What are you up to this summer? Do you have travel plans? An RV road trip to visit national parks, family, or a stop at a timeshare? We’re all busier in the summer– no doubt about it. Since it’s nicer outside, not only do we spend more time outside, but we also spend more time traveling.
It adds up to less time spent at home in front of your sewing machine. Less cutting, pressing, sewing, and quilting. You’re not sewing as much in the summer, so it’s the perfect time to take care of your trusty machine so it continues to perform at its best.
Cleaning a Sewing Machine
The lint, dust, and accumulated bits of thread (not to mention any stray pins!) need to be removed from the outer- and inner-workings of your machine. You know that those hard-to-see tight corners on the underside of your machine are harboring all kinds of dirt. And don't be tempted to blow into the machine– you risk aiming the debris further into nooks and crannies, creating an even bigger headache down the road.
Keep in mind any warranties that might apply to your machine. You want to make sure that you don't take any DIY steps that jeopardize your warranty coverage.
To clean the machine yourself, you’ll need supplies. Find your small screwdrivers and gather cotton swabs, an old toothbrush, rubbing alcohol, and your sewing machine oil. Grab your best light and your reading glasses and get started.
Oiling a Sewing Machine
Once the dirt and debris have been removed, the machine needs to be oiled. A well-oiled machine will run quietly and deliver smooth and consistent stitches. Each machine should come with instructions on how and where to add oil. If you can’t locate the paper instructions, there’s a good chance you can find and download them from the internet. Type in your machine brand and model plus “owners manual” to find the file you need.
If you’re convinced that annual maintenance is a good idea, but you don’t want to do it yourself, then consider letting someone else service your machine.
Treat Your Machine to a Spa Day!
It’s time to drop off your machine for annual service at your local quilt shop. You know your machine will be in good hands when you leave it with technicians trained and experienced in servicing your brand of machine.
Tip: If you purchased your machine from your local shop, ask if annual maintenance is discounted or included for a length of time after the purchase.
What makes a professional annual service different?
A trained machine technician will start by expertly cleaning and oiling the machine. They’ll also visually inspect the mechanisms and wiring inside your machine and make any adjustments if necessary. They’ll give the machine an overall tune-up, adjusting timing and tightening loose screws. You also get the benefit of experience when you take your machine in for service. Technicians know sewing machines inside and out, including the quirks of each brand and model, so they know what to look for.
When you drop off your machine, mention any issues you’ve been noticing– weird sounds, wonky tension, or skipping stitches. The technician will try to diagnose those issues- maybe a small adjustment will take care of the issue with no additional fuss.
Don’t Skip Annual Sewing Machine Maintenance!
We understand that it’s easy to skip routine maintenance tasks. When you’re a busy person, routine jobs take a backseat to all the squeaky wheels in your life that need oil first. However, you’ll never regret getting your machine serviced. You’ll save yourself from many cases of mid-project (and midnight!) snafus that can happen when a machine runs too long without attention.
Ready to give your machine the star treatment? Nebraska Quilt Company's expert technicians are trained to service Bernina, and Brother, and Pfaff, and Handi Quilter machines. Contact us today to schedule a Spa Day for your Sewing Machine!
Nebraska Quilt Company is also your source for classes, sewing machines, quilt kits, and more! Visit us online or in store today.