How to Clean and Oil a Vintage Sewing Machine
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- Опубліковано 23 лип 2024
- #sewingforbeginners #sewingmachinemaintenance #sewingyoutuber
demo begins at 5:47
When you get a second hand sewing machine, it is important to know that things are in working order. One thing you can do is have it serviced but if you are not able to, there is still some sewing machine maintenance that you can do yourself. In this video you will see how simple it is to clean and oil your sewing machine. Cleaning and oiling should be done regularly and knowing how to do it yourself can save you time and money. With a few simple tools you can maintain your own sewing machine.
Resources for machine manuals (I am not affiliated with any of these sites)
kenmoresewingmanuals.com/
www.sewingpartsonline.com/sin...
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Music
Leslie’s Strut by John Deley and the 41 Players
No Good Right by Freedom Trail Studio
Ruminate by R.LUM.R
Lightning Bugs by Geographer
Sunday Drive by Silent Partner - Навчання та стиль
Great start. I was told by my Bernina shop 32 years ago to never blow into my machine to clean it. Breath is moist and can cause rust. Use your vacuum cleaner instead. Solid advice I've followed ever since. No canned air in the 70's! But the vacuum will suck everything out, specially when you follow your brush with it.
This is the best video I have seen on removing, cleaning and reininserting the shuttle race.
Thanks Susan! ♥️
I have that very machine! I actually bought every foot you could get for it. It’s been my work horse for the last 40 yrs it’s now my secondary machine.
That's fantastic, it's really come in handy for me too. I'm loving it.
Super helpful. Just got my mom’s sewing machine and I’m determined to learn how to sew…w/the help of your channel lol
Oh that's so great! Happy sewing!
I have 2 machines I've been wanting to clean up and try. Thank you.
Canned air can actually push lint and fuzz deeper into the machine where you can't get to it. I wouldn't recommend doing that.
Oh I hadn't heard that and have always used it. I'll keep it in mind. Thanks Barbara.
@@StephanieRubletz You're welcome. 🙂
It really more important not to use it for newer machines, not these metal vintage ones.
I love working with vintage machines simply the best.
Agreed! They just don't make them like they used to 😁
It's gorgeous, Stephanie.
Heck yeah! Thanks for the boost in confidence!
Thank you for the video, I just purchased from an estate sale a Kenmore 1802 in great condition with all the bells and whistles. It even came with a 3 drawer sewing table. I really wanted to do a good cleaning/oil
and your video helped a lot.
That's fantastic Cathy! What a great find. Happy sewing!
Thank you SO MUCH for this!!! I just did it too!!! Heck yeah! The machine came from either grandmother/great grandmother, down to my mom, then my much older sister, and now me. A Kemore model 1357. Now I'm all set to learn to sew. Thanks again.
Nice! Even better when they have a family history! Happy sewing❤️
Thanks so much for this tutorial. My machine is acting up a lot lately but I want to do my own maintenance on it before sending it out, or before just giving up and buying a new one. I really like how you present yourself, I feel very confident watching your video. I will try and tell you how it goes. Thanks.
Thanks so much. If it's still acting up after you clean it I definately recommend taking it in before getting a new one. There isn't much on these old machines that can't be fixed. Good luck.
Thank you so much for posting! I am extremely brand new to sewing and bought a 77 kenmore and it didn’t come with a manual. It is now all clean and oiled!
That's fantastic! Happy sewing Sophia ♥️
Heck Yeah! Thank you. It is now July 2022. I bought a vintage machine from a flea market in Germany last year and I haven't used it because I had no clue how to clean and oil it inside. I did give the entire machine outside and the case it came in a very good clean. I plugged it in and it does work. That's a relief. Hahaha. Soooo, this is the fun part. I live in Germany now and of course the manual (it still has a manual :-) is in German! I speak English and after half a year of German school, no I cannot read the manual. You made it all look like I can at least do some of the oiling and cleaning where the bobbin goes under the foot...once removed :-) LOL
You can't go wrong with these machines! Happy sewing❤️
Thank You
These types of videos are very important
I will try it out. Thanks 🙏🏿
Great video. I'm mechanically fascinated so I actually figured out a lot of what you show, but it's always good to have advice on a machine you're not entirely familiar with. I'm sure you have much more sewing experience than I do, so it's good to have that advice from someone who actually uses the machine. I'm trying to learn how to sew as well, so your channel seems to offer a lot to someone like me. Thank you so much. Keep up the good work.
Mechanically fascinated!!! Sam I love that! I spent much of my childhood in my grandfather's wood shop. It gave me a love of figuring out structure and the best ways to put a thing together. Something that keeps me loving sewing too.
Good luck on your newest learning adventure. Sewing is one of those things where there is always something new to learn. ❤️
If you still are having problems, I got done reliving mine as thoroughly as any serviceman on my own. It's a 3 part series. I'd rather have the one we have than a high end Bernina, as nice as they are. I've worked on one replacing parts. I prefer the 158 Kenmore.
Here are two links. I hope you are blessed! Have a great life.
☕🙂👍
ua-cam.com/video/ROhaoUpBYWk/v-deo.html
AND
ua-cam.com/video/dLKJYC5nY-E/v-deo.html
I literally just finished cleaning and oiling my vintage machine got it second hand and surprisingly in good condition! Thanks for the video, really helped me I had no idea you only needed to flip the machine over so you can see the bottom part 🤣 there I was trying to pull it out 🤦🏻♀️
Good for you that's awesome! Happy sewing ❤️
I cleaned my sewing machine today. Thanks to you!
Nice! Good job Rachel❤️
This is so helpful. I have this exact machine that my mom bought me from a garage sale when I was a little girl back in the 80s. It’s time to oil this up and make some masks.
Awesome Kristen! Happy stitching ❤️
Nicely done!
Thanks Susan ❤️
Thank you so much! This was a very helpful video!
You're welcome Mary! Happy to help ♥️
I really appreciate this video. Just got myself an oldie and I was feeling worried!
Oh congrats! The oldies are so sturdy. Happy stitching!
Thank you!! Heck Yeah! Just finished with my old Pfaff Hobby 561
Oh that's so awesome! What a great machine ❤️
I inherited a Kenmore 158.13512 and took it to be serviced two years ago. The guy cleaned it and made sure it worked and gave it back. I put it away until I needed it. Last night I pulled it out to start a project and decided to wind a bobbin. I went through SO MANY UA-cam tutorials to find one to help me figure out how to do that. I found your tutorial and decided to buy the manual for my machine. Turns out, the clutch release is right where everyone else's is, but mine is stuck (however the hand wheel will turn freely and everything else works. I just can't get the center part to pull out). I put the sewing machine away for the night. Today I woke up and watched your video on how to clean it. I don't know if this will fix the issue, but it's a great place to start. Thank for having this here. You have already been a major help in just getting the manual.
Also, I just took the time to go into that PDF and photoshop those lime arrows orange so I could see them better once I print this out. Thanks for the suggestion on printing it and reinforcing the edges to make it last longer.
Thank you so much! This has been super helpful!
Your are so welcome! Happy sewing ♥️
I'm with you on the air deal. I've used an air compressor as much in that I have one. In my experience cleaning things like this, dust and smut does kind of go everywhere, but air does seem to force it out not in. No disrespect to other commenters, but if you are getting dirt further in you didn't open the machine up enough....meaning disassembling.
Thanks Sam, I really appreciate your comment. My husband is a millwright and confirmed for me that it is common place to use compressed air to clean small machines. But everyone has their own way and I know I can't please everyone. Thanks so much for supporting and commenting ❤️
My mother bought a sears kenmore model 158.1703 from a thrift store years ago and it’s been sitting in my storage out back. I decided to pulled it out to use it and learn how to sew. Sadly it hasn’t been cleaned in a very long time. It’s full of grease and gunk. Since I have no manual. This will help me get an idea of where to oil it once I figure out how to properly clean it.
Good for you Lisa! Make sure you check out the links in the video notes. There are resources there to find new manuals. Happy sewing!
facebook has a vintage sewing machine club that has many manuals in their files. i download and then put them on a disc .
Great resource thanks for sharing!!
Thanks, I just got a white 565 from the 60s I'm dying to start using!
That's great! Happy sewing Cynthia❤️
super helpful, thank you
Hey Jo Jo, thanks for watching❤️
Thanks soo much
Thank you this helped allot!
You're welcome Carol! Thanks for watching ❤️
Thanks a lot.. our Kenmore was actually stolen a few years back (I Know!! Who steals a sewing machine right!!) and we have an even older Elgin that I took to be serviced a while back and was using it except it started acting up lately. So hopefully all it needs is a little TLC and I don't need to take it back to the shop, especially as it is attached to a table. Thanks again .. I will go and clean it right now!
I'm so shocked it was stolen 🤯. I hope a good cleaning is all you need!
FYI, you're not supposed to turn the fly wheel away from you, as it could cause damage.
Oh did I do that? Oops, funny the things you don't think of sometimes. Thanks!
@What a maroon As one Bugs Bunny fan to another, el mucho gracias...!
I noticed it too, !
I've always heard that. Do you know why (seriously asking)?
I dont know what could be damaged. If there is resistance or binding or you hear or feel parts hitting something maybe, but most rotating machinery will turn either way without damage. If you had thread in the machine or attempted to sew backward you could possibly bind the bottom thread area. I have 46 vintage machines and have never managed to damage one by turning it backwards. Modern machines with electronics and plastic gears may be a different story
I had called our local sewing machine store. They wanted $250 to service the machine. Figured I'd just go to a thrift store and buy one for $50, if it doesn't work right. This video will help with that. Thank you.
Good for you!
worked great for my ‘73 Kennore!
That's great Emily! Thanks for watching ❤️
Thanks
that is a a beautiful machine .
Thanks Jenny!
Thank you! I inherited my sisters sewing machine and I love it! I do need to clean it , this gave me the nerve to do it! It is a 1247...and yes t is a work horse. I love it because it's all metal. The new machines are plastic! Anyway I wanted to say thank you!
You're welcome Sherri! That machine will last you a lifetime! Happy stitching ❤️
Heck yeah! Thanks!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Good job 👍
Thank you ♥️
I bought a series 158 Kenmore. It was in beautiful shape and had its manual. It was very clean inside and had its service sticker on the back. I bought Liberty oil and oiled it and was good to go. It cost $40.
great find!!!
Thank you!
Your welcome! Thanks for watching ❤️
Thanks. Like the tip of packing tape.
Thanks for watching Hope❤️
I got a Kenmore 158.1752 for $20 at Goodwill, in its cabinet. I have been using it (not on a daily basis, by any means) for a year or so, but with all the mask-making I've been doing, now I've got some little issues popping up. I oiled it as best I could a few months ago, but I need to give it a good clean up. The machine is a dream. It runs so incredibly smoothly, it makes very little noise, etc. I've been using a mostly new Singer as a backup, and it feels so flimsy! No thanks.
Thanks for the video!
What a great find Paige! These machines are so great, happy sewing!
Hi thanks for the instructions! I recently got a machine that has spent many years in a basement too. It says JC Penny on it, metal casting from 1965 to 70. Is my guess . I called around and was told 80. To 90. To clean it!
I was truly amazed at the difference that little bit of oil made in my Kenmore 158. I'm no dummy about this sort of thing, but it seemed the machine worked well before, but now.... Once I found what I hope are all the oiling points, the old Kenmore has improved noticeable! Thanks so much for your help. I have a question maybe you or one of your subscribers may know the answer to. My machine has an adjustment on the back, to the top right, a small knob marked plus and minus. It would be nice to know what it changes,
Thanks Sam! I'm not sure about that dial. Mine doesn't have anything in that spot. Could it maybe have to do with the pressure of the presser foot?
So I just bought a kenmore 1941 off of eBay. It works as far as I can tell (totally new at this). I know I have to oil it but I don’t know if I need to have it professionally cleaned because ALL the internal parts are yellow with a film of oil and dust. Is this ok and do I just continue “cleaning” and oiling or do I need to get it deep cleaned first?
I am wondering the same!
If this is your Moms treasure or an important family heirloom, then please consider popping the damaged book pages into page protectors and into a binder.
I say this as a bookbinder.
If your selling it and it is low cost absolutely follow this videos instruction for book repair!
But if your trying to conserve a book or if your Mom wrote in the margins and you want it preserved please bring it to a bookbinder and have the paper repaired with paper because tape changes colour after awhile and is difficult, or if the adhesive is acrylic, impossible to remove.
No criticism to the video creature for this great video, just a word of caution for special circumstances.
I have the very same seeing machine, my pop pop gave it to me a few years ago, im so glad i have it because its great with stretch fabrics as opposed to my newer model brother sewing machine. But this machine definitely needs some cleaning and may need some servicing so thank you for this! Also what kind of oil do we use for this?
They are such great machines aren't they! The oil I used was white mineral oil but if you go to any fabric or quilting store they will have it in the little handy bottle with the long neck. Here in Calgary I think I paid 3-4 dollars for it.
Happy sewing ♥️
Ok great thank you!
Wow!
Heck ya! My janome is 6years old and I’ve yet to clean and oil it. Maybe will get on that.
I literally have to put it in my calendar or whole years will pass and I'll be like "didn't I just do this??"😝
Re; manual. You can put those pages in page holders in a binder. Especially if you downloaded it.
Vintage single stitchers are Awesome!
Good idea Elizabeth!
I have that same machine!!!!
Is that an all-metal Kenmore Model 48 (Sears Model #158.1941) from the 1970's? Thanks for the manual restore tip!
It sure is! That thing will likely outlive me and everyone i know. Super solid machine.
I always clean the tension discs to make sure there’s no old thread stuck inside which may mess up your stitch tension 🥰
Oh good call!
That knob we wrap thread around? How you clean that? With dry brushes?
@@rachel14rod i normally unscrew it and clean the tiny disks that way (if you have access to the screw) or you could use a very thin strip of fabric with some sewing machine oil on and try running that i between them to clean out any lint build up (just make sure the pressure foot isn’t engaged and take your time)
Heck yeah
YOU SHOULD NEVER TURN YOUR HAND WHEEL AWAY FROM YOU. DOING SO CAN PUT THE SEWING MACHINE OUT OF TIMIMN. MOST SEWING ARE LIKE TGHIS BUT THERE ARE A FEW YOU DO TURN AWAY FROM YOU. ALSO AIR CANS IN NEWER MACHINES ARE A NO NO! IM GLAD YOU ARE DOING THIS . THANK YOU
What if machine is mounted in a cabinet and the hand wheel won't turn?? how can you get to the underside? you made it look sooo easy!!
Hey Lori! I've had a couple cabinet mounted machines and they all tipped back to gain access to the underside. If you want to remove it from the cabinet all together then look for the little mettle arms that are holding your machine into the table. They are usually on hinges and that's why you can lift and tilt your machine.
On the sides of those bars there should be a set screw. Undo the screw and the machine should slide off of those bars.
At least that's how my machines have worked.
Either way tiling or removal, once you gain access to the underside, if you can't see anything obvious clogging up the machine like a bunch of thread wrapped around the shuttle, then the seized wheel might be a mechanical issue and it would be best to take it to a pro for help.
It's hard to explain without being able to show you sooooo I hope this helped 😁 good luck!
Hey yeah I found this same one at a vintage shop and followed everything you did thank you so much do you do video sewing projects on this particular machine? I also had to order a bulb and new pool which was priced great at sewingpartsonline.com
Good for you! These old machines are so great. I do end up using this machine a lot on fabrics with any stretch. My newer machine is a quilting machine and it is horrible for anything with stretch. Happy stitching!
You are the first person I have seen with the exact same one I inherited! Finally! I have so many beginner questions considering I can't find any information on this specific one. Like, what is that top middle section that opens up? Do I need to use that or just maintain it? Also for the life of me I cannot figure out to wind the bobbin up....I've just been doing it by hand haha
Oh that's so awesome Trisha! It's such a great machine. The best thing to do really would be to check out the links in the description for a replacement manual. It will have all the tips and how to's. Plus you really do need it to figure out all of the different stitches.
In the meantime, you're bobbin winder is on the top near the hand wheel. It's a small pin that your bobbin will fit on. You run the thread around another short pin on the top but at the other end of the machine. It has a groove for the thread. Once you have your thread around that and through your bobbin and the bobbin on its pin, there is a metal sort of switch next to the bobbin. You need to slide it over to engage the bobbin winder.
Hope that helps!
@@StephanieRubletz yes, I will try and find it I seem to keep finding ones that are close but are not the exact one.
Also I figured out what you just said about setting it all up for bobbin, my issue comes in because nothing seems to happen when I clamp it in ...the needle just keeps moving and nothing happens with bobbin, is it supposed to start spinning on its own or do I have a switch? I feel as though maybe something isn't working in that area 😕
Okay, so that means the bobbin winder is not engaged. That's the switch it I guess it more looks like a lever with a sort of square horseshoe shape at the top. That needs to be pushed over to switch the machines to bobbin mode
the top middle part is where you put the pattern cams that give you more decorative stitching.
I have one to clean. Guess I’ll get to it
Awesome!
I have the cabinet version of the same machine.
Awe nice! They're such great machines!
You turn the wheel toward you; not away.
Did you pack the grease in the spot in the bottom? It’s under that black square.. great video!
Thanks Karen. No my manual didn't say to open the black square. That may be a step in a full mechanical servicing though. Especially if it requires grease instead of machine oil. I may one day order the mechanical manual so I can do the full service myself. It would be nice to know all the ins and outs 😊
It's VERY easy to do Stephanie. First, get some Tri-Flow Clear Synthetic grease (Amazon should have it - Look for a 3 oz tube that's mostly red with black top). Do NOT use petroleum jelly or anything similar! Tri-Flow is specifically for sewing machines. Now set your machine upside down as you did previously and remove the three little screws (don't lose them!) holding the black gear case cover in place. It should now lift off easily, but be careful as there should be a thin fiber-like seal just under the cover. Note how the seal is located so you can put it back the same way. Set them both aside. You'll now see two large gears at right angles to one another. If you see orange or brownish grease on them, they need cleaning. Use your Q-tips and clean out the old grease, turning the hand wheel as you go to expose more of the gears. There could be grease on the bottom of the gear case also. Remove all that you can. Now squeeze a dollop of fresh grease on the gears where they meet and turn the hand wheel (toward you) to turn them and spread the grease. Replace the seal and cover and you're done! The machine will continue to grease itself as you sew. Easy peasy!
P.S. Love these old Kenmores!!! I have several and love them all, they're superbly designed & engineered machines. If well-cared for they will last for generations and beyond.
Thanks so much! I'll have to take a closer look at that spot on my machine! I agree these machines are so great!
Have you worked with White sewing machines much? I have never sewed before. My sister bought her neighbor's house when she passed. And the lady had a sewing machine and tons of fabric and thread. So, my sister gave it to me. It's a White model 8600. I need to find an instruction manual for it. I really want to start learning to sew. I'm hoping this can be something my daughter and I can do together. Any tips would be appreciated! Thank you! 😁
Oh what fun! A machine and fabric stash at once! You can look here for a manual
homeappliance.manualsonline.com/manuals/mfg/white/white_sewing_machine_product_list.html
I've been thinking of doing a beginner sewing video. So maybe I'll bump that up.
Good luck! ♥️
@@StephanieRubletz Thank you, you got me as a subscriber! 😁
Thank you! ♥️
Compressed air blows dust and lint out but also deep into the machine, not recommended by professionals. Manual cleaning or a specialized vacuum tool is the way to go.
Thanks! Someone else made that comment too. I'll keep that in mind next time.
Right now my balance wheel is acting up. It spins but the needle doesn't do the same speed. And the balance wheel loosens of by its self. Have you heard of anything like this?
That's something I would take it into a pro for rather than handle it myself. I'd be concerned about any misalignment that could damage other parts of the machine. The great thing about these machines is that parts are often still readily available.
That said, you could check out the sewing machine repair workshop channel. As far as actual repairs to hardware go, they will be much more knowledgeable than I am.
Good luck!
Where do I find belts for this machine?
You can find them on Etsy and even on Amazon. If you are in Canada you might even check Sears parts direct though they might not stock them anymore. It will kinda depend on where you are. I googled "1757 Kenmore belt" and several options came up. Just make sure that it looks right. My bet has teeth and some that came up in my search on Amazon did not.
Google search using the name and model number
Hi I will like please the machine 1247 please. Thank you.
Hi Alba, maybe check out the sewing machine repair workshop channel
ua-cam.com/channels/UcWCz8qaEwM2c0bcgQ-PAg.html
Or you can type how to clean and oil your model of machine into UA-cam search.
I don't have access to many more machines and my hope for my video was just too show folks how to use their manual to figure out the process for their machines.
Happy sewing!
Please show step by step book
My parents seldom clean there machine and only oil it when they are about to use it, which is not often. It's a vintage sewing machine the pedal kind.
Oooh I love old treadle machines❤️
I've read over and over again not to use compressed air, but rather a vacuum.
That's totally valid. I don't have a small vacuum that could reach and my husband who is a millwright said that compressed air is used for similar applications in industry. I've continued to clean my machine that way with no issues but I get why people would prefer a vacuum
@@StephanieRubletz Good to know!! Maybe that is one of those things people just say and believe. Maybe it is true with computerized machines. 🤷
Maybe. I think you can kinda direct the air flows a bit too and go through things rather than push dust in farther. Really just do what works for you.
DON'T USE CANNED AIR ON A SEWING MACHINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
stopped watching when I saw you turn the fly wheel the wrong way....
That's fine, but just so you know, the reason we don't turn the flywheel the wrong way is to avoid thread jams. I had no thread in my machine so I was able to just focus on moving the machine to distribute the oil. ❤️
I need HELP with my “new” Kenmore 158.14311!!!!
Oh no! What's happening?
@@StephanieRubletz never mind I couldn’t fix it so I donated. It a beautiful machine. But I’ll stick to modern sewing machines 🤣. But thank you for replying. I’ll keep looking for you videos.