Learning how to oil a new home sewing machine is an essential step in taking care of this reliable and multi-purpose tool. For many sewers, sewing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life and maintaining their machine is often a priority.
Adding oil to all the moving parts of a new sewing machine is a three-step process that should be undertaken regularly over the life of the machine. Firstly, to assess which parts need oiling, the cover must be removed. Secondly, to apply oil, the oil should be given time to slowly seep into any parts, before and excess is wiped away. Lastly, to assess the overall condition of your machine it is important to check for any parts that may have been worn out.
For Vanessa Chevins, a seamstress and experienced Sewing Machine Technician with over 25 years’ experience in the industry, “oil is a miracle worker keeping your machine in perfect working order.” She goes on to explain, “it lubricates all the moving parts and prevents the parts from fusing together. I highly recommend adding oil once every month or two, depending on how often you use your machine.”
When it comes to buying oil, it is important to ensure that it is the right type of oil for your machine. Many sewing machines need a special type of oil, like sewing machine oil, so it is always a good idea to check with your machine’s user manual before buying oil for your home sewing machine. Additionally, in the same manner that varying threads benefit different kinds of fabric, using the wrong oil can have a dramatic effect on the longevity of your sewing machine.
For experienced sewers, oiling might be second nature. However, new sewers may not have considered whether or not it is necessary to oil their machine. While it may not be a requirement for some machines, many experienced sewer will advice regular oiling as a means of maintenance. For instance, Margret Chan, another experienced Sewing Machine Technician says that “machines have evolved over the years, yet oil is still an essential part of care when it comes to maintaining a reliable and consistent performance.”
In conclusion, it is important to apply oil to a home sewing machine once every month or two. Many experienced sewers swear by it and doing it routinely can help to extend the life of your machine. It is best to follow the user manual when it comes to specific instructions and to avoid using the wrong type of oil.
Oiling Machine – Preparing and Applying
In addition to ensuring that the correct oil is being used, preparing the machine itself for oiling is also important. Before starting the oiling process, you should be sure to remove the body cover so that you can assess all of the different parts and see which need to be oiled. The cover will also protect the parts from any dirt or dust, which can lead to long-term damage.
After the cover has been removed, you can begin to oil all of the moving parts, such as the bobbin, the needle and the shuttle. It is worth noting that these parts may need to be cleaned as excess oil can attract and store dirt. Once the parts are clean, it is important to use the oil sparingly and to ensure that it is applied evenly. It is essential to allow the oil a little bit of time to seep into the various parts before wiping away any excess.
When applying the oil, it is important to use a soft cloth and to avoid using too much pressure, as this could lead to damage causing parts to break or warp. Lastly, it is also important to keep oil and any lubricants away from the machine’s electronics. Oiling the electronics of a sewing machine can lead to a range of issues that can be difficult to resolve, so ensuring proper oiling techniques and avoiding any contact with the electronics is essential.
Additional Oiling Maintenance
However, simply oiling a machine is not enough to ensure that it stays in the best condition; regular maintenance is also essential, not only to ensure the longevity of the machine but to also avoid any unnecessary surprises when it comes to sewing your projects. After oiling your machine, it is important to start it up and check the functions of the machine while it is running. By doing this, it is possible to hear and see whether or not there are any areas that need further attention. Once the machine has been checked, it is important to turn it off and check for any signs of problems or wear and tear before adding more oil or replacing broken parts.
Inspecting the machine regularly is a key step in ensuring that it is always in the best condition. By doing this, any potential wear and tear or damage can be detected early and diagnosed, allowing for any minor issues to be resolved quickly and efficiently. With the correct maintenance and care, any sewing machine should have a long and reliable life.
The Benefits of Oiling
Oiling your machine is an essential part of home sewing and one that can provide a plethora of benefits. Firstly, regular oiling can ensure that your machine is working at its best, reducing the risk of any problems when it comes to sewing projects. Secondly, oil can help to ensure the longevity of your machine and consequently the value of your investment. Lastly, oiling can help to increase the performance of a machine, which can be especially important when sewing projects with intricate designs and more challenging fabrics.
Learning to oil a machine takes time and practice, so it’s worth taking the time to learn the correct techniques. It is also important to consider the cost involved in oiling and replacing parts, from both a financial standpoint and the cost of time. However, when done correctly and with regular maintenance, the cost of oil can be mitigated in the long-term.
Where to Find the Right Oils
Given the importance of the correct oil for your machine, it is essential to know where to buy the correct one. A great source of information can be found online as there is always lots of advice on the best oils for new home sewing machines. The user manual also contains information about what oils are best suited to the machine, such as the type of oil, the frequency it should be used, and the amount of oil needed.
Additionally, it is possible to find the right oils at many different general stores, craft stores, and fabric stores. Knowing what oil is suitable for your machine will make it easier to shop for the right one. Ultimately, if none of the sources mentioned above provide suitable results, reaching out to your sewing machine provider or a local service may help.
Safety Tips for Oiling
Finally, when it comes to oiling machines it is important to be aware of a few safety tips. Firstly, careful consideration should be taken when removing the body cover as there are parts that can break when removed either too aggressively or too hastily. Secondly, it is important to take care when using oil as it can be flammable and the fumes can cause unpleasant odours.
Thirdly, when handling any sewing machines, it is important to use soft cloths. This will ensure that the parts do not become scratched or warped when being handled. It is also important to avoid putting too much pressure on any parts when cleaning them or applying oil. Lastly, when it comes to oiling machines, it is always best to use a sewing machine equipped with a variable speed setting and to use the lowest setting.
