Performing periodic maintenance on your sewing
machine is important. A well-maintained machine
will likely run better and prevent annoying, time
consuming, and costly problems later.

Since there are so many sewing machine models
out there, this is meant to be an overview of the
basics. Consult your manual for the specific
maintenance needs of your machine.

Note: If you need the manual for your sewing
machine, try visiting your manufacturer’s website.
They often have old manuals available for download
or purchase.






































































































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Basic Sewing Machine Maintenance










Keep your sewing machine covered when it’s not in use

Or place it in its case or cabinet. This will keep the dust away and you’ll have less cleaning to
do later. You can get a plastic cover from a sewing store or you can make your own cover.

Clean your machine


Important: Before performing any type of maintenance on your sewing machine, unplug it first.

Lint from thread and fabric accumulate on the interior parts of your machine. Clean this lint out
after every project or after about eight hours of continuous sewing.

Unthread your machine and take out the bobbin. Remove the pressure foot and the needle,
then…

Clean the surface of your machine

Dust the outside of your machine with a soft cloth. Use a damp cloth on any stains. Never
spray any liquid directly on your machine. Use a brush or cotton swab to clean out the
thread guides and the various nooks and crannies.

Clean between the tension disks

Raise your pressure foot mechanism to loosen the tension springs. Clean between the
tension disks with a clean cloth. Or blow the lint out using a can of compressed air*.

Clean the bobbin area and under the needle plate

Remove the needle plate (also called the throat plate). Refer to your manual if you
don’t know how to remove it – some snap out and others have to be unscrewed. Open
the slide plate to expose the bobbin area. Clean out any lint with a small brush, cleaning
the bobbin area and around and under the feed dogs. Or use a can of compressed air*
or vacuum the lint out. Use a pair of tweezers to pick out any stubborn lint. Remove your
bobbin case (consult your manual) and clean away any lint.

Inspect your needle plate

Before putting your needle plate back, check it for nicks or burrs. Smooth out any you find
with an emery cloth.

Courtesy of http://www.sewingsupport.com/basic-sewing-machine-maintenance.html