Care and routine maintenance go a long way in repairing a vintage sewing machine.
Vintage sewing machines feature solid construction that's not seen in their modern-day counterparts, and they're still relatively easy to find. Unlike today's sewing machines, which are primarily made of hard plastics and electronic parts that are prone to malfunction, older machines are sturdy, made of steel, and may contain industrial-type motors. If you have an older or vintage sewing machine that's not working well, give it a second look before discarding it. They were built to take a beating, and can often be repaired.
Instructions
1. Read the owner's manual to see if you can troubleshoot problems and get the machine working on your own. Check the threading, as vintage sewing machines differ from modern versions. Replace dull or broken needles, tighten screws, adjust tension and replace broken or dried-out belts. Check for thread caught in the bobbin holder. Replace machine and presser foot cords that have shortages or exchange them for cords that meet today's electrical standards.
2. Order necessary parts and supplies to complete repairs yourself.
3. Clean the sewing machine to see if you're able to get the machine running. Use a small brush and dust remover spray to remove lint, thread and dust from around working parts, the bobbin plate, any exposed gears and dials and underneath the machine. Oil metal parts with sewing machine oil. Run dental floss through tension dials to remove hidden debris. Remove oil and dirt that's gummed and hardened over time from dials and knobs using a rag, chisel or by soaking matter away. Check the bobbin areas for rust and remove rust or replace the bobbin case entirely.
4. Run kerosene through an antique treadle sewing machine's mechanical parts and run the machine to get the parts operating smoothly. Wipe the machine down and oil the machine once more after it's dried. Treadles don't run on electricity, but rely on foot power to pump the treadle and force the machine's mechanical parts to stitch; therefore, lubrication is important.
5. Repair the machine through a sewing machine repair shop if you're unable to diagnose the problem, acquire parts or supplies or get the machine running on your own through troubleshooting and cleaning. A qualified sewing machine repair technician can tell you what's wrong with a vintage sewing machine and locate parts. A technician also has the expertise needed to rebuild or replace vintage sewing machine motors.
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