When you sew or embroider, the bobbin area fills with lint that should be cleaned regularly. Otherwise,  too much dust and fuzz will affect the machine performance. When clattered with excessive lint, the bobbin spins unevenly causing such problems as skipping stitches and tension issues.

All embroidery machines as well as sewing machines and sergers need to be cleaned properly. How often? The bobbin area should be swept with a brush every 2-3 bobbins and oiled (check the manual to see if the manufacturer recommends to oil your machine). You may need to do it even more often if working with napped and pile fabrics (such as flannel or velour), quilt batting or thick embroidery threads.

To clean your machine you need:

1. The small cleaning brush that usually comes with any machine. If you don’t have one, a toothbrush or stiff paint brush will also work. I also use cotton swabs and paper tissues.
2. Screwdriver for needle plate (for sewing machines and combos).
3. Good quality oil for embroidery and sewing machines.
4. Additionally you may use a small vacuum cleaner.

Steps to clean the bobbin area:

1. Turn off the machine and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the embroidery unit or flat bed attachment.
3. Remove the needle plate cover.
4. Carefully pull the bobbin case out and clean it with the brash.

   

   

5. Remove any lint and dust from the bobbin area with the brush.

   

   

6. For sewing machines and combos: remove the foot and needle, than remove screws on the needle pate using screwdriver, remove the needle plate and clean around the feed dogs.

   

   

   

   

7. I also use cotton swabs and paper tissues to catch tiny fibres.

   

   

8. Put a drop of oil in the gap in the centre if needed. Turn the handwheel toward you a couple of times to distribute the oil evenly.

   

   

9. Now the bobbin area is nice and clean.

   

   

10. For sewing machines and combos: put the needle plate cover back in place. Attach foot and needle.
11. Put the bobbin case back so that the mark on the bobbin case aligns with the mark on the machine. Check if you installed it correctly.
12. Put the needle plate cover back in place.
13. Put the embroidery unit or flat bed attachment back in place.

While cleaning the machine it is also good to check:

1. The bobbin case for any scratches, burrs or needle holes.
2. The hook and spring for any damages.

Don’t:

1. Do not use metal tools for cleaning your machine to avoid burrs or scratches.
2. Do not try to blow the lint out as it may result in dust moving even deeper into the machine.
3. Do not use canned air as it is cold and can condense on the metal causing corrosion.

Clean your machine regularly and it won’t disappoint you!

Yours truly,

Jo