| A sewing machine is a fun and handy appliance that | | | | instructed in your user's manual. |
| will last you a long time if you take care of it properly. | | | | * Using a piece of fabric you don't want, make several |
| To keep your it running efficiently and prolong its life it | | | | stitches in it to remove any excess oil that may have |
| is important to keep a regular maintenance routine. | | | | accumulated. This will avoid damage to future sewing |
| Taking just a few simple steps to maintain it will keep it | | | | projects. |
| performing at its peak when you need it the most. | | | | Look for Loose Screws |
| Every sewing machine has its own unique | | | | Heavy use of a sewing machine can quickly cause |
| characteristics. Therefore, you should consult your | | | | screws on it to loosen up. This can cause problems |
| user's manual concerning what your manufacturer | | | | down the road. To avoid them, periodically go over the |
| recommends as necessary routine maintenance | | | | appliance and tighten all the screws. Most machines |
| procedures. Taking a little time for this now and then | | | | come with a screwdriver that is a perfect fit for them. |
| can save you a lot of headache further down the | | | | Consult your manual as needed. |
| road. Here are a few tips for taking care of the unit: | | | | Keep a Clean Working Area |
| Clean the Throat Plate | | | | The time you set aside a time to maintain your unit is |
| * Remove the throat plate. This is the metal plate | | | | also a good time to clean up your working area. This is |
| under the foot. You can remove it by taking out the | | | | particularly important if your sewing machine is in a |
| little screws that hold it in place. Make sure you put the | | | | table. Loose threads and pieces of cloth can work |
| screws somewhere safe while you are working | | | | their way into it. Removing lint and dust and bits of |
| cleaning the machine. They are tiny and easy to lose. | | | | fabric from the table on a regular basis will keep them |
| * Using the small cleaning brush that came with your | | | | from doing so. |
| machine, brush out all the dust and debris that has | | | | In addition, taking the time to organize your sewing |
| accumulated. | | | | drawers, accessories, and threads will help you keep |
| * If you have a small hand held vacuum, use this to | | | | things neat and easily found. This way when you are |
| access any hard to reach areas. | | | | busy working on a project, everything will be readily |
| * Clean the area with a soft cloth to remove any | | | | available to you. There will be no need to spend time |
| grime and oil that may have accumulated. | | | | away from your project looking for just the right |
| Clean the Bobbin Area | | | | thread and tools. Being organized makes any project |
| Using the same procedure as described above, clean | | | | go smoother. |
| the bobbin area. Remove all dust and debris with a | | | | Keeping a well maintained machine and a clean |
| brush and clean with a soft cloth. | | | | working area will give you a lot more enjoyment out of |
| Oil Your Machine | | | | your time spent with your hobby. |
| * Using only sewing machine oil, oil your machine as | | | | |