Gammill Creative Studio 6.0 Manual

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Record Options
  When CS records, the encoders remember the machine movements. Most people
are watching the quilt / needle area when moving the machine to record a pattern,
but it is also possible to watch the preview area when recording. If you choose to do
this, it is wise to synchronize the encoders. 
There are two types of encoders: Machine (moves with the sewing head) and
Auxiliary (translates movements to show on the screen). If you want to watch the
CAD screen while recording patterns that need to align with other patterns on the
CAD, click the Asterisk (on the keypad in Regulated Mode) before removing the
belts. 
It is helpful to draw a boundary around the area being recorded, and adjust the
zoom level to see the bounded area before you begin to record. 
 3.  Move the machine to the place where the pattern will begin. If you will be
stitching while recording, pull up the bobbin thread and take a few tieoff stitches
before you start to record. 
 4.  Press  Record
 to begin. 
Move the stitcher to create a new pattern. 
 
 5.  Press  Record
 again to end. If you are stitching while recording, pressing Stop will
also end the recording.
Tip:  Record mode can be used without the belts being engaged.  The belts need
to be engaged when synchronizing the motor encoders with the auxiliary encoders
as well as when stitching the newly recorded pattern.  
						

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CS automatically creates a pattern, gives it a name, and saves it to a special folder
called C:\Patterns Recorded. The format for the pattern name is:
C:\Patterns Recorded\yyyyMondd_hhmmss.csq
where  yyyy = the year
Mon = alpha abbreviation of the month
dd = the day
hh = the hour
mm = the minute
ss = the second
.csq is the file type needed by CS.
When a recorded pattern is sure to be used again, it is a good idea to  Export
 the
file, giving it a descriptive name, and putting it in your My Patterns folder.  Press
Shift and Exit to exit the Regulated Sewing feature. 
Quick Reference Record
 
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							Part IV 
						

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4 Quilting the Quilt - Which CS Feature To use
The quilting process generally includes four phases and uses a variety of
techniques.  1. Baste the quilt layers to stabilize them. 
2. Stitch the blocks (or whatever is chosen for the center). 
3. Stitch the borders, corners and sashings. 
4. Finish by doing any background filler stitching. 
The sequence is suggested because it minimizes the risk of distorting the fabric and
getting pleats or tucks. Not all quilts need all phases and the phases aren ’t always
done in this sequence  – each quilt is unique. Each CS feature is described in detail
in one of these four phases. But first, it is a good idea to modify your default settings
and choose the settings that suit the quilt.  
4.1 Set Stitching Defaults
Set Stitching Defaults  - Every quilter develops preferences over time regarding
the stitching settings. These preferences are set and saved as system defaults, but
can be changed to reflect what is best for an individual quilt. 
Anytime the CS software is updated, the defaults need to be reset. It is easy to do: 
 
Here is a complete list of settings, and what you need to know about them.  
						

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Remember, some settings can be changed using Tools in the Command bar. 
The most common setting changes relate to the way the quilting patterns start and
stop. There are several methods which require combinations of settings to change.
1. Simple Tieoffs. This method is used for Edge-to-Edge background designs. There
are several stitches taken before the start and after the end of the pattern. 
2. Fast Simple Tieoffs. This method is used for any quilting where speed is
important. Tieoffs are used (assume competitive ties are chosen) and the machine
does not stop to wait for the threads to be clipped - it just moves to the next stitch
line, dragging the thread along. 
3. Competitive Tieoffs. This method is used in Custom quilting. The tieoff stitches
are part of the pattern and less noticeable. Sew Overlap setting should be larger
than the competitive tieoff length.
4. No Tieoffs. This method is often used for competition quilts. Instead of securing
the threads with tieoff stitches, the quilter prefers to tie the threads by hand, and
bury them with a needle, just like hand quilters bury their knotted threads. These
are virtually invisible, and judges like that.
The following shows some typical settings for each of the methods listed. The
setting values can change of course, but the combinations of settings is important. In
the chart below, competitive tieoffs have been set for 8 stitches at 43 stitches per
inch, which is 0.186 inches. Therefore the Sew overlap should be > 0.2 inches. 
Simple Fast     Competitive        None 
Tieoff YesYesYesNo
Tieoff Stitches 688n/a
Tieoff SPI 234343n/a
Competitive Ties NYY No
Bobbin Stitch YNYY
Needle YYYY
Stop at Jump Stitch YNYY
Sew Overlap   any0.20.2n/a
Tip:  R
egular Tieoff stitches will be more secure if the TieSPI is not evenly
divisible by the  SPI. Example:
If SPI = 10, TieSPI should not be 10, 20 or 30. It can be 21, 22, 23 ... 29, 31, 32,
etc. 
If SPI = 12, Tie SPI should not be 12, 24 or 36. It can be 25, 26, 27... 35, 37, 38,
etc. 
Here are the stitch settings you can control: 
						

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· Speed -
 the default is defined as a percent of motor speed for most patterns.
· P2P Line Speed
 - usually a much slower speed because P2P Line is often used
for stitch-in-the-ditch (SID).
· SPI
 - Is the default Stitches Per Inch for all stitching.
· Min SPI
 - is the minumum number per inch, or the maximum stitch size for normal
stitching. If you need a larger stitch length, use the Baste mode.  
· Tieoffs
 –  are small stitches taken before the start, and after the end of each line of
quilting. They are extra stitches that create a knot and prevent the thread from
coming loose. Similar to satin stitches but going forward/backward instead of
side/side. 
· Tieoff Stitches
 –  This is the total number of stitches taken by the tieoff feature at
the start and/or the end of the quilting line.
· Tieoff SPI
 –  This is the size of the stitches taken by the tieoff feature.  
· Competitive Ties
 - If this is checked, CS will do the tieoff stitches as it starts and
ends the pattern, not stitching forward and backward creating a knot. The stitch
size is usually smaller (higher SPI) which secures the threads so they can be
trimmed. Since they are part of the pattern instead of stitching over the pattern, the
knot is far less noticeable. This is preferable for custom quilts.
· Margin
s - the amount of space maintained between the boundary and a pattern.
· Trim Skip Length
 - The smallest size pattern segment that will still be stitched after
a pattern is trimmed.
· Laser Control 
– Check means you control the laser. 
· Auto
 Laser  –  Check means CS controls the laser and will turn it on/off
automatically. 
· Bobbin Stitch
 –  Check means CS will help bring all the threads to the top of the
quilt by stopping at each Start and End, taking a single stitch, and prompting the
quilter to pull up the bobbin thread. This is normally on (checked) and the manual
has been written as if it were always on. Unchecking this will make the sewing
happen non-stop - dragging the thread as needed. 
· Needle
 –  Check means the needle is  ‘on ’ and will stitch as expected. Turning the
needle  ‘off ’ is a great feature if the stitch placement needs to be verified before it is
stitched.  
· Stitch Points
 - Check means CS will take an extra stitch in every point of a pattern.
This produces very sharp, distinct points. 
· View Keypad
 –  Check means an shaded image of the stitcher keypad will be
displayed on the screen every time CS is started. This box is for convenience only,
and can be closed at any time.
· Stop at Jump Stitch
 –  Check means CS will stop at any pattern segment that has a
pause or no sew line segment of any kind. These can occur in patterns, text
patterns, trimmed patterns, etc. People who choose to tie and bury the threads
(instead of using tieoffs) need these pauses to bring the threads to the top for
creating the knot.  
· Auto Toggle As Unsewn
 -  Check means CS will automatically toggle patterns as
unsewn if there was a thread break detected. It treats multiple repeats (as in an
Edge-to-Edge) as a group, so regardless of where the break is, all the patterns
from that point forward will be toggled as unsewn. 
						

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· Thread Break
 –  Check means the thread break sensor is on and the machine will
stop if a thread break is detected. The thread break sensor is a cylinder in the top
thread path. The thread wraps around it so as the machine stitches, the  thread is
drawn off the spool/cone, through the tension disks and around the sensor,
making the sensor turn. If it stops turning for a few seconds the machine assumes
the thread has broken and will stop moving.  
· TB Delay
 (sec) - the number of seconds CS waits before stopping the stitching
due to a Thread Break.
· E2E Registration
 - This is the method used by default when doing  E2E (automatic
) and realigning the quilt after having rolled it.   
Right Column contains some defaults that use drop-down boxes to list the choices
for each default.  Check Belts
 - If two identical points are clicked, CS will issue this warning.
Reg Type
 refers to the stitch regulator when in regulated mode.     
Reg Smoothing  
Do Not Change   
P2P Type
 –  is the default (line or pattern) for the  Point To Point feature
.   
Reference Point
 –  is the default for the reference point used in  Repeat Patterns
.  Total Stitch Count
 –  is the grand total of all stitches taken since the software was
loaded. This counter includes the stitches done for computer controlled patterns,
free motion, and even constant speed when the bobbin winder is running.  Sew Overlap
 - is a distance in inches, expressed as a decimal. If desired, CS can
overlap the stitching in block patterns. Works well on an echo, or on a pattern that
has the start and end points on a fairly straight line segment. Overlap stitches may
show if the start and end points meet at a point or turn a corner.  Stand Alone Mode
 - Check indicates CS is loaded on a computer, but the
controller is not connected. This allows the software to be used for design work, but
not for stitching the designs. SAM Controller #
 - is saved here, so the Stand Alone Mode (SAM) can use
encrypted patterns.  
To Save Changes, Click on the File tab, and click Save and Close. 
Now that the preferences are set, lets quilt! 200 7793 
						

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4.2 Phase 1 - Basting
Basting is a fundamental process that is used during the initial loading of a quilt and
throughout the quilting process as the quilt is stitched and rolled. There are several
methods for basting. Each method is useful under different circumstances. 
Simple quilts may only need to have the three layers secured on the outer edges
only, and basting is adequate. Complex quilts may need to have many areas of the
quilt stitched together to prevent the fabrics (especially the backing) from shifting
and pulling. Taking the time to stabilize the quilt will result in a flatter, straighter quilt.
Stitch in the ditch (SID) is commonly used in complex quilts because it secures the
fabrics, and can disappear into the seams. 
4.2.1 Securing the Quilt using Baste
For quilts that only need to be secured on the outer edges, basting is adequate.
Feature: Baste Stitch
The basting stitch is a long stitch and is often temporary. It is commonly used
around the outer edges of a quilt. It might be viewed as being a series of single
stitches rather than continuous stitches. The difference is the amount of pressure
the hopping foot exerts on the fabric. The benefit is that less fabric gets pushed
forward in the direction of the sewing. This is very valuable when trying to prevent
stretching and/or ease in extra fullness.  
Assumptions:    The quilt is loaded, bobbin is full, machine is threaded and the
belts are (probably) detached. Free motion  quilting is usually done without the belts
that control the sewing head which allows the sewing head to move freely in all
directions. 
Steps to follow:
1.  Click on the Baste Sewing icon.   
  
 
A Dialog box shows settings and buttons.
Settings :
Angle:
This is the current angle that will be used when Channel Lock is turned on. 
SPI - Stitches Per Inch
 - Basting stitches can vary with the smallest being 20 SPI
and the largest being 4 inches per stitch. If the number starts with B, these are
Inches Per Stitch. Change with up/down arrows or use mouse & keyboard.  
						

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Securing the Quilt using Baste
Needle Pos  - If checked, the sewing head works like the Gammill Plus machines,
allowing a half stitch to be taken instead of a full single stitch. Press the button
once and the needle goes down & stays there. Press again to bring the needle
back up. If it is down when stitching starts, it goes back down when it stops.
Remember: The left handle button on the sewing head will also do a single stitch,
or half stitch.
Flip Angle:
 This is intended to be  used with the channel lock feature. It will either
replace the current angle, or add to it, depending on the Radiate setting. If
Radiate is not checked, this angle will replace the current angle, otherwise it adds
to it.
Radiate
 - Works with Flip Angle for creating radiating line designs. 
Buttons:  There are 6 buttons shown on the screen, which correspond to the
6-button keypad on the sewing head. Additional options are accessible using the
Shift button.
A  Two Button Selection Sequence
 will display additional options. If using the
touchscreen, just touch the Shift key, and the additional buttons appear as light blue
buttons, so touch the blue button you need. If the second (blue) button is not
pressed in a few seconds, it will revert back to its original purpose. If using the
keypad on the sewing head, press and hold the upper right button (Shift) while
pressing the second button. When you release the keypad Shift button, the others
will revert back to their original color and purpose.
Record Off
  means the motions are not being recorded, The  Record function
 is
explained in depth, in a later section. 
Chan Lock
 (on/ off) locks the sewing head so it stitches a straight line at one angle.
This requires that the belts be engaged. 
Shift
  - Press this once and additional keypad functions appear & stay for a couple
seconds. This is for reference only - each blue button requires a 2-button
sequence.
Single Stitch
 - press this to take a full single stitch. If the Needle Position box is
checked, this button is labeled  Needle Position
, and pressing it takes a half
stitch. 
Start
 - starts the stitching process, and STOP ends it.
Tip:  Wondering when/why you will ever use these buttons and settings in Baste
Mode? You probably wont use them here but you will need them in Regulated
Sewing Mode. To maintain consistency, the settings and buttons for Baste and
Regulated modes are the same.   
Shift Key Additional Functions: 
Flip Chan Lock
 - Changes the current angle. This is intended to be  used with the
channel lock feature.
*  If Radiate is not checked, the Flip angle will replace the current angle. To flip the angle using the keypad, press and hold the shift button and press the Flip Chan
button. If using the touchscreen press the Shift button first, then press the Flip
Chan button. To flip it back again, repeat the 2-button sequence.
* If Radiating Lines is checked, CS increases the current angle by the number of
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degrees shown in Flip Angle. To increase the angle using the keypad, press and
hold the shift button, and press the Flip Chan button.  If using the touchscreen
press the Shift button first, then press the Flip Chan button. Repeat this 2-button
sequence to increase it again. It will go up to 90 degrees and return back to 0
degrees.  
Change to Need
 - is used to check  (or choose) the Needle Position option, making
the Lower Left button do a half stitch instead of a full single stitch.  
Exit
 - To exit baste mode, press and hold the Shift button and press the Exit button.
Using the mouse and clicking the X in the upper right corner works too.
 2.  Press  Start
 on keypad when ready to sew and the button label changes to  Stop.
The d ark blue button means the stitcher is running.
Notice that the two buttons on the left have changed in meaning.  Inc SPI
 means Increase the stitch size. 
Dec SPI
 means decrease the stitch size. 
3.  Press  Shift 
and Exit 
on keypad when ready to exit Baste mode.  
Tip:  Try using the single stitch basting method when easing in excess fullness on
borders. If you can ’t ease and baste the fabric without tucks, you probably can ’t
quilt it without tucks either. 
4.2.2 Securing the Quilt using Regulated_Sewing
Securing the quilt is generally hand-guided, done in regulated mode using Power
Assist if desired. CS uses a stitch regulator to provide even, consistent stitches. 
Feature: Regulated Sewing
There are three choices for the regulated stitching process: Original, Plus and
Smooth. These are very similar, but each has a little different  ‘feel ’ giving the quilter
greater flexibility to match their personal free-motion style. 
Assumptions:    The quilt is loaded, bobbin is full, machine is threaded and the
belts are (probably) detached. Free motion  quilting is often done without the belts
that control the sewing head which allows the sewing head to move freely in all
directions. It can also be done using the  Power Assist
 option. 
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