How to Maintain Your Sewing Machine

If you own or use a sewing machine there are some things you can do to maintain it so it lasts a long time.

For starters,  it’s a good idea to keep your sewing machine covered when it’s not being used. This is to prevent dust from getting into the machinery. People either use a dust cover or a hard case cover in order to cover their machines.

Next, in order to prevent interior lint buildup you should use high quality thread. Preferably, use new thread rather than old. Furthermore, dust inside the bobbin case using a brush every couple months-- make sure to unplug the machine before you do. You’ll want to make sure that lint doesn’t build up in the bobbin case. Did you know most quilters clean the bobbin case after every two or three bobbin changes?

The Machine's Needle

Consider the sewing machine’s needle. If you’re experiencing problems such as looped threads, skipped stitches or pulls in your fabric, it’s time to replace the needle. Many people who sew change their needle for every project they do. Experts would tell you to replace the needle after 8 to 10 hours of use. In order to keep your machine working well, be careful about what kind of needle you use with regards to the weight and weave of fabric being used.

Routine Maintenance

It’s always a good idea to clean your machine after each project you do. One particularly helpful hint to clean the machine is to use compressed air. This helps clean off areas like the feed dogs, tension discs and bobbin area in an efficient manner.

Just like you’d have other things in the home checked by a professional annually, consider having a professional check your sewing machine once a year. He or she can oil it with sewing machine oil, which helps maintain the internal moving parts, as well as recommend anything that needs repair or adjustments.

Keep Unwanted Debris Away

In general, the best way to maintain your sewing machine over time is to combat/eliminate dust, lint and/or thread bits so they don’t cause problems. The cleaner you keep your machine, the longer it’ll last, working well for the projects you want to accomplish.

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