sewing machine maintenance

Recently I engaged a sewing machine mechanic to visit my group and do a talk on how to care for their sewing machines. IT was amazing, incredible and his show and tell was well received and I have to do another because of the interest. He helped the ladies understand how a machine works and how to troubleshoot tension and thread problems. I cant recommend the workshop highly enough. I think each guild should consider doing such workshops for their members - money well spent.

Dear Cheryl,

What a great idea - about 2 years ago Mum and I had our machines serviced and the man came ot Mum's to demonstrate to her how to use it after it's service

But, since my uncle put it back in the furniture a bit adrift (I'd taken it ouut) it wasn't quite working properly. Now the power cable won't go in - the plastic has snapped - I feel it's terminal Mine is still working so I need a table for it to ba added to as a replacement for Mums.

Really, I prefer hand sawing (or even sewing!) I generally have both hands with me even when they ache!

Welcome to the forum - and happy pacthworking.

TTFN From Myra in Gatley - Near Manchester Airport

Hi Cheryl,

I got a guy in about 5 years ago and you are quite right....the group had a great day...lots of questions and I have to say most of the answers are in your machine manual...but we don't read that enough do we.

Welcome to the forum.

Cheerio,

Marlene

I wish my quilt group would do that too. Last time I had my machine fixed, I asked loads of questions, and I asked if I could watch the mechanic fix it, just because I was interested, not beacuse I wanted to do it myself, but he wasn't very friendly and said no!

Hi,

I blow the dust out of my machine with a blower ('borrowed from my husbands tool kit) on a very regular basis, I then give it a good clean and oil about once a week, it does tell you after so many stitches that it needs a clean but I do it far more because of the lint build up - espeially when doing postcards. My main machine I do use a huge amount, my class machine get cleaned every 10 weeks or so, as only used in the classes.

I also change my needle a lot, find that in the class most of them never change their needles and have problems with stitching and then when I mention the needle might need changing they are surprised. I also use specialist needles for quilting, embroidery and metallics. Also change the needle size to suit the project.

I also tend to have my machines serviced on a regular basis, this way any problems are notice before the machine breaks down or more damage is done.

Tortoise

That is very good advice Tortoise, my machine only seems to get serviced when I've broken it. I never learn!

Hi,

If we own cars we get them serviced yearly and my sewing machines get used a lot more than my car!!! So, to me they need the same level of care, in fact I love my sewing machines more than my car!!!

To me, having them serviced is money well spent.

tortoise.

You're quite right Tortoise, I don't have a car, and my house is falling down, so I'm not very skilled at planned maintenance!