Tips for the maintenance of a sewing machine

Before doing any maintenance, remember to unplug the machine, as this will avoid any personal injuries. It can be helpful to take a few photos when dismantling the machine, as this will help you to reassemble everything. Also make sure you read the machine’s instructional manual.

1. Clean the machine regularly

To remove lint and other debris that could block the mechanisms, you simply need to do a little cleaning from time to time:

1. Remove the thread from the bobbin.
2. Remove the bobbin case that holds the bobbin.
3. Remove the entire bobbin mechanism: bobbin case, bobbin and raceway.
4. Using a brush, clean off any lint accumulating in the bobbin mechanism and feed dogs.

2. Oil your machine regularly

1. Give your machine a good clean.
2. Pour a few drops of oil around the bobbin mechanism and its metal hook, as well as on the needle bar.

Before oiling, remove the needle plate, bobbin, bobbin case and the cover that encloses the needle bar (only if this cover can be unscrewed by a visible screw, as some machines cannot be dismantled at this site). First, remove thread and fabric debris with a brush. Use a special machine oil, available for example from haberdashers.

Start your machine by sewing a few stitches on scraps of fabric to remove excess oil.

If any stains remain after running the machine for one minute, this could be because you have used too much oil. Soak up the oil, and wait for a few hours before trying again on a scrap of fabric.

Now you’re ready to take good care of your machine.

Are you keen to change your machine for one that works better? Your old but still operational machine will surely make others happy, if taken to a re-use centre. If your machine no longer works, it’s worth remembering that the seller is not obliged to take the old one back when you buy your new sewing machine. In that case, you can take it to a Recupel point near you. The machine will then be recycled into new raw materials.