When and how would you add oil to a sewing machine

Every sewing machine needs a drop or two or oil....a sewing machine, like any machine has a regular sound to it when it is well cleaned, cared for & oiled. When the sound changes, gets louder or sounds rattly, it should be oiled. Most machines today call for a drop of oil in the area of the bobbin case. Check online for ur manual or read it carefully if u have it.

It is NOT NOT NOT a good idea to oil anything that moves in ur machine. See above answer by Lilly. She is prety much right on target!!!!

Much of what I've read says to oil the machine anywhere between 10 & 20 hours of sewing. If the machine has been sitting out uncovered or sitting inactive for a long period, a good once-over is in order - dust & oil, change the needle, & replace the thread.

Most modern (like within the last 20 - 25 years) machines will have specific holes or marked locations for u to use if u need to oil. This way u know the oil is going where it needs to go & not elsewhere. Some machines r completely sealed & never need oiling (I have a Juki like that).

First, try to find ur manual. If u do not have it on hand, try the manufacturer website. I am sorry, but it really is important for u to have it. Though sewing machines have certain common attributes, each machine is slightly different in how it is constructed. Some machines require a tiny bit of oil in a hole on the top of the machine, some do not. Some have the spots needing oil marked in some way (one of mine has red dots next to each spot needing oil), but many don't. Some machines have to be opened. Other machines cannot be opened. It is important that u read ur sewing machine is manual to learn the oiling points.

Do not oil the machine at any point except where the manual directs, even if it looks like it needs oil there. Excess oil in the wrong spot will attract dust & lint, & can get on ur projects even after u think you've got it all cleaned off. It is not a good idea to just oil anything that moves.

With the manual in hand (or online), the next step is to clean off ur sewing table. You do not want to get any oil on ur projects - trust me, just do it. :)

Next, gather the correct tools. At a minimum, u will need: a small screw driver, a clean paper towel, a few cotton swabs or a very small brush, ur sewing machine oil, & some absorbent scrap fabric (like muslin).

While u r oiling the machine, u should also dust the machine. Use the cotton swab with a tiny drop of oil on it (to make the dust stick) to clean the metal surfaces, or use the brush without any oil at all. Wipe the plastic surfaces with the corner of the paper towel. Some people use compressed air, but that is optional. You can use a small piece of muslin to wipe between the tension disks but do not use any oil there unless specifically directed by ur manual.

Make sure that u keep ur hands clean & oil free as much as possible. You do not want to leave oil on the surface of ur machine where it might get on ur projects.

When u finish oiling & dusting the machine, put it back together & wipe the outside thoroughly with a paper towel.

The final step is to sew through the scrap fabric several times to make sure that the oil is distributed throughout the moving parts of the machine & to make sure that any residual oil on the feed dogs of needle housing gets on the scrap instead of ur next project. Do not skip this step.

Good luck to you!

Unscrew the top of the machine lid. Using a good light, turn the side wheel. All moving parts should be oiled. I hope what u have is a sewing machine oil. The can should have a long nozzle on it for getting in the tight places. Before u oil, take a narrow paint brush & gently brush any dust from the inside of the machine. Only put 2 or 3 drops on each part. turn the wheel so the fluid runs into all crevices on the moving part. Replace the lid. Now tilt the machine on it is side & look underneath. Again clean all dust. Turn the wheel & oil all moving parts underneath. Before u start sewing again let the machine sit a few hours & sew on a scrap cloth. In case any oil ran down near the needle it will then go on this scrap cloth & not on anything good u r working on. To confirm this method is correct, call ur nearest sewing machine dealer & ask them. How often depends on how much the machine is used.

Used to be Sewing machine oil . Now any light oil works.
A Tiny drop or drops on any part that moves at its axis.
The oiler should have a nozzle to reach into areas that r hard to get to.
Any part that spins rides on a bearing . Sealed bearings dont need oil but it never hurt. Stops rust.
If u access the gearing put a drop on all the parts. Actually wherever u can see 2 pieces of metal touching , spinning , sliding past each other apply a drop. Or even wipe it on with a rag. If Oil fly is everywhere on start up . You can safely say u used too much.
If the machine gets hot quicker than usual in a particular area it may require oil. When free wheeling by hand & it is not as loose as usual ? It may need it. Any part that makes a strange noise . Groan , squeek , whine , grinding may need oil. Tapping noises & vibrations seldom need oil for it is too late.

Most machines now do not require oiling..at least none of mine do and I have them from 20 to 6 years old. Mine all say to let a tech do it when you take the machine in for a good cleaning.

Why do you think you need to oil it? Better check your instruction manual to see what it says.

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