Sewing Machine Maintenance

Loraine, who has many years of machine maintenance experience under her belt, presented our March instructional meeting. Pictured with Loraine is Brenda's computerized machine and Lainee's older non-computerized machine.

Here's Brenda cleaning with the base of her machine taken off.

Here are some important tips from Loraine:

1. If you have a newer machine that is still under warranty, do not clean/oil in places other than indicated in your owner's manual. The manufactures have little clips in the machine that will let them know if you have been exploring...and it will void your warranty.

2. DO NOT use compressed air in a can to clean your machine...it will only blow the lint into places that you don't want it to go, like computer boards and nooks and crannies.

3. Only use sewing machine oil to lubricate your machine...other oils can become sticky over time and attract lint.

4. Use cheap paint brushes (1" or smaller) or soft craft brushes to clean your machines. The soft brushes attract the lint. Or you can buy the attachments for your vacuum to suck out the lint.

5. Always have a piece of fabric under your presser foot.

6. Check your presser foot plate for nicks if you've broken a needle. Nicks can cause your thread to fray (more lint) or break (more aggravation). You can smooth the nicks with emery cloth.

7. Know what a clean machine looks like so you won't confuse compacted lint with the little pieces of felt that are suppose to be there.

I know there where more tips and I will check with Loraine and update with more tips.

Our March Show, Tell and Ask will be held tomorrow...if you're in the area, stop by and join us...10 a.m., at the First Methodist Church.