Blocks complete. Now it's time to sew the top toge Blocks complete. Now it's time to sew the top together. Look for this fun new quilt pattern coming soon from @sewhookedontreasures!

#holidaytrimmingsquilt #quiltpatterntester #patchworksampler
Fun fabric pull to test the lovely #holidaytrimmin Fun fabric pull to test the lovely #holidaytrimmingsquilt by Shereece @sewhookedontreasures. 

Does the new Hustle and Bustle fabric by @official_basicgrey on a Grunge Hits the Spot background put you in the holiday spirit?
This is my most recent finish. I stitched the last This is my most recent finish. I stitched the last bit of binding just about a half hour ago! I love the fabrics in this quilt and they were just random fabrics from my stash. The pattern is #theellaquilt by @kitchentablequilting. I may have to hang this in my family room until it finds a new home.

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfest2022day14 #patchworksampler
Today's prompt is pressing matters. I love flat bl Today's prompt is pressing matters. I love flat blocks and these three items are my essentials for achieving that: white fluffy bath towel, cheap Black & Decker iron that steams like crazy, and a Jackson's Woodworks square clapper.

I have a wool pressing mat, but I like the bath towel better. It has enough nap to "grab" the fabrics for a super flat press and it can be tossed in the washer and dryer. 

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfest2022day12 #patchworksampler
One of my cherished quilts is one I didn't make. T One of my cherished quilts is one I didn't make. This album quilt was made by members of a club I ran for many years when I had a brick and mortar shop. Several members continued to meet in my home monthly until COVID hit. 

It is special to me because it is a reminder of what is important; the friendships, camaraderie, and encouragement that developed within the group. 

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfest2022day9 #patchworksampler
This super scrappy quilt is one of my favorites fo This super scrappy quilt is one of my favorites for a couple of reasons. First it is proof that any fabric works when you cut it small enough and second I pieced it on a little mini retreat with a couple of friends. The pattern is Rectangle Wrangle by Bonnie Hunter.

I love, love, love scrap quilts, the more fabrics the better, and that's how I justify buying all the fabric I do.

This particular quilt was chosen for today's prompt because tomorrow it will be on its way to Poland along with nine others from my "quilt room" (see day 3 prompt).

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfest2022day8 #patchworksampler #scrapquilt
Lesson learned. I could write a book on all the th Lesson learned. I could write a book on all the things I've learned through quilting, but one I can't seem to get through my head is that I don't like foundation piecing, paper piecing, or hand piecing.  Slow stitching is a concept I can't wrap my head around.

This String Spiderweb was started at a retreat so I jumped on the bandwagon without thinking it through. I have a bunch of these units made but no interest in continuing. As I was snapping the photo though, I had an idea. Stay tuned.

Are there quilting techniques or methods you don't enjoy?

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfest2022day7 #patchworksampler
I'm not really sure what to say about my quilting I'm not really sure what to say about my quilting origins. No one else in my family was or is a quilter. For some reason my Grandma Ruby had this old quilt top, had it finished, and gave it to me. She didn't make it and I don't know who did, but I still cherish it.

As for me, I walked into a quilt shop in 1988 and the rest is history. My heart still races when I walk into a shop!!

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfest2022day6 #patchworksampler
Why I quilt: 1) Fabric. It is so fun to cut littl Why I quilt: 
1) Fabric. It is so fun to cut little pieces of fabric only to sew them back together and see how the colors and texture work together. 

2) To fill a need. I enjoy donating pretty quilts to those who need them. 

3) Community. Early in my marriage we moved every three years or so. I always found new friends in guilds and classes. It's even easier to connect with other quilters with the internet.

There are many other reasons like fun and creativity, but those are my top three.

#igquiltfest2022 #igquiltfestday5 #patchworksampler
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Home
  • Gallery
    • 2021 Quilts
    • 2020 Quilts
    • 2019 Quilts
    • 2018 Quilts
    • 2017 Quilts
    • 2016 Quilts
    • 2015 Quilts
    • 2014 quilts
  • Tutorials-Patterns
  • Tutorials-Techniques
  • Recipes
  • Sunday Meditation
  • About Me

Patchwork Sampler

Make quilts. Use fabric. Have fun.

quilting · May 12, 2020

Weekly Sewing Machine Maintenance

Disclosure: Patchwork Sampler is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I personally use and endorse any linked product and may receive consideration for any product purchased through these links.

 

Weekly Sewing Machine Maintenance

When I get a few minutes to sew I like my machine to be ready to go, so on Sunday I try to perform weekly sewing machine maintenance. By setting a regular schedule, I don’t think about when I last changed the needle or oiled the bobbin race. It’s amazing, sometimes even disgusting at how much junk accumulates inside the sewing machine. Even with heavy sewing, though, weekly maintenance seems to be adequate.

First, I gather the simple supplies; thin screwdriver, stubby screwdriver, needles, cheap paintbrush, micro-tip brush, and sewing machine oil. The micro-tip brushes are just cheap make-up applicators I buy from Amazon here.

I remove the bobbin and bobbin case, then use the paintbrush to brush out any visible lint and thread that accumulates in this opening. I then use the long, thin screwdriver to remove the needle. Be sure to discard used needles in a safe manner. I collect them in a little tin, then throw them out when the tin gets full.

Next, I use the stubby screwdriver to remove the needle plate. Lint collects between the needle plate and feed dogs (arrow) and it’s easier to clean that area without the needle plate.

A micro-tip brush works great to clean that area and I use the same brush to remove any remaining lint around the bobbin area. Quilters tend to like or dislike thread depending on how much lint it creates. I find that fabric creates much more lint than thread so I’m not all that picky about thread. If my machines likes, I use it. For piecing I almost always us 100% cotton thread which inherently creates more lint.

Once all the lint is removed, I put the needle plate back. I add a couple of drops of oil on the bobbin race, then distribute the oil by running the machine for a few seconds without the needle or bobbin case. After that, I insert a new needle and click the bobbin case back in. Over the years I’ve heard that you should replace the sewing machine needle after every eight hours of sewing. I don’t know of anyone who keeps a log of hours on each needle. I’ve also known people who have used the same needle for YEARS. I just take the in-between route and replace it once a week.

I also check the bobbin supply to make sure I always have a bobbins ready each week. For most piecing projects I use neutral thread so I try to have a half dozen each of off-white, cream, light and dark gray, taupe, navy and black. Usually I have a few random bobbins that I try to use up whenever I can. I used the round BobbinSaver for years, but recently discovered the BobbinSaver Squared. It is even better because it securely holds 84 L-sized bobbins and prevents a mess of tangled threads.

This is just one way I can make the most of my sewing time. Every week, my machine is clean and ready to go! With weekly sewing machine maintenance I also hope to avoid bigger problems down the road. Now that this is complete I hope to log several hours at the sewing machine this week.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Related Posts:

  • Sunday Philosopher: What to Do When You Just Can’t Concentrate
    Sunday Philosopher: What to Do When You Just Can’t…
  • June OMG Pie In The Sky Quilt
    June OMG Pie In The Sky Quilt
  • Monday Motivation Week 18, 2020
    Monday Motivation Week 18, 2020
  • Monday Motivation: Create Calm in the Chaos
    Monday Motivation: Create Calm in the Chaos
  • Wednesday Work in Progress: Mystery Quilt
    Wednesday Work in Progress: Mystery Quilt
  • Ways to Prevent Your Ruler from Slipping
    Ways to Prevent Your Ruler from Slipping

In: quilting · Tagged: bobbins, sewing machine maintenance

You’ll Also Love

Monday Motivation: Sewing Room Cleaning Part 2
Learning Curve
November OMG Tula Pink City Sampler
Next Post >

Monday Motivation: Start Now

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Subscribe to Patchwork Sampler via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • Keeping Track
  • Monday Motivation: A Carefree Summer
  • Wednesday WIP: Sampler Spree Week 5
  • Friday Finish: Cha Cha Cha Runner Plus French Strawberry Cake Recipe
  • Wednesday WIP: Green Sampler Spree Blocks

Archives

Copyright © 2022 Patchwork Sampler · Theme by 17th Avenue