Owning a sewing machine is a valuable tool for anyone who loves sewing. To keep your sewing machine running smoothly and prolong its life, regular maintenance is crucial. One essential aspect of sewing machine maintenance is oiling. Oiling your sewing machine helps reduce friction, prevents wear and tear, and ensures your stitches are even and trouble-free. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to oil a sewing machine properly.
Tools You’ll Need:
Before we get started, gather the following tools:
- Sewing machine oil: Purchase high-quality sewing machine oil from a reputable sewing supply store. Avoid using any other type of oil, as they may damage your machine.
- Screwdriver: You might need a screwdriver to access certain parts of your machine, so keep one handy.
- Lint brush: A small, soft-bristle brush will help you clean dust and lint from the machine.
- Clean, lint-free cloth: You’ll need a cloth to wipe away excess oil.
Step 1: Preparation
- Turn off and unplug your sewing machine: Always ensure your sewing machine is completely powered down and disconnected from the electrical source before performing any maintenance.
- Raise the presser foot and needle: This will give you easier access to the machine’s internal parts.
Step 2: Cleaning
- Use the lint brush to gently remove any dust, lint, or debris from the machine’s exterior, especially around the feed dogs, bobbin area, and tension discs.
- Open the machine’s cover or access panels to access the internal parts. Clean any lint or dust from these areas as well.
Step 3: Applying Oil
- Refer to your sewing machine’s manual: Different machines have varying oiling requirements. Your manual will indicate the specific points that need lubrication and the type of oil to use.
- Apply a drop of oil to each designated point: Use only a small amount of oil at each oiling point. Too much oil can lead to excess build-up and cause problems.
Common oiling points may include:
a. The bobbin case area.
b. The race hook and shuttle area.
c. The needle bar.
d. Any exposed gears or moving parts.
- After applying oil, manually rotate the handwheel back and forth several times. This helps distribute the oil evenly and ensures it reaches all necessary parts.
Step 4: Wipe Away Excess Oil
Use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess oil from the machine. This prevents oil from transferring onto your fabric during sewing.
Step 5: Test the Machine
After oiling and wiping away excess oil, plug in and power on your sewing machine. Sew a few test stitches on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure the machine is running smoothly.
Step 6: Regular Maintenance
Repeat the oiling process regularly as recommended in your sewing machine’s manual. Frequency depends on how often you use your machine, but it’s generally a good practice to oil your machine after every 8-10 hours of sewing.
Conclusion
Oiling your sewing machine is a simple yet crucial maintenance task that can extend the life of your machine and improve the quality of your sewing projects. Remember to follow your sewing machine’s specific instructions in the manual, use the correct type of sewing machine oil, and apply oil sparingly to avoid over-lubrication. With proper care, your sewing machine will continue to stitch smoothly for years to come.
