How to Service a Sewing Machine

A sewing machine is a worthy investment that leads to many creative memories.

Considering replacing your sewing machine every time it bulges is a false obligation! A sewing machine isn’t a car that you must return each time it requires an oil change or brand new filters. It is a machine that can efficiently work if you take care of it well enough.

It is an every-day task to maintain your sewing machine because routine sewing tasks can create a lot of mess and mold in the motor, which may cause it to break down. That said, performing regular maintenance and cleaning your sewing machine can increase its lifespan.

Moreover, servicing a sewing machine isn’t a big deal, and it isn’t always ideal for taking it to the repairman and have it repaired. You have all the tools you need to maintain your sewing machine at home, so why stress about it?

Here, we will teach you how to service a sewing machine with a few ninja-techniques. Before we begin, you must know that these steps are easy as pie and you’ll enjoy every second of it.

Steps to Service your Sewing Machine to the Fullest

Clean the Sewing Machine

Cleaning the sewing machine does not suggest a cosmetic clean-up. It includes cleaning dust, dirty oils, snapped threads, and other cringe-worthy particles.

In this step, you have to disassemble the sewing machine, not entirely, just a few parts. Prefer to take out the outer case and start cleaning the functional components of the device by oiling them.

If the bobbin and feed dogs lack proper function, it means the stuffed fibers and fluff is stopping them from working correctly. Moreover, threads stuck in the machine can also create a difference in performance.

Oiling your sewing machine is necessary, and if you don’t do that, the engine will seize up. Speaking of oil, make sure you use a sewing machine-compatible lubricator.

Maintenance Tip: Keep your Sewing Machine covered when not in use

The number #1 reason why sewing machines start to lose their flair is that they are always exposed to the environment.

You can never tell the severity of contaminants rolling in the air. Therefore, keep your machine covered. Most high-end sewing machines come with covers, and if yours has one too, use it!

The best way to avoid interior fluff buildup is to follow this woman’s tip: Martha Stewart suggests sewists use only high-quality and new thread each time you sew. Also, she recommends everyone to unplug their machine after use, and dust the bobbin case regularly with a makeup brush.

Give a gander to the bobbin

First of all, remove the bobbin and its holder. If you notice a little dust, blow it away or if it’s a lot, then use a brush to clean it. The bobbin case is easy to remove, and it features a sharp edge called a hook, made to capture the upper thread to connect it with the lower thread and create a stitch.

Touch the surface of the bobbin case to see if it is smooth or not. If not flat, use fine sandpaper to remove potential burrs. Once done, attach it back.

Review the tension

The bottom and top threads demand a firm hold when under tension. Also, the two strains must be in synchronization with each other.

Some people prefer to adjust the top thread tension with the tension wheel, while others believe that there is a pressure setting feature on the bobbin case at the bottom.

Lubricate the sewing Machine

All sewing machines operate a lot better with regular lubrication. As you know, sewing machines are built from several tiny moving parts that are prone to damage if not taken care of. The bottom line, lubricating the engine will improve the function of your sewing machine.

Here’s a tidbit: never lubricate a sewing machine with traditional oil, always use sewing machine pure oil.

Your motive is to service your sewing machine, and only a quality sewing oil can help you in that purpose. Just a few drops are needed for this treatment. But before you lubricate your sewing machine, make sure to clean it out, especially the bobbin case properly.

Furthermore, it is ideal to follow the instructions written in your sewing machine’s User Manual to have a better idea on how to lubricate this particular make and model with its nooks and crannies.

Double-check all the other machine parts

The process of double-checking the operation of your sewing machine involves stitching off on the longest zig-zag stitch or a straight one. You must be wondering, why make a zig-zag stitch? Because it is the best way to determine the timing and tension of your machine components that are required to produce a beautiful stitch.

On the flip side, a zig-zag stitch that appears as if it’s been snatched from its elegance and sequence indicates the wrong timing and tension. Moreover, don’t forget to check the accuracy of the foot pressure, feed dogs, and bobbin winder.

An essential component that requires frequent checking is the bobbin holder. If it gets damaged or not aligned properly, your sewing machine will not function at all. Also, use a precise bobbin. A false bobbin can ruin the perfection of sewing.

Lastly, remember to check the quality of the thread you are using. If the thread is old and looks weak, prefer not to use it because that will influence the performance of your sewing.

Closing Statement

So, was that challenging to do so?

A sewing machine repair at home is not as troublesome as you think. You don’t have to visit your repair guy now and then. The steps we’ve listed above are enough to give you the ultimate sewing machine servicing.

The key to servicing a sewing machine is to know what you are doing. Some parts require regular adjustments while others every once a month, so make sure to identify which sections need the most attention.