5 Simple Sewing Machine Hacks with Rob Appell

Join Rob Appell, retired Sewing Machine Technician, as he walks you through 5 easy ways to improve your relationships with the tools you love.
Sewing Machine Oil: bit.ly/3OtPmPg
Schmetz Chrome Microtex 80/12 Needles: bit.ly/3ygoexw
Aurifil Thread: bit.ly/3ynMgGH
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[@bierjip1]

Very brave that you say you are a recovered alcoholic. And sewing is a good therapy to keep busy indeed. Applause!

[@patriciamcclanahan632]

I am 85 yrs old and quilting keeps me alive and alert!

[@marciashepherd5307]

Hi Rob, Thank you for your videos. Yes, I would love to learn more about the technical side of sewing. I think understanding the nuances of needles, tension, and anything else that is important to understand, will only help us take better care of our machines. Thanks again!

[@susanbaker8023]

Yes, I would love to see more of taking care of the machine. I have a love affair going with mine. Any thing to help her last longer would be great. I love the new backdrop quilt.

[@millymacphee3305]

Thank you Rob very helpful

[@kellysmith948]

Me too

[@ranaeburgess6982]

Thank you for this video. I’ve been sewing for years, now I can take better care of my machines.

[@winonadavies9201]

Absolutely please do a video on tension! I have nearly 50-year old Kenmore, no plastic internal parts (including bobbin case which is a drop-in.) Amazingly the yearly checkup is enough to keep it running beautifully sewing everything from guaze and lightweight knit to upholstery and denims.

[@carolinegetman2720]

Rob, you serviced my machines when you were at the Cotton Ball. My neighbor couldn’t figure out why her machine wasn’t sewing right and yes, she had never cleaned out the fuzz so everything was rising up. I laughed when you stated that as a possible problem. It really happens! A review of tension issues and needles always helps. Thanks for all the help you provide!

[@maryhudgins9133]

Have watched your videos for a good while now, even have made some of the quilts you designed, have your book. Never knew you were a recovering alcoholic, gives me even more respect for you! You have done so well!! Color, fabrics, and beauty of design are definitely your go to. Love how you fully explain whatever you have your video on and your sense of humor. Keep it going!

[@marquesn77]

When I first came across this video I definitely judged your book by its cover - but when I heard why you quilt my judgements were put right in their place, thanks for a dose of humility - great video, I’m subscribed! 💙🙏🏽

[@stitchtovictory5356]

Hi Rob, so great to see you back on KZbin. I have been sewing for over 40 years and I have never known how the needle numbering system works. I would love for you to do a tutorial on this, thanks!

[@bkfacs]

As a former garment sewing teacher, I have taught these tips, but I didn’t know about the sharps needles! I’ve always related them to super fine fabrics like silk. Being relatively new to quilting, I’m glad to have Rob as a great instructor! I love gleaning new information! Thanks Rob!

[@juliemorrison4348]

Hi Rob, new viewer. Love the quilt hanging behind you. So bright and colourful. I have been sewing for many years but recently heard elsewhere the tip of not pulling the thread backwards out of the machine. Makes alot of sense and I have changed my bad habit😅🇦🇺

[@crystaljones1692]

Hi Rob, I would appreciate a tutorial on needle sizes and use, as well as something thread weights and types ( why cotton vs. polyester). Thanks for such straight forward instructions!

[@debrawest673]

Schmetz also has great tutorials about needles

[@suzannekitchen3444]

Oh my! I just checked my feed dogs and they were filled with lint!!!! Thank you, Rob!

[@paulabrady4313]

Great info, nice personality/presentation. I've been sewing for 50+ years and I learn several things. Thanks

[@junemurray9126]

I appreciated your last comment, the one about cutting the thread, keeping the thread moving in the same direction. It never occurred to me and it makes so much sense. Thank you!

[@AnonymousAmyMakes]

Well I learned something new!! I didn't realize that Microtex meant sharps! That's insane! Thank you so much for all of this information.

[@pennykehus2309]

Hi Rob. I just saw your short version of this video, and realized I needed the long to see the long version.

[@cindyharrison4191]

I haven't done any sewing for years, but used to make my kid's clothes. Now that my granddaughter is making thing's by hand I've got her a small portable sewing machine for her 12th birthday. I guess I'll need to get my machine serviced before I try to get back into it and give her some instructions on machine sewing. I've been learning wood working. So a big thank you for your tips 🙂

[@karenh789]

After sewing for many years I finally found Aurifil thread and what a difference it makes. Thanks for all the tips!

[@paulinechapman5669]

AMEN..my quilting long arm is in love with Aurifil..but like all makes of thread..black and red colours are still a problem re stitch quality..one answer to me for this problem..the amount of dye used to achieve these colours..am skeptical..how about you..🇨🇦

[@steffnehughes]

I've been sewing for years (no formal training) and your video has just taught me so much. Thank you

[@lindalosier5989]

One of my favorite things to do is maintain my machine. I would like you to do a tutorial on needle sizes. It always confuses me. Thanks for a great tutorial on machine maintenance.

[@janetcozens5756]

Great to see you again ROB how are you missed ya 👍👍👍👍👍😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@joycebibeault1814]

Hi Rob. It would help greatly if you had a tutorial on bobbin tension and how to adjust it for drop in bobbins. I’ve been sewing for over fifty years and just learned how to adjust the bobbin tension. I never knew that there was a bobbin tension on drop in bobbins. So if you could cover that so people could know about it, it will help other people. I love your videos you are really fun. Thanks Joyce

[@CC-oi6op]

I got a set of those mini vacuum attachments and I use a small battery vacuum with those attachments and suck out all my machines including my longarm. For me this really gets my machines clean of the lint build up.

[@MicheleNoma]

A video on troubleshooting tension on sewing AND embroidery machine would be great.

[@marilynngriffin5538]

A tension lesson would be great. Thanks for offering

[@joyinstitches456]

I love it! I'm always surprised the amount of sewists who don't know they need to do regular machine maintenance. Maybe it's because I grew up with and am married to a mechanic, but maintenance will prevent so many big problems down the road! I would love to see a troubleshooting tension video so I'll have a go to reference when people tell me about their tension issues.

[@k3of5ks]

Thanks Rob. A clean machine is a happy machine. You need to come over to garment making. It’s soooooo fun!

[@brittawrolson5936]

Your hacks are so informative, and better yet, they are explained in such a way that we can understand it! I have been sewing for years on older machines, and would clean, oil, and change needles regularly but I never really understood the WHY. You gave me that AH-HA moment. Thank you so much!🙏🏻

[@nancybasten7740]

I am laying on the couch because I am sick watching your videos. Realized I have not cleaned my machine for a while. So I went to my sewing room and did it!!! Thank you for all your tips and tricks ❤

[@lindapitts1282]

THANKS SO MUCH!! AND CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YRS!!

[@adelaidesocki3595]

Hello Rob! Thank you for sharing your recovery journey and “Sew Well”. You have helped me get through my morning, off my couch, and over to my machine.

[@edbalko3082]

Rob I have found out that the dust must be lifted out so I use a pipe cleaner with tiny bit of Sewing machine oil..so that anything picked up from bottom sticks to the pipe cleaner and like every five or so cleaning You should use vacuum,,,,I APPRECIATE THAT YOU are a tecki…However I am an 88year old gramma who absolutely LOVES SEWING MACHINES…and I don’t mind Cleaning my machines regularly ..because I know it adds to the LIFE of the MACHINE…LOVE YOU AND LOVE YOUR SHOWS…YOU ARE AMAZING…

[@peggysanders487]

Yes!!! Please do a tutorial on needles and tension!!

[@sueoferrell7673]

I do clean my machines using pipe cleaners: stick one thru a coffee stir stick and bend or curl the end, cut off end when it gets too dirty, bend the end and clean some more. I would also appreciate videos on needles and tension and the history of your sleeve (I've been watching you for a long time and have seen the tats grow from nothing).

[@miric6224]

That’s a good hint!

[@georgecindyaustria4995]

I do, too! Love the pipe cleaner!

[@Elohimfollower]

Please! All the information you can share helps immensely!

[@TheQHunter]

Hey there sewing brother! I’m also a friend of Bills - I love when we out ourselves and show others what a healthy fun exciting sober life looks like:-).

[@jessiejohnson5847]

Thank you for telling about the problem I am having with my machine. The bobbin case.

[@MsPatlock]

I absolutely would like to see a video regarding trouble shooting tension issues!

[@sharp9059]

Love the quilt behind you!!

[@WINCHANDLE]

Ditto below. Thanks for great video. Needles and threads remain a great mystery!

[@ellievon9257]

Beautiful quilt on the wall.

[@roxywood5278]

Hi Rob, dig seeing you and your tips, tutorials, patterns Etc..... for years now. Thank you for being "Real" , especially concerning my sewing machine..... I live in a extreme rural area several months of the year and travel with my machine also..... Keeping it happy allows me to continue on my learning journey in sewing/quilting/bag making/mask making.... all of it. Many of us know Bill W..... hugs.....:)

[@silk2949]

Thank you for this….. I started sewing about a year ago, mainly making alterations to my clothing, and then up cycling thrifted clothes. I cleaned my machine after watching this! Fortunately it wasn’t too bad, but bad enough. Thank you for showing me how, so much better than trying to read a manual. Any other technical videos would be much appreciated.

[@theresaandjohnstout7867]

Thank you for the great video! Love the hints and appreciate your down-to-earth style. Please keep these hints coming! I love the tip about cutting the thread by the spool and pulling it through the machine when done. It makes so much sense...just never thought about it before. Take Care!

[@marianvelarde1115]

Thank you for great info. I would like needle knowledge and to learn about tension disc care. Congratulations on your sobriety. It changes your life for the better. God bless.

[@norinekalaiwaa4027]

That was the best description of why you always want to pull the thread out through the needle.

[@renekelley9092]

Great video! I just learned to put a drop of oil on the wick in my drop-in bobbin case, but didn’t know about the oil on the edge of the bobbin. Good to know! I’m not a beginning sewer, but a needle video would be great.

[@annettecardenas6044]

Hello Rob I’m learning to have a better relationship with my machine through your tutorials. I would love a tutorial on needle sizes and when to use them. Also any tutorial on how to care for my machine. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@debrawest673]

Schmetz also has awesome tutorials about needles and their sizes…..

[@ClintonHart11]

What a helpful video, especially for a semi- beginner. Thanks Rob, for great information .

[@sosuhob]

Rob, thank you. Always enjoy your videos. So nice to see another man sewing and quilting.

[@sideways586]

I like to vacuum out most of the lint. I agree about the drop in bobbins having more lint.

[@janiskara6564]

Great video. Yes, more information on needles, tension and anything else sewing related would be awesome. Thank for posting this!

[@lauragillespie189]

Yes please, a tension issue video!

[@kendranewton9071]

Please continue with your sewing machine maintenance. We can always use these to Ips. Love the quilt behind you too, thank you!

[@miric6224]

Rob, I enjoy you and all the info you offer. BUT you had SSOOO much fuzz in the bobbin area! How’d that happen? Been sewing for 64 years, started when I was ten on a treddle, and that’s the best fuzz collection I’ve seen. Impressive. Hey! Clean your bobbin case more often. That’s hacking back to you. You’re a terrific teacher, speak well with much enthusiasm. You’re inspiring. Stay well, love ya!

[@christinaschrider1783]

Thank you for the tips. I'm a long-time, self-taught sewer, but I have always pulled my sewing thread up backwards to change thread! I have been doing it wrong for many, many years. So, hack number 6 was important to me. Keep up the great work! Beautiful quilt in the background, by the way.

[@jeannereinisch114]

YES, please tell us all there is to know about tension…I don’t understand any of it and pray it never goes wrong. I live in Savannah, GA where there is NO ONE capable of tuning machines well. KZbin videos are my friends. Thanks

[@Michelle_Myers]

Rob, Yes please explain all the different needle sizes and the best fabrics to use them with. Great tips today!!

[@sweetibbies]

Love your quilts and videos.

[@lavernegill7241]

So glad to find you with your knowledge of sewing machine maintenance thanks to a great job and yes a class on needles would be outstanding thank you so much! Laverne

[@wendyearwood]

Never have I heard about cutting the thread at the top and pulling it through the needle! Great tip.

[@deborahdillard7761]

Rob, your explanations are so helpful. More info on needles would be so helpful!

[@lindag6822]

Me too please 😊

[@lindaiannone2458]

Actively not feed dogs but bobbin. Who knew...nit me

[@judyrebalkin9223]

More info on tension would be helpful - wha5 the numbers mean, which way to turn the dial if top tension off or bottom. Thanks. Love your enthusiasm. Always good information

[@susansmith8019]

Wonderful video. Good reminders. Yes would love a discussion of needl sizes and types. Thanks Rob. Always enjoy your tips.

[@karenseverson8650]

This is a cool video! I enjoy learning how to do basic maintenance on my machine to keep it working well in between in shop service. Yes, please make a video about tension, too! And threads, and needles, and tools, anything!

[@carlsass4500]

Rob! Fantastic job of getting us to keep up on our machines so they treat us the best they can... Great intro to your video and always having a great time. Thank you for all you do. I see a feather weight in the background

[@fontellahenderson2016]

This was a first time watching you. Thank you and I learned things I didn't know.

[@alldaymusiclover107]

Very interesting! I haven't sewn in decades and was thinking about picking it up again. I already know my first step will be getting my 50+ years old machine serviced but your well explained self maintenance tips were new. Thank you.

[@DH-qz2so]

Tweezers are a great help in removing lint globs that you can see, first - before using a brush... as brushing may just push it into the machine.... thanks for the tips!

[@kathydurance3237]

Yes, need a video on the needles & their numbering system!

[@bjlewis2518]

Yes, please! I would love to have you tall about tensing problems!!

[@barbczarniecki6747]

Thanks for all the great information! I would love a tutorial on tension- it would help a lot!

[@sandrabarker7454]

This was such a helpful presentation. I always like your to the point but humorous delivery.

[@karenpack8111]

Thanks Rob for your video. I don't clean my machine as often as I should but seeing you reminds me I should clean it. Congratulations on your sobriety!! Glad you found quilting to take the place of alcohol. Enjoy your videos. Take care!!

[@jessicamcdowell1374]

Thank you so much! I had no idea I could take my bobbin casing out, and clean under it. My machine is running and sewing way better now.

[@evelynl2050]

Hi Rob, Thank you for all the information on keeping the sewing machine running well. I paid so much for my machine and hope to have it for years to come. I sometimes use a pipe cleaner to clean out in places that my brush can"t get to.

[@marietruax7232]

Please do a video on different needles/ sizes and what each is used for. Also your preferences.

[@shirleyhuff1284]

Hi Rob, I used to see your videos a lot when it was under the other name, man sewing I think. I never knew why you got started sewing. Thanks for sharing that personal info. I subscribed to your channel. Have a great week.

[@nancyheneghan4760]

80/12 has always also been my favorite size of the needle. Thanks for taking the thread out , didn’t know that one.

[@elizabethmichelin7451]

Lovely video.I just helped a friend save a service visit by showing her how to clean her machine and improve the tension.I learned a lot and would like to see the videos about needles and tension pkease.

[@debbiegreen759]

Thanks Rob, definitely interested in tension trouble shooting and understanding needles. You are a great educator.

[@mnelson9057]

Yes to the tension video! This was great 👍

[@maryhancock9681]

Congrats on the drinking. I know that takes an enormous amount of effort and stamina. Kudos.

[@pattimiller7914]

Schmootz? 🤣🤣 my new favorite sewing term. Glad to have found you again! If you haven’t already (and I’m going now to check) but PLEASE do some more technical videos!!

[@melindaostergren8115]

Schmutz is German for dirt.

[@metropolitanescrow9965]

Yes I would love for you to talk about tension problems

[@carolburns2409]

Yes please-the numbering system would be very helpful!

[@annchildress5484]

I too need a video on tension. I enjoy your videos.

[@t398g]

Thank you for your wonderful videos that are always informative, creative, fun, and positive. You are truly, multi-talented and excel in all that you do .

[@carolinestagg6807]

The pipes leaked in the ceiling, and I had my old 1970 s era kenmore right under. Water destroyed the table, but I managed, in the process of drying, fixed what you are describing!!! It works better now better than my newer bernina!!

[@deannabatt6172]

Any help you provide is incredibly helpful

[@lorettatollefson7010]

Tension issues are the bane of my sewing existence. I'd love more information!

[@sherryconroy3507]

Yes, please do a video on threads and needles!!

[@cazfromoz1]

Hey Rob, love your enthusiasm and your desire to share your sewing knowledge to help us maintain our cherished machines (in-between professional service). I do try to keep my machine cleaned and oiled between projects. I often use clean Q-tips to remove as much lint as possible around the feed dogs. So, although the brush is good to clean around the bobbin case, I prefer to use the dry cotton tip first. I mention this 'tip' because I find it works great! Thanks for your wonderful video!

[@robynmorris7945]

Yes, needle info and tension would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the videos.

[@cazkiwinz4300]

I think these are “tips” or “do’s” rather than “hacks”… but was still a great watch 😊

[@gbjacks2]

Ooooh Rob!!!! How are u?? I have missed u!!! I didnt know what happened to you. Im glad you are well. Thanks for coming back to your sewing projects! I love them!

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

Just found your channel, this is great information! Cleaning your machine is so important. I use disposable paint brushes and mascara wands, as well as a 1 gallon shop vac for pulling that lint out. I didn't know about removing the bobbin case! Ugh will get that done today! Also, your close up camera work is excellent! Thank you!

[@kimberlyacor1586]

Hi Rob. Thank you for the simple explanations. I have been sewing for years, but am still a beginner. I cleaned my sewing machine, but never used oil on it. I will try oiling the sewing machine before making baby quilts.

[@marycarroll1080]

Would love to see more on needles and tension. Love your Sew Well tips