Buying a new sewing machine is a big investment, making proper care and maintenance incredibly important. Most sewing machine problems are preventative, so with a little care and attention you should be able to use your sewing machine for years to come. Here are a few basic maintenance tips to help you get started.
1. Keep it Clean
The most important thing to do to keep your sewing machine running smoothly is to clean it after each project. Here are a few steps you will want to get accustomed to performing after each project:
- Start from the top. You will want to start at the top of your machine by cleaning the tension discs first with a piece of folded fine muslin. When doing this, make sure the presser foot is up so the springs are loose. This way you will be able to easily move around the springs and clean lint. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow out any fuzz or lint from the inside areas of the machine. Do not blow on your machine as your breath will contain moisture that could cause damage overtime.
- Remove the bobbin. Be sure to throw away the needle after each project and remove the bobbin, throat plate, bobbin case and hook race (if yours has one) for cleaning. Clean around the bobbin area with a small brush and compressed air. During this time, consult your manual to see if any of the parts require oiling.
- Keep it covered. Once your machine is clean, put a cover over it to protect it from lint, animal hair and dust. You will be able to find good, ready-made plastic covers from your sewing machine dealer.
2. Change Needles Often
It is recommended that you change your needles once after every four hours of use. As you sew, the needle goes through the fabric thousands of times, with the bobbin hook moving barely the width of a piece of paper every time it makes a loop. Because of this, if your needle gets too worn or even slightly bent, you will have problems with your stitches and could potentially damage your machine. Your needle should also be appropriate to the type of fabric and thread you are using.
3. Wind Bobbins Correctly
Be sure to avoid having thread tails hanging from the bobbin when you insert it into the bobbin case. These tails can jam the case and cause the upper thread to break. You will also want to make sure you use a bobbin that is specifically designed for your machine. This way you will avoid skipped stitches, noise, loose threads and permanent damage to the bobbin case.
Remember that will a little careful attention, cleaning and use of proper components, you will be able to keep your sewing machine running smoothly for years to come. If you ever run into loose screws or faulty wires, be sure to take your machine to a professional repair shop or back to the manufacturer if it is still under warranty.
