:oops: OK Here comes the dumb question. How DO you clean the feed dogs? I don't think that my machine has ever been taken apart and cleaned or oiled. I do clean around the bobbin and try to blow when I think there is fuzz. But............ I was told that it's not good to blow on the machine. When you blow you just push things in those private places (on the machine) that you can't get at. At this time I can't afford to take my machine into a professional. I only have the one machine and I sure don't want her to get sick. I think that she works fine and I don't want to do anything that will give her a problem. Is there a special oil you are supposed to use? Thanks and please don't think bad of me for not yet doing preventive care. I will be waiting to read you answers. Brenda
Not a dumb question or I would have done it correctly years ago. Take the plate off just under the needle. You can see the feed dogs, and inbetween the little feet, if you've been sewing a while, you'll find compress fuzz. I use a lot of grey in my quilting, so it blended right in with the silver/grey of the machine. I actually (after turning off the machine - very important) stuck a pin between the feet and low and behold, it was very soft. So I picked it all out. So glad my stupidity helps someone. LOL
earthwalker
05-10-2011 04:43 PM
Better late than never! Well done on working it out, I'm sure this will help others save a few dollars. Thanks for sharing with us.
suebee
05-10-2011 04:45 PM
Katie - fyi...you are not alone my friend. But isnt it awesome when you figure it out. Almost feels like being re-born. Glad you got everything going good now. I just love that feeling. BTW...you are far from being an idiot. :):)
DesiG
05-10-2011 06:59 PM
This just went on my list of things to do tomorrow! Thanks, I never would have thought of it.
jaciqltznok
05-10-2011 07:09 PM
OH yeah....you fixed it and learned something you can share proudly...cleaning is a MAJOR part of owning a sewing machine that actually gets used!
if you can find real pipe cleaners (not chenille stems) get some..they get into tinier spaces and really hold up to bending and such!
I also use a very small bushy paint brush...just a dab of oil and it is like a dust magnet....
kudo's for sharing!
Carron
05-10-2011 07:17 PM
a good reminder for us...thanks
EdieClay
05-10-2011 07:22 PM
Great information ... thanks for sharing. I'll check my machine tomorrow.
BluegrassGurl
05-10-2011 07:26 PM
You go girl! Kudos to your 'bull dog tenacity'!!! You should be proud.
BETTY62
05-10-2011 08:54 PM
Thank you so much for this information. I don't think I have ever cleaned the feed dogs.
Quilting Angel
05-11-2011 01:39 AM
I'm really glad you figured out what was going on. I had to laugh when I saw the part where you were ready to throw it out the window. My mom said the exact same thing about her embroidery machine because she couldn't get the hang of it. She decided she just didn't want to "fool" with it anymore and gave it to me.
