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Let’s talk about another hotly contested sewing machine topic and that is when you should service your sewing machine.

I know many of you are just getting into quilting and getting your first sewing machine. Let me help you buy from the best dealer for you, not just someone out to get the most money from you.

When you Should Service your Sewing Machine May Not Be What your Dealer Says

If you are performing preventative maintenance on your sewing machine, which means cleaning in and around your bobbin case at least every 1-2 bobbins, and oiling it when you clean your machine, you should be good to go. Seriously.

Oiling

an image from a Bernina sewing manual. The image on the left side shows a person applying a drop of oil to the machine's hook. On the right hand side are written instructions on how to lubricate your machine.

I should point out that not every modern sewing machine requires oiling. Some machines are built with an oil tank inside, and you don’t need to put oil on the hook.

If you look at your sewing machine manual (if you don’t have yours please Google it), you will see instructions on where to put oil in your machine. If you do not see instructions, please do not oil your machine.

Overzealous and Greedy Dealers

A white piggy bank with stacks of coins around it. Text at the top says Show Me The Money. The logo for The Off Kilter Quilter is located in the bottom right corner. The logo costs of a purple circle onto of a teal square. The words The Off Kilter Quilter are inside the purple circle.

I have heard many sewing machine owners say that they have been told that if they do not bring their sewing machine in for its yearly service or “spa day”, that they are breaking the warranty on their machine. As a result, they think that if something breaks, then they are out of luck and will have to pay out of pocket for the repairs.

This is NOT true and many people are being strung along. Please read your warranty if you don’t believe me. If you don’t have your warranty, Google it.

I really hate seeing people being taken advantage of, which is what these dealers are doing.

Personal Preference

If it gives you peace of mind to take your machine in every year, then by all means do so. However, if you are doing a good job of cleaning your machine yourself, and nothing is broken, there is no need.

I have had my main machine, my Bernina 770QE, since 2017. In seven years, “he” was serviced once because I didn’t like how he was sounding when he sewed.

Always keep an ear to your machine and watch your stitch formation too. You’re the one sewing on your machine all the time, you will know when something isn’t quite right.

A Freebie for You

a white filing cabinet with silver handles. The word Freebies is seen on the drawer. The logo for The Off Kilter Quilter is positioned in the bottom left. The Off Kilter Quilter includes those words on top of a purple circle. The purple circle is positioned on top of a teal square.

Before I end for today, I also have a Free Guide that help you as you get started quilting, or even if you have been quilting for a while.

Click here to grab The Top 5 Tools Every Beginner Quilter Needs. You don’t need a lot to get started quilting, and you definitely don’t need a $2,000+ sewing machine. So grab your freebie and let’s get quilting.

I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email me here.

For more helpful quilting tips and tricks, make sure you follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

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