Looking after your sewing machine is important. Having a good understanding of this, following these simple rules will help prolong the life of your machiine and avoid unnecessary repair bills.

How often should I clean my machine?

Ideally after each use you should wipe all around the sewing machine using a soft cloth. The shuttle area should also be cleaned regularly do avoid build up of fluff and dust.

Where do I clean?

Clean around the machine using a soft cloth. Use a soft brush to clean around hard to reach areas. if your machine has tension discs use a piece of thread to clean between them as dust can easily settle there.

When  your sewing machine is not in use, always place a cover to avoid dust settling in and around the machine. To keep your sewing machine operating well clean the exterior using a soft cloth wiping from the top to the bottom,  clean in and around the thread regulator.

Cleaning around the shuttle/ bobbin area.

Drop down bobbin. Feed teeth located  under needle plate.

Remove the bobbin case, clean the area with a lint brush. Ensure you remove any pieces of thread or fluff. Lower the feed teeth and clean using the brush. Compressed air cans are also useful for cleaning the area below the bobbin area.  Never use a wet or damp cloth around this area as this can damage the machine.

Remove bobbin case holder.

Bottom of the bobbin area must be cleaned  using a brush.

Change your needle regularly!

Prevention is better than cure so regularly change your needle . manufacturers often recommend that you change the needle  every time you start a new project. If it a long project then change the needle a number of times.

How often should I oil my machine?

Always follow the instruction manual when oiling your machine it is worth remembering that not all machines need oiling so check with your  manufacturer.

Troubleshooting

When first experiencing problems check then rethread the top thread and bobbin.

Fabric puckers

Check needle as it could be damaged.  Rethread  both top and bobbin thread. Ensure that you are using the correct type and size needle. Use a quality thread.

Skipped stitches

Check needle it could be damaged. Ensure needle is inserted correctly all the way into the clamp.use the correct type of needle.If using jersey or stretch fabric ,use a jersey/stretch needle Rethread both the top and bobbin thread. Use recommended presser foot.

Needle breaks

Use care not to pull fabric when sewing. Check bobbin case is inserted correctly.Check needle plate is correctly placed .Ensure correct needle type and size. Check the needle is inserted correctly.

Poor tension.

Rethread both top and bobbin thread. Check tension discs for fluff.

Fabric does not move

Check the feed teeth is up. Check stitch length. use the correct size and type of needle.

Upper thread breaks.

Check for correct threading. Check the needle plate is placed correctly and check for  damage.

Bobbin thread breaks

Check bobbin threading. Wind a new bobbin.  Check needle plate is placed correctly and check for damage.