Croft Mill

How to Service Your Sewing Machine

A well-looked-after sewing machine is a sewist's best friend. Whether you're working on daily projects or just bringing it out for seasonal makes, regular maintenance can make all the difference. A serviced machine will run smoother, stitch more evenly, and last much longer, so let’s walk through the steps to keep yours in tip-top shape.

Why regular maintenance matters

Sewing machines, just like cars, need a little love and attention to keep them running smoothly. Dust, lint, stray threads and oil build-up can all affect how well your machine performs. Servicing it regularly will not only improve the quality of your sewing but also help you avoid costly repairs or replacements later on.

What you'll need

You don’t need a toolbox full of gadgets to service your sewing machine. Here are the basics:

  • Small screwdriver (usually comes with your machine)

  • Soft brush or an old toothbrush

  • Lint-free cloth

  • Sewing machine oil (only use the one recommended for your machine)

  • A pair of tweezers

  • Your machine's manual

Step-by-step guide to servicing your sewing machine

1. Unplug your machine

Safety first! Always make sure your machine is switched off and unplugged before you start.

2. Remove the needle, presser foot and thread

Take out the needle and presser foot so you can access all the important areas. Remove the bobbin and any thread still in the machine.

3. Open it up

Check your manual to find out how to remove the throat plate (also called the needle plate). This is where lint tends to gather most. Unscrew it carefully and set the screws somewhere safe.

4. Clean out the lint

Using your brush, gently sweep away all the dust, thread and fluff and fibres that have built up. Pay extra attention to the feed dogs and bobbin area. Fibres can build up in and around the bobbin area and you can either use a small brush or hoover to get any fibres or debris out. Keeping this area clear means your bobbin will be able to turn more smoothly, and ultimately, the better your stitch quality. 

5. Check the neede plate whilst it's off

This area absorbs a lot of impact from the needle moving up and down whilst sewing, it won't be until you take it off will you realise if it needs straightening or sanding. You can buy replacment plates, however a small nail file and a GENTLE hammer and you may be able to sort it out yourself, just maybe go easy on the hammering! A gentle few taps will have it back into position.  

6. Oil the machine (if required)

Not all machines need oiling, so double-check your manual. If yours does, apply just a drop or two of sewing machine oil to the spots your manual recommends. Never over-oil, a little goes a long way. Getting the oil in the correct bits is tricky if you aren't taking your machine apart; however, there is one area you can access which is the shaft. 

Lower the needle to it's lowest position using the hand wheel and make sure the shaft is as clean as it can be by using a tissue or brush. Add a drop or two of oil to the shaft, once added turn the hand wheel a few times to move the shaft up and down to spread the oil to where it needs to be. Use a scrap piece of fabric to sew on (once you've put the parts back you've taken off) for a few minutes to soak up any excess oil they may have dripped down. 

7. Check the bobbin case

Take a good look at the bobbin case. If it’s dusty, wipe it clean with a cloth. If it's scratched or damaged, you might need to replace it.

7. Reassemble carefully

Once everything is clean and oiled, reassemble the parts in the reverse order you took them out. Make sure the needle is inserted correctly, the presser foot is reattached, and the bobbin is back in place.

8. Test stitch on a scrap piece

Plug your machine back in and sew a few lines on some scrap fabric to check that everything's working smoothly. Adjust tension and stitch settings if needed.

How often should you service your machine?

A light clean should be done every 8-10 hours of sewing, especially if you’re working with linty fabrics like cotton or fleece. A full service like this blog outlines can be done every few months, depending on how much you sew. And once a year, it's worth taking your machine to a professional for a full service. 

Signs your machine needs a service

Not sure whether your machine is due a clean? Look out for:

  • Strange noises

  • Uneven stitches

  • Tension issues

  • Fabric not feeding properly

  • Thread breaking or tangling

A few extra tips

  • Always cover your machine when not in use to prevent dust build-up.

  • Change your needle regularly, a blunt needle can cause skipped stitches or damage your fabric.

  • Avoid eating biscuits while sewing (tempting, we know!) - crumbs and machines don't mix! ;) 

In summary

Taking a bit of time to service your sewing machine is well worth the effort. It helps keep your sewing smooth, your stitches perfect, and your machine in good working order for years to come. 

Happy sewing, 

The Croft Mill team x

Posted in Guides and tagged Croft mill, dress making, sewing machines, sewing machine serving, sewing bee, sewing bee 2025, sewing needles on