins are better, so I would suggest buying from them. See if you can locate a dealer in your area, or purchase online. Also your dealer may also offer classes. Go to youtube and search Handiquilter for other videos. As far as thread, I would purchase a couple different kinds and see what your machine and you like best. Mine is not fussy at all. Here's how I set my tension:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1mRhcquZTM

Have fun!!!

cenpaqltr

So happy for you.... these machines are wonderful. I have had the 16 - moved to the Avante 18 - last year made the move to the Fusion 24 - fantastic machines all of them. Have had good luck with Groz Beckert needles - the 16 size is good for quilting cottons. You will need to move up to 18 or 20 needle for batiks. Lately I have found that Glide thread is a wonderful thread and my machine purrs like a kitten....love this thread. I do order the M style pre-wound bobbins from Superior Threads... Good luck --have fun.

Macybaby

you should be able to upgrade to Premium for free - and yes, it's very worth it.

Tothill

Congratulations. I have an HQ 16 and she is happy with Connecting Threads cotton thread. I buy it on sale. Yes, it can be linty, but so is batting and fabric. I use the thread for piecing too.

If you have a local or nearby HQ dealer, go in and see what supplies they have. One of my dealers has an HQ educator in last fall and I attended all 4 sessions. It was great to get tips and tricks from an expert. Plus they had all the HQ accessories on sale for 20% off. I was able to buy a ruler base for a very good price.

HQ also has a ruler of the month club. The second one is underway, but there could be a third one. You would register for that through your local dealer. I am lucky to have two dealers to choose from, one 40 min north, the other 50 min south.

I try to buy my needles and bobbins through the local dealers, plus rulers. I feel it is important to support them ,so they are there for me when I need help. I bought my machine second hand, and have had great advice, help and support from my dealers. One shop ordered in a roll of batting for me and gave me 25% off.

Others have mentioned the HQ Facebook page, YouTube videos and the HQ forums and website are all full of great information and helpful people.

eparys

Congratulations! I too have an Avante w/ ProStitcher! While I have a few spools of King Tut, Glide and SoFine, I have a huge bunch of Connecting Threads Cotton which my old longarm really liked. The Avante does just fine with the Connecting Thread Thread. I did purchase an extra bobbin case so that I have one set for SoFine and prewounds and the other one is for the CT Cotton.

I agree with PaperPrincess - the HQ site is a great place to start. You also might consider downloading the simulator for your computer. A great way to sit comfortably and design your ProStitcher file. There is also and ProStitcher group on Yahoo and another on FaceBook - both are a great group of folks.