Daily Longarm Machine Maintenance

[@nejkh7]

This was a great video which clearly shows the importance of keeping your machine clean, oiled, and dust free. Thanks for the useful tips.

[@D9P323]

Thank you for this video! You don't hear this detailed information on most longarm quilting sites---this is important

[@QOVGermany]

Your instructions are wonderful. I'll go back through your video again and take notes so I can remember them all! Thank you!!

[@Tgirldiva]

I'm so very new to longarm quilting. Thank you for sharing this with us newbies.

[@Michelle6998832]

@Valerie Greenwell Thank you, Valerie!!!! 😊 I'm so glad i found your channel & subscribed. I'm a newbie too, I've been watching sewing with Nancy on PBS to fall asleep too (not because I think quilting is boring, but because I love Nancy's soothing voice & her sewing tutorials. You see, I'm a vintage doll collector, and I love sewing period outfits and costumes for my dollies. I display them in a large, glass doors vintage cabinet, and I'm obsessed with changing their outfits to match seasons and holiday themes). I ended up falling in love with the Quilted art world 🎨 and what seems to me (a beginner) an infinite universe of ideas, methods, techniques, notions, trims, floss, lace, ribbons, scraps, embroidery, patchwork, applique, on and on.... that the quilting world makes possible, and that sounds magical & exciting to me. I can't wait to get started 😀 Thank you!

[@snickerbuckle]

That oil absorbing sheet is brilliant and I will definitely find some to use because I do keep a clear plastic cover on my table for covering my paper pantographs, and when the oil drips it warp the plastic.

[@jinxgriswold3044]

I really appreciate the instructions for keeping the machine and frame clean. I am awaiting the delivery of my first machine and frame, and strangely I never heard this helpful information. Thank you.

[@wa5atw]

Thanks for doing this video. I see that I have several areas that you pointed out that I haven't been taking proper care of.

[@gerrimattison5291]

You are a real machine lover. The better you care for it, the longer it lasts. I dont own a long arm, but your advice and tips are so valuable to us all.

[@marywise2014]

New to your channel. Great tips even for those of us who don't have a long arm. Thank you for sharing.

[@bigk5837]

I’ve had my Gammill for 15+ years and I learned a bunch of things today. 🥰 Thank you for upping my maintenance game!

[@debcavan]

Thank you, I didn't know about the rail cleaner.

[@jlrobwil]

Valerie, you are WONDERFULll!!! Thank you ! Jen

[@melanieayers3363]

Super helpful. Thanks for making this.

[@jgirlaldrich6559]

Valerie, Great tips for every quilt cleaning. I clean my machine in similar ways by not every quilt, now I know better, and learned about cleaning the wheels. Thank you for very important tips!!

[@ltrow3636]

Valerie, that is a great video! Even though I don't have a longarm, I still watched it to the end! Very interesting!

[@Elleffe]

Thank you for this great and useful video 🙏🙏

[@sandycampbell6087]

Do you have an instruction list available as there are several maintenance items didn’t realize needed to be done. Very thorough video-thanks for sharing, Valerie!

[@monabarnes7196]

Ooohhh a check off list would be so good.

[@jeanfeeley2802]

Thank you for your service, Valerie-going to miss you here in Tucson.

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

Thank you so much 😊

[@jeanfeeley2802]

Here in Tucson-Glad to see you again and wonderful video!

[@julieanderson2428]

Thanks for posting ! Learned a lot!

[@lindabrown-clark1024]

Thank you so much!!! I really needed this info! I just set up my long arm today.

[@xochitlzuniga8135]

Gracias por compartir , me han sido de mucha utilidad sus consejos de cómo mantener limpias mis máquinas. Le escribo desde la Ciudad de Guadalajara . Jalisco . México

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

Me alegro de que te haya resultado útil. Nunca he estado en México, pero he oído que es hermoso. - Valerie

[@christineashmore7402]

Thank you for the helpful information and for your encouragement and inspiration!

[@paikia-dj8mx]

Great advice. I just realized i should probably take better care of my machine and frame.

[@Brewmaven]

Great video, very clear on what we need to do! Thank you! ❤

[@monabarnes7196]

Thank you so much for this! I have a new long arm and frame coming and I know nothing!!!!

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

I try to post at least one new video a month, sometimes more. I hope they help you. 😊

[@cathywhite3487]

Thank you for all the great information. I try to clean my wheels but it’s hard to get everything off. I am going to try the whiteboard cleaner.

[@gailfrohnert9561]

I’ve always used alcohol to wipe down my wheels and tracks. Works great. Also use a compressed air blower to clean out my bobbin area - and blow off thread bits from my leaders. I used to use a paint brush but found compressed air worked better for me.

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

Alcohol can be hard on the plastics and could cause it to crack over time. And condensed air emits moisture which I wouldn’t want on my leaders or inside my bobbin area. But I’m sure you know the risks and I’m glad you have a routine that works for you. 😊

[@gailfrohnert9561]

@@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry I was actually taught to use alcohol by Marie Tallman, one of the early beta testers. So far (10+ years), it’s worked well for me.

[@gailfrohnert9561]

@Valerie Greenwell i just use scrap batting and a bottle of regular alcohol - and the tracks are metal, anyway. Like you, I clean thoroughly after finishing up for the day. Sure feels good to keep my machine running in tip-top shape. Only difference I was taught was the oiling spot above motor gets 12 drops, all others 2 drops. Maybe the newer machines take less? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@user-mp9ur3bj1f]

Compressed air in a bobbin area is not good because what you're doing is your compressing the air it's not cleaning it out it's compressing it in packs up and builds up that is one thing on your comment. I noticed that I felt that I wanted to share and help you that's not a good idea. I don't use compressed air thinking you're cleaning out the concept sounds right, but in all reality, it's actually compressing it into it and making it worse. Makes a build up until there is that you might not be able to reach

[@gailfrohnert9561]

@@user-mp9ur3bj1f totally disagree! Many, many longarm instructors used compressed air which is why I switched recently from just using a paint brush! There’s NOWHERE for the dust and lint to go except out of the bobbin area - I have far less issues with lint and thread breaks since using this method! But hey, you do you! I’m quite happy with how much cleaner I keep my machine!

[@catd5610]

Thank You Valerie! So helpful & comprehensive. Will definitely be incorporating some of your suggestions into my current clean machine routines Enjoy your videos. You’re very talented & I look forward to your content Thanks

[@gailpape2927]

Great video! I’m just starting with my mid arm. Thank you for sharing this information! Subscribed and eager to learn more from your videos .

[@cindyhermanson7004]

Can you post your list of cleaning steps?

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

Wow , wonderful ideas ,thank you for taking the time to share🙏🙏🙆🙆❤

[@pamelaarbour3368]

OMG! After watching your video twice, I am pretty sure that I shouldn't get a long arm! LOL I do have an Innova sitdown longarm, which I love and I do oil it regularly, but I can't see me getting into a daily routine like you do and also after watching your video, I am convinced that it is important. I really appreciate your detailed video. Thank you for sharing that valuable information. I haven't seen your quilting tutorials yet but I am sure they will have the same detail,

[@sparkyal43]

It really isn’t difficult and you get an easy rhythm after doing it for 7-10 days. I found and old Gammill that wasn’t maintained well. After loosening everything with oil and doing a big clean it runs perfect and the daily maintenance really isn’t bad.

[@sparkyal43]

Thank you for this great video!

[@d.mccann9823]

Excellent advice!!

[@colleenwood1]

This video is fantastic! Thank you!

[@carolmiller970]

Excellent. Thank you for the details. I will follow your instructions.

[@tresajeppsen4188]

Great instructions and tips. Thank you

[@judygill5916]

Thank you for all the information,

[@loraineleuschke4186]

Well done!! Thank you!

[@monicapharo2330]

Great video ❤

[@KathleenCavanaugh]

GREAt Video! Thank you!

[@fransak2723]

I also love the micro fiber cloth. I will look into the novus clean and shine. I just learned how to clean my wheels. I use those brushes for painting and I find they leave a lot of bristles behind. Have you found that when using them for dusting?

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

@@fransak2723 Some of brushes do leave bristles behind. You can look for a better quality brush, or a different brand.

[@RonLSzabo]

Need more info on the novel. Thanks

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

New subscriber ❤ I don’t own one yet but still want to learn about them

[@pamelaarbour3368]

In your previous response to me below, you mentioned that you bought a used long arm. I would love to hear about that process. You give such detailed information. I wouldn't know where to begin to look for one or know what to look for.

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

That must have been someone else’s response. I purchased my Gammill new straight from Gammill. Your biggest decision would be if you want computer guided or if you want to quilt manually. But this could be a great topic for another video. Right now I’m in the process of moving across the country but as soon as I get set up in my new location I’ll make a video about that process.

[@pamelaarbour3368]

@@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry I am looking forward to that. I know moving is a lot of work. I hope it goes well. You seem so organized

[@Thosewhopost]

I thought the bobbin would be huge but I have never seen a machine in person

[@MyQuiltProjects]

You have a contraption on your wall holding your red snappers. Is this homemade? I am going to look into cleaner oil and the cleaning spay. Thank you much!

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

My husband made the snapper keeper using some left over trim and bead board scraps. It hugs the wall and is the perfect spot for them. 😊

[@annorgan8039]

Where do u find that cleaner for the machine ,so do I do that same instructions for a moxie

[@DJGASAP]

Do you have a video or tips on buying a used gammill. How to turn it on and do a sample sew. I have never used a longarm and I really want a gammill. Do you turn on the computer first or the machine?

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

@@DJGASAP I don’t have a video for start up but Gammill has a great video series that is excellent for first time users. But to answer your question, I turn on the red/green switches first and then the computer. If you buy a used machine the sellers should show you how to operate it. If you purchase a used machine from Gammill the Gammill will show you how to operate it. Either way I would recommend the new owner training program. It is very informative.

[@deedratheriot6807]

❤

[@shawnaleewhitney6630]

I don't own a longarm, but have been thinking about getting one. This information is helpful for thinking ahead to what it would take to maintain a machine and keep it in good running order. Would you say these steps are good things to keep in mind across most brands of longarm machines?

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

Yes indeed It doesn’t matter what brand of longarm you use, maintenance and cleaning routines are very important

[@shawnaleewhitney6630]

@@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry Awesome! Thanks so much for the response.

[@gracelynnmarley4921]

Can you use compressed air that’s in a can?

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

I know people do but I do not. I think it emits condensation which could add moisture to the machine and cause issues. So I do not.

[@marthasettles4023]

What is the spray you are using Valerie

[@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry]

NOVUS Plastic Clean & Shine

[@randysettles105]

@@ValerieGreenwellQuiltArtistry Thank You

[@TheSuccessfulEmerald]

I don’t quilt or have a machine, but your video was still great to watch and learn in case I do someday!

[@grammaterry6]

Very thorough. I have been seriously thinking about a long arm as my next step in this glorious world of fabric artistry we live in. Your video addresses one of my biggest concerns with all the machines I now have…keeping them maintained. You have a great routine and know the products to use and just have your set up so efficient and clean… great inspiration and methods to use on all machines.

[@DD-ek8qc]

If I were to quilt for somebody beside myself I'd charge a maintenance fee with each quilt done.

[@DD-ek8qc]

You give good instructions. I've never heard of NoVus. Where do you get it? What exactly is it?