Tuesday’s Tip – Cleaning out the Bobbin Areas
As I was machine quilting, I broke a needle. Of course, it was at the end of a project that I just wanted to finish. Instead of getting frustrated, it prompted me to do a good cleaning of the bobbin area, and then I decided to clean my regular machine. This Tuesday’s Tip is a reminder to clean out that area. It doesn’t take long, but I often put off that chore.
Lint, Lint, Lint, and More Lint
I had cleaned this area on my regular machine not long ago, but I was piecing with flannel, and I knew I would see a mess when I opened things up. The first step is to remove your bobbin. Next, remove the screws that hold the top plate onto your machine; my machines usually have two screws.
If my grandson is around and wants to help, I place the screws and other parts on the sticky side of a piece of duct tape. This has saved me a couple of times as his little hands love to help.
Once I took my top plate off, I also took out the bobbin case so I could get to everything more easily.
It looks like I haven’t cleaned my bobbin area in years! It is amazing how much lint from fabrics and thread accumulates here. If you don’t have a cleaning brush, any small brush or cotton swab will do; even a child’s small toothbrush will work.
Don’t forget to check those feed dogs – it is amazing how much lint can be packed in there.
Clean Bobbin Area
Now that I got all that lint out of there, time to gently vacuum out any remaining lint. Check the directions that came with your machine and oil your machine while it is apart (if oiling is part of the maintenance). If you can’t find your instruction booklet at home, there is a good chance you can find it online.
The bonus: my machine runs a bit quieter. 🙂
Until next time.
You may be interested in these posts on Scrappy Quilts and Quilting UFOs.
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