Sewing Machines

[maisie27]

Hi all! Starting the as a general thread on sewing machines. I’m looking for someone to talk me through servicing mine if possible? It’s been in the cupboard since I did some alterations last year, hasn’t had a service since I bought it about 4 years ago and only gets sporadic use. But now is Obviously the time to make curtains, so I’d like to learn how to get it ship shape and keep it cared for!

[paul01]

Hi Maisie

I’m assuming that you had the sewing machine from new so it is only 4 years old, you have the instruction manual and it was stored in its case. If these assumptions are incorrect let me know and I will adjust the following…

This is what I would do if you brought your machine into the Repair Cafe:

Ensure the machine is switched off and unplugged from the power supply.

1. Inspect the machine, power cables and the foot control for any signs of damage - damaged casing, cut of chaffed cables etc. If no damage is apparent continue.

2. Following the instructions in your manual, remove the needle, presser foot and, if possible, the presser plate (the plate under the foot). Remove the bobbin and bobbin case and set all pieces carefully aside.

3. Using the cleaning brush provided or a small soft brush (a new 1/2” paint brush is ideal if you do not have the one that came with your machine) carefully clean all of the machine paying particular attention to any lint, fluff or thread in the hook and feed dog assemblies. You can carefully use a small vacuum cleaner to assist you. Some thread may be caught in the sewing assembly so you may need to use a small pair of tweezers to carefully pull any debris out. Sometimes it is necessary to turn the hand wheel on the right hand end of the machine slowly towards you (counter-clockwise) to release debris. Do take care and ensure you do not trap of injure your hands.

4. Carefully clean all of the components you have removed - again with the brush paying particular attention to any fluff or thread in the bobbin case. Do take care cleaning the inside of the bobbin case. On some there is a flat spring in the base of it which can easily be dislodged, others do not have a spring.

5. Oil all of the oil points described in your instruction book. On most modern machines this will only involve oiling the hook assembly. You should have oil provided with your machine if required.

6. Before reassembling the machine, carefully rotate the hand-wheel towards you and take the mechanism through a full rotation. This will help spread the oil and will allow you to check it is all moving smoothly. Depending on your model, you should put the presser for lever to the down position for this. On some machines it will automatically go down.

7. Following your instruction manual, refit the bobbin, bobbin case, presser plate and presser foot. I would recommend fitting a new needle at this stage.

8. Follow the top thread path from the spindle where you mount the thread spool all the way to the needle, carefully cleaning away any debris. The top tension discs can generally be cleaned by flossing with a pice of sewing thread to clean them. This should be done with the presser foot up so the discs are untensioned.

9. With bottom thread loaded, load your top thread and thread the needle. Using the hand-wheel take the machine through a complete cycle to bring up the bottom thread by slowly moving the hand-wheel towards you (counter-clockwise). This will also check you have the needle and foot assembly correctly fitted. If you get any unexpected resistance or hit something revisit the foot/presser plate/needle fitting.

10. Ensure the machine is switched off and connect it to the foot control and power supply. Switch machine on. Set the machine to its slowest sewing speed setting & straight stitch, and conduct a stitch test, adjusting the top tension as required.

Notes

A. External parts of the machine can be cleaned with a dry e-cloth or duster.
B. Some sewing machines have a removable bobbin case carrier - your manual may show you how to remove this too for cleaning and lubrication.
C. If you have lost your manual, most are available online in pdf format - try the manufacturers’ help and support sections on their websites.
D. Some bobbin cases sit horizontally, some vertically. i have assumed it is vertical in the narrative above. If it is horizontal you may only have a cover over the bobbin.
E. If you struggle to set the tension you may need to clean the bobbin tension plate - I can post the procedure separately.

This should cover the basics to get you sewing. Hope it all goes well. We are here to support you so feel free to com back with any questions or concerns.