By Linda Ann Nickerson

In today’s marketplace, the sewing enthusiast may spend hundreds, or even thousands, for a brand-new sewing machine. From a basic appliance to fully-computerized system, this is a
capital investment. How can you keep yours humming along in good form?

Notions Count

Sewing machines can be costly, particularly if you opted for extra stitches, attachments, or embroidery capabilities. You will want to protect your investment by purchasing and using
high-quality notions.

1) Thread

Be sure to buy quality threads. Cheap thread is no bargain, as it can destroy your machine from within with fraying, knots, and uneven fibers. Those spools in the close-out bins at the
fabric store are usually not a good deal at all.

2) Needles

Sewing machine needles must be replaced regularly. If your needle accidentally hits a button, snap, zipper, or straight pin, while you are sewing, then you should replace it.
Dented, blunted, or bent needles not only fray delicate fabrics and shred threads, but they can also destroy your stitch plate and engine mechanism. Knit and woven fabrics require different needles, as do varying weights and textures of fabric. Sewing machine needles are usually color-coded, so you can quickly identify the
correct choice for each project.

3) Bobbins

While you are at the sewing store, it might be a good idea to pick up some new bobbins and needles. These need to be replaced fairly often, to prevent tangling threads and unnecessary
friction inside the machine. Bobbins are inexpensive; they may be metal or plastic. This is a simple way to boost machine performance.

4) Magnetic items

Some pincushions and seam guides are magnetic. If your machine is computerized, magnetic devices may be a bad idea. (Keep magnets away from your sewing software as well.)

Keep it clean

Dust and lint are the chief contributors to sewing machine failure. Minimizing these will streamline your sewing.

Every time you sew, you will want to use a soft, clean cloth to wipe down all surfaces of the machine. (Fabric softener sheets work well.)

After every 8-10 hours of sewing, remove the threads from the machine and blow out any dust or fabric-lint that may be stuck in the thread housings. Most sewing machines come with a little cleaning brush. Be sure to clean out the disks in the threading channels. A cotton swab will suffice, if you do not have the brush, as long as you are careful not to leave any cotton residue in your machine.

Before re-threading your machine, you can squirt a few drops of thread lubricant on your spool of thread. Sewer’s Friend and other choices are available at fabric stores. Keep your machine covered when you are not using it, if possible. This will greatly reduce your wear-and-tear and dust damage.

When you vacuum your sewing room each week, you can use your tapered vacuum attachment to clean the bobbin-well and the thread housings. Employ a screwdriver to remove the stitching plate, so you can vacuum inside the machine. (Be sure to unplug your sewing machine before vacuuming it!

Try to keep the entire sewing surface as clutter- and dust-free as possible. A lot of lint and threads can accumulate in the sewing area, and these can destroy your machine. Of course, your sewing area must be as moisture-free as possible, to prevent mildew and rust from harming your machine, as well as your fabrics, patterns, and other supplies.

Basic Maintenance

Keep your manual. If you run into problems, you will find helpful information in the Troubleshooting section. Also, this will contain a toll-free number for technical assistance, if you need it someday.

Be sure to check your power cords regularly. Make sure they are connected properly to your machine and to your power outlets. A surge protector is a must, as a single electrical storm can spell the end of your precious machine.

Use clear sewing machine oil periodically to lubricate moving parts. This comes in a special bottle for simple application. You can purchase refills by the gallon online. (Do not use standard oil, as it will stain everything you sew.) Look in your manual, if you are not sure which parts to oil. Sew on a scrap afterwards, to prevent leakage on quality fabrics. Change the light bulb, when it goes out. Check the wattage, and match it exactly to prevent overheating.

At least once a year, you will want to have your sewing machine professionally cleaned and serviced. The technician will adjust tensions, tighten screws, and replace any worn-out parts.

You can search online for sewing machine repair services, or check with your local fabric or sewing store for referrals. (Many fabric merchants have regular in-store repair schedules.) A basic tune-up is usually less than $100, unless you have a computerized machine requiring more complex service.

When you carry your sewing machine, be sure to use the handle, if it has one. Use your other hand to support the base of the machine. (If you have a carrying case, close all latches carefully.) In your vehicle, select a sturdy location where your equipment will not tip or wobble.

Enjoying Your Investment

Your sewing machine can serve you faithfully many years – even decades – if you take good care of it. Whether yours is a simple straight-stitch machine, or deluxe, multi-tasking automated equipment – if you keep it in good working condition, it will serve you well.