How to Attach Longarm Encoders
I’ve received several questions about how to attach longarm encoders to the wheels of a new longarm. I decided to shoot a video on how to attach them to both a Grace Qnique 15 and 21 longarm. Enjoy!
Click Here to learn more about the Grace Qnique 21. This larger longarm is only compatible with the larger Continuum Quilting Frame which is available in 8 foot, 10 foot, and 12 foot lengths.
Click Here to learn more about the smaller Qzone hoop frame – You can use your home sewing machine on this frame or our Qnique 15 inch longarm.
How to Install Longarm Encoders
This is the trickiest part of setting up a longarm with a stitch regulator and you need to get it right or your stitches won’t be consistent. I found it confusing to attach the encoders because there are two screws to tighten – the screw to attach the wheel and encoder to the machine or carriage, and the screw to tighten up the spring on the encoder.
Make sure to watch the video to see in close detail how I attach the encoders and put tension on the encoder spring. This is the key to ensuring the encoders stay in contact with the rails of the frame and trigger your machine to stitch at the same rate as your wheels are moving.
I struggled a bit with attaching the encoder to the bottom carriage of the Q-Zone Hoop Frame because it’s a pretty awkward angle. If I’d had a set of helping hands, this would’ve been a lot easier.
How to Check You’ve Attached the Encoders Correctly
Once you get your encoders attached, double check that the wheel is spinning by marking the white area with a magic marker. You’ll be able to easily see the wheel spinning, even when it’s tucked up underneath the longarm.
Also click the machine on, with no thread in the top or bobbin and run the machine to the left and right and then forward and back. The longarm should respond to your movement – stitching faster when you move faster and stitching slower when you move slower.
Have you enjoyed this basic longarm tutorial? Be sure to check out our Frame Quilting Friday series where I show you how to use Grace longarms as well as Grace hoop frames.
Let’s go quilt,
Leah Day
Recently purchased a 15R long arm machine. I have the Q Zone frame. I need the encoders and also the table for quilting with templates. I am very new to this [and, nervous.] Can I order these items from you or should I order from the Grace company? Also, I made a queen size log cabin quilt and want to quilt it on the H. frame but, I can not figure what type of motif to use. would you give me some ideas?
Hi Paulette – If you have a 15R that should have included the encoders with the machine. I would contact the person you purchased from and see if there is a box missing! You can find the back table inserts for your Hoop Frame here: https://leahday.com/products/q-zone-frame-table-inserts I do appreciate you ordering from me as that helps me make more videos like this one! On motifs, how about square spirals? I think that would look great over the log cabin design and be fairly easy to quilt too – https://leahday.com/pages/how-to-quilt-square-spiral-walking-foot-quilting-tutorial
Help me please – I just bought a q’nique 19 and installed it on my cutie frame – once the encoders got installed it’s now very difficult to move the machine smoothly it’s like the encoder screw is too long and is rubbing I keep seeing a powder residue.. it ran so beautiful with my Julie 2010q on the frame but when I upgraded to the 19 I can’t get it to move smoothly. So disappointed
I’ve been trying to put together my Grace Q’nique 21 for a while….and your video is wonderful. However, I can’t unscrew the left lower wheel to attach the encoder. I’ve tried everything, and it won’t budge. Any suggestions? I live alone, and don’t have a strong handsome husband to lend a hand. Tips?
I recommend calling around to find a handyman that could take the wheel off for you. In my local area, a particular pizza place always has business cards for people that do everything from lawn care to handyman repairs. Another option would be to ask a quilting friend from your local quilt guild. If that is absolutely not an option, I have used this torque wrench set to unstick many screws myself – https://amzn.to/4a7bPfT Make sure to use the correct bit and use the silver wrench in addition the handle to give you more leverage. If you need a video on this please let me know.