What signs am I looking for that my machine needs to be cleaned?

Or otherwise maintained?

I have had a Brother XL2600i for six months. So far, it's been a nice little machine for a beginning sewer. I've done a couple of knit toys and am currently working on making a little tunic out of a lightweight cotton on it. So... very light use.

Last night, in the course of trying to finish up the garment, I found that the machine was locking up after two or three stitches. I pulled the bobbin out to re-seat it - my sewing instructor said this is sometimes a solution to that kind of problem. After three or four times of this, I took the plate off entirely and discovered it was a little linty inside, and there were a few strands of thread in there. Cleared those out and put it back together (that process had it's own moments of panic).

Still locking up!

I suspect that my machine wants attention that I don't know how to give it. I'm afraid I'm a bit like a nervous parent here: I don't want to take it in for repair if it's a simple matter, but I don't want to ignore it if it's something bigger.

Advice/words of wisdom, please?

You should clean your machine after each garment; that is take out the bobbin (and casing, if applicable) blow out the lint with canned air (or vacuum attachment for that purpose sold at lots of sewing outlets).  Then take a lint brush (one probably came with your machine) and bruch everywhere.  Oil according to manufacturer's instructions (Tri flo oil is highly regarded).  For good measure, dust around the entire casing. Take some dental floss and "floss" out the tension discs in which the thread is held (the same way you floss your teeth).

You should be changing your needles after two or three garments as well...of course each garment requires a different type of needle so establish a way to store slightly used needles and discard when fully used.

Throughly cleaning your machine on a regular basis, even weekly if you can't remember after every garment is essential.  If you're looking for signs, you've already waited too long.

Did you completely unthread and rethread the top and bobbin? If not, definitely do that. If the top thread comes loose from any of the spots it needs to catch it will lock up.

Is it a drop in (plastic) bobbin? My Brother is. If so, you can't oil the bobbin. If it's still acting up try rewinding the bobbin. Also make sure that it is going the right direction (there should be a diagram sticker on your machine or check your manual). Definitely try changing the needle and make sure you are using the right kind and size for your project.

Also - what kind of thread are you using? Is it old, or is it from the bargain bin? Use AT LEAST Coats and Clark Dual Duty. I like Gutermann because it's the cheaper of the higher-quality thread and I can get it on sale. Lots of people like Mettler and the other higher quality thread. I only use C&C if I can't find a color I need in the better stuff.

My Brother is finicky, and it wasn't cheap. It came incorrectly aligned from the factory and never worked until I had it professionally serviced, cleaned and aligned. Even still I prefer my Bernina - even though the Brother has more features. I miss auto-cut but I don't miss thread nests...

Hope that helps!
Erin

Ah, well there you go: I didn't realize I should be cleaning it after every project. I assumed that my sewing machine is like my cameras which require a CLA every year/every other year.

I pulled out the manual, followed the instructions, and it worked like a charm.

Of course, all this was after I shattered my first needle this evening.

Thanks for the tips!

  Manual - It is something that you read after you give up trying.