Computer Quilting Machine Help Videos - Quilters Creative Touch 6

Are you curious about owning a computer quilting machine? Whether you're a beginner to computerized quilting or interested in learning more, you're in the right place! Quilter's Creative Touch (QCT) is Grace Company's computer quilting machine automation system. This system helps you quilt precisely and quickly using a computer to guide your machine on your quilting frame.

In order to begin computer quilting with Quilter's Creative Touch, you will need:

1. Compatible Frame - ALL of our current frames work great with QCT!
2. Compatible Machine - Qnique Longarms* and the Little Rebel sewing machine
3. Quilter's Creative Touch System installed on your frame

Whether you're new or experienced in quilting, this guide will help you get started computerized quilting. Within this QCT Help Tutorial, you'll find help setting up, managing your software, and troubleshooting common issues.

Affiliate Links - This post includes affiliate links to the products I personally use for computerized quilting. Clicking these links helps support our education efforts at no additional cost to you.

The software level I'm showcasing in the video above is for QCT 6 Plus. This level of the software gives you hundreds of new designs and the ability to import new digital quilting designs too.

Each software level has different features and designs. If you upgrade your software, but love edge-to-edge quilting with QCT 6, you can also switch back to the simpler version of the program to use your favorite placement and computerized quilting methods.

Note - Legacy (Retired) Machines are compatible with QCT: Qnique 14+, Qnique 15R, Qnique 15 PRO, Qnique 19, Qnique 21, Qnique 21 PRO.

*The Qnique 15M and Qnique 16X Manual are the only Q'nique Longarm Machines not compatible with Quilter's Creative Touch software.

Note - Previous versions of QuiltMotion were compatible with a range of home sewing machines as well. If you are currently using QCT 5 with a home sewing machine other than the Little Rebel, do not update to QCT 6. Your sewing machine may not work with QCT 6.

This video is from 2019, so it is a little dated now. I've edited the video down to an overview of adding Quilter's CreativeTouch to your quilting frame. This video will allow you to see if adding QCT to your quilting frame is something you want to do. Please watch this even if you plan to ask a friend or hubby to build your computer quilting machine:

Quilter's Creative Touch software is specifically designed for computer machine quilting on a frame. If you are looking for software to design a patchwork quilt, I recommend exploring Electric Quilt software instead.

Your QCT system will come with a small USB thumb drive to install the computer quilting software on your tablet. You will need a Windows based tablet that meets the following requirements:

1. You will need a Windows based tablet running Windows 7, 8, 10 or higher (QCT will not work with Windows RT) with a full sized USB Port.
2. For best results, select a tablet with a 1.66 GHz or faster processor, 64 GB hard drive with at least 2 GB free for installation. 2 GB or more of RAM is recommend as well as a screen resolution of 1024 x 768.

Click Here to find the computer tablet  I'm using and currently recommended for QCT by Grace Company Tech Support. Note: The Surface Pro 9 5G and Surface Pro X will not work with QCT.

Click Here to find the USB to USB-C adapter to install the software and any upgrades you add in the future.

Quilter's Creative Touch comes with a tablet bracket that adjusts to fit screen sizes from 10 to 12 inches. Most computer tablet screens are measured diagonally, so any computer listed as measuring 11.5 - 13.75 inches diagonally will fit the QCT bracket.

An internet connection is necessary for the software registration, activation, and card access benefits. 

If you are installing QCT for the first time on your computer, you will follow the same steps in the video above starting at 9:54. Make sure to follow the tips at the beginning of the video:

1. Set your computer on a table (disconnected from your computer quilting system)
2. Get online - this makes software registration super easy!
3. Run a virus scan - If your computer wants a virus scan, it might try to prompt a scan in the middle of your software installation.
4. Update Windows - this may require restarting your computer a few times. Take the time to do this before installing your software or Windows may force you to do it at the worst possible time.
5. Install, update or upgrade software first thing in the morning on a weekday for the best results. This will ensure you are well rested, have plenty of time, and can reach out for help if something goes wrong.

If you run into trouble installing your computer quilting machine software and I am your dealer (you purchased QCT from LeahDay.com), please contact us for help!

If you did not purchase from LeahDay.com, please reach out to Grace Company Tech Support - 1-801-485-6688, Option 2.

It's important to adjust your tablet settings so that when your computer quilting machine is running, your computer doesn't start a virus scan or go to sleep. Check these settings each time you begin a computer quilting session for best results:

1. Update Your Tablet - Always plug in your computer and check for updates. If your computer is behind on updates, Windows may force an update - right in the middle of your gorgeous pantograph design, and that won't be easy to fix!
2. Run a Virus Scan - Just like updating, running a quick virus scan is also a good idea to keep your computer healthy and running fast.
3. Dim the Screen - Lowering the screen brightness can save battery life, which is especially important if you're aiming to quilt an entire quilt in one day.
4. Turn OFF the Screensaver - When running QCT, you do not want the screen / display to turn off. Make sure to check your battery and screensaver settings to be sure the display will not turn off.
5. Turn ON Airplane Mode - QCT will run best if there is no interruption from the internet, updates, or virus scans while it's running. Airplane mode disconnects from internet wifi, bluetooth, and cell data so the software can run uninterrupted.

Click Here to find a short video on these computer quilting machine tips!

After making big changes to your long arm quilting machine or frame, you should always stop and test your machine first with simple free motion quilting designs. Please follow along with Video #2 on this tutorial and make sure your longarm machine or Little Rebel sewing machine are running great.

You are smarter than the computer and will be able to see if your machine is having issues. Computerized quilting software is not like embroidery software - it cannot detect thread breaks or needle breaks. You must keep an eye on your quilting machine for this reason and be on the lookout for issues like skipped stitches or breaking thread.

For this reason, first prepare your machine for quilting by winding a fresh bobbin, threading your machine carefully, and installing a new needle. I've created two videos to guide you through all the steps I take when getting to know a new quilting machine. Click Here to find a tutorial on beginner longarm quilting.

Would you like a PDF of these initial starting steps? Let me know what you would find most helpful as you begin learning computerized quilting on your frame.

I've made several mistakes when computer quilting over the years, and unfortunately most of them were avoidable. The very first quilt block I stitched with QCT I broke a needle!

Here's a list of the mistakes I made when using a computerized long arm quilting machine for the first time:

1. I didn’t have my side clamps attached to the quilt - This means the quilt wasn't loaded properly with good side tension.
2. I didn’t adjust my speed or stitch length in settings - This means that when the machine started quilting, it moved FAST! Much faster than I was expecting.
3. I didn't test my quilting machine first - If I'd free motion quilted my favorite Wiggles starting design, I would have seen that my machine was skipping stitches.

Skipping stitches is an especially hazardous issue when using a computer quilting machine. The computer doesn't know there is an issue and it will keep stitching and moving according to its computerized settings.

So don’t make the same mistake I did - check your settings, adjust the stitch length on both your tablet and longarm monitor, and make sure your quilt is properly loaded and under good tension.

And if you'd like to hear about how I broke a needle with QCT, watch this video:

The first time your computer quilting machine starts moving can be exciting and scary! Make sure to check your settings and that your quilt is properly loaded on your frame before you hit "sew."

When using QCT 6, you will have an option to change your settings on the E2E Start Stitching Screen. Check the upper bar and tap on "Settings." I adjust my settings to have 15 stitches per inch and 2 tie offs. I also keep the pull bobbin thread steps on, but you're welcome to turn it off if you find it annoying. See a screenshot of how I set up my QCT 6 quilting software settings below:

The most frequent question I'm asked about QCT is how to switch from computer quilting back to regular free motion quilting. Once you install a Quilter's Creative Touch (QCT) system on your quilting frame, it's easy to assume that that's all you can do!

But you can still do free motion quilting, ruler quilting, channel lock quilting, and pantograph quilting with your computerized quilting system installed. In fact, I do not make any changes to my computer quilting system or loosen the drive belts once it's installed.

Officially Grace Company recommends loosening the drive belts that the QCT motor drives itself along. The idea behind loosening the belts is that, when very tight, the belts can create resistance and moving the machine may feel different with QCT attached.

However, I personally prefer the feeling of resistance free hand quilting! I find that once this computer quilting machine system was installed, my machine drifted (rolled away from me when the needle was up) much less and I was better able to control the machine when quilting certain designs.

To switch from computer quilting to free motion quilting:

1. Change nothing about the hardware on your machine or frame.
2. After quilting any design with QCT, tap "Finished. Back to Pattern Placement" and you'll notice your monitor will switch from "QuiltMotion" to the regular stitch regulated settings.
3. At this point, you can press the "Start" button on your handlebars and begin free motion quilting.
4. Once you're done free motion quilting, break thread and bury your thread tails. Use QCT to place and stitch another design using your computer quilting machine.

You must break thread because when placing a design with computerized quilting, because you have to move the machine around the quilt to set your placement. We don't want the bobbin thread spooling out over the whole quilt and the machine needs to move freely. 

For this reason, it's best to first stitch a design with computerized quilting, then switch to free motion quilting.

Even with the most user-friendly computer quilting software, you may encounter challenges. Here are some common issues and tips on how to resolve them.

Issue - When you tap "sew" on your tablet and the machine moves, but the needle doesn't stitch.

Solution - You need to select the machine you're using so the software can communicate with it. To make this change, close QCT and unplug the USB cord from your machine. Open the program again and tap "Ok" to begin Simulation Mode.

Making changes to your quilting system and settings with the machine connected can cause the machine to malfunction. Always change settings, update, and upgrade your software in Simulation Mode.

From the QCT main screen, tap "Help" and "Settings" on the right sidebar. This screen will open:

If you need to make changes to your quilting frame or sewing machine, you can do so from this page. You may get a warning message that your program will close if you make a change. That's just fine - it's why we're in simulation mode!

To change machines, tap "Change" and on the next screen tap "Change Sewing Machine Model" in the lower left corner.

Select your machine from the list of compatible machines. Yes, if you have a Qnique 21, this is a different machine from the 21 Pro or 21X Elite. Make sure to select the correct machine from the list.

Issue - As you quilt a specific spot on your quilt, the thread breaks.

Solution - Check the fabric in that area. Often quilts made from different fabric types (tshirt quilts, batiks, silks, etc) can impact your sewing needle differently. Test with free motion quilting (turn off QCT) first to see if you can stitch through the space without breaking thread. If you can't quilt the spot with hand guided quilting, the computer won't be able to quilt it either. Change your quilting design to avoid that spot.

Issue - Thread breaking in different areas of the quilt, breaking cleanly around the needle.

Solution - Most likely you're using a thread that is too thin. Thin thread is pretty, but it can really make life difficult. Test a few different threads to find one that breaks less. My favorite is Isacord polyester embroidery thread because it's thin, but rarely breaks on any of my machines.

Issue - Thread is breaking in different areas, shredding around the needle or threading path.

Solution - Check the height of your quilting foot. Having your foot too high can cause thread breaks. With the needle in the down position, loosen the foot on your machine and push it down, firmly against your quilt top. Tighten the foot screw. Test again.

Sometimes shredding thread can also be caused by the thread having too much twist. I find switching the way the thread wraps around the top mast of my machine can often help with this.

Continue testing and troubleshooting to find a solution that works. Remember when troubleshooting - only change one thing on your machine at a time and thoroughly test before changing something else.

Take notes and stay calm.

When you feel yourself getting agitated, take a break. We can often make more mistakes - like missing a thread guide - that add to the original problem rather than solve it.

As you can tell, we've only just scratched the surface of learning how to use our computerized quilting machines! There is so much more to learn about our Quilter's Creative Touch 6 software.

If you're trying to make a decision if QCT is for you, please watch all of the videos posted above. Ask yourself if any parts of the tutorials feel overwhelming or intimidating to you. It's better to be honest about how you feel and to understand the challenges you may encounter with this software.

Do you have any questions about computerized quilting? Contact us for help! This post will be updated regularly with questions, answers, and new quilting tutorials.

Let's go quilt,

Leah Day