To learn how to unfreeze a sewing machine, you need to first figure out exactly where the root of the problem is. For this reason, you should start by removing its bobbin and inspecting it. If your bobbin seems to be fine, dirt or dust must have lodged itself in other parts of the sewing machine, causing it to malfunction.
To unfreeze a sewing machine, you will first be required to remove its top and side covers to inspect under the hood. After this, you can consider lubricating its parts thoroughly so that they function smoothly.
After unfreezing your sewing machine, you should ensure that it is maintained regularly. You see, sewing machines commonly freeze because their grease and oil gets mixed with dirt and dust, when it hasn’t been used for a long time. Therefore, a preventative measure to avoid freezing should be to repair it as soon as it gets damaged and to use it more frequently.
With that said, let’s describe each step briefly so you can truly understand what needs to be done, but first, let’s quickly discuss what you’ll be needing for the job:
What You’ll Need to Unfreeze Your Sewing Machine
- Brush or mini-vacuum cleaner
- Screwdriver
- Air compressor
- Lubricant
- Solvent
- Hair-dryer (to supply even heat in Step 3)
1. Remove the Bobbin
If you have no clue what a bobbin is, it is the cylindrical part of your sewing machine which also holds the thread. Your first step toward unfreezing your machine will, therefore, be to remove the bobbin and then give it a nice clean (the bobbin can be removed by simply pulling at it, however, you can also read the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure).
Next, use your fingers to slide the bobbin’s needle plate cover aside and pull-out the small component inside, which is referred to as the bobbin case. This small component is responsible for all the sewing your bobbin does and it should either be cleaned with a miniature vacuum cleaner or a brush.
Oftentimes, when the bobbin case is knocked out of place, then the hand-wheel gets lodged wherever it may be and won’t budge. For this reason, you should make sure that, once you’re done cleaning it, the bobbin pin is fixed.
Similarly, if the needle has fallen off or has broken in the sewing machine’s shuttle area, then the hand-wheel will get stuck, or move with great difficulty. If so, then all you need to do is fish for the missing or broken needle.
Now that your bobbin pin is clean, you should put it back into its slot and try to turn the wheel manually. If it is moving, then the debris over your bobbin case was the whole problem. If not, then you need to dive a little deeper.
2. Remove the Machine’s Cover
In this step, you will first be required to remove the side covers, top and bottom of your sewing machine. Whip out your screwdriver and start unscrewing the screws and if you have any doubts, refer to your manufacturer’s instructions to get the job done right.
After removing the covers, it is time for you to give whatever is under the hood a nice clean with the help of your air compressor. Doing so blows out dust or thread that may be lodged inside the machine. If you can see any signs of thread entangled around parts, try to extract it by hand.
Now, refer to your manufacturer’s guidelines again and check which areas of the machine require lubrication. While doing so, pay special attention to those areas where you can spot two metals joined together.
Since we’re at the end of yet another step, it is time for you to give the sewing machine’s wheel a turn to check whether it has been fixed. Same as last time, if it is still frozen wherever you found it, move right onto the 3rd and final step.
3. Inspect All of the Other Parts
Now the only things that remain to be checked are the pulley assemblies, drive mechanisms and the tensioner. Each of these components is responsible for maintaining the right amount of tension on the sewing machine, so that it runs smoothly. Clean each of these components individually with your brush, air compressor or vacuum cleaner and then check to see whether the machine has been fixed.
If you can spot some lubricant residue that seems too stubborn, then you will have to apply a solvent and some even heat (using a hair dryer) to clean over these components. Oftentimes, these components have to be left in solvent for a few hours before the residue can finally be cleaned off.
If none of these steps seem to be working, then the best thing to do now is to either find and consult with a technician or to all-out replace your sewing machine. Depending on the brand you’re working with, you can also choose to contact their customer service centers for assistance.
Our Final Thoughts
Learning how to unfreeze a sewing machine may seem quite easy because we summarized it in 3 steps. However, it can take anywhere from a couple of hours, all the way up to an entire day to practically get the job done. Depending on the nature of the problem that you’re dealing with, we would recommend taking out time from your regular schedule to prepare for the worst and to get your hands dirty.
Once repaired, make sure that your sewing machine is maintained and lubricated regularly and to put it to use after regular intervals to make sure that it functions properly. If the machine isn’t used for long periods of time or has been exposed to sunlight or other damaging environmental factors, it might get frozen again, or worse, may be damaged for good this time.
Always remember that preventative maintenance is better than post-disaster repairs. Now go ahead and get the sewing machine unfrozen and give it a few spins to lube up its system efficiently.
