🧵 How to Take Care of Your Sewing Machine: Maintenance Tips to Keep It Running Smoothly

If your sewing machine is your creative sidekick, then regular maintenance is how you keep that partnership strong. Whether you're crafting daily or sewing seasonally, basic care goes a long way in preventing issues like thread jams, skipped stitches, and expensive repair jobs.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean and care for your sewing machine, spot early warning signs, and know when it’s time for a professional service. These simple sewing machine upkeep tips will help your machine run like new—project after project.

🧼 Clean Your Sewing Machine Regularly

One of the biggest causes of sewing machine problems is lint buildup. Threads, fibres, and dust love to settle around the bobbin case and feed dogs, which can interfere with tension and stitch quality.

🪣 Cleaning Steps:

• Unplug the machine before you begin.

• Remove the needle, needle plate, and bobbin case.

• Use a small lint brush (or vacuum attachment) to sweep out fluff.

• Wipe the outside with a soft cloth.

🕒 How often?
Clean your sewing machine after every 8–10 hours of sewing, or after finishing a lint-heavy fabric project (like fleece or batting).

➡️ Need cleaning tools? Shop machine brushes

🛢 Oiling Your Sewing Machine (If Needed)

Some machines—especially mechanical or semi-industrial models—need regular oiling to run smoothly. Others (like many Brother or Janome models) are self-lubricating. Always check your manual.

✔️ If your machine requires oiling:

• Use only clear sewing machine oil—not household oil or WD-40.

• Apply a single drop to each recommended point (e.g. the hook race).

• Run your machine briefly after oiling to distribute it evenly.

🧼 Wipe away any excess oil before sewing to avoid fabric stains.

➡️ Find Sewing Machine Cleaning Tools:

Bohin Sewing machine Cleaning Kit

Prym Maintenance Kit

🪡 Change Your Sewing Machine Needle Often

A dull or damaged needle is one of the most common (and fixable!) causes of stitch problems. If your fabric is snagging or the needle makes a popping sound, it's time to replace it.

🕒 Change your needle:

• Every 8–10 sewing hours

• At the start of a new project

• When switching to a different fabric (e.g. denim, knits, leather)

➡️ Browse needles for all fabric types – Universal, Ballpoint, Stretch, Denim & more.

🔧 Check Threading and Tension Settings

If you're dealing with looping threads or uneven stitches, it’s often due to improper threading or tension. Incorrect tension is a common culprit behind sewing machine troubleshooting searches.

✅ Threading & tension tips:

• Always thread with the presser foot up—this opens the tension discs properly.

• Rethread the top and bobbin threads if anything seems off.

• Match thread weight and needle size to your fabric.

Consistent tension and proper threading = clean, professional stitching.

⚙️ Book a Yearly Sewing Machine Service

Even with good at-home care, your machine still benefits from a professional sewing machine service. A technician will:

• Deep clean the interior

• Calibrate timing and tension

• Inspect belts, gears, and motor components

• Identify wear before it becomes a costly repair

📍 Local to NZ?
At Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, our expert team services all major brands including Brother, Janome, Juki, Elna, Singer and more. Drop your machine in-store or book your service online today.

✅ Your Sewing Machine Maintenance Checklist

Stick this checklist near your sewing station for a quick maintenance reminder:

• ☐ Clean bobbin area and feed dogs

• ☐ Oil moving parts (if required)

• ☐ Replace sewing needle

• ☐ Check and rethread top and bobbin

• ☐ Wipe machine exterior

• ☐ Book a professional service (yearly)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my sewing machine?
Clean your machine after every big project or 8–10 hours of sewing time to prevent lint build-up and stitching problems.

What kind of oil should I use on my sewing machine?
Always use clear, lightweight sewing machine oil—specially made for sewing parts. Avoid household or industrial lubricants.

Can I service my sewing machine at home?
You can handle basic maintenance like cleaning, oiling, and replacing needles. But full servicing should be done by a technician annually to ensure everything is running perfectly.

Why is my sewing machine skipping stitches?
Common causes include a dull needle, incorrect threading, tension issues, or using the wrong needle for the fabric. Check these first or book a tune-up.

🧵 Keep Your Sewing Machine in Top Shape

Regular sewing machine maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about improving your sewing experience. A well-maintained machine means better stitch quality, fewer interruptions, and more enjoyable sewing time.

Have questions or need help choosing supplies? Visit us at Direct Sewing Machines & Supplies, your go-to sewing experts in New Zealand. We're always here to help with repairs, parts, accessories, and expert advice.