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Originally Posted by Pam H
I just took mine apart and cleaned it. It's a wonder it would even run with all the lint in there!
When I took my machine in for a sewing lesson she used a spray can of air to clean inside my machine. I may have to invest in one of those cans. I was told that machines with a drop in bobbin never need to be oiled. Doesn't seem right to me but the book that came with it doesn't say anything about oil in the maintenance section. |
I'm sure many sewing machines have been tossed to the curb because they were not properly and thoroughly cleaned. You have shared a very important lesson. It's truly amazing how much lint and gunk accumulates in these little nooks and crannies. Thanks very much for sharing :)
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One of the questions I always ask my students is "Have you cleaned your machine?" Some of the ladies are more timid about their machines so I do the deep cleaning. Once I show them were all the dust bunnies can live they do a better job cleaning.
A clean machine is a happy machine. :? |
I was told not to blow into areas of my machine that I am trying to clean. I bought a small set of tools that fit on my vacuum cleaner from my sewing store and it sucks out the dust. I use it after making projects that have a lot of nap on them. Like flannel. You may find it at your computer store also.
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I was told not to blow into areas of my machine that I am trying to clean. I bought a small set of tools that fit on my vacuum cleaner from my sewing store and it sucks out the dust. I use it after making projects that have a lot of nap on them. Like flannel. You may find it at your computer store also.
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Good grief! I've been sewing since I was about six and now I'm....never mind--and it would never have occurred to me to clean my feed dogs! I feel like I've been abusing my machines! I'll get on it today! Thanks!
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How did you clean your feed dogs? I am having troble with my machine--its a Bernette and only 4 years old. It is like something is binding. I have cleaned the bobbin area, etc. We are living on a small income (S.S.) and I have hesitated in taking it in, because of the expense. Got any suggestions????
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You are a smart women finally figuring it out, it took me a long time to even know you had to clean your machine, I'm so happy with this board, it helps me learn new things. By the way I live in Colorado now, but New Mex. is my home state. Happy quilting!!
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thank you for sharing this info -
it's truly amazing how much lint accumulates under there - I think mine got so full of lint one time the cover plate popped up. :oops: |
I can identify with you. My Viking was 18 months old and was refusing to stitch correctly. When it came back from being cleaned, the person who cleaned sent a plastic bag containing what was stuck in the feed dogs. How embarassing. The machine was advertised as a sealed unit. Minimal cleaning. I guess I didn't read the manual.
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Thanks for the great tip, Katie. I'm sure we will all check our feed dogs the next time something isn't working right on our machines! It was very kind of you to share your story!
Happy to hear your machine is purring now! You'll be amazed at your results! Happy quilting! |
it is amazing how a little thing like lint can mess your machine up so fast......My brother sew machine done same thing about 2 years ago and I cleaned it over and over,a friend of mine use to work at a factory on machines. Came by and sure enough that is what it was.now if I get one skipped stitch it all gets cleaned..........saves me $$$$$
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Thanks for sharing something that we all tend to overlook. I just started a new project and before I did I cleaned out everything, new needle and lint removed. I keep a can of air right by my machine and am amazed at how much fuzz it gets off the feed dogs, needle plate and the shank. It is like bottled water, that I said I'd never buy; but a blast of air keeps my baby purring along.
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Originally Posted by BettyGee
Thanks for sharing something that we all tend to overlook. I just started a new project and before I did I cleaned out everything, new needle and lint removed. I keep a can of air right by my machine and am amazed at how much fuzz it gets off the feed dogs, needle plate and the shank. It is like bottled water, that I said I'd never buy; but a blast of air keeps my baby purring along.
Because it could force lint, etc. deeper into the workings? |
I just had the sewing machines at the shop I managed cleaned for the first time in a year and a half....pins, dust, and a few unidentifiable objects came FLYING out. I went home and literally unscrewed EVERYTHING on my machine, dusted and oiled. :) Great post...three years ago I didn't even know that sewing machines needed oil or dusting!!
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Originally Posted by Olivia's Grammy
One of the questions I always ask my students is "Have you cleaned your machine?" Some of the ladies are more timid about their machines so I do the deep cleaning. Once I show them were all the dust bunnies can live they do a better job cleaning.
A clean machine is a happy machine. :? Thank-you for starting this thread...seems that a lot of people are being educated on cleaning their machine! |
I cleaned my feed-dogs after reading this. I was given my new-to-me machine by my MIL last month who faithfully oils them and replaces needles frequently.... but had a felt-pad of lint jammed in those puppies!
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Originally Posted by bearisgray
Originally Posted by BettyGee
Thanks for sharing something that we all tend to overlook. I just started a new project and before I did I cleaned out everything, new needle and lint removed. I keep a can of air right by my machine and am amazed at how much fuzz it gets off the feed dogs, needle plate and the shank. It is like bottled water, that I said I'd never buy; but a blast of air keeps my baby purring along.
Because it could force lint, etc. deeper into the workings? A point worth considering; however, so far it has proven to be a benefit and the stuff that comes out can't be good for the machine. |
Originally Posted by MamaYitu
How did you clean your feed dogs? I am having troble with my machine--its a Bernette and only 4 years old. It is like something is binding. I have cleaned the bobbin area, etc. We are living on a small income (S.S.) and I have hesitated in taking it in, because of the expense. Got any suggestions????
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Originally Posted by Millstream Mom
I cleaned my feed-dogs after reading this. I was given my new-to-me machine by my MIL last month who faithfully oils them and replaces needles frequently.... but had a felt-pad of lint jammed in those puppies!
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Good for you well done i will go now and check mine :)Thank you for sharing and you are not an idiot you are a Mechanic :)Women have so many talents!!
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I save all my selvage ends and use them for scrapes. Comes in handy in chain piecing.
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All of us are in there together! There's a lot of room for learning!
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....and now you 'appreciate' the need to clean them all the time. Been there, done that! :)
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Isn't it amazing how much stuff collects under those feed dogs and plate? I have a Brother Innovis 1500D. It's been a great machine for me since it sews beautifully and also does terrific machine embroidery. I learned early on how to really clean it out
and I do it every other time I use it. I also use moisture free air gently on it. I found out the hard way. I took it in for a cleaning "wellness check" and was charged $210! Never again. |
Originally Posted by quiltinNsmilin
Isn't it amazing how much stuff collects under those feed dogs and plate? I have a Brother Innovis 1500D. It's been a great machine for me since it sews beautifully and also does terrific machine embroidery. I learned early on how to really clean it out
and I do it every other time I use it. I also use moisture free air gently on it. I found out the hard way. I took it in for a cleaning "wellness check" and was charged $210! Never again. |
I have a Pfaff that has done a wonderful job for me. We (my daughter and I) were at a quilting class and it started acting up. I couldn't get it straightened out to save my life. Finally she said, why don't you change the needle?? I had already rethreaded both top and bottom, oiled the bobbin hook, changed thread, etc. I figured I didn't have anything to lose so I changed the needle. Guess what...it worked like a charm. Must have bent it a little or maybe it was just dull. What an easy fix. Sometimes they can be really irritating.
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Originally Posted by lclang
I have a Pfaff that has done a wonderful job for me. We (my daughter and I) were at a quilting class and it started acting up. I couldn't get it straightened out to save my life. Finally she said, why don't you change the needle?? I had already rethreaded both top and bottom, oiled the bobbin hook, changed thread, etc. I figured I didn't have anything to lose so I changed the needle. Guess what...it worked like a charm. Must have bent it a little or maybe it was just dull. What an easy fix. Sometimes they can be really irritating.
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I will remove the throat plate, clean under and around it to everything I can reach with a Q-tip then clean around and behind the bobbin area. Never thought to clean the feed dogs but have recently been having problems with fabric not feeding properly or jumping when going over seams. When I get back home the feed dogs will be the first thing I check. THANKS TO THIS WONDERFUL BOARD for all that I learn.
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It is amazing what a good cleaning will do--I was ready to start looking for another machine, but I was in the middle of a project so I did the next best thing--thoroughly clean my machine. I even oiled it a bit--and voila, it works like a charm now.
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I have a friend who brought over her sewing machine for me to check it out for her. She had it a bit ove a year and a half. I asked her how long it had been since she changed her needle. She sort of looked funny and said I never even thought about it. We cleaned ,oiled and put in a new needle and now its working like a charm.
I find out to check the simple things first. |
I have a friend who brought over her sewing machine for me to check it out for her. She had it a bit ove a year and a half. I asked her how long it had been since she changed her needle. She sort of looked funny and said I never even thought about it. We cleaned ,oiled and put in a new needle and now its working like a charm.
I find out to check the simple things first. |
Originally Posted by klgreene
Originally Posted by BrendaK
: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
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