Sewing Machine repairs can be kept to a minimum with regular upkeep and cleaning. Using the wrong thread, the wrong size of needle or even a small piece of lint can be the difference between a stunning masterpiece or an absolute disaster.

Please feel free to send me any comments or questions regarding any of the files you see here, I will happily clarify and explain some of these tips in greater detail. You are also welcome to email me with some of your own helpful tips, feel free to submit the names of any good books or web articles to!

DID YOU KNOW?

WD40 should NOT be used on your sewing machine. WD40 is an solvent based silicone lubricant that works better as a cleaner than it does a a lubricant. WD-40 will dissolve any grease or oils where it is applied that are in your machine. If you use WD40 on your sewing machine it will signifigantly reduce the life of your machine. It is a great product and does what it is designed to do very well, it is NOT designed to lubricate your sewing machine so DONT USE IT for that.

Compressed Air: A while ago someone somewhere thought it was a brilliant idea to use compressed air in a can to "BLOW" the lint and dust out of thier sewing machine. At first this may "seem" like a good idea, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that it is NOT. Don't use Compressed Air Cannisters in or around your sewing machine, Compressed Air in a can is usually an inert gas like nitrogen that is stored under pressure. When sprayed into your sewing machine the sudden expansion of that gas makes it very cold, which causes condensation to form, which in turn means moisture, moisture and sewing machines dont go well together. Also  it blows all that lint deeper into other areas of the machine that normally don't see lint. In the Service bay we have seen several machines over the years that come in for service, thier hook areas are nice and clean, but, the drive gears way in the back end of the mache are so packed with lint they can no longer turn, and THAT is an expensive repair bill.

Vacuums are your friend! For the very best life and performance out of your sewing machine use one of the mini vacuum attachments that you can buy, for computer keyboards and such, to suck out the lint from the Bobbin area. This gets the lint and any other fibers and particles that may have fallen in out of the machine.

MACHINE TIPS

"Sewing Machine TLC" - Bernina USA "Where do I Oil and Clean my Machine?"

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"Streamlined Sewing: 10 Timely Tips" - Bernina USA A helpful checklist of steps to help plan your project before you start

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ACCESSORY TIPS

"Choosing a Sewing Machine Needle" - Christine Mann A Quilter's Guide to Picking the Right Needle for the Job

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