A new year is here. Before getting started on your winter sewing projects, give your sewing machine a little attention. It’ll make your stitching time during the cold winter months a lot more pleasant.
Step 1:
Give your machine a mini-facial: clean out the dust bunnies under the needle plate, add oil where needed, install a new needle and give it a good wipe down.
Step 2:
Locate your sewing machine manual. If you can’t find it, check the support section on the manufacturer’s website or check Pocono Sew & Vac’s website to see if there’s a link to a free download for your machine. Print a copy and place it in a 3 prong plastic folder to keep with your machine. Also save the downloaded file somewhere in the cloud, so you can have access to it in case you forget/lose your printed copy.
Step 3:
Record your sewing machine’s basic stats on a sticky note and keep it with your machine manual:
Model and serial number
Modern machines? on a sticker near the power switch or on the back of the machine.
Vintage machines? may be stamped underneath or on a metal plate on the machine bed.
Shank: low, high or slant?
Max stitch width: 5 mm, 7 mm, or 9 mm?
Bobbin size and type: Class 15, Class 66, specialty brand (Elna, Viking, Pfaff, Bernina)? Metal or plastic?
Snap on feet: center needle or slightly offset left? (Janome made top loading machines use snap on feet where the connecting bar is offset to the left. This means some of the feet in the big accessory packs sold on Amazon may not work.)
Step 4:
Go through all of your sewing machine feet and bobbins. Make sure only the ones that work with that particular sewing machine are in the accessory box. Refer to your manual and info recorded in Step 3. Missing any feet? Time to visit your local sewing machine shop or order online.
Step 5:
Protect your sewing machine. Make or buy a cover to keep the dust out. Plug it into a surge protected power strip. If you take your machine to classes, sew days and retreats, buy a case/padded bag to safeguard your machine during transport. Sure, the designer trolley bags are pretty, but there are plenty of other budget-friendly options out there as well.
A common question: Do I need to take my machine in for service every year?
The answer is YES, if one of the following applies:
1. Your machine is under a warranty or has a service contract.
2. You spent megabucks on your sewing machine within the past 5 years.
Otherwise, the answer is NO. Every other year is generally fine as long as your machine is operating normally.
Keep in mind that the cost of a routine service is now $150.00 per machine. Depending on your particular model and age of machine, it might be worth buying a new machine instead of taking it in for service & repair. Only you can make that decision. Me? If it’s one from the big box store, I’d probably replace it. If has sentimental value and I plan to hang onto it, I’d definitely get it serviced at least once.
Psst: If you like to DIY, it’s very easy to learn how to service (and make simple repairs) vintage sewing machines and many mechanical machines.
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