Tips & Tricks for a Vintage Sewing Machine
Here I've compiled a quick list of insightful tips and tricks that I've learn along the way while servicing and repairing vintage sewing machines. Some of these may not be as important as others, but I find them all to be useful in their own way. If you have more useful tips or tricks feel free to leave a comment, we would love to get this list as big as we can. Knowledge is power! And of course, who doesn't like a fully working beautiful vintage sewing machine.
Tips & Tricks
First and foremost, when in doubt, clean your machine. A dirty machine will not function at 100%, a clean machine is a happy machine. Try to perform self-maintenance machines after every project, deep clean monthly, and professionally service once every 1-2 years.
Never keep a vintage machine plugged in when not in use > it prevents fires/ older foot controllers can build up electricity in the foot controller and overheat.
Always keep your machine plugged into a surg protector.
Use quality/new thread. Thread loses integrity and strength over time and can cause issues.
Use new needles > change needles every couple of projects.
Check your needle orientation > flat side always faces away from the bobbin/shuttle area. Every machine is different
Hold both thread tails for a couple stitches as you begin to sew > it prevents threads from coming out and tangling underneath your fabric.
If it feels like your fabric won’t go/ feed > don’t force it. Presser foot pressure may be off.
Do not pull stuck fabric / threads out of the machine > cut/gently wiggle them out > it could offset the feed settings.
Always raise the presser foot when threading your machine > it relives the presser on the tension discs.
Add a drop of oil to all oil ports every 8 hours of sewing. Don’t forget the treadle legs.
Check that your bobbin is threaded in the right direction and the thread is in between the tension discs. Make sure not to miss any thread guides when threading your machine. Always lift the presser foot while threading the machine.
Never clean a vintage machine with water or household cleaners, it can destroy the paint. Try a clean and clear sewing machine oil to wipe down the exterior.
When storing for long periods of time: add oil, remove the needle and place the presser foot in the down position, this relieves tension from the presser bar spring. Keeping a piece of fabric under the presser foot can absorb moisture from the air and help prevent rust. Covers are good to use in-between projects.
Remove a sewing machine head from its cabinet and lay it down on its back during transport to prevent older wooden cabinets from breaking from the weight of the machine moving around. Most machine will have two hinge pins held in with to clamp screws, lay the machine back on the hinges and loosen these screws and pull the machine up towards you to remove from the pins. You do not need to fully remove the screws.
Always unplug a machine when taking the machine apart or making any type of adjustments (balancing tensions does not count).
Happy Sewing!
Erin Gannon