Embrace Your Art With Careful Usage - Tips For Maintaining Your Sewing Machine
Posted on: 9 May 2017
Sewing at home may seem like a lost art to many people, but if you're among those who still do wonderful work at a sewing machine, you know that it can be an invaluable part of your life. Unfortunately, as they fall out of popularity, it may also be difficult to keep your machine in good repair.
Rather than struggling to diagnose a problem and then relying on your professional repair service to get you back up and running, there are some steps you can take to extend your sewing machine's life. Below is a guide to a few of those steps, allowing you to continue to save money and embrace your art with minimal interruptions.
Regular Cleaning
Though you may not realize it, operating a sewing machine can be a very dirty business. Your skin's natural oils and dirt are likely to accumulate on the fabric as it passes through the machine, and anything that the fabric may have been carrying at the time of purchase will also be transferred to your work surface.
Purchasing a dedicated set of small, soft brushes (such as makeup brushes) is a great way to assist with cleaning dirt and debris out from your sewing machine. Some machines may even require special cleaning oils, and you should consult with your repair service to determine whether yours falls into that category.
Cord Care
Having functional mechanics but a damaged electrical system can be a particular struggle for sewing machine owners, but it's a reasonable risk given many people's setups. Not only are sewing machines often perched somewhat precariously at the edges of tables, but the natural vibrations and movement of the machine may put additional stress on the power cord.
Always be sure to be aware of tension in your machine's power cord and do your best to leave as much slack as possible. You should also never unplug from the wall by the cord and should instead grasp the plug firmly and pull swiftly and evenly.
Lint Removal
Dirt and dust aren't the only contaminants which can build up in the inner workings of your sewing machine. Most fabrics are at risk of creating lint when they're heavily manipulated, and sewing is sure to leave behind some remnants which may fall into your machine. Just as your dryer can't function without the lint trap being cleaned out, you should be sure to remove your needle plate from time to time and clear away the little fabric scraps which may eventually be a problem.
Click here for more tips on sewing machine repairs.
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