When was the last time you cleaned your sewing machine? If it was after you were sewing with fluffy fabrics, then well done! But if you’ve been sewing with a lot of furry or fluffy fabrics and haven’t cleaned your machine out in a while (I admit I’m guilty of this!!), then maybe it’s about time you gave your sewing machine a little care and attention.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning1.jpg)
My machine has a top-loading bobbin, and the instructions tell me to never add oil to the machine. Front-loading bobbin machines will have different ways of cleaning out the fluff that collects.
Before we get started, you’ll need:
- The screwdriver that came with your machine (or a suitable short screwdriver)
- The lint brush that came with your machine (or a similar suitable brush)
- Two tissues (not essential, but I find them useful – a couple of small cloths would work equally well)
- A lint-free cloth (again not essential, but it can come in handy)
Ready? Ok, first things first – we need to remove the bobbin cover. You can tell I’d not cleaned my machine for a while, by all the fluff on the right hand side.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning2.jpg)
Remove the bobbin (simple so far, eh?)
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning3.jpg)
Now we need that screwdriver. Mine is more like a key than a screwdriver, but it’s small enough to fit into the awkward angle needed to undo that back left screw.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning4.jpg)
The screws are pretty small so I put the plate and screws on a tissue to the side of my sewing machine, to make sure they don’t get lost.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning5.jpg)
I knew my machine was in need of cleaning, but I hadn’t expected it to be quite this bad.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning6.jpg)
Using that small lint brush, carefully remove the fluff from the machine. I find the fluff sticks quite well to it, so I don’t need to brush it from side to side in order to collect up the fluff.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning8.jpg)
I use a tissue to wipe the fluff from the brush so I’m not just adding more to the inside of my machine.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning9.jpg)
Next, check how the bobbin holder is located (and if necessary, take a photo) – you need to align it correctly when you put it back in. If you get really stuck, your instruction manual will have a diagram showing how to line everything up, but realistically I know you’re not going to want to spend time looking for the instruction manual in the first place.
Lift out the bobbin holder.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning10.jpg)
And guess what? Yep there’s more fluff on the inside of there as well! This can be brushed, or wiped around with a dry cloth.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning11.jpg)
All that’s left now, is reassembly! Replace the bobbin holder, taking care to line it up correctly. Then wipe over the needle plate (I use the tissue I put the plate on earlier) and put it back in the slot, remembering to tighten the screws so the plate can’t wobble with the vibration as you’re sewing. Sometimes I find this small screwdriver fiddly to use, so you might find a small regular-shaped screwdriver works better for you.
![](http://dragonsflamedesigns.co.uk/knit/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/cleaning12.jpg)
Then simply replace the bobbin and bobbin cover.
Your machine will thank you, and should now be ready for hours more sewing!
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