I often get asked where you can go to get sewing machines serviced. The truth is that there are now fewer places to get the full MOT done locally. That’s why it’s really useful to know a few simple maintenance tips you can do on your own machine at home, which won’t cost you a penny! And aside from saving a bit of cash, you will get to know the oddly satisfying pleasure of tinkering with a well-loved machine - be it a bike, saxophone, or lawnmower - to get it running like new.

We have been using the same PFAFF passport 2.0 machines in the studio for over 5 years. With our sewing workshops running most weekends, these machines have been used by hundreds of people and have collectively made thousands of garments, quilts, banners and embroideries.

Out of seven machines in half a decade, I’ve only ever had to send one off for a professional repair because of serious damage. The rest have run smoothly all that time because of some maintenance services we do regularly.

1. Remove the needle plate and hoover or brush in all the crevices

Fibres build up in and around the bobbin area, so removing the needle plate by unscrewing its small screws and having a good look in the belly of your machine is a great way to start your service off. You can either use a small brush or hoover to get any fibres or debris out. The more you clear, the more smoothly your bobbin will be able to turn - and the better your stitch quality will be.

2. Whilst you have the needle plate off check if it needs sanding or straightening

The needle plate absorbs all of the impact of the needle going up and down whilst you are sewing. Over time, if the needle hits the plate at the wrong angle it can create snags in the metal which catch on your thread, creating an inconsistent stitch (looping at the back). You can always buy a replacement plate: if it’s for a PFAFF machine, feel free to email me at lydia@mademywardrobe.com and I can advise on a replacement. But if you would rather have a go at fixing your plate, use a nail file or rolled up piece of sand paper to smooth out any snagged areas. One of those tiny metal nail files you sometimes get in Christmas crackers or pen knives would be perfect for this. A smoothed out needle plate will stop the thread catching. If the plate has also become bowed in the middle due to the pressure of the presser foot, you can use a hammer or mallet to tap it into a straight position again. Just go easy on the whacking! Repairing this area will really improve the longevity of the machine and ensure it continues to stitch in the best way it can.

3. Oil the main shaft of the sewing machine

Without taking the whole machine apart, it’s tricky to get oil into all the moving areas. However, there is one shaft you can access without taking anything apart that will really benefit from a few drops of oil every now and again. Using the hand wheel, simply lower the needle into its lowest position. Make sure the main shaft is as clean as you can get it with a tissue or brush. Then add a few drops of sewing machine oil onto the shaft. Immediately turn the hand wheel a few times to lift the shaft up and down to spread the oil where it needs to go. Repeat if necessary. Be sure to then sew on an old scrap of fabric for a few minutes, which will catch any excess oil that may have dripped down into the sewing area. Your machine should run much smoother (and probably quieter) after this.

4. Change the needles in your sewing machine

I know I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but change your needles regularly. Your whole machine is only as good as its needle. I try to change our needles after every workshop so that they are fresh for the next group. It’s especially important to use the correct needle for the fabric you are sewing: denim, leather and silk all have specific needles that will make your life so much easier if you use them.

5. Tighten up any screws that may have come loose on your sewing machine

Over time, the momentum of the machine sewing can shake various screws that hold the machine together. Using the screw driver that came with your machine, check all the screws and tighten them if necessary. You may also need to tighten up the bulb on your machine if it has a screw-in bulb.

Finally, if you are based in Bristol and looking for a professional service or repair, I recommend Mark Oldis, who is a brilliant Sewing Machine Engineer. Contact him at cathedralsewingmachines1@gmail.com to book in.

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