Isaac Singer has mistakenly often been credited by many for the invention of the sewing machine, but he did make the sewing machine available to the masses freeing women from endless hours of hand sewing while giving them vast opportunities for self expression and creativity.
The modern computerized sewing machine is in many ways very different from the original hand crank and treadle machines of ages past.
Yet even now the majority of machines in use are mechanical ones very similar to their predecessors.
Sewing Machine Repair Secrets: It is a vital home appliance like a refrigerator or stove.
There are over 90,000,000 in use today.
It makes life easier and more beautiful.
But is in one appliance that requires periodic service.
There are some common problems that can make sewing very frustrating unless you understand how to do your own maintenance.
Neglect and abuse make sewing a chore, but properly maintaining your equipment gives you years of satisfaction.
It is a machine that depends on you to properly use it.
If you mess up, it will too.
You may have used your machine for thirty years without a problem, but if you miss-thread; use the wrong or a dull needle; or make some other user error; your machine will mess up.
So, when it messes up.
Redo your set up.
Replace the needle.
Re-thread.
Double check.
When a machine is unused for months: Neglect makes a machine useless.
Dust, sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures wreak havoc.
Oils and other lubricants deteriorate making the machine work improperly or fail entirely.
A machine needs regular cleaning and oiling to prevent problems and maximize results.
Schedule a few minutes to clean and oil your equipment every five hours of actual sewing.
The first area to clean is the bobbin area.
Lint and debris collect here.
Remove the needle plate, covers, bobbin, bobbin carrier, and hook if front loaded.
Use a probe, small brush, and forced air to clean out the area.
Then apply one drop of oil to the hook race.
Reassemble.
Do this every five hours of sewing.
Clean the needle bar area every half dozen hours.
This is the area where you find you needle bar, tension assembly, and presser foot assembly.
Remove the cover.
Clean away all debris.
Look for and eliminate all stray threads.
Be sure to clean between the tension discs.
These are located inside the upper tension assembly.
Apply one drop of oil wherever metal parts move, connect, or contact each other.
Use only good quality sewing machine oil.
Avoid household oils because they contain contaminants.
Periodically, a more extensive cleaning is needed to maintain optimum function.
This is commonly referred to a a tune up, full service, or a clean oil and adjust.
Many users prefer to have a skilled technician perform this service, however, in most cases you can do this yourself.
The tune up or full service is often performed by a skilled technician by following a long checklist of dis-assembly, cleaning, lubricating, adjusting, parts replacement, reassembly, and testing.
Complete training to help you do this yourself is available.
Some of the more challenging repairs that you machine might need at some time include changing gears, replacing hook assembly, replacing needle bar, or similar parts replacements.
To perform these repairs properly, requires considerable training and experience.
If you choose to perform these more extensive repairs yourself, do so under the supervision or assistance of a professional or expert technical support through one of the training programs.
At one time every user was expected to maintain their own machines.
Today you can still do your own.
It is easy to learn and do.
Consistent and regular servicing keeps your machine operating at peak performance for long periods of time.
Then your annual tune up can refurbish it for many more years of precious service.
Now you can take charge of your own equipment.