Maintaining Singer Sewing Machines
Regular maintenance is a key part of owning and operating Singer sewing machines, and oiling the machine is a critical part of that. Just like any other mechanical device, sewing machines benefit from occasional lubrication, and this can help you keep your equipment in good working order for longer. With proper maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and maximise the life of your Singer sewing machine.
When oiling your Singer sewing machine, use an oil specifically designed for sewing machines – never use WD-40. Singer provides their own oil, which can be bought directly from the website, for around ten dollars for a 4oz bottle. If you choose to buy a generic brand, make sure it’s designed for your specific machine.
To apply the oil, you’ll need to remove the bobbin case and plate first, as this will provide access to all the parts of your machine that need to be oiled. Open the machine up and make sure it’s clean before oiling. Begin by dabbing a few drops of oil around the outside surface of the machine – make sure you cover all metal parts, but avoid oiling the tension discs, feed dogs or other moving parts inside the machine.
Once you’ve done this, open the bobbin plate and drop a few drops of oil onto the shuttle. Drop oil around the bobbin case area and remove the presser foot lifts to oil underneath them. Open the needle plate and drop a few drops of oil around the bobbin area, and you’ll also want to oil the feed dog which is the part under the needle plate.
To finish off, operate the hand wheel for about ten turns to spread the oil throughout your machine, and then reassemble the bobbin case and plate and close the machine up. Wipe away any excess oil and make sure that the needle plate is clean before you start sewing.
It’s recommended you oil your sewing machine every 6-8 hours of use, or at least once a month if you’re using it regularly. This will depend on the environment you are using it in – if it’s constantly exposed to dust and lint then you may need to oil it more frequently.
Cleaning a Singer Sewing Machine
Cleaning is an important part of maintaining a Singer sewing machine. Regular cleaning helps reduce wear and tear and can also prevent damage caused by dirt and lint build up. Begin by wiping down the Bobbin case and Needle plate with a lint brush and then remove the bobbin case and plate to detect any remaining dust, debris or lint.
Once you’ve done this, use a soft brush to reach areas that are difficult to access. If oil is visible on the machine, you can clean it off with a soft cloth. You may also want to take a vacuum cleaner to your machine once in a while, making sure not to get too close to the parts. This will help remove dust and lint that a brush/ cloth can’t.
Once you’ve removed the dust and dirt, lubricate the machine following the instructions above. Finally, it’s important to keep the machine clean on the inside by replacing the throat plate and needle plate screw regularly. This helps reduce dust, dirt and lint build up inside the machine.
Once you’re finished with the cleaning, run the hand wheel a few times, then test the machine, checking for any unusual noises. If everything seems to be working correctly, wipe the machine down with a damp cloth and let it dry before putting it away.
Troubleshooting a Singer Sewing Machine
Just like any mechanical device, sewing machines can be susceptible to breakdowns. With the right maintenance and care, most will hold up for years, but it’s worth taking the time to familiarise yourself with common breakdowns and how to troubleshoot them.
The majority of sewing machine problems are related to thread tension – if your machine isn’t stitching properly then the most likely culprit is the tension. The first step is to adjust the tension dial to the correct settings for the fabric and thread you are using. Make sure the upper thread is looping around the bobbin and the lower threading is drawing up the bobbin thread properly.
If tension is not the problem, then you may need to check the needle. Make sure that the needle is in good condition and that it is inserted properly, as incorrect needle height can cause issues. You may also want to check the needle plate and bobbin case for any dirt or debris that could be causing problems. If you are still having problems, refer to the instruction manual or contact a service professional.
What Can Go Wrong With a Singer Sewing Machine?
Although sewing machines provide many years of faithful service, they are prone to breakdowns due to the fact that they are complex pieces of machinery. Common breakdowns can include broken or bent needles, jamming, poor stitching, snapped threads and tension problems.
These issues can be caused by various factors, such as wear and tear, incorrect tension settings, wrong needle size, dirty parts and poor quality thread. To help prevent breakdowns, it’s important to clean and oil your machine regularly and to use the correct needle and thread for your project.
If you encounter any problems with your sewing machine, it’s important to refer to the instruction manual or contact a service professional. Most mechanical issues can be easily fixed, but it’s best to take action as soon as you become aware of an issue in order to avoid expensive repairs down the line.
Advantages of Singer Sewing Machines
As one of the most recognisable brands in the world of sewing, Singer sewing machines are extremely popular thanks to their reputation for reliability, quality and easy to use features. Singer has a wide variety of models and accessories to suit everyone’s needs, from basic starter machines to advanced models packed with features.
Singer machines have a variety of built-in features, such as adjustable tension and stitch length, adjustable thread tension for different fabrics, and bobbin winding with a single touch. They also come with a variety of accessories, from quilting tools to embroidery fonts and many more.
The company also provides excellent customer service and spare parts, so if you ever need to repair or upgrade your machine you can easily do so. Singer sewing machines are generally very affordable, making them an excellent choice for those wanting to get into sewing, crafting or even professional tailoring.
Singer Sewing Machines and Beginners
Singer sewing machines are very easy to use, making them an excellent choice for beginners who are just getting into sewing. Most Singer machines come with preset stitches and stitch length, which helps you get familiar with operating the machine. They are designed with a traditional pedal-style control, making them very user-friendly.
The company also offers a number of instructional videos and tutorials that can help you learn how to operate and care for your sewing machine. In addition, many Singer sewing machines are compatible with a wide range of accessories and extensions, giving you the ability to upgrade or expand your machine as your skills grow.
For those who prefer an electric sewing machine, Singer offers models with a variety of speed settings and other features such as automatic needle threading and adjustable presser foot pressure – perfect for novice sewers. With the right maintenance and care, Singer sewing machines can provide years of reliable service and can help you take your sewing projects to the next level.
Conclusion
Oiling and maintaining your Singer sewing machine is an important part of owning one, and if done correctly, it can help you get extend the life and performance of your machine. Cleaning is also important, and it’s important to use the correct type of oil and to oil all the parts of your machine including the shuttle, needle plate and bobbin case.
If you have any problems, it’s usually related to the thread tension and can be easily fixed by adjusting the tension dial. Finally, Singer machines are designed for beginner sewers and come with a variety of features to help you get started and expand your skills. With the right maintenance, you can enjoy years of reliable service from your Singer machine.
