The A-Z Guide to Sewing Machines: Maintenance

Sewing machines need very little maintenance but they should be cleaned and , where applicable oiled regularly. Obviously, the more use your machine has, the more often it will need cleaning. Some fabrics create more fluff than others, so check the bobbin area for lint frequently.

CLEANING

The most important parts to be cleaned are the bobbin raceway, feed teeth and needle plate. Become familiar with the mechanism of your bobbin area: many modern, front loading bobbins have two knobs which push aside to release the raceway. I find this easier if the machine is tilted backwards onto a cushion. Always check the raceway when a needle has broken, because you must retrieve the broken tip of the needle. It can become lodged in the raceway and scratch it: this causes a roughened surface which can catch on the sewing thread and break or damage it.

Cleaning instructions

1. Disconnect the machine from the electricity supply.

2. Remove the needle plate and brush out all lint from the feed teeth.

3. If your machine has a front loading bobbin, lay the machine on its back (supported by a cushion).

4. Remove the bobbin case.

5. Remove the raceway where applicable. Take care: note which way round the parts are placed!

6. Brush out all fluff and lint. I sometimes vacuum this area with the end of a vacuum cleaner hose, especially if the machine has a top loading bobbin. If your vacuum cleaner has a method of controlling the power of the suction try a gentle approach first!

7. Wipe the cleaned area with a cotton wool bud with a little machine oil on it.

8. Before re-assembling the parts run your fingers over the parts removed from the raceway and the needle plate. Check for any scratches or roughened areas. If any are present try filing them with a file or nail emery board to smooth out any roughness. If the

scratches are too deep the parts will need replacing.

9. Re-assemble the parts and manually turn the balance wheel (get into the habit of always turning this wheel downwards and towards you) to check that you have re-assembled the parts correctly and that the needle is freely entering the bobbin area.

10. Wipe any accumulated fluff from the needle bar. Keep your machine covered when not in use.

OILING

It is difficult to generalize about oiling because some of the more recent machines (mainly the electronic and computerized models) don't require oiling. Therefore, you need to check your machine instruction book. Always use sewing machine oil, as most other oils are unsuitable: they are either too thick or they solidify and clog up the machine. If you use your machine frequently and are familiar with the way it sounds you will notice a harshening of the sound which indicates that the machine needs oiling. If you are putting your machine into store, or will not be using it for a long time, oil it before storing it away.

Most machines which require oiling have a series of holes, sometimes painted red, to indicate where oil is required. Some models need the top plate removed to adequately oil the machine.

Do not put too much oil in these holes, just one drop in each. Do not over oil.

To oil the machine (if applicable)

1 Switch off the power supply.

2 Drop one drop of oil into each appropriate hole.

3 Run the machine with out any thread or fabric in it for a few minutes to distribute the oil.

4 Wipe the outside surfaces of the machine with kitchen roll to absorb any excess oil.

5 Sew on a piece of cotton or calico (with the machine threaded up) to ensure all the surplus oil is absorbed and will not spoil your sewing.

If you follow these simple maintenance steps regularly your machine should give you years of trouble-free sewing.