Sew simple

Sewing Machine Maintenance For The Maintenancily Challenged

Recently we had a near catastrophe at our place.

Scarecrow asked me to make another shade structure.

Whilst she was sewing it on her really neat Janome sewing machine it suddenly stopped working.

It needed some maintenance.

Whatjaneed:
Some sewing machine oil
Silicone spray
Tweezers/forceps (or really skinny fingers) for removing fluff
A rag
Paintbrush for brushing stuff out
Screwdrivers
Chocolate bar (no job is complete until you have eaten your choccie bar!)



Warning: Do not try this if your machine is still under warranty (duh!)
Do not try this if your machine is a computerized one coz it might die!
Do not try this if you are not confident that the world will not come to an end because you took your sewing machine apart!

Click on each picture for a better view.

Step 1
Most sewing machine look pretty much the same. Look at it and see what comes apart.

If you have a manual it will show/tell you what you can access for maintenance purposes.



The three I have are an old Godfrey, a Grand and a Janome model.

Step 2
Check out where the screws are on the top of the machine.

These will allow you to remove the top and see inside most of the workings.



Step 3
With the top off, see what moves.

Lubricate any moving parts with a drop of sewing machine oil or a directed spray of silicone.

The rear of the Grand has a plate that can be moved aside to lubricate some of the workings.





Step 4
Check out the bobbin area.

A bobbin works like this:



As you can see, there are many areas where fluff can jam up the works.

If your sewing machine suddenly stops, bet your life that the bobbin has be clogged up with fluff'n'stuff.

Step 5
Check out the underside of your machine and lube/spray/clean out moving bits.



Contrary to popular belief, it is quite easy to clean up and troubleshoot your machine.

Just take your time and make sure you know how to tension your machine.

Clogged bobbins and incorrect tension seem to be the main causes of sewing machine problems, from what I have seen/heard/read.

Regards, Doc