When you're stepping away from your sewing machine for an extended period, proper preparation is crucial to ensure it stays in top condition. Sewing machines are meant to be used, not to sit. To keep them moving properly, theres a few things to remember on how to store your machine correctly, focusing on the essential steps of covering and oiling.

Long-Term Storage for Your Sewing Machine:

Cover Up, Oil Down

A sewing machine is a finely tuned instrument. Like any precision tool, it needs specific care when it's not in use, especially for long-term storage. Whether you're taking a short break or retiring your machine indefinitely, neglecting these few simple maintenance steps can lead to costly repairs down the road.

The two most important tasks before putting your machine away are covering it and oiling it.

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

1. 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.

2. Never keep a vintage machine plugged in when not in use > it prevents fires/ older foot…