Whether you use a sewing machine for professional or personal reasons, there are plenty of ways you can maintain your investment. Regular upkeep will preserve the machine’s functionality and extend its lifespan. Follow these simple tips to care for your machine and learn more about how it operates.

How to Keep Your Sewing Machine in Great Condition

1. Keep It Clean

Clean your sewing machine by first removing the throat plate. Consult your owner’s manual instructions for how to unscrew this piece. Use a nylon brush instead of a compressed air duster to remove inside debris—canned air will only lodge it further into the machine. Don’t forget to clean between the feed dogs and remove the bobbin case, if applicable, to further eliminate dust.

2. Always Use the Correct Needle & Thread

Poor-quality or overly thick or thin thread will stress the machine and injure the fabric. Likewise, don’t work with extra-hard fabric to avoid overtaxing the sewing machine. 

3. Troubleshoot Tension Problems

Deal with thread tension problems using troubleshooting tricks such as cleaning under the needle plate with a nylon brush, replacing the needle, or rethreading the machine. If these efforts do not work, your sewing machine requires professional service.

4. Oil It Regularly

Apply oil after each cleaning to keep the many moving parts lubricated and free from damaging friction. Turn the wheel back and forth to determine which parts need oil. Keep moving the wheel until the parts are sufficiently lubricated, and use a piece of muslin fabric to absorb excess oil on the machine body.

5. Cover the Machine When You Aren’t Using It

Store the machine in a clean, dry location, and cover it to prevent dust and dirt buildup. Your chosen location should also be out of reach of children and pets to avoid injuries and machine damage.

If your sewing machine has broken down, take advantage of the repair services from Sew Special. As the biggest sewing and fabric store on Maui, HI, this shop offers sewing classes as well as quilt kits and supplies. Call (808) 877-6128 today to learn more about what they can do for your machine, or visit the store online for class information. You can also get their latest sale updates on Facebook.