🐰 No judgement, but when was the last time you cleaned your sewing machine? 😳
👀 Skipped stitches, thread difficult to pull, a grinding sound, or visible fuzz peeking are all ways your machine is saying "mmmmmmmaintenance, pppplease!" In a Jenny Slate’s voice.
Every time you sew, tiny fibers shed off your fabric and thread and drift down 🍂 into the bobbin case, the feed dogs, and the tension discs. Over time that lint builds up into a soft little nest that messes with your tension and makes your machine work way harder than it should.
So, if you’ve never cleaned your machine before, you might be shocked with what has taken up residence in there. 🐇
How To Clean
Turn it off and unplug it. Becasue I know… electricity ⚡️
Remove the needle and take off the presser foot.
Take out the bobbin case and set it aside. This is where the worst of the lint hides. 😬
Remove the throat plate and any covering to the arm of your machine (tape the screws to it so you don’t lose them)
Use tweezers and a brush (the little one that came with your machine) to sweep out lint from the bobbin area, feed dogs, and tension discs. Some people recommend using compressed air …some people are against it. I don’t find it necessary.
Oil only if your manual calls for it. Just a drop or two in the designated spots! More is not more. Some modern/computerized machines may not recommend oiling and will say something like “self-lubricating, do not oil" .. check your manual first.
Rebuild that baby, thread, and test on a scrap before you go back to your real project.
When is it time?
It depends on how often you are using the machine. Set a reminder to do this once a week, once a month, after 1-2 projects. Annnnd if you’ve never cleaned your machine…baby its time!
Moral of the story .. sewing machines don't hold grudges, but they do collect all need evidence of your neglect to throw back in your face. A five minute cleaning can have it running good as new and avoid the repair shop.
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