Simply Quilting: Prepping Those Machines

Alright everyone. We have worked some hand quilting stitches onto a sampler, set up our machines in a small space, and looked at the larger possibilities. It's time to stretch ourselves a bit and start a new project. Over the next few weeks we are going to dive into the area of piecing a simple quilt using a purchased jelly roll pack. Before we begin we need to take a look at our machines.

Whether your machine gets regular use or has sat dormant for a while, a little TLC goes a long way. Most of my machines have a manual with clear instructions for care and cleaning; I use them regularly. For those without a manual, basic care can be done without harm or hindrance. Let's take a look at this one.

I start my sewing machine maintenance with an unplugged machine. If you have ever run over your finger, you know why unplugging is really handy. For basic cleaning I use a lint brush (small paint brush works beautifully), small screwdriver, and a soft cloth. With my tools in hand, it's time to remove the needle, bobbin, and unthread the machine. Setting all that aside, I use the soft cloth to wipe down the entire outside of the machine removing dirt and lint.

I dust out the grooves and tracks in the thread guides before removing the flat bed arm off. I use the small screwdriver to remove the bobbin casing. Now the lint brush is used to sweep the bobbin area clean preventing build up that could disrupt or damage the machine. If your machine requires regular oiling, consult the manual for directions.

Lint free and ready to go! Bear in mind, some fabrics create more lint than others. This will determine how often the machines needs cleaned. As a quilter, my machines are checked after large projects and cleaned rather often.
Join me next week as we introduce a summer quilt project just right for a sweet little one or a pretty picnic seating.