SEWING MACHINE MAINTENANCE // What you can DIY to properly clean & de-fluff your sewing machine!

Maintain your sewing machine, and it will love you back! Let me show you how to take off he metal plate, properly de fluff, clean and oil your sewing machine!
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Evelyn
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[@Evelyn__Wood]

Tell me... Do you regularly clean your sewing machine? Or..... not? Or ...........never?! If you really want to learn to understand your machine and sew better, join me at www.vintagesewingschool.com/

[@annegrzesiak7139]

Yes, defluff after each project or once per month!

[@ireneclai578]

My first sewing machine I didn't know you were supposed to clean it. Or change the needle.

[@abby742]

What do you think of yearly tune-ups by a mechanic? I've been told a yearly maintenance check is always necessary but I think in the almost 20 years I've had my machine it's gone twice.

[@Escape10mom]

After each project, with makeup brushes!!

[@kofficerofficer2138]

I learned last yr how to clean my machine. I got sidetracked and forgot, so it's been about 6 months.

[@efjeK]

I don't sew very regularly, but I made it a habit to de-fluff every time I start or finish a project.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

That is a great habit! And after each project is prefect timing! 😄

[@sylviahilxebrant7141]

Seems like I'm always defluffing my machine --- it's amazing how much gets in there in such a short time. I have learned a little trick that helps. Always put a little piece of fabric under the presser foot when not using -- keeps the dust out.

[@dale3404]

That can also be your waste piece for sewing onto at the end of the seam so the thread doesn’t get bunched up.

[@anniechioma]

Better still, sew up a sewing machine cover if yours didn't come neither a soft nor a hard case cover.

[@curtriceennis2924]

@@anniechioma A soft cover with pockets (not really ever used) is the FIRST thing I sewed on my machine. It took me a few days, but, I finally got one made. Til then, I covered the plate and the top of my machine with pieces of fabric. It sure helps to do that. 😉

[@sandrasawyer2312]

I have been sewing all my life, but self taught. I had NO idea about cleaning my bobbin area. I cleaned it out last night, it was amazing. Lots of fluff. Thank you for the video 🥰

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😀 Did you find 'felt pads'? I bet your machine will run so much better now!

[@sandrasawyer2312]

@@Evelyn__Wood yes! lol I had a little ball of fluff😂

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

A great reminder. I regularly clean my old machine and oil is a must for my old machine. I also use the keyboard vacuum attachment to vacuum out the fluff before brushing to make sure I got it all. When I have a problem first thing I do is clean machine, rethread and change the needle. Amazing the number of problems these three steps will cure.

[@authorstephaniemjones]

I so appreciate that you talk fast and always get straight to the point! Your sewing tips are the best 🙂

[@mouseluva]

I never even realised defluffing was a thing I could do until I found your channel a few months back! My usage patterns are quite irregular, but defluffing is now part of my sewing process. It also allowed me to find what part of my machine is responsible for bobbin tension and play with that, which has massively reduced all the issues I was having with it! Felt pads between the feed dogs makes me laugh every time!

[@JoeyMastropiero]

I sarted having thread jam due to this....I have a 1940's machine I inherited from my grandma, and had no idea how to clean it, thanks a lot for all the super useful information, I got to learn so much from your videos! Greetings from Argentina!!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Your most welcome!!

[@peppi4459]

timestamps 0:00 Intro. 2:25 De-luffing your machine. 5:31 Blowing out the fluff with air. 6:14 Oiling your machine (if needed). 7:19 Putting the machine back on. 7:58 How often should you clean you machine? 8:33 Outro. 9:02 Final tip (do a test stich). 9:22 Bye! hope these help!

[@gracieallen8285]

Evelyn, great tip to take a photo of the bobbin shuttle before removing it, making sure it goes back correctly.

[@thebratqueen]

What, you mean I can't start a feed dog felt pad business on the side? ;) Seriously though, I liked the overview. I appreciated the protips about taking a picture before taking it apart, and doing a test stitch once it was all back together.

[@debe8890]

I believe one of my 3 machines states in the manual not to use canned air or anything to blow the fluff, because it will pack it further down into the machine. I would add that if you sew with more lint producing fabrics or predominately use 100% cotton thread you probably will need to defluff more often.

[@scoobyproof]

My mom bought me my machine as a high school graduation present. It's over thirty years old yet works well. It's kinda like my pet and I cover her with a tea towel after use. I do take it apart to oil and defluffy it. It needs proper grooming.

[@joellewatkins5528]

Lol I just did this yesterday! You are right about the oil. I have a 1222e pfaff made in 1978. It a mix of old tech and new ( well at the time) . Parts need oil and parts don't, however if you oil it wrong it will mess nylon parts and computer parts.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Exactly!! Thankyou for pointing this out!!

[@lesliemarquard4645]

I have been doing some intensive embroidery projects and didn't once think to defluff the machine. Holy moly! I think I found a small animal's worth of fluff in my machine. It's a wonder it didn't just quit and refuse another stitch! Thank you for the encouragement to peek down there and see what was lurking. I'm a defluff convert for sure!

[@nj586]

You look so much like a vintage Snow White and I absolutely love it!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

I try to "defluff" after 3 bobbins get emptied. I also oil everyday per the instructions with my vintage 301A singer. I let my hubby do the monthly cleaning oiling. This is "sew" important!

[@MariaLuciaGomezGreenberg]

I bought a small vacuum to help with cleaning. Since I sew lots of flannel, fleece and quilt with batting, I have to clean my machine often. I also begin from the top so that I don’t drop lint into the area I just cleaned. LOVE all your tips and enthusiasm. 🤗❤️☺️

[@samanthahillburhop581]

I haven't been sewing much this last couple of years. Cataracts and glaucoma, just had surgery, sat down and sewed for the first time in a couple of years. Just hemmed a couple pairs of pants. I was forced here to defluff due to fabric getting caught in dog feed, had to tear it all apart. My husband was laughing about all the swearing I was doing.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Aww no!!!! We have all done that for sure! Like you said, on the bright side you have a clean machine out of it! 😃

[@samanthahillburhop581]

I had to have it serviced back in December because it quit wanding the bobbins

[@CoryDAnimates]

Commenting to help the algorithm!

[@Evelyn__Wood]

😚😚😚 Always appreciated!

[@anubis33]

Getting the plate off is easier if you keep a 1p or a 1¢ as it fits the screw head. Using a pc vacuum that runs on batteries is pretty effective too.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

🤤🤔😃 I'm going to my purse right now!!

[@elizabetheleck1246]

Brilliant! Need to try that on my Featherweight, because my "stubby" screwdriver wasn't cutting it!

[@anubis33]

Elizabeth Eleck those screwdrivers supplied with machines are for only for changing the needles!

[@mariajosecampos4084]

May I suggest you list what problems might come out if you don't de-fluff your machine properly? Love your contents

[@lorrainebressette2859]

The penny just got chewed up so I had to upgrade to a nickel and that did the trick. Thanks for the tip!

[@pattyotanez9466]

The 1st time I de-fluffed was when I was having problems with my machine. I swear I took out at least 4 tablespoons of fluff. After that, my machine worked fine. It was deeply satisfying.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

It is oddly satisfying getting out all that fluff right!

[@barbaraarndt4407]

A syringe without the sharp end is perfekt for oiling. Cotton tips bring new fluff.

[@TheLadybughug]

I use canned air to defluff the thread guides (I have found a significant amount of fluff depending on the thread I used). Also, I have learned to put both plates back (the metal and plastic). Put the screws in loosely, then turn the flywheel and make sure it's popped back in, and not in too tight. The shuttle, on my Brother, has a white dot, which aligns with the bottom right (in the shuttle area). Match the white spot on the shuttle to that spot, and test with the flywheel, to ensure its moving back and forth as it should. I use a long bristle fine paintbrush (used in detailed work) to get in the hard to reach areas. A coin may be useful in unscrewing those awkward screws on the metal plate. If you have fat fingers like me, remove the sewing foot, needle (this reminds you to out in a fresh one), and some machines have an extra part that holds the sewing foot, that can be removed. Lastly, put a piece of rolled masking tape, sticky side out, on your work area, and put the screws on it, or use a stable little dish, so you don't lose those screws. They can be a bit on the pricey side. Remember to clean your belly button too. ,😏

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Thankyou for all those extra tips! I'm sure others will appriciate them! (And I'll check my belly button now too!🤣)

[@SequoiaSleeps]

My machine is older than me (it’s from my mother) and it still works great, if you maintain your machine it can last a long, long time.

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Absolutely!!

[@kogabear1]

I had just cleaned a vintage sewing machine for a lady that had so much fluff under the bobbin case that it raised up lock down and jammed the machine. I did use air to blow it out because I could open the machine completely up and from experience I knew it was ok. The sad part was because it was an older machine and covid she was not able to find anyone to take it to. Part of my sewing and I think I've mentioned this before is keeping my vintage machines going and every time I think I'll just skip cleaning and oiling I have to stop and ....... de-fluff and oil. It catches us all.

[@attilathehen1555]

I do clean it but thanks for the reminder. I also take a picture before I disassemble and find it really helps. I’ve got a sewing machine screwdriver that looks like a short key - very useful.

[@oliviaknight1123]

Thank you for this fabulous video, super valuable advice! 🥰

[@danutagajewski3330]

I must have been channeling you ... I de-fluffed my machine last Sunday for the first time in ages and was quite surprised to see how much fluff I was fostering in the bobbin feed! What prompted me was a rather unpleasant "chugging" sound...amazing what a little brush and a swipe of the vacuum cleaner hose can remove! Sadly, no photos - but no chugging sound now either!

[@michelelommasson5970]

I so enjoy your videos! I clean and oil my machine every 6 hour or so, which usually means once a day. I sew on a relatively-new Bernina, and it does require regular oiling and maintenance. Since I sew with lots of natural fabrics, I do get lots of lint; regular de-fluffing is a must! I don't mind the maintenance requirements, I like keeping my machine in tip-top shape. As for your felt pad reference: a customer at the shop where I work once insisted that her felt pad be returned to her, as it was missing when she picked up her machine from servicing. She was quite irate, and sure that we were wrong when we told her that the pad was the result of accumulated lint. It seems that she was removing it and carefully replacing it when she cleaned and oiled her machine (which can't have been often, since there was a felt pad). The techs will actually take photos when they get a particularly dirty machine on the bench. I have seen some amazing mounds of lint!

[@linmik090622]

I had to laugh when I saw this video because just yesterday I cleaned and oiled mine. She's pretty old (from the 80s I think) and recommends oiling every month. For those that do need to oil it's worth it to check the places where you put the oil since lint can get in there too and create a gunky mess. I'll usually clean any linty oil with a qtip before I put in new oil.

[@wdtaut5650]

So true. If your machine goes long periods without use, or you are trying to revive a family heirloom, clean _thoroughly_ ! Old oil can oxidize and make a tough goo in the machine, especially if it is the wrong oil and has mixed with fluff. It will be in the hardest places to see or reach. Remove fluff often, oil sparingly.

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

The machine I use ( borrowed) is over forty years old. I don't sew often, and am ashamed to say, never clean. Had it serviced a few months ago... However, this excellent video and the helpful comments by other viewers are very helpful. Will turn over a new leaf from now on. Thank-you, Evelyn and everyone.

[@marybradley168]

Very helpful Evelyn! Take care, Mary

[@virginiahouser1060]

Thank you, Evelyn, for your cheerful sharing of knowledge and expertise. Keep up your fine work!

[@vickinelson7150]

I sew nearly everyday, Monday’s I clean my machine, change needle, clean cutting table and sewing table. It’s become a part of the day. My machine works great! I take it in to be serviced twice a year

[@oompaloompa83]

Thank you so much for this! I have the exact same machine as you but have only started using it this year. I haven't ever defluffled it, so I'm going to do it tomorrow and then make it a regular habit on a Saturday. Also, thanks for the tip about the oil. I hadn't noticed that in the manual.

[@zarinasmith478]

Thankyou!✨Thankyou!✨ for all your sewing tips!just cleaned my sewing machine!I love your show! 😍✨🌟💛✨👑

[@TheCynedd]

I clean my sewing machine after every session of sewing or embroidery. I am happy you mentioned not to use canned air or an air compressor - those drive lint into the mechanisms; I always use a vacuum to remove the fluff.

[@jonyohannes560]

Nice &important for sewing this topics thanks

[@sarahwenger3552]

your machine is also so pretty, love the pink!

[@marielismunoz4372]

I recently got a sewing machine that was sitting in my parents closet. Not sure how long it was sitting there or how old it actually is. It still works but now will de fluff to see how much better it will run. Thank you for this video and all your tips in the others. All so wonderful. Also you’re like real life Snow White in this vid with the red headband and blue blouse. Gorgeous.

[@ireneclai578]

The picture taking is absolutely brilliant!

[@belyndagalbraith6851]

Thank you so much for that video. I have a new machine, well it’s a year old now. Cleaned it for the first time. Read the manual and found out a whole lot more too. Found another area on it that needs monthly cleaning too. Thank you 😊

[@eleanor.shadow]

I’m so glad I managed to service my machine just before the pandemic started... I clean it once a month or after a large project (or when sewing with wool!) I did buy a used over locker that hasn’t been serviced though, I cleaned the inside and wow, the amount of fluff that came out of its innards was mind boggling 😅

[@patriciadoherty464]

Thanks for another great video.

[@semco72057]

That is a great tip and I have to remember to check my machine for debris after using it and clean it regularly too. I thank you for showing us this tip and hope it helps others as well.

[@lorrainebressette2859]

I have a Simplicity SB3129 (Brother) machine that I love. I can get the bobbin case out to de-fluff, but I've never been able to get the metal throat plate off because the screws were in so darned tight. I tried using a penny with one of those silicone key covers so I could get a good grip, but the penny just got chewed up. Then I tried a nickel with the silicone cover on it, and after much struggling, the screws finally gave way! Wow, I can finally do a more thorough job! I find that pipe cleaners are good fluff grabbers. Thanks everyone and Evelyn for all the tips.

[@jeniferalvarez2914]

So helpful! Didn’t know that piece came out of the bobbin area lol. I took the top plates off recently and cleaned everything out. Guess I need to take the bobbin piece out and clean under there. I’m about to finish a project with minky fabric so I’ll do that when I’m done.

[@vanessa3550]

I just got a 'new' sewing machine (and old one from my grandma) my previous sewing machine I never cleaned, but I'll definitely get into the habit of doing so now.

[@bonmamartine5178]

Loving your channel so far. I’m mid 60’s and sewed a lot 35 years ago but didn’t have time for years although my machine has always been set up in a room for emergency mending and such, but except for a christening gown and a couple dresses for granddaughters I’d not sewn in decades. Masks got me going again and I’ve found so many new notions have been developed. Clips are a favorite now, super useful in mask making. I bought large cutting mats. I’ve started watching some videos but so many are long and slow. They could say and demonstrate in 5 minutes what takes them 20! I can’t spend hours watching youtube especially since I’m not a beginner. I love that you seem to move along quickly. I’m visiting granddaughters 2k miles from my home and brought a new sewing machine as a birthday present for the 13 yr old. She likes to make costumes and has been using hot glue! I’ve had less than two weeks to teach the basics-in the middle of soccer, homework, household chores and her also learning to cook-she’s never been interested. I’ll have her subscribe to your channel. She’s been practicing on finishing about 30 masks I’ve been making for her family. Little sisters are interested and helping too. Thanks for your fun and super useful videos. My machine is a Bernina 130 I’ve had since 1997 and other than using canned air I’ve never cleaned it. I guess it’s time.

[@NicoleS]

Thank you so much for this video. I was searching "how to clean your sewing machine" and your video was first. So well explained. My machine is only a few wewks old and I'm only able to sew on weekends. I'll definitely clean before I start my new project on Sunday. 😊🌻

[@annie4424]

I have a 20-year-old Bernina that does need to be oiled, but only once a year or so, according to my mechanic...and I sew a lot for a hobbyist: everyday after work and on the weekends. Definitely check with your mechanic to help you understand how often you should be oiling your particular machine!

[@Pixelhoarder4life]

Thank for you this video! I just bought a Janome memory craft 9850 (my first ever sewing machine, normally just use my moms) and I definitely want to take good care of it.

[@sk8this1281]

Thank you so much! I will now clean my machine before i start a project every time! :D

[@jeanwestackroyd2966]

Hi Evelyn. My machine is fairly new so its like starting with a 'clean slate' and remembering to keep it that way - thankyou !

[@lynetteperry3559]

Thank you i am learning so much

[@ChiWren]

Thank you, you couldn't have made better instructions! I was so nervous to unscrew and get in the machine, but it all went well and it was so satisfying to see a lint free space.

[@tcns3530]

Thank You so very much! I have never defluffed, I sure will now! Yes!!!!!! Thank You! Love Your Videos!

[@windflowerrainstorm6497]

Oh no my machine is from 2001 and i have cleaned it never times

[@Evelyn__Wood]

Oh noooooooo! 😂😂 I bet your machine will sew so much better when you do give it a clean! 😃

[@orionliketheconstellation3003]

Same but 2003 😂😭

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

My older machine lets me know to clean out the fluff and oil it--it will sound different, sort of run rougher, when it needs to be cleaned/oiled.

[@jeanneluddeni3121]

Me neither lol

[@firstnamelastname6016]

1960s, same story 😅

[@ketobabysteps4893]

I de-fluffed this week...oh, so much packed lint in the feed dogs and all around the bobbin. I'm really glad you mentioned the "wick" as my machine does indeed have that. Since I somehow brought on a little squeak after de-flluffing, and maybe a small drop of sewing machine oil on the wick will help the squeak go away.

[@arielmyers4028]

I was told never to mess with the insides of my machine and it is definitely something that has always bothered me (was to scared to break machine i dont have money to replace) so nice to learn its this simple and i can do it! Thanks Evelyn

[@mtwomey4805]

So helpful! Thank youuuuuu!

[@emmaRBC]

Thank you for this! I am one of those people who Google-d sewing machine maintenance and this was super helpful. The instructions in my manual are sparse at best (the machine is from the 80s) so this was super helpful. Have ordered a little brush to de-fluff it ASAP! ☺️👍🏻

[@sarahbranham1456]

Something I do as an extra measure of safety is remove the needle and foot while cleaning. It gives you extra room to clean, and prevents accidently getting stuck or breaking needle during disassembly/reassembly.

[@janehollander1934]

While I was binge watching all your video's on your KZbin channel, in the last week. I stumbled across a video where you talked about "Good Sewing Habits" where de-fluffing was on the list. So I went straight to my machine, and did it 3 days ago👌🏻. I had done it but not on a regular basis. And although I have been sewing since I was six (taught by my Mom on her Husqvarna 2000, bought new in 1976, that I used & inherited after she Passed away). I had to admit to myself that I should apply all the good advice to my sewing. Only a few years ago I stopped with holding pinning needles between my lips, while pinning😅. So we are never too old (49yrs) to learn good new habits👌🏻. So now de-fluffing and changing sewing machine needles (more frequently) will be added to my "Good Sewing Habits" list... I Promise 😁✌🏻.

[@Shannonishere]

This is great! Thanks for the reminder.

[@holybathook]

Thank you for this!

[@thatonelonelyeagle5398]

This video helped me sooo much because i was about to take apart and oil my sewing machine but the fact that you warned to read manual first was a life saver! Normally i defluff before, in the middle of the project(if it takes more than 6 days) and after every project! very amazing how much fluff gets in there! Thank you sew much for the help!

[@susanbartlett-ye6476]

Hi Evelyn, I couldn't get a picture to load in the comments but I got a lot of fluff out when I cleaned my machine. Thank you for the tips!

[@pjfountaine7755]

Thanks for your videos.... i haven’t done much sewing , but am setting up my sewing room now, and want to get it right the first time, if possible. Years ago, i really enjoyed to sit down and when i had the chance to do it, i could sew for hours, but i didn’t really have the time. Now, i have the time, but not the collectiveexperience , or Know How of basic, crucial skills, which for some with experience are second nature. So i really appreciate your advice and knowledge. Thanks.

[@user-er6hm7tn1k]

OH MY, I’m so glad I run into this, I didn’t realize that oiling is not for all machines! I just got me a new machine and it really says do not oil. And now I know to defluff regularly. My new machine is not even two months old and I found so much fluff already under coz I use it almost everyday. Thank you so much!

[@johannasaninocencio7458]

I have 4 vintage sewing machines and a serger. I de fluff frequently. I also oil about every 2-3 months as needed. The kind of oil is also very important, because some oils turn to a varnish after time and it’s not fun to clean off. Changing your needle is another important maintenance step.

[@57Feliz]

Thank you so much for creating this video. Greatly appreciated. I'm in Canada, and I've found that a quarter works really well instead of the screwdriver. It's just the right size. Thanks again!

[@S1was]

I could show you that mess after months of fear to open my first machine but I cleaned it last week. :D It is awesome video and I am glad that you say things that I actually did, so I can feel better and I am not afraid of doing something wrong. (Excuse my English - I hope my sentences makes sense.) I love your videos and they really helps me with my sewing. Thank you for your content.

[@Propfaqs]

My Husqvarna 20 year old machine began chirping. It doesn’t require oiling either... but that sounded like metal on metal! I remember when I bought the machine the dealer showed me where, in the crevice over the presser foot, a drop of oil could be added if needed. I worked with a flashlight and turned the wheel many times forward to see the internal motions, adding sewing machine oil where metal met metal side to side and up and down. It worked! Have also removed a small sheep’s worth of fluff in the past. That was a learning curve!! Now, I clean after every project.

[@absinthemindedcat]

I have my mothers vintage Elna supermatic from the late 50s and i absolutly love her. one of my favorite things is i dont need a screwdriver for access to defluff. it also makes it easier to open things up if something happens and the threds tangle.

[@meegiep]

Thank you for posting this video! I was so afraid to open up my machine to clean it. Your step by step process gave me the courage to finally do it…after 7 years old sewing.

[@Ambimom]

I've been sewing for more. years than you are born. I learned on a treadle! I love your videos. This one in particular. I am obsessive about cleaning my machines. I do it at the end of every sewing session. I used to use canned air, but don't anymore. I have one of those mini attachments that hooks onto my vacuum cleaner to suck it all away. I still have to use a brush in addition. Sergers are the worst of course because they often get un-threaded during the de-linting. I HATE rethreading my serger, but I can't live without one! LOL. If you keep your machine clean, change your needle for every project, and use the right type of needle for what you sew, you'll rarely if ever need repair.

[@karlaarnold9842]

I have several of you videos saved. I have yet to be able to make friends with a sewing machine. I have clothes that need mending so I am going to give it a go. I need loads of guidance and help! I have so much to learn. Start with the basics.

[@donnablodgett6698]

I am so glad that you created this video. I have always been surprised at how many people don't know that they have to clean their sewing machine. It is also very important that they have their machines (especially the one's you cannot take the cover off) serviced by a professional. They would be shocked as to how much fluff collects inside the machine. Love the information you give. Great job!!

[@jacquelynsattes7487]

I have a nifty 4 pointed flathead screwdriver key chain from craftsman that comes in so handy when cleaning my machine or changing the needle

[@lynette.]

Thank you that was so clear.

[@marinazagrai1623]

I didn’t even think about behind the needle. I came to you to see how to clean but will subscribe for more instruction. The piece I was working on got gnarly under the fabric and when I looked at the plate it was “fluffy”. I only worked on some sleep shots and it was clean before starting them. I can just imagine how often the dusting is needed if working on many projects. I swiped the clips while you were talking before you mentioned totake a pic! I found someone who posted a video on how the assembly works…no manual and when I searched one the pic was not very helpful. Thank you very much for this video.

[@eddesimone535]

The bent screwdriver you were talking about is called an "offset screwdriver," and can be bought cheaply. I bought my wife her machine when we got married 35 years ago, and about a week ago she mentioned it wasn't working anymore. Wish I took a picture of how much gunk was in there! LOL Works a lot better now.

[@mariave8975]

I’ve had my machine for 3 Months and never knew how to probably clean it. Just removed so much fluff!! Thank you 😊

[@Jacelyn5440]

This is a good video, and thanks for posting. I learned about 1 1/2 years ago that on Brother's high end machines the whole metal plate under the needle comes off without any tools! Just move a part on the sewing machine and the metal plate comes loose! I love it. Thanks again, Evelyn!

[@ToriLynnH]

Yes I have the lovely old bent screw driver thingy.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, Funny thing happened today... In parts thanks to you Ms. Wood there is now a brand old vintage green Husqvarna Automatic 21 E (Viking I think they're called in some places of the world) from the late 50's or early 60's sitting on my kitchen table. It's a very coveted machine around this part of the world. I got it from our local EBAY-type place and after it got to me, it went to the doctor for a check-up. To shorten this essay a bit, let's concluded that as a senior machine, it needed a little TLC and then he (the machine not the doctor) came home with a new spring in his step. I have found that he has a feed dog(?) issue, so today my husband oversaw me doing what you just did. He is an engineer (the husband not the machine) of that particular kind, that has pulled every single household appliance apart and put them back again, before the age of 12. What he did was that, when he unscrewed each piece he put that piece, and the screws holding it to the machine, in separate piles during the whole procedure. After we were done with the brush he blew, very gently, into the machine before putting back the plates, shuttle and screws to put it back together again. He (the husband) would have conniptions if I was to suggest that we would use the vacuum or spray air to di-lint it. We couldn't fix the feed dogs, by the way so he (the machine) will have to go back to the doctor's at some point. There weren't a whole lot of fluff either but I have used it maybe a few of hour so far, as I'm learning how to sew. Did I say that I'm a 55 year old absolut beginner sewer, by the way? As the keeper of a senior sewing machine, I wanted to highlight the more analog approach, with keeping the screws and things in separate piles, and not just rely on digital coming to the rescue if you mess up. When I picked my machine up after his treatment, I asked the gentleman in the shop how often I should oil my new, much loved senior, and he told me that it had been over oiled, and I should only put oil in it once a year or so. I think that he (machine again) might need yearly check-ups anyway, so I will let them do it when he's in the doctor's office. Much like we having our blood pressure taken and getting our flue shot. So, that's the story about timing with this post. Yours, Ann

[@tex1622]

I have a Bernina 1230 that is almost as old as me (uh, if I pretend I'm closer to 30 than 40), and I've seen people talk in online forums about oiling a 1230 after EVERY USE! Whoa, I'm glad you have set the record straight for me, Evelyn. Indeed, I also have a cheap modern machine, have never oiled it, but always wondered if I should as it said nothing of oiling in the manual either way. Phew, this video couldn't have come too soon!

[@Gayleeeeful]

Although I am late to the party, *Thank you!* I have been using my niece's basic Singer for several years (it was unused in storage). I was routinely cleaning the bobbin area but had never removed the footplate. I just had a professional tune-up & all is well. Reviewing the manual, I see instructions as you have outlined. The manual also shows where to oil. I'm not sure how often I should oil. I’ll check with my service pros. Thanks again!

[@domitila7709]

Thanks for the informations.

[@birichinaxox9937]

Thank had this video saved for a year. Finally did it. Bought my machine in 2008 but only been sewing consistently since 2012. Never done it oops. Been save in calendar now every month. Very satisfying seeing the difference but oh sorry sweet machine. I didn't know🤦‍♀️

[@tsezwik]

Since I only sew or mend clothing I will clean once a month or before beginning a new project. I clean the bobbin case manually, but I do tend to use canned air on the other nooks and crannies.

[@janethavis3495]

I love defluffing! I do it every time I change bobbins. I remove the needle first as I scratched myself once, even though I had raised the needle. Thank you.

[@tankgirllovesroos]

Thank you for this

[@liviemillie6455]

Once again, your sewing machine is pretty. Lol. But really- I am very grateful for this video! I haven't actually begun to sew yet, still in the studying phase haha, but I'll definitely remember to do this!

[@locksleywilliams8423]

Thank you for your advice 🇯🇲

[@nightyjae2128]

My sewing machine is from the 60s.... that was also the last time it was cleaned..... I think it should also be oiled, it kinda growls before the needle starts moving 😂 Thanks for the instructions, I've been sewing for 8 years now and no one told me this stuff.

[@nommh]

I‘ve been using a lot of vintage cotton and linen and it seems to create so much dust. Plus I bought a new sewing machine and so I‘m still very much in love with it. With reason it seems. The stitchplate comes off by pressing just one corner. The shuttle has just one anchor. It is still a bit fiddly, but self explanatory. When I see fluff collecting on the presser foot I know I will find fluff under the stitchplate and behind the shuttle so I clean. Strangely enough, although my machine certainly is modern I‘m still supposed to oil it, but one month after purchase I still see so much oil when defluffing that I have not yet done so, but I will once I see no more oil residue from the big glugg my machine seller must have been given it. If you want your machine purring like a kitten instead of heaving like a 70 year old smoker do what Evelyn says and clean regularly.

[@kamilareeder1493]

Hahaha back in college I was blessed and got de-fluff the industrial machine at the end of the semester. I probably pulled an entire ball of yarn out of it 😂😂😂 I like to do mine once a month or after a thicc fabric project. Especially when I'm using velvet, chiffon, or silk.

[@Inanna08]

Thank you for your videos; I'm new to sewing and learned using the manual and your supplementary tips. My thread was stuck between the top part of the machine. I (cringe) pulled it out, but what do I do to get the rest of it out of the top of the machine? It's the first few steps of threading the string (I worked on a simple project and it wouldn't sew due to the tension.) Thanks for rescuing my future sewing projects.