Learning Page for HappyJapan HCH-701 Journey Single-head Embroidery Machine

Smooth, trouble-free operation of your HappyJapan embroidery machine hinges on learning and mastering some simple skills and practices that must be performed regularly during operation: 

• Properly loading the bobbin (lower) thread and performing a bobbin tension check: watch this video to learn how to properly re-load your bobbin case with a new bobbin and perform a tension check.
• Upper thread check: Perform this check on every needle/color when first setting up your machine, and on any color/needle position you are about to use that hasn’t been run recently. 
• Replacing a Needle: needles should be replaced as often as needed, and they must be aligned in a very specific way. Further discussion on needle replacement is found in the learning workbook linked on this page.
• Setup for different types of embroidery jobs requires knowledge in the following:
  • Digitized design: when at all possible, best quality is achieved if the design has been digitized specifically for the type of garment or fabric you will be embroidering it on.  For example, a design that has been optimized for a polo shirt will probably not sew well on a fleece blanket or ballcap, and vice-versa.  If you have obtained your design from another source instead of having it custom-digitized for a particular fabric or garment, (for example, purchased or downloaded from an online site that provided no information about what it was set up for) it is important to test the design on a similar fabric before embroidering on the final product to verify sew quality / compatibility with that garment or fabric.  When having a design digitized for a specific job, it is important to provide the following to the digitizer to ensure a quality product with respect to the digitizing:
    • Best quality artwork you can get from your customer
    • Size of the final embroidery design – any given design has to be digitized differently for each size
    • Any information about the garment/fabric – ideally the style number so that the digitizer can see information about material thickness, stretchiness, composition, texture and other factors that affect how the design is digitized
    • Any information about the way the design needs to be embroidered that is not obvious from the artwork (this can include specific color requirements, design elements that are not intended to be sewn, requests for applique, 3d puff or other special techniques that your customer may require.
  • Choosing the appropriate needle for the job – for the most part, you can use the 75/11 sharp point needle for most applications.  Further discussion on needle choice is found in the learning workbook linked on this page.
  • Choosing the appropriate stabilizer for the job will directly affect the quality of the sew-out.  Further discussion on stabilizer choice is found in the learning workbook linked on this page.