Cleaning A Sewing Machine | Singer Heavy Duty

[@julielee101]

Thank you so so much!! This is the first time that I knew that you can get underneath the bobbin case. That was so so informative. What a game changer that is.thanks again

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shelleyinc]

Such a fantastic “How To” video! The only cleaning videos I’ve seen before have been on immaculate machines, which doesn’t really illustrate the steps very well. Your instructions are very clear and concise, but without missing any details. I can’t wait to see what dust bunnies I find hiding in my machine. Well done Stacy! 👏

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! It's pretty satisfying to clean it all out. Happy hunting!... I mean, cleaning...

[@luciatat4084]

Wow! This is the best sewing machine cleaning video I’ve watched! But if the bobbin case is made out of plastic, you should only use a plastic bobbin, otherwise you will damage the bobbin case and need to replace it. The rule is metal with metal and plastic with plastic.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thanks! It’s all about bobbin size. Not all bobbins are created in the same shape or size. Also, I only use metal. I never use plastic as they can easily warp or become brittle and break over time.

[@luciatat4084]

@@sewingwithstacy I’ve heard this one from a person that services sewing machines and posted one video on youtube explaining this matter. I understand why you’d want to use only metal bobbins but there’s a reason why it is recommended to use only the type of bobbin that comes with your sewing machine. For example, in my sewing machine’s instructions manual it is specified that a metal bobbin shouldn’t be used, that’s why I believe it’s not only about the size.

[@liakamminga2439]

Great video! Thanks so much.

[@sewingwithstacy]

You are so welcome!

[@Cestyoo]

The best throughout cleaning tuto I’ve seen. Very informative and pleasant to see (And with a real need-to-clean machine 😅)

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindanason6211]

Thank you so much for a clear and informative video. I learned so much, and had great success after following your directions. I got tired of paying over $200 for a servicing of my machine, and decided I wanted to learn how to do it myself. You have made that possible with this video, and also with your "Oiling a Sewing Machine" video.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@conniemiller6859]

Thank you! This was so informative and you're a great presenter! Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.

[@esthergeorge9484]

oil

[@karencardin6644]

My needle wouldn't go into the bobbin area, felt like it was hitting something. I looked at all kinds of manuals, videos etc. couldn't find anything that addressed the issue...until I found your video! I followed your directions and viola! All fixed and ready to roll, Thank You Stacy!!

[@sewingwithstacy]

I am so glad I was able to help! Happy sewing!

[@debradoucet8847]

I have the same problem, seems like I’m hitting something. What was the solution? Thanks for taking time to respond. 😀

[@Jellotrix99]

This is a fantastic video, I’m so glad I found it! I’ve had my machine for exactly one year and decided to finally clean it. It wasn’t as in need as I thought, but I’m so glad I know how to do this now, so thank you!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Great! Glad you found it helpful. Don’t forget to check out my video on how to oil your machine as well!

[@Jellotrix99]

@@sewingwithstacy I watched that earlier as well, and it was all perfectly oiled up! Do you have a video for oiling the top parts as well?

[@suzyqz36]

Thank you for your detailed and clear presentation. You have details that other videos leave out. For example, unscrewing the little arm over the bobbin case to get it out.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@herlindeclark5488]

Thank you Stacey. I cleaned my Singer Curvey today, but not under the Bobbin case. Will do this first thing tomorrow morning.

[@sewingwithstacy]

You got this! Have fun!

[@cathyparnell6743]

Thank you so much, I neeed to check my oil! TIP: A friend told me about disposable Mascara Wands for cleaning around and down in the machine. It is amazing how much it pulls out even after cleaning it the way you do.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Great tip!

[@ButterPinup]

I can not thank you enough! I'd taken my sewing machine apart to clean it just like you did but didn't know how to put the bobin housing afterwards!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Happy to help!

[@ooohlaa13]

love your no nonsense teaching style, great demo. Suggestion would it not be better to start with the upper cleaning so whatever may fall will be cleaned when you do the bobbin area? Had no idea machines get so bogged down with fluffy stuff! Thanx sew much!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Great suggestion!

[@witek8120]

Дякую, дуже гарне відео.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thanks!

[@nirmalasheeran9809]

Thanks a lot for your reply and also I’m confident to open and clean the machine from now on.

[@sewingwithstacy]

You can do it!

[@melindamercier6811]

Thank you! So thorough, and that magnet tip is genius! ❤

[@sewingwithstacy]

You are so welcome!

[@colettebramwell-colyer]

Thank you so much for this video. :) I just cleaned my machine for the first time

[@sewingwithstacy]

That's great, check my oiling video to see if you need to give that some fresh grease. Thanks for watching. More projects and free patterns coming soon!

[@sylviaklette5489]

​@@sewingwithstacy 😂😊

[@theresaruriti7817]

Thanks very much from Solomon Islands.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@fishermanlove6546]

Great video. Thanks Stacy!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thanks for watching!

[@helenweatherby1694]

I clean mine weekly. Deeply satisfying.

[@sewingwithstacy]

It really is!

[@CaritaFelizzSFO]

Thank you for this video. Very helpful.

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're very welcome!

[@RVHJC]

Thank you! Very useful video!

[@sewingwithstacy]

You are welcome!

[@Henriette1954]

Thank you STACEY!! you made my day and .... you saved my Xmas-pillows!!! of course I did subcribe to your fantastic channel!!! best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a happy 2024!!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Awesome! Thank you! Merry Christmas and happy sewing!

[@elaineinoregon2727]

Thanks for a great video! Very helpful! Could you also use a small vacuum to remove lint?

[@sewingwithstacy]

Yes, theoretically. But a lot of the stuff stuck and tangled won't come out. Because there is oil in the machine sometimes you need to open it up and brush it out. Happy sewing!

[@annisowa2342]

Sehr gut erklärt,ich weiß jetzt wie ich meine Nähmaschine Reinigen kann.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thank you!

[@vfj2709]

Thank you!!

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're welcome!

[@jaderivera9082]

Thank you!

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're welcome!

[@colleenhaithcock216]

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're welcome!

[@loralyjane1873]

thank you

[@sewingwithstacy]

awesome! thanks for watching!

[@myselfstar8019]

Very helpful video. Mostly people clean only bobbin area but you cleaned the upper part being contact with thread place too. Awesome

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thanks!

[@archanaasood8974]

Hello Your video is good. Well descriptive. Make more and more videos. Take good care.of yourself and all. God bless all

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thank you, I will

[@nirmalasheeran9809]

You mentioned presser foot post. My fabric most of the time gets caught there, especially, thin cottons etc , I’m just into only cottons and it get caught there. I have to sometimes cut the fabric out, or gently push it up with a sharp thin screwdriver like tool. Any suggestions to avoid it. Especially , when I reverse stitch it happens.

[@sewingwithstacy]

If it’s getting stuck at the beginning of your projects, you might be backstitching off the edge and then the edge of the fabric is so thin that it has the chance to get pushed up or down since there is a bit of an opening right there. Does your stitching come out ok? If it seems tight, try loosening your tension. That might help the issue as well.

[@ZeldaSews]

This was a great video!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sheronmiller8047]

thanks so much

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're welcome!

[@joammami520]

This video was so helpful, thank you!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hopepadilla1814]

I will try that, thank you :)

[@sewingwithstacy]

Hope it worked!

[@heathervictoriahaskins8125]

Excellent video, thanks! Like the others, I like your no-nonsense style. Question:where do I put oil? I have the 4423 Heavy duty

[@sewingwithstacy]

Thanks and Great question! I have another video on how to oil your machine. Check it out on my page.

[@چكاوكصبح]

thank you so much🌹

[@sewingwithstacy]

No problem!

[@USMCArchAngel03]

Can you use a vacuum to clean out the lint? Thanks

[@sewingwithstacy]

Sure!

[@faridaahmed7567]

Good job , I have a singer machine 4432,can I use steel bobin, with this no problem please let me know

[@sewingwithstacy]

Yes you can. If you constantly use them it will train the machine. Also if you have an issue with the tension, just adjust it using your tension wheel. Thanks for watching!

[@chelseasummers2365]

Thank you for such a well informed tutorial. My only question is after removing the larger chunks of lint, can you use a vacuum with a nozzle attachment to really get in there and remove the finer bits that may be lingering?

[@sewingwithstacy]

Yes, absolutely!

[@christophermorales5665]

Any suggestions on how to listen the two little screws that hold the metal arm in the bobbin housing? Mine are really tight.

[@sewingwithstacy]

I use the metal key the machine came with to get mine.

[@hopepadilla1814]

Thank you for the video. I have a question, do you know what might be the cause of my thread coming off the needle and getting tangled in the eye for the lever above from when you turn the wheel to thread it? I hope that makes sense.

[@sewingwithstacy]

It could be that you aren’t pulling enough of a ‘tail’ through the eye before you start and the uptake is just pulling the thread up and out. Try pulling your thread through so it hangs off the back of the faceplate. You can also gently hold the threads when you do your first few stitches.

[@maggiequinones3573]

Love 💕 this video 👏👍

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad you liked it!!

[@salosalon489]

This felt like watching the twelve cotton balls being pulled out of that guys ear. Thanks for the clear information 👍

[@sewingwithstacy]

LOL, yea it can be gross if you use your machine a lot. Being a professional seamstress this machine doesn't get much rest. It is running and working basically every day. So it collects a lot! The mini keyboard vacuums are FANTASTIC for quick cleaning.

[@catherineanne5704]

Awesome, thanks so much.

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're welcome!

[@josettesolbreux3335]

Bonjour Stacy, j'ai bien suivi votre vidéo. J'ai nettoyé ma machine mais problème je ne sais pas remettre le porte bobine. Pourriez vous me donner des conseils ? Merci d'avances.

[@sewingwithstacy]

The bobbin housing should just drop right back in. Just make sure that the orange/yellow dot lines back up to the front of the machine.

[@josettesolbreux3335]

Merci Stacy, après plusieurs jours à m'arracher les cheveux, j'y suis enfin arrivée.😅

[@ajchapeliere]

A general tip for cleaning/dusting anything: start at the *top* and work your way down. Cleaning your house? Ceiling fans and high shelves first, vacuuming/mopping last. You'll get a better result since all the dust that falls will have time to settle and it will all end up somewhere that hasn't been cleaned yet.

[@sandrabrown8446]

Stacey, what stitch number shall I use to make regular stiches..my stitches are lose.and also, will you thread the machine. I think I'm messing something. Thanks !

[@sewingwithstacy]

Hey Sandra, check out my other videos on my channel for a detailed threading tutorial that goes over how to thread and some trouble shooting issues you may encounter.

[@rachelslade9076]

Hey there! I am cleaning my Singer 9444 sewing machine and there is some gunky yellow grease in a few spots. I am wondering if I should clean it off and oil it with some all purpose sewing machine oil, or if it serves a different purpose. I watched your oiling video and I’m confused that you only put it on the wick and no where else. My manual gives me no info on cleaning and maintenance so I have no idea what to do 🥲

[@sewingwithstacy]

It's probably just extra grease but you can certainly clean that up a bit! In my oiling video, I give an in depth tutorial on how to oil your machine. What I didn't cover is that you can also oil the needle bar with a few drops to help the upper run smoother.

[@KathyVenter-tx3cb]

When must u oil it and how often

[@sewingwithstacy]

if you only casually sew, probably every 6 months. If you sew professionally like me, once a month. If you pull out the oil wick and there isn't any oil on it, it's time to oil!

[@get2craft]

Great video!! I just watched some other videos and they said that singer HD are not really heavy duty machines. Could you please give your opinion on that too 😊

[@sewingwithstacy]

While it's not an industrial machine, it is much better than other 'strong & tough' or 'heavy duty' machines I have used! I can hem denim just fine with this where I couldn't with other machines. I guess it really depends on what you intend to do with it.

[@get2craft]

​@sewingwithstacy so you recommend singer HD for heavy duty sewing at home? Is singer HD 6800c a good machine? I just got a used one. What other HD machines have you tried? Thank you so much 💓

[@luvvvik]

hello really helpful video but one of my screws won’t open and i scratched it while trying to unscrew it , is there anything i can do to unscrew it?

[@sewingwithstacy]

I have heard of someone using poster putty or clay to fill in the screw head a bit to help with broken or stripped screws.

[@NancyMartinez-o7b]

Oiling and greasing machine?

[@sewingwithstacy]

Check out my channel for a separate video dedicated to how to oil your machine!

[@NataliaVM2022]

Hi, Stacey! Great video, I did what you said and now my upper thread is looping on the inner side of sewing piece. It happens for the second time with the different singer. Please, help!

[@sewingwithstacy]

No worries. Here’s a few things you can do to fix this; Check that you threaded your upper properly, rethread your upper, check your tension and adjust your tension dial.

[@SusanMcClaskey]

Trying to give my fairly new Singer 4432 a cleaning/removal of lint. The two little screws on the the arm that holds the bobbin casing in place are so tightly screwed I cannot budge them. Any suggestions?

[@SparkyOne549]

You don’t need to remove anything to get the bobbin case out. You manually turn the handwheel to put the hook race to the back then the bobbin case comes out.

[@sewingwithstacy]

I’ve tried that and it works on only 1 of 4 of the machines I have so I figured others might have that issue too.

[@TashMoesmom]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful. My bobbin housing popped out and I had no idea how to take it out, this was the first video I found that helped me figure out how to open it

[@sewingwithstacy]

Glad it helped!

[@זיזהשרמה]

Do we need to also oil the machine?

[@sewingwithstacy]

This video shows where you place the oil so that it can distribute itself.

[@ayse-ve7is]

Teşekkürler

[@navdeepkang3724]

Hi I cleaned my as you told and problem is that upper thread collect down side , again and again I checked thread bobbin please help me

[@sewingwithstacy]

I'm not sure I am understanding your specific problem, but it sounds like you are saying your upper thread is getting stuck in the bottom. I would suggest that you completely unthread, and re-thread the entire machine. If you still need some help, I would next suggest that you use a new/different bobbin. Usually this will help solve the issue.

[@thestruds]

hi can you give me the length of the ol wick - trying to buy one in England mine is missing second hand machine :( seems janome do one so trying to check out availability

[@sewingwithstacy]

It's pretty short. About a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch.

[@kristelroelands8437]

Hi, do you also need to oil the upperpart?

[@sewingwithstacy]

Yes you can oil the upper but not nearly as frequently as the lower as the lower builds up lint and sucks up more oil.

[@DavidDoherty-qt6hh]

Do you have video for oiling the upper mechanisms?

[@tiffannieaiken3663]

Do you know how to find the correct pressure foot pressure if you didn't mark the factory setting? Like rule of thumb were all factory set pressure feet sit a nickel or a dime thickness away from feed dogs when lowered. I moved my dial without making it first, and now my threads are breaking trying to find the right tension.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Mine sit on the feed dogs when lowered. There is no gap.

[@browndovernh]

Thank you- great instruction! Do you have any recommendations on how to deal with the limited clearance between the presser foot and the feed dogs/plate? I had been using my Singer Fashion Mate since the 1970s, , and after getting this 4452 machine at Christmas, I am disappointed with the maneuvering room there!

[@sewingwithstacy]

Great suggestion!

[@jenniferkaitoku1343]

How do clean underneath? My circular felt broke off - can I still use my sewing machine to sew?

[@sewingwithstacy]

The easiest way to clean underneath is just to pick up and move the machine. You would be surprised how many little bits are under there! In regards to the broken piece, without seeing it, I am not sure what you mean. I suggest that you reference the manufacturer guide and see if you can get a replacement part.

[@djtblizzle]

I take mine out to the garage and grab my compressor hose. 2 minutes and done. Then again, I’m a rebel. 😂😂😂

[@zialeighnafarinas]

Hello there May 4452 sewing machine is stuck in reverse what do you think the problem is?

[@sewingwithstacy]

Check to make sure your back stitch bar/button isn’t stuck down.

[@ccrisc100]

I keep hearing "refer to your manual". This is not in the manual, anywhere. Thank you!!!

[@marjaleena9465]

I can’t get that arm off, the one that holds the bobbin case in place. The screws are so tight!!! It seems impossible

[@marjaleena9465]

I got it. I had to remove the top cover too to have more space to work and get a better access to those damn screws.

[@sewingwithstacy]

they are tiny and very tight! I'm glad you got it!

[@mariafelix7932]

I watched the whole video carefully, very useful and very well explained, but I would like to know how to remove a piece of needle that broke and fell inside. My machine is new, I used it once and this happened, I don't want it to be damaged. My machine is 4411.

[@sewingwithstacy]

So you really need to be able to see the piece to get it out. I suggest sticking a small earth magnet to your tweezers to help you pick up the piece if you can’t just pick it up with the tweezers. I hope that helps!

[@randyc8171]

Use cotton swabs. Lint sticks to then.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Brilliant! Great idea!

[@patnav]

Why is it that my machine gets stuck up and thread gathers on the down side of the cloth. What is wrong?

[@sewingwithstacy]

Sounds like you are getting what's call a bird's nest. Try completely unthreading and rethreading the machine. 9/10 times this helps solve the problem. Check out my video on how to properly thread a machine for help! Thanks for watching!

[@rjj2316]

Singer warns against using metal bobbins in this type of machine - will they wear out the plastic bobbin casing sooner? I would like to use mine.

[@sewingwithstacy]

You can use metal bobbins but I suggest that you only use one or the other because yes, it's a metal bobbin in a plastic housing, it can make grooves faster than a plastic one. Once you use metal, the housing is used to the metal ones which is why it's not great to switch back and fourth.

[@chantalforgues8132]

Oiling??

[@sewingwithstacy]

I have a separate video on how to oil your machine. Check it out and subscribe if you find it helpful.

[@evelyndanso1300]

How to oil singer 4423

[@sewingwithstacy]

If it’s the same type of ‘drop in bobbin’ as this, it would be the same way.

[@peanutbutter90210]

Need slower more detailled instruction on how to get bobbin housing back in please

[@sewingwithstacy]

it should just drop back into place. If you have to force it, it probably isn't right. Make sure you have the it facing the right direction. (On this machine, it has a yellow dot on the outer edge that faces you.) Hope that helps!

[@meowmix1995]

I think I understand why my previous machine burned out. Wow!

[@sewingwithstacy]

It's kind of insane how much gets in there! Hope this helps save your current machine!

[@fearlesschild8292]

Y is my reverse not working need help please

[@sewingwithstacy]

Without seeing it, I’m not sure. You may want to find a local technician to service it and get it going again.

[@marciasilviajohnson6461]

Sewing machine tips and tricks watch that and you don’t need to take out the screws from the bobbing case 🤗

[@sewingwithstacy]

I usually don't! I got other 4452's since I made this and they have enough room to just slip the bobbin housing out without removing the screws. This is a step just in case you have one manufactured like the one I got and need that extra space to get it out.

[@stevrgrs]

Yikes! I've never seen a sewing machine with that much lint :P 😆

[@sewingwithstacy]

Right?! lol When you sew professionally and use a lot of cotton thread, the build up happens quickly!

[@jeannebrooks6003]

Can’t you see a small vacuum, like a car vac, to suck out all those fibers?

[@sewingwithstacy]

I have tried one before but it didn’t work terribly well.

[@vanessamason8639]

It's good info but moving too fast

[@sewingwithstacy]

Sorry for that. Noted for next time.

[@jenniegilbert4081]

HELP PLEASE I cleaned out the machine & oiled it. Why is my Fly? wheel so tight? My business is sewing

[@sewingwithstacy]

Not too sure on that one. You might need to take it to a machine repair shop.

[@OodieSoodie]

Omg, I can’t take the screws out, they are sooo tight.😭

[@sewingwithstacy]

This is why I say, do not over tighten. From the factory they may be too tight or an improper service can do the same.

[@OodieSoodie]

@@sewingwithstacy I’m cleaning out my machine for the first time. I can’t get them loose do to the factory making them tight

[@davebinks]

That's interesting that you also have found it necessary to remove the little "stop" plate(?) before the bobbin case can be lifted out. Many other videos on here show it simply lifting out without having to remove or loosen that plate. I don't have to actually remove mine, I just loosen it, which means the screws remain in place and aren't in danger of dropping down into the innards of the machine. Obviously, I tighten them afterwards. Singer UK Helpline have told me I shouldn't do that, but haven't told me how else I can get it out! UPDATE SINCE THE LAST POST. Singer's UK Helpline has now advised me to return this under Warranty because it shouldn't be like this. STOP PRESS - since my last comment that Singer said to return it, I have had another look and found the problem. There are two small plates fitted above the bobbin case, each held in place by two screws. One plate at the rear left hand (which she removes in the video), and one plate at the front right hand. There is a tiny amount of clearance around the holes through which the two screws in each plate pass. By loosening these two plates and sliding them within the limit of their holes outwards from the bobbin case, then re-tightening them, enough clearance can be won to allow the bobbin case to be lifted out and replaced. BUT it's much easier if the slot on the side of the rotating case into which the bobbin case sits, is at the rear of the machine (just slowly move the hand wheel to position this. Once you have done this, there should be no need to get the screwdriver out again.

[@sewingwithstacy]

Great to know. Thanks for sharing! I also never experienced a machine where I had to work so hard to get the casing out! I thought it was kinda weird especially since, I've bought a few more 4452s and they don't require me to remove any screws.

[@ashleebootystein2896]

So helpful thank you!

[@sewingwithstacy]

You're so welcome!