It is important to look after your machine. This will mean keeping it clean, changing the needles regularly, and occasionally oiling the hook/ bobbin area. In the videos below I show you how to clean both kinds of bobbin systems. Do this as often as you feel it needs it and definitely if you have used very fluffy/ sequinned fabric, have broken a needle or have had a thread jam.

Cleaning + Oiling

The videos below show you how to take the bobbin areas apart for both front loading and top loading bobbin systems. If you have an unusual bobbin set up google it or take it to a qualified service centre as some are hard to open up and if you lose a spring or screw you may be in trouble!

Changing needles

You should change your sewing machine needle every 10 ish hours. On average. This is not easy to keep track of though, so best to learn to read the signs that your needle needs replacing. See the lesson on tension issues. Essentially if your stitching is not good or your thread keeps snarling or breaking and you are sure it is all threaded up properly then try changing the needle to see if this solves your problems. It very often does! Make sure you use only good quality needles – Schmetz or at a push Organ) and make sure you put the needle in the correct way round (usually with the flat bit towards the back)

Caring for your machine

Store your machine dry, cover it up, and ideally with the presser foot down. I wouldn’t suggest keeping it in the original box though as it is not easy to unpack when the urge to sew hits you. Just use a bit of fabric or make your own cover!