SEWING MACHINE MAINTENANCE // What you can DIY to properly clean & de-fluff your sewing machine!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Maintain your sewing machine, and it will love you back! Let me show you how to take off he metal plate, properly de fluff, clean and oil your sewing machine!
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Tell me... Do you regularly clean your sewing machine? Or..... not? Or ...........never?!
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Yes, defluff after each project or once per month!
My first sewing machine I didn't know you were supposed to clean it. Or change the needle.
What do you think of yearly tune-ups by a mechanic? I've been told a yearly maintenance check is always necessary but I think in the almost 20 years I've had my machine it's gone twice.
After each project, with makeup brushes!!
I learned last yr how to clean my machine. I got sidetracked and forgot, so it's been about 6 months.
Seems like I'm always defluffing my machine --- it's amazing how much gets in there in such a short time. I have learned a little trick that helps. Always put a little piece of fabric under the presser foot when not using -- keeps the dust out.
That can also be your waste piece for sewing onto at the end of the seam so the thread doesn’t get bunched up.
Better still, sew up a sewing machine cover if yours didn't come neither a soft nor a hard case cover.
@@EverythingCustomMade A soft cover with pockets (not really ever used) is the FIRST thing I sewed on my machine. It took me a few days, but, I finally got one made. Til then, I covered the plate and the top of my machine with pieces of fabric. It sure helps to do that. 😉
I don't sew very regularly, but I made it a habit to de-fluff every time I start or finish a project.
That is a great habit! And after each project is prefect timing! 😄
Oh no my machine is from 2001 and i have cleaned it never times
Oh noooooooo! 😂😂 I bet your machine will sew so much better when you do give it a clean! 😃
Same but 2003 😂😭
My older machine lets me know to clean out the fluff and oil it--it will sound different, sort of run rougher, when it needs to be cleaned/oiled.
Me neither lol
1960s, same story 😅
I have been sewing all my life, but self taught. I had NO idea about cleaning my bobbin area. I cleaned it out last night, it was amazing. Lots of fluff. Thank you for the video 🥰
😀 Did you find 'felt pads'? I bet your machine will run so much better now!
@@Evelyn__Wood yes! lol I had a little ball of fluff😂
timestamps
0:00 Intro.
2:25 De-luffing your machine.
5:31 Blowing out the fluff with air.
6:14 Oiling your machine (if needed).
7:19 Putting the machine back on.
7:58 How often should you clean you machine?
8:33 Outro.
9:02 Final tip (do a test stich).
9:22 Bye!
hope these help!
A great reminder. I regularly clean my old machine and oil is a must for my old machine. I also use the keyboard vacuum attachment to vacuum out the fluff before brushing to make sure I got it all. When I have a problem first thing I do is clean machine, rethread and change the needle. Amazing the number of problems these three steps will cure.
What, you mean I can't start a feed dog felt pad business on the side? ;) Seriously though, I liked the overview. I appreciated the protips about taking a picture before taking it apart, and doing a test stitch once it was all back together.
I sarted having thread jam due to this....I have a 1940's machine I inherited from my grandma, and had no idea how to clean it, thanks a lot for all the super useful information, I got to learn so much from your videos! Greetings from Argentina!!
Your most welcome!!
Getting the plate off is easier if you keep a 1p or a 1¢ as it fits the screw head.
Using a pc vacuum that runs on batteries is pretty effective too.
🤤🤔😃 I'm going to my purse right now!!
Brilliant! Need to try that on my Featherweight, because my "stubby" screwdriver wasn't cutting it!
Elizabeth Eleck those screwdrivers supplied with machines are for only for changing the needles!
May I suggest you list what problems might come out if you don't de-fluff your machine properly? Love your contents
The penny just got chewed up so I had to upgrade to a nickel and that did the trick. Thanks for the tip!
A syringe without the sharp end is perfekt for oiling. Cotton tips bring new fluff.
I try to "defluff" after 3 bobbins get emptied. I also oil everyday per the instructions with my vintage 301A singer. I let my hubby do the monthly cleaning oiling. This is "sew" important!
I never even realised defluffing was a thing I could do until I found your channel a few months back! My usage patterns are quite irregular, but defluffing is now part of my sewing process. It also allowed me to find what part of my machine is responsible for bobbin tension and play with that, which has massively reduced all the issues I was having with it!
Felt pads between the feed dogs makes me laugh every time!
I use canned air to defluff the thread guides (I have found a significant amount of fluff depending on the thread I used). Also, I have learned to put both plates back (the metal and plastic). Put the screws in loosely, then turn the flywheel and make sure it's popped back in, and not in too tight. The shuttle, on my Brother, has a white dot, which aligns with the bottom right (in the shuttle area). Match the white spot on the shuttle to that spot, and test with the flywheel, to ensure its moving back and forth as it should. I use a long bristle fine paintbrush (used in detailed work) to get in the hard to reach areas. A coin may be useful in unscrewing those awkward screws on the metal plate. If you have fat fingers like me, remove the sewing foot, needle (this reminds you to out in a fresh one), and some machines have an extra part that holds the sewing foot, that can be removed. Lastly, put a piece of rolled masking tape, sticky side out, on your work area, and put the screws on it, or use a stable little dish, so you don't lose those screws. They can be a bit on the pricey side. Remember to clean your belly button too. ,😏
Thankyou for all those extra tips! I'm sure others will appriciate them! (And I'll check my belly button now too!🤣)
I haven't been sewing much this last couple of years. Cataracts and glaucoma, just had surgery, sat down and sewed for the first time in a couple of years. Just hemmed a couple pairs of pants. I was forced here to defluff due to fabric getting caught in dog feed, had to tear it all apart. My husband was laughing about all the swearing I was doing.
Aww no!!!! We have all done that for sure! Like you said, on the bright side you have a clean machine out of it! 😃
I had to have it serviced back in December because it quit wanding the bobbins
I so enjoy your videos!
I clean and oil my machine every 6 hour or so, which usually means once a day. I sew on a relatively-new Bernina, and it does require regular oiling and maintenance. Since I sew with lots of natural fabrics, I do get lots of lint; regular de-fluffing is a must! I don't mind the maintenance requirements, I like keeping my machine in tip-top shape.
As for your felt pad reference: a customer at the shop where I work once insisted that her felt pad be returned to her, as it was missing when she picked up her machine from servicing. She was quite irate, and sure that we were wrong when we told her that the pad was the result of accumulated lint. It seems that she was removing it and carefully replacing it when she cleaned and oiled her machine (which can't have been often, since there was a felt pad).
The techs will actually take photos when they get a particularly dirty machine on the bench. I have seen some amazing mounds of lint!
I believe one of my 3 machines states in the manual not to use canned air or anything to blow the fluff, because it will pack it further down into the machine.
I would add that if you sew with more lint producing fabrics or predominately use 100% cotton thread you probably will need to defluff more often.
Evelyn, great tip to take a photo of the bobbin shuttle before removing it, making sure it goes back correctly.
So I bought my machine in March and have defluffed it only once.scary amounts of fluff this time! All those masks!
🤣 It's quite incredible how much can accumulate in tiny area, even after not much sewing! It's so good your already doing this regularly!
I had to laugh when I saw this video because just yesterday I cleaned and oiled mine. She's pretty old (from the 80s I think) and recommends oiling every month. For those that do need to oil it's worth it to check the places where you put the oil since lint can get in there too and create a gunky mess. I'll usually clean any linty oil with a qtip before I put in new oil.
So true. If your machine goes long periods without use, or you are trying to revive a family heirloom, clean _thoroughly_ ! Old oil can oxidize and make a tough goo in the machine, especially if it is the wrong oil and has mixed with fluff. It will be in the hardest places to see or reach. Remove fluff often, oil sparingly.
The machine I use ( borrowed) is over forty years old. I don't sew often, and am ashamed to say, never clean. Had it serviced a few months ago... However, this excellent video and the helpful comments by other viewers are very helpful. Will turn over a new leaf from now on. Thank-you, Evelyn and everyone.
I recently got a sewing machine that was sitting in my parents closet. Not sure how long it was sitting there or how old it actually is. It still works but now will de fluff to see how much better it will run.
Thank you for this video and all your tips in the others. All so wonderful.
Also you’re like real life Snow White in this vid with the red headband and blue blouse. Gorgeous.
I so appreciate that you talk fast and always get straight to the point! Your sewing tips are the best 🙂
Are all modern machines so anti-user-friendly to get in and clean? I've got a 1980 Elna SU, no shuttle, bobbin just drops in, and no screwdriver needed, bobbin plate hinges up, front (throat) just unclips!
De-fluff every time I change a bobbin, oil when it gets noisy (one drop 3-in-One). Yes it needs to go for a proper service, but that will have to wait until after lockdown lifts! (in Scotland).
Oh ELNA sewing machines were/are very popular in Holland🇳🇱 as well👍🏻. I have inherited my Mom's Husqvarna 2000 (don't hear that brand name outside the EU much) that she probably bought in 1976.
my brand new janome does need oiling. very little, but still, definitely not just older machines.
i'm a quilter so i do the fluff thing after piecing and then again after quilting. that comes down to about every time i change a needle.
i do feel like my new top loading machine gets a lot more fluff than the old side loading one i used before this. i wonder if i'm imagining it.
That's interesting! I've never been able to compare bewteen top load and front load!
My singer also is fairly new and asks for oil in the manual. I try to defluff regularly, but every time the amount of fluff baffles me. Thanks for the explanations
Uh oh. My older machine is front load bobbin; my brand new heavy duty machine is top load. I regularly clean out the fluff anyway, and that is good to consider.
Commenting to help the algorithm!
😚😚😚 Always appreciated!
My mom bought me my machine as a high school graduation present. It's over thirty years old yet works well. It's kinda like my pet and I cover her with a tea towel after use. I do take it apart to oil and defluffy it. It needs proper grooming.
You look so much like a vintage Snow White and I absolutely love it!
I have been doing some intensive embroidery projects and didn't once think to defluff the machine. Holy moly! I think I found a small animal's worth of fluff in my machine. It's a wonder it didn't just quit and refuse another stitch! Thank you for the encouragement to peek down there and see what was lurking. I'm a defluff convert for sure!
The 1st time I de-fluffed was when I was having problems with my machine. I swear I took out at least 4 tablespoons of fluff. After that, my machine worked fine. It was deeply satisfying.
It is oddly satisfying getting out all that fluff right!
I had just cleaned a vintage sewing machine for a lady that had so much fluff under the bobbin case that it raised up lock down and jammed the machine. I did use air to blow it out because I could open the machine completely up and from experience I knew it was ok. The sad part was because it was an older machine and covid she was not able to find anyone to take it to. Part of my sewing and I think I've mentioned this before is keeping my vintage machines going and every time I think I'll just skip cleaning and oiling I have to stop and ....... de-fluff and oil. It catches us all.
My machine is older than me (it’s from my mother) and it still works great, if you maintain your machine it can last a long, long time.
Absolutely!!
I found that the brush won‘t fit into all the crevices on my machine, so I have started to use a feather to fetch the fluff out.
I’m so glad I managed to service my machine just before the pandemic started... I clean it once a month or after a large project (or when sewing with wool!) I did buy a used over locker that hasn’t been serviced though, I cleaned the inside and wow, the amount of fluff that came out of its innards was mind boggling 😅
Lol I just did this yesterday! You are right about the oil. I have a 1222e pfaff made in 1978. It a mix of old tech and new ( well at the time) . Parts need oil and parts don't, however if you oil it wrong it will mess nylon parts and computer parts.
Exactly!! Thankyou for pointing this out!!
My sewing machine is from the 60s.... that was also the last time it was cleaned..... I think it should also be oiled, it kinda growls before the needle starts moving 😂
Thanks for the instructions, I've been sewing for 8 years now and no one told me this stuff.
Do you recommend having a cloth cover over the machine to avoid dust? I don’t use my machine as much that’s why.
Something I do as an extra measure of safety is remove the needle and foot while cleaning. It gives you extra room to clean, and prevents accidently getting stuck or breaking needle during disassembly/reassembly.
I bought a small vacuum to help with cleaning. Since I sew lots of flannel, fleece and quilt with batting, I have to clean my machine often. I also begin from the top so that I don’t drop lint into the area I just cleaned. LOVE all your tips and enthusiasm. 🤗❤️☺️
Loving your channel so far. I’m mid 60’s and sewed a lot 35 years ago but didn’t have time for years although my machine has always been set up in a room for emergency mending and such, but except for a christening gown and a couple dresses for granddaughters I’d not sewn in decades. Masks got me going again and I’ve found so many new notions have been developed. Clips are a favorite now, super useful in mask making. I bought large cutting mats. I’ve started watching some videos but so many are long and slow. They could say and demonstrate in 5 minutes what takes them 20! I can’t spend hours watching youtube especially since I’m not a beginner. I love that you seem to move along quickly.
I’m visiting granddaughters 2k miles from my home and brought a new sewing machine as a birthday present for the 13 yr old. She likes to make costumes and has been using hot glue! I’ve had less than two weeks to teach the basics-in the middle of soccer, homework, household chores and her also learning to cook-she’s never been interested. I’ll have her subscribe to your channel. She’s been practicing on finishing about 30 masks I’ve been making for her family. Little sisters are interested and helping too.
Thanks for your fun and super useful videos. My machine is a Bernina 130 I’ve had since 1997 and other than using canned air I’ve never cleaned it. I guess it’s time.
Forget the tiny brush, I just put the vacuume cleaner nozzle into it to remove every bit of fluff and dust
Evelyn: you should being doing this all the time
me: *has literally never done this*
Whoops
Saaame
Well, from now on after every project, to avoid problems! Some particularly fluffy fabrics (think sewing a teddy bear) may require it even mid-project, but only with small projects (like mending) are you safe to make a few of before cleaning again.
@@MiljaHahto haha I have definitely made it more routine now! :) I sew costumes so a ton of satins and furs and all sorts of fanciful things go through my machine. I try to clean at least once a week. :)
@@LyssaJ It becomes a breeze to do once you get used to it.
whenever i take something apart, i video it so i can reverse watch to reassemble
My husband taught me to take images--having a picture has saved many of our projects.
A coin makes a pretty good screw driver for those plate screws. I use a US nickel, but I bet any coin would work.
I just found this video looking up “cleaning sewing machine.” Thank you for the lesson!
I clean my sewing machine after every session of sewing or embroidery. I am happy you mentioned not to use canned air or an air compressor - those drive lint into the mechanisms; I always use a vacuum to remove the fluff.
I de-fluffed this week...oh, so much packed lint in the feed dogs and all around the bobbin. I'm really glad you mentioned the "wick" as my machine does indeed have that. Since I somehow brought on a little squeak after de-flluffing, and maybe a small drop of sewing machine oil on the wick will help the squeak go away.
Vacuum:
Take an empty toilet rol. Adjust it to the vacuum hose, and pinch the end. Put your vacuum cleaner low, and go
As i do not have a sewing room, before i put my sewing mackine and serger away, i vacuum both as i vacuum the fluff and threads from the floor. This way i know my machines are always fluff free
Wait...you have to clean it? In the few times I have used my sewing machine, the thread kept getting jammed or the needle was getting stuck. It’s a mess.
I do clean it but thanks for the reminder. I also take a picture before I disassemble and find it really helps. I’ve got a sewing machine screwdriver that looks like a short key - very useful.
You mentioned that you vacuum it? Do you use super small attachments on a regular vacuum, or is there some kind of small vacuum for cleaning small things and tight spaces?
So helpful! Didn’t know that piece came out of the bobbin area lol. I took the top plates off recently and cleaned everything out. Guess I need to take the bobbin piece out and clean under there. I’m about to finish a project with minky fabric so I’ll do that when I’m done.
Just added
Today’s List:
🌑 Clean sewing machine
Aaaand my machine is OLD, so...
🌑 Oil sewing machine
Thank you, Evelyn! ❤️
Felt pads.....LOL!
Hi Evelyn, I couldn't get a picture to load in the comments but I got a lot of fluff out when I cleaned my machine. Thank you for the tips!
I‘ve been using a lot of vintage cotton and linen and it seems to create so much dust. Plus I bought a new sewing machine and so I‘m still very much in love with it. With reason it seems. The stitchplate comes off by pressing just one corner. The shuttle has just one anchor. It is still a bit fiddly, but self explanatory. When I see fluff collecting on the presser foot I know I will find fluff under the stitchplate and behind the shuttle so I clean. Strangely enough, although my machine certainly is modern I‘m still supposed to oil it, but one month after purchase I still see so much oil when defluffing that I have not yet done so, but I will once I see no more oil residue from the big glugg my machine seller must have been given it. If you want your machine purring like a kitten instead of heaving like a 70 year old smoker do what Evelyn says and clean regularly.
I have 4 vintage sewing machines and a serger. I de fluff frequently. I also oil about every 2-3 months as needed. The kind of oil is also very important, because some oils turn to a varnish after time and it’s not fun to clean off. Changing your needle is another important maintenance step.
While I was binge watching all your video's on your TH-cam channel, in the last week.
I stumbled across a video where you talked about "Good Sewing Habits" where de-fluffing was on the list. So I went straight to my machine, and did it 3 days ago👌🏻. I had done it but not on a regular basis. And although I have been sewing since I was six (taught by my Mom on her Husqvarna 2000, bought new in 1976, that I used & inherited after she Passed away). I had to admit to myself that I should apply all the good advice to my sewing. Only a few years ago I stopped with holding pinning needles between my lips, while pinning😅. So we are never too old (49yrs) to learn good new habits👌🏻. So now de-fluffing and changing sewing machine needles (more frequently) will be added to my "Good Sewing Habits" list...
I Promise 😁✌🏻.
I must have been channeling you ... I de-fluffed my machine last Sunday for the first time in ages and was quite surprised to see how much fluff I was fostering in the bobbin feed! What prompted me was a rather unpleasant "chugging" sound...amazing what a little brush and a swipe of the vacuum cleaner hose can remove! Sadly, no photos - but no chugging sound now either!
i tend to have trouble with the top part of my machine rather than the bobbin area. the thread seems to never slide easily down to the needle as it is pulled on while sewing. it needs sharp tugs to 'flow' again at times. is it possible that the top needs de-fluffing too? it acts the same regardless of the tension setting. ive thought that maybe my machine is somehow defective, since it was like that from the start.
Yes definetly! That is for a mechanic though. I get similar to what you describe sometimes when I don't put my spool cap on, just incase you have left it off, maybe pop it and give it a try!
I de fluff all the time. At least once per week or at the end of every project. My machine is a new machine and it still requires regular oiling, so I do that at least once per month. I was always told not to use canned air because it can push fluff further into the machine. Also, like regular air, canned air contains water vapour and it gets forced into your machine. This can lead to rusting of metal parts.
I have a Simplicity SB3129 (Brother) machine that I love. I can get the bobbin case out to de-fluff, but I've never been able to get the metal throat plate off because the screws were in so darned tight. I tried using a penny with one of those silicone key covers so I could get a good grip, but the penny just got chewed up. Then I tried a nickel with the silicone cover on it, and after much struggling, the screws finally gave way! Wow, I can finally do a more thorough job! I find that pipe cleaners are good fluff grabbers. Thanks everyone and Evelyn for all the tips.
I could photograph the machine on my sewing table, but it wouldn't be an honest review of my historical maintenance habits. I'm hoping to do better with this one than my last machine.
Wait so you mean blowing the extra lint off the bobbin isn't enough?
Bha ha ha usually not! You must have a tough machine! 😃
Hi Evelyn, use a 10c piece to remove those screws, much easier than the screwdriver.
This video helped me sooo much because i was about to take apart and oil my sewing machine but the fact that you warned to read manual first was a life saver! Normally i defluff before, in the middle of the project(if it takes more than 6 days) and after every project! very amazing how much fluff gets in there! Thank you sew much for the help!
I made it a habit to defluff after every sewing session ever since my old machine broke because I never did.
My machine is quite new (a few months old) and the manual says I should oil it, so - always consult with your manual.
This was a great video, I'm guilty of using compressed air, oops! Can you make a similar video focused on serger maintenance?
The dealer where I bough my first machine did not recommend canned air: the ladies told me that it might force the fuzz into the machine where it could not be removed.
The dime coin, in the US, works great for a screwdriver.
I de fluff all the time. At least once per week or at the end of every project. My machine is a new machine and it still requires regular oiling, so I do that at least once per month. I was always told not to use canned air because it can push fluff further into the machine. Also, like regular air, canned air contains water vapour and it gets forced into your machine. This can lead to rusting of metal parts.
I defluff my machine regurarly but yes I'm amazed how much fluff there is again next week xD
But because I didnt use my machine for some years now and my "home cleaning" wasnt enough I think, I brought her to the "doc" for cleaning and maintanence. I will get her back in 2 to 3 weeks.
My friend gave me a singer 6215C sewing machine, it was her mom's that passed away, I've never sewn in my life on a machine. I'm just baffled what I've gotten myself into. I'm determined to make some masks for starters tho. But my ultimate goal is to make my dad a quilt. Have I bitten off more than I can chew? I have this far off feeling of dread..... Have you ever made a quilt before?
I don't know if it's ever been cleaned before. I haven't plugged it in yet lol! But this weekend is the weekend!
Most quilts only look hard because they are physically large. If you can figure out how to sew a straight line, you can sew any number of beautiful quilts! Masks are a great project to learn on! Be brave, start with a test scrap to get a feel for it, watch lost of vidoes and give yourself grace when trying something new. Welcome to the world of sewing, I hope you have a pleasent and rewarding stay.
Woaw wanting to start with a Quilt...that's what I call brave!!👏🏻 Just don't pick a very intricate Quilt pattern for your first ever. The bigger the square blocks the easier. There are many good Quilt tutorials on TH-cam as well. And as Leah Regier already said; just give yourself grace as you learn to sew. Hope you enjoy the journey. ✌🏻
Bigger pieces is where I was looking lol. I have big hands so I thought larger pieces would be less stressful. I've been watching videos about 2 weeks because working late took my physical ability time. I will film it and pray for a non-disaster outcome lmbo! I expect it to be crazy until I learn how the machine performs and how to adjust it. I downloaded the manual.
I have a 20-year-old Bernina that does need to be oiled, but only once a year or so, according to my mechanic...and I sew a lot for a hobbyist: everyday after work and on the weekends. Definitely check with your mechanic to help you understand how often you should be oiling your particular machine!
Shud have taken a picture. It's been about a month and it was literally stuffed with fluff under the plate.
Wud love to see a video explaining the seam allowances. My machine, babylock joy shows 3/8 1/2 5/8. Have ordered seam guide but wud like to understand it. Suck at math obviuously
I need that 1/4 inch for quilting, so I know what you mean. I am looking into a guide but for now, I use a piece of Washington tape to mark 1/4" on the bobbin plate. It's easy to remove for other sewing
I sew nearly everyday, Monday’s I clean my machine, change needle, clean cutting table and sewing table. It’s become a part of the day. My machine works great! I take it in to be serviced twice a year
I just got a 'new' sewing machine (and old one from my grandma) my previous sewing machine I never cleaned, but I'll definitely get into the habit of doing so now.
My poor machine has never been properly de fluffed due to a plate screw that will not move. I've spent hours before trying to unscrew it and find the screw being stripped down instead of coming undone. I have no clue how to tackle this problem.
Have you tried a little synthetic oil to loosen the screw? If that doesn't work....there are special screwdrivers that can "unlock" screws that have been "stripped down". Maybe someone handy/or a sewing machine maintenance guy could help with that. Because you'll need a new & fitting screw to replace the "damaged" old screw. ✌🏻
I have a brother machine that I've had for 2 years. It's never been defluffed to my knowledge but I've been using it regularly only for the past 4 months. This poor thing was very very dusty, especially since I've been sewing with corduroys. Tip: I used a penny to unscrew my metal cover since I lost my tiny flathead and my larger one will absolutely not fit.
Evelyn, thanks for reminding me to do a little sewing machine house keeping. Have you done a video on the different types of needles? I recently found needles specifically for denim. What others are out there that we need to be aware of?
Yes please, have never grasped which needle to use. As I never sew thick fabrics, I just use whatever's in the little box... so far so good, but neither smart nor informed, I know!... BUT have now found your earlier video about needles, and now understand much better. Thank-you!!
I have my mothers vintage Elna supermatic from the late 50s and i absolutly love her. one of my favorite things is i dont need a screwdriver for access to defluff. it also makes it easier to open things up if something happens and the threds tangle.
My machine is over 40 sears old....ive never cleaned it.....oh god
😅 You are probably not alone in that 😉✌🏻. Your sewing machine will be extra grateful, plus deliver much better sewing results, now that you will tackle the de-fluffing👌🏻.
My machine is over 40 years old, she does need oil or I heard her struggling haha. Remember if you have an old machine, there is probably a full maintenance tutorial in the instructions manual :D (at least mine have one).
Mine is that old too, but I can't find the manual on Google. Any advice?
I've been sewing for more. years than you are born. I learned on a treadle! I love your videos. This one in particular. I am obsessive about cleaning my machines. I do it at the end of every sewing session. I used to use canned air, but don't anymore. I have one of those mini attachments that hooks onto my vacuum cleaner to suck it all away. I still have to use a brush in addition. Sergers are the worst of course because they often get un-threaded during the de-linting. I HATE rethreading my serger, but I can't live without one! LOL. If you keep your machine clean, change your needle for every project, and use the right type of needle for what you sew, you'll rarely if ever need repair.
I have a few machines. I have been sewing heavy items like 3 layer masks, Denim for a wedding, and a nylon/fiberglass mesh that is beach bags. These I do on an older Baby Lock that is a Beast of a machine and lives forever. I just put to rest a Kenmore (went through everything but metal) last year (motor gave out because of age). Both of these were Old to Vintage Machines. They Last forever. They were given to me after they had worked unknown hours for others.
I clean my machines every time I change a bobbin when doing heavier stuff like the Mesh and the Denim. I use Sample Mascara brushes to clean out the areas (found at beauty supply stores) deep past the bobbin case, and shuttle. I try to sharpen the needle every time as well with steel wool to deburr and keep it working more smoothly. Oiling is about every 3 months or when I feel like I have been particularly busy. With the older machines, and older industrials. they require oil from the top as well. Or white grease if they change stitch patterns without knobs on the top or are semi-electronic.
Recently I had to oil my Best Friend's Industrial machine that we had been using for Handbags for the Christmas Show Season. I had to figure out which holes were for which reason. The other industrial she has is self oiling. It was pretty easy when you take it apart and look. Ran like Butter after that.
I started sewing on my Mom's machine when... 8 I believe... I have been the only one she truly let use it because I believed it was so precious. She taught me how to to use a Singer... She bought it when my Older brother was born in 1963. I taught myself to maintain it and later found information for that. (she never knew what to do to maintain it's works). I used it for business means in 1995 to 1999.. at least 30Hrs a week. Still in working order. I wore out a simple Brother machine from 1990 to 1999> Thousands of miles on that one.. even with regular maintenance.
Sewing machines are AMAZING!! The HISTORY of how they were created is AMAZING!!!!! and how they work is incredible. They have REVOLUTIONIZED the whole garment and home sewing industry. I hope you do an Episode on the Creation of the Sewing Machine.
This was a great episode. I think it would be wonderful if you found someone with an older machine that has to take more apart to oil and maintain it. Or maybe find links to how to OIl/maintain other brands of machines. They are pretty basic and the cleaning is pretty basic. Active Sewists just need to know how to do it!!!
My mom just helped me clean my machine a couple weeks ago. It does need oiling once a year. My machine is a basic Viking I got it in 2006. I love it. Cleaning it resolved one issue I was having but now it skipped stiches on thick fabric. So ...
Ha ha If it's not one things is another right!! Did you try a bigger needle? If you did alreafy... all machines have a limit to thickness unfortunately 😟
@@Evelyn__Wood yes I did change the needle. Thing is, the machine has handled much thicker layers in the past. So its really just nuts.
I am so glad that you created this video. I have always been surprised at how many people don't know that they have to clean their sewing machine. It is also very important that they have their machines (especially the one's you cannot take the cover off) serviced by a professional. They would be shocked as to how much fluff collects inside the machine. Love the information you give. Great job!!
Hi, Funny thing happened today...
In parts thanks to you Ms. Wood there is now a brand old vintage green Husqvarna Automatic 21 E (Viking I think they're called in some places of the world) from the late 50's or early 60's sitting on my kitchen table. It's a very coveted machine around this part of the world. I got it from our local EBAY-type place and after it got to me, it went to the doctor for a check-up.
To shorten this essay a bit, let's concluded that as a senior machine, it needed a little TLC and then he (the machine not the doctor) came home with a new spring in his step. I have found that he has a feed dog(?) issue, so today my husband oversaw me doing what you just did. He is an engineer (the husband not the machine) of that particular kind, that has pulled every single household appliance apart and put them back again, before the age of 12. What he did was that, when he unscrewed each piece he put that piece, and the screws holding it to the machine, in separate piles during the whole procedure. After we were done with the brush he blew, very gently, into the machine before putting back the plates, shuttle and screws to put it back together again. He (the husband) would have conniptions if I was to suggest that we would use the vacuum or spray air to di-lint it.
We couldn't fix the feed dogs, by the way so he (the machine) will have to go back to the doctor's at some point. There weren't a whole lot of fluff either but I have used it maybe a few of hour so far, as I'm learning how to sew. Did I say that I'm a 55 year old absolut beginner sewer, by the way? As the keeper of a senior sewing machine, I wanted to highlight the more analog approach, with keeping the screws and things in separate piles, and not just rely on digital coming to the rescue if you mess up.
When I picked my machine up after his treatment, I asked the gentleman in the shop how often I should oil my new, much loved senior, and he told me that it had been over oiled, and I should only put oil in it once a year or so. I think that he (machine again) might need yearly check-ups anyway, so I will let them do it when he's in the doctor's office. Much like we having our blood pressure taken and getting our flue shot.
So, that's the story about timing with this post. Yours, Ann
Hahaha back in college I was blessed and got de-fluff the industrial machine at the end of the semester.
I probably pulled an entire ball of yarn out of it 😂😂😂
I like to do mine once a month or after a thicc fabric project. Especially when I'm using velvet, chiffon, or silk.
Thankyou!✨Thankyou!✨ for all your sewing tips!just cleaned my sewing machine!I love your show! 😍✨🌟💛✨👑
Thank you, Evelyn, for your cheerful sharing of knowledge and expertise. Keep up your fine work!
Thanks for the great video. Really inspired me to care for my machine. One tip I learned to get at those hard to reach screws on the plate is use a COIN instead of a screwdriver! (Like a penny) Hope that helps in the future cleanings😁
I clean my machine every time I oil it. or in the case of my machine that doesn't take oil I clean it before every new project. I purchase the service manuals for all of my machines.
"Offset screwdriver." Can get them inexpensively.
Christ i found a bent pin in my machine !! I cleaned it for the first time in years, my mother never did it and never taught me to
It was dusty and fluffy but a whole freakin pin ??
It squeaks a lot i think it needs oiling but it's pretty recent i'd have to search on that
I bought my machine back in 2007 and I had NO CLUE I was supposed to clean it 😳😳😳 I want to start sewing some things to sell but my bottom thread has been doing funky things... I looked up how to clean a machine before I get started and now I’m wondering if the trouble isn’t from all the fluff in there?!?! Gonna clean it Monday!!!!
Hi! I cleaned my machine and surprisingly, there wasn't much fluffy mess. ;) However, I didn't find a black plastic thing in my bobbin holder? I see the two black window-wiper things but everything else is metal and didn't look like there was really anything to remove for cleaning except the whole entire bobbin holder? I will check my user guide anyway but maybe you know if I should bother unscrewing it or not. Thank you so much!
I have an old machine (1973) that is side loaded so it's easy to de-fluff and oil. I have a column in my sewing journal where note cleaning dates and if it's at home or done professionally.
I should be as loyal in maintenance and in my general upkeep, with my Mom's 1976 Husqvarna sewing machine, as you are👌🏻. A sewing journal sounds so professional👏🏻.
@@janehollander1934 thank you! I just realized that I would make things and go back to upgrade a few years later and have no clue what I did or was thinking. I just this year started to be really diligent about keeping it. It's the only journal i have ever been able to keep consistently.
The bent screwdriver you were talking about is called an "offset screwdriver," and can be bought cheaply. I bought my wife her machine when we got married 35 years ago, and about a week ago she mentioned it wasn't working anymore. Wish I took a picture of how much gunk was in there! LOL Works a lot better now.
Hello...I had de-fluffed my machine. However, lately my machine has been slowing down. Would you know the cause of this?
The picture taking is absolutely brilliant!
I defluff every 2 bobbins. I have a Husqvarna and it's actually pretty easy. I also vacuum through every opening whenever my vacuum is around when I'm defluffing :)
I was having trouble with my thread getting "bunched" underneath the fabric(s) I sewed on. It would only bung- up every once in awhile, though. So, I figured it was the tension setting on the individual fabrics that needed adjusting when I re- threaded and did all other normal tasks that you can do for the bunching problem. NEVER had defluffed my machine ! THEN, it started sounding "wonky !" And, eventually wouldn't sew ANYthing right ! Sooo, I took my bobbin holder completely out - including the large casing which holds the bobbin in place - and you would not beLIEVE the "FLUFF" I got out of my machine !!! Looked like a couple of portions (loose) at least of those large marbles --- the thumb - shooting size !!! I was in awe at how much there was and was sooo glad I got deep into the bobbin case to clean it ! I never thought about taking a picture beforehand, though. So, luckily, my bobbin case wouldn't fit back into my machine until I had the settings just right on it like it was before I took the mechanism out. But, if you can, I recommend going further into the bobbin holder to clean it out hopefully completely. It sure saved me from going to the sewing machine repair (or replacement) shop !!! I was actually ready to have to bite the bullet and have to buy another machine !!! 😉 Thank you so much Evelyn for sharing this video with us. I was wondering how often I needed to clean my machine and if I needed to clean anywhere else. Would you recommend cleaning other places besides the bobbin area ? TY for answering if you can. Love your channel. 🥰😉😻