Stitch in Time
for Your Sewing Machine
Sewing for your home, yourself or your family is rewarding in many ways. But if your sewing machine doesn't cooperated, it can turn a fun project into a frustrating chore.
A sewing machine is a precision piece of equipment, and most repairs should be left to the specialists. However, that doesn't mean you keep on sewing until a problem arises and then run to your nearest repair shop.
Routine preventative maintenance will help you to avoid many of the more common problems with sewing machines. And once problems do occur, many of them can be solved without actually getting involved with the precision parts.
Because there are so many moving parts inside and underneath a sewing machine, lubricating is the single most important servicing a user must periodically take care of, and thoroughly cleaning the machine is the next most important.
Symptoms that a sewing machine needs cleaning and lubricating are varied. Sometimes the machine doesn't run and the thread bunches up or breaks. So whenever you are having difficulties with you sewing machine, don't take it to a repair shop until you have first cleaned and lubricated it.
But don't wait for trouble to show up. A sewing machine should be cleaned and lubricated routinely about every four hours of use. Which means if a big project has you sewing all day long for several days, the machine should be cleaned and lubricated every day. Otherwise if you only use your machine for occasional mending jobs once a year may be sufficient.
First unplug the machine and put it on top of a table that is padded with a thick layer of newspaper. Next remove the thread, needle, presser foot, slide plate, needle plate, bobbin and bobbin case.
Gaining access to the interior moving parts of sewing machines varies greatly with different models. The only area you want to get into is the section that houses the presser bar., just above the presser foot. You'll also want to clean and lubricate the undercarriage of the machine.
Refer to your owner's manual for how to get into the presser bar compartment. Some machines have a door that snaps open, other are held on with screws.
Using tweezers, and a soft artist paint brush remove all the lint that you find in the bobbin case compartment. Next spray the presser bar compartment and the bobbin case compartment with LPS-1.
LPS 1 is a greaseless, dry penetrating lubricant. Although it goes on wet, it dries leaving a thin film that prevents rust and corrosion on metals, and is harmless to plastics and electrical parts according to the manufacturer. In addition, the manufacturer claims it will not stain fabrics.
After spraying, use the artist brush to work the lint out of the crevices of the bobbin compartment. Then turn the machine on its back and do the same on the underside of the machine. Now plug the machine in and run it for several minutes to loosen any hidden lint. Repeat the process until you're satisfied the machine is clean.
Refer to your owner's manual to find out what parts need to be greased. Grease is a solid lubricant and is usually used on the gears underneath the machine.
Check to see if the sewing machine motor should be oiled. If so, use the amount and type of oil recommended in your manual. A motor that requires oiling will have a small oil port (hole) on each end of the motor. Don't overdo, a few drops is all it takes.
Whenever your sewing machine is acting up first check the threading. Remove the thread completely and start all over. Some machines won't sew properly if the bobbin thread and top thread are different or if the thread is of a poor quality.
Then check the needle. Use a new one, fresh out of the package. next check the bobbin. Is it wound properly? Is it inserted properly? Is it damaged? Remove it from the bobbin case and insert it again. A damaged bobbin is hard to detect so change to another bobbin as a test.
Always store you machine in a dry location. Dampness will start rust, the beginning of the end for a sewing machine.
|
