Tools and Materials
If you’re looking to maintain and enhance your Brother sewing machine, regular oiling is integral for keeping it in good condition. In addition to technical know-how, it’s important to understand the various tools and materials required for oiling a Brother sewing machine. To begin with, you will need to invest in a high-grade sewing machine oil. Designed to lubricate the moving parts of your sewing machine, this will help to prevent breakdowns and wear-and-tear. Put aside a clean, lint-free cotton cloth which can be used for efficiently wiping away residue and cleaning up the machine once you’ve finished oiling. To access the sewing machine’s interior and enhance maneuverability, use a small screwdriver to remove the screw that holds the needle plate. A frequent issue with Brother sewing machines is an inaccessible oil channel—which can be accessed with an ultrathin, pointed oiler.
Oiling Strategy
Once you’ve collected the relevant tools and materials, familiarize yourself with the machine’s components and identify the areas that require oiling. Typically, this should include the shuttle hook, a rotating hook that works together with the needle to create stitches; the upper shaft drive gear, the wheel through which the needle is threaded; the bobbin case, a compartment in which the spool of thread is inserted; and, the pressure foot, which holds the material down as the needle passes through it.
Due to the mechanical intricacies of Brother Sewing Machines, it is important to maintain an organized oiling strategy in order to maximize efficiency and ensure a smooth application process. Start with the rotating hook, and move the motor pulley shaft and several other parts, lubricating each in turn with the sewing machine oil. Pay particular attention to the wheel that drives the upper shafts and the bobbin case, as these receive a lot of use and can therefore be easily damaged.
Keep a lint-free cloth close at hand, as it can be used to wipe away any excess oil. When you’ve oiled all of the relevant components, the machine should be ready for use. Take the time to reassemble it before switching the power on.
How Often Should You Oil a Brother Sewing Machine?
When it comes to oiling, less is more. Experts recommend oiling your Brother sewing machine on a quarterly basis or after every 10 hours of stitching. Avoid oiling after each stitching task, as you run the risk of saturating the machine’s internal components—which can in turn be damaging to the machine.
When it comes to oiling frequency, the rule of thumb is that regular stitching requires regular oiling in order to keep the machine in check. Customer service can also provide insight and advice on oiling frequency, as this is dependent on the picture, size and design of the fabric you’re stitching every day.
Often, older Brother sewing machines are more prone to damage and require more frequent oiling in order to keep parts in motion. However, if you’re using a newer model, the Brother XQ 3700, due to the high-grade technology, this won’t need oiling as often and can easily go without for months.
Preventative Maintenance
Regular oiling is essential for the upkeep of your Brother sewing machine, enabling it to perform at a high level and continuing to create beautiful, detailed stitches. Read up on the required maintenance and oil accordingly, being mindful of the potential issue that can arise from over-oiling.
Avoid sewing over pins and other objects as this can cause your machine to jam and could damage the needle. When blocking off an area with pins, check the machine manual to ensure it’s safe to sew.
Finally, remember to use the right thread for the right fabric. If you’re handling medium or light-weight fabrics, opt for a lighter thread and for heavier materials, use a heavier thread.
Sewing Machine Covers
Often overlooked, sewing machine covers are a useful maintenance tool and help to keep dust, lint and other debris away from your machine. As well as helping to keep your machine in pristine condition, these covers also protect against spills, helping you to avoid moisture-related damage.
If you’re looking to upgrade your sewing machine cover, invest in a material that’s lightweight, durable and dust-resistant, such as cotton or nylon. Traditional cotton dust covers are ideal as they are hard-wearing, breathable and offer great protection.
Whatever your choice, remember to measure your machine before investing in a new sewing machine cover, as you’ll need to get the right size.
Cleaning Materials
Although the majority of Brother sewing machines come with a clear instruction manual that outlines the recommended cleaning materials, it’s important to understand which materials are suitable for cleaning your machine components.
A cotton cloth dusted with lubricant-free talcum powder should be used for cleaning the hook race, as this provides a thorough and effective clean. When wiping down other components, use a lint-free cloth moistened with a bit of soft soapy water, as this is often more effective than isopropyl alcohol. When cleaning the needle, use a silver cleaner, as this effectively removes any dirt and residue on a fine grade scale.
Remember to keep oil channels and feed dog areas free from lint or fibrous particles, being sure to use a lint brush or lint roller on a regular basis. When the job is done, don’t forget to reassemble the machine, adding new oil as needed.
Time Management Skills
Time management is integral for best practices when oiling your Brother sewing machine. Plan ahead, as this will enable you to adequately prepare for the oiling task and can save you time in the long-run. Additionally, make sure to turn off the power and unplug the machine before you begin—this will prevent any electric shock-related incidents.
It’s likely that some components will be difficult to access and may require additional time and effort. Prepare for this in advance and give yourself enough time to constructively deal with any challenging areas. Additionally, have enough light in your workspace, as poor lighting can hinder the accuracy of your oiling task.
Before you start oiling, gather all the necessary materials and components at arm’s reach, as this will help you to oil the machine far more efficiently than if you’re constantly searching for tools and materials.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’ve oiled your Brother sewing machine correctly and the machine still isn’t running smoothly, look out for any other signs that point to a problem. Common signs include contrasting stitch lengths, inaccurate tension and skipped stitches. To troubleshoot any of these issues, turn off the power, unplug the machine and refer to the troubleshooting guide in the manual for best practices on resolving the issue.
If the manual does not provide adequate information, speak to a sewing machine technician or customer service who can give you detailed instructions on dealing with any major issues. In some cases, depending on the issue, you may need to take the machine to an authorized Brother service center.
Taking the Initiative
Whether you’re a beginner, advanced user or a professional, oiling a Brother sewing machine is something that needs to be carried out regularly in order to keep it performing at a high level. With this in mind, take the time to understand the correct oiling techniques and different strategies for avoiding common issues.
Be sure to oil your machine with care. As most Brother sewing machines are high-performance machines and contain intricate settings, it is important to lubricate the machine correctly and avoid any misjudgments or inaccuracy when oiling.
In addition to regular oiling, invest in a cover and keep the machine clear from dust and debris. Remember to invest in high-grade materials and to be mindful of the required maintenance. Most importantly, take the initiative to understand the relevant information and take on-board any advice from customer service.
