If the hole in the needle is too tight, the yarn cannot run freely. If it is too loose, the yarn falls out when you lift the gun away from the frame. A small adjustment to the plate behind the needle usually solves both.
This adjustment works the same on the AK-1N Duo, the AK-1H and the AK-V (the video shows the Duo). If the plate itself has fallen out or is out of line on an AK-V, that is a different job: use how to fix the AK-V needle hole plate instead.
Unplug the machine before you start. You only need a screwdriver.
Steps
- Find the screw at the top of the needle. Loosen it slightly. You are not taking it out: a small turn is enough so the plate can move.
- Turn the machine so you can see the underside of the needle area.
- Move the black metal plate. This plate sets the size of the hole:
- Push the plate down to open the hole (better for thicker yarn).
- Push the plate up to close the hole (better for finer yarn).
A screwdriver gives you more control than a finger. In the video we open the hole fully, which is a good starting point if your yarn is on the thick side.
- Tighten the screw so the plate cannot drift while you tuft.
Test
Thread the yarn and tuft a short line on scrap cloth.
- If the yarn still will not feed, open the hole a little more, and also check that the yarn itself is running freely from the cone. See preparing yarn with a yarn winder. On the AK-1N Duo and the AK-1H, a tight hole plus a tangled supply will also make the machine beep.
- If the yarn falls out when you lift the gun, close the hole a little and test again.
Once the yarn stays in the needle and feeds without a fight, you can go back to your project. For first-use settings on each model, see the AK-1N DUO, AK-1H or AK-V setup guide.