To keep your sewing machine in good working order, there comes a time when it needs a service. This can be because of how old it is, how much you use it, or just because it needs a good going over.
The best way to make sewing machine repairs or sewing machine maintenance is to have a routine. Just like how you get your car serviced or even your teeth cleaned, taking good care of your sewing machines means they’ll last longer and keep your sewing longer.
It’s a good idea to service your sewing machine regularly to extend the life of your sewing machine and to keep it running smoothly.
Buying your first sewing machine is an exciting thing. As you get more comfortable with your machine you may begin to ask yourself, “when should I service my sewing machine.”
Although you may have read the manual that came with your sewing machine, you may not know how often you should service it.
Introduction: How to Service a Sewing Machine
How do you know when it’s time to service your sewing machine? Or, if you have a vintage machine that you want to use, do you need to service your sewing machine at all?
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of servicing your machine every six months or so, and if your machine is vintage, servicing it is a necessity!
A sewing machine is a valuable piece of equipment that can be a big help in producing professional-looking garments.
It’s important to maintain the machine to prevent costly repairs and keep it running smoothly. With regular cleaning and dusting, proper lubrication, and proper storage, you can get the most out of your machine.
Removing Fluff and Dust
Most Sewing Machines (and other devices) come with a handy dandy little brush that is used to clean the lint out of the case and other areas that are hard to reach.
This prevents excess lint from building up and making a mess in your machine. Sometimes we don’t use it often enough, or our handy dandy little brush isn’t quite getting the job done.
This is where a Vacuum comes in handy.
A good little canister vacuum, with an attachment for your machines hose, will get the job done. If you don’t have a vacuum with a hose attachment, you can always use a brush, or a lint roller.
Checking the Bobbin
Bobbins are not hard to come by, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check the bobbin to see if it is functioning the way it should.
If you are having problems with your machine, or if you want to ensure that your sewing machine continues to work perfectly for years to come, you need to make sure that your bobbin is functioning correctly.
In order to do this, you’ll need to make sure your machine is threaded correctly. Next, you’ll need to make sure there’s a bobbin on the machine.
Finally, you’ll need to clean out and lubricate the bobbin compartment of your machine.
Lubrication
Lubrication is a simple, but often ignored step when it comes to maintaining your sewing machine.
Many sewers neglect to oil their sewing machine on a regular basis, so they are unaware of the importance of regular lubrication.
A few drops of oil at every oiling and your sewing machine will run more smoothly, and last longer.
Checking the Tension
What is Tension? Tension is the force that holds the fabric in position on the feed dog. It is the amount of resistance that is put on the fabric as it passes under the needle.
There are several common issues that will affect your sewing machine if you do not maintain it properly.
Checking the Bobbin Winder
Most people who sew at home, or who have basic machine skills, know how to check the bobbin winder of your sewing machine.
This is important as you’ll want to make sure that it is functioning properly, which is critical to maintaining optimal sewing performance.
The bobbin winder is a part of your sewing machine that you may not be aware exists until something malfunctions, or you need to change your sewing machine needle. (It is the device that pushes the thread through the needle.)
The bobbin winder may be located on the front or back of the machine, depending on the manufacturer.
Checking the Electrics
Your sewing machine is one of your most important tools, so it’s important to know how to check the electrics of an electrical sewing machine.
It’s also important to be aware of some of the common causes of electrical faults such as loose connections and bad wiring.
Change Needles Regularly
Most sewing machines have a needle that needs to be changed often to ensure optimal sewing quality.
If you do not change the needle often, you will notice that the stitches will be of poor quality and the machine will work harder, resulting in shorter machine life.
Keep Your Sewing Machine Covered
Your sewing machine is an expensive investment, so you want to take care of it to make it last a long time.
One of the best ways to do that is to use a protective cover.
A good cover will protect your machine from the dust and dirt that it will inevitably be exposed to, and will also protect it from some of the more common accidents that can befall your machine, like kids spilling food or pets knocking into it.
The right sewing machine cover can also help you take care of your machine, keeping it clean and ready to use any time you need it.
In Conclusion
We’ve all had moments where we look at a sewing machine and wonder if there are any little details you can adjust or fix to make it work better. Well, there actually are, and it’s called “servicing” your machine.
This means taking your machine apart to look at its insides, cleaning and tightening things up, and then putting it back together. Even if you’re a beginner sewer, servicing your machine once in a while is a great way to learn more about how it works.
