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This page covers the maintenance of domestic sewing machines.

Summary

Older sewing machines are virtually indestructible and with simple maintenance can continue to give good service almost indefinitely. Newer machines often have plastic parts which wear out quite quickly. Nevertheless, all machines can give longer service, properly cared for.

Safety

Always unplug from the mains before staring any maintenance or repair work, in order to eliminate the risk of electric shock or physical injury from moving parts.

Older machines, particularly can weigh as much as 20kg. Take care when lifting or when tipping over to service the under side.

Warning

On no account use anything but sewing machine oil to lubricate the mechanism. Do not use WD40, or 3-in-1, or bicycle oil, or engine oil, or olive oil, or vaseline, or snake oil, or peanut butter. None of these are sewing machine friendly.

Sewing Machine Principles

Regular users of a sewing machine will be familiar with its operation and can skip this section, which is provided for occasional users or those simply faced with a non-working machine.

Common problems and solutions

Machine seized up

After many years of disuse a machine may completely seize up. Lubricate thoroughly as described under Maintenance. You may have to leave the oil for a while in order to ease the parts and repeat several times, wiping away any excess.