Sewing Machine Oil: What Is It And Where Can You Buy It?

Reasons Sewing Is Good for You

Owning Clothes That Fit

Each one of us has a unique, beautiful, and special body. Not many of us fit what the fashion industry would call the norm when it comes to sizing. This means that it can be a massive struggle for women to find clothes that fit us exactly as they are meant to do. By sewing, we can fix up that old ragged pair of pants we move so freely in.

We can bring in the waist when we lose weight. We can even make our own clothes, which is a blessing if you can't find your right size or even if you just want to save money on your wardrobe items. We can rest assured that our clothes fit us correctly, and this will give us a sense of confidence and allow us to take a deep breath in the fashion department, even if our favorite shirt gets a hole.

Another great reason to learn to sew is for the kiddos in your life. We all know they grow out of clothes like crazy. This can be expensive and stressful for many families. Knowing you possess the ability to fix up clothes, add onto them, or tighten them up can be a big relief.

Always Learning

Sewing is a craft that takes a lifetime to learn, and there is always something new to pick up. There are so many all around the world who have been sewing for decades and still ask questions, want to learn new techniques, and are growing. Keeping the brain learning and working nonstop is the key to keeping our minds younger than we are. As we age, many of us stop putting our minds to use. This leads to memory loss and a faster decline in brain power. We combat that with learning new skills all the time, no matter our age!

To Scratch Our Creative Itch

If it has not been created, create it yourself! Not only is sewing a calming, soothing, stress relieving task, but it is also super creative. This makes up one of the greatest benefits possible. Creativity is a necessary factor in human thriving. Think of all the ways there are to sew a seam, finish a hem, insert a zipper. Think of how many things you are learning, figuring out, changing, and bringing to life as you sew.

There are so many fabrics, patterns, and threads to choose from. Sewing, especially if it's just for fun, is a creative way to get your mind moving, your hands working, and that bottled up creative energy out. Getting creative with our construction techniques and fabric choices means we are engaging our brains in more creative thought. Just like our last point, this is incredible for the brain.   

Accomplishing Something Personally Significant

Finishing a project feels like a huge accomplishment, and it can boost your confidence in an instant. When it comes to being able to wear something you’ve made with your own hands, there may be nothing more satisfying. And having a frequent sense of fulfillment and accomplishment is a valuable thing for our self-esteem.

This is not only something that needs to get done, so when it does it feels good. It is doing something we enjoy that gives us profit. Having a creative endeavor give you return is fulfilling and exciting. Another great part of picking up sewing is that while you are working on a project, you are also learning a new set of skills. As you improve, you are learning how to problem-solve. Not to mention, there is some tremendous hand-eye coordination improvement going on!

Sewing is hard work, fulfilling work, and the end product is something you can admire and be proud of at the end of it all. Unlike anything else, this is something you can look at and wear for days, months, and years to come. I advise creating as many of your clothes as possible. It allows you to be creative, learn something new, accomplish something great, and make your own style.

Social Life Improvement

Take a single moment and think about all the people you have met through your sewing journey. Even if you are a newbie. How many social doors has sewing opened for you? Maybe you met people at groups, at your local craft store, online, or co-workers and pupils. I have personally seen this what began as a simple curious thought about an interesting craft open up my world to so many new and wonderful friends.

The people who have this in common are endless, they are worldwide, and they are so much fun. Of course, this can be a solo enjoyment, but it is so much less fun that way. If you have not opened yourself up to others in this world, I encourage you to do so. Especially if your friends or partner just don't get it and are tired of hearing about all you are learning and enjoying as you sew.

Sewing Means Time Away from Electronics

What is your go-to during free time? How do you spend your spare minutes? How much time do you find yourself on social media and streaming services?

When you are focused on sewing, you are doing something productive that is also life-giving. This task is productivity driven while paired with real rest and relaxation. Accomplishing something or putting your mind to work in a creative way releases endorphins, which leaves you feeling happier and more satisfied with how you spend your free time. This is so much better than the dreaded TV binge-watching which leaves you feeling sluggish, unaccomplished, and overall unsatisfied. Put your rest time to good use and do something that soothes you and also gives you a sense of happiness.

So Many Reasons to Sew

There are so many reasons to take on sewing as a hobby. It benefits your brain, makes you feel less stressed, productive, satisfied with life, and keeps your focus and attention on something other than electronics. It can save you money and help preserve all your favorite clothes as well as make new favorites!

If you’ve gotten the sewing itch scratching your head these days, you may have pulled out your machine again to get started on a new project. But if your sewing machine isn’t working properly, you may already know that you need to get and apply some sewing machine oil.

There are a lot of places and options for sewing machine oil, so we’ve come up with some more specific information on the types of oils, the places they can be purchased, and how to apply the oil to your machine before you get back to work.

Sewing machine oil is a specifically designed oil used for sewing machines. The combinations and mixes are specifically combined for effective use in the mechanical structures of a fine machine works like a sewing machine has.

A big note before we get started is that you should never use a non-specifically designed oil for your sewing machine. Because the mechanics are delicate and precise, the wrong kind of oil can ruin your machine.

There are a few varieties of sewing machine oil to select from.

Also nice is the LED-lit work area—bright LED lights shine down on the frame of fabric you’re feeding through the machine so that you know exactly what you’re doing. No need to worry about any shadows or murky spots.

The design of the sewing machine also offers a free arm, ideal for sewing the cuffs of sleeves, hemlines, etc.

The feed system of the machine works with the user for flawless seams. For starters, the design of the feed system makes it possible to sew through almost any fabric. It also utilizes 7-point feed dogs, creating a smooth and even feed of your fabrics. Lastly, it features a drop feed, which allows for free motion sewing and quilting.

Finally, the Brother CE1100PRW features a quick-set drop-in top bobbin that you shouldn’t have any problem using, even if you’re used to a side bobbin.

1. Mineral Oil Based Sewing Machine Oil

This kind of sewing machine oil is made from petrochemicals or other substances produced from petroleum. This kind of sewing machine oil is watery white, odorless, and considered the most effective for use on sewing machines.

The majority of sewing machine oils are made from these petrochemicals.

2. Synthetic Oils for Sewing Machines

Synthetic oils are artificial alternatives to petrochemical-based oils. These are safe to use on rubber, plastic, and painted surfaces.

This variety of sewing machine oil is usually more expensive than mineral-based oils.

3. Natural Oils for the Sewing Machine

These are, of course, natural substances used for oiling a sewing machine. Natural sewing machine oils may be made from silicone, jojoba, and ester oils.

This kind of oil isn’t always the most effective for use on your sewing machine, as they often are not mixed properly, and therefore gum up the works on the machine.

Like all mechanical devices, sewing machines have fine mechanical parts that can get rusted, dry, or otherwise need some help to keep working properly. Sewing machine oil is the lubricant designed specifically to create that lubrication that those mechanical components need.

The lubrication of sewing machine oil helps prevent parts from grinding on each other, wearing down gears, and various other issues caused by too much friction.

Sewing machines should be re-oiled after every eight hours of use for proper care. Doing so that often will help to ensure the longevity of your machine.

How to Use Sewing Machine Oil

Before you get your machine to oil, here are a few tips to help keep your machine, and yourself, safe.

1. Never use old sewing machine oil. Check the expiration date on the bottle, and toss it if the date has passed.

2. Never use oil on your sewing machine while it’s plugged in.

3. Always make sure your sewing machine is cool before applying oil. If you’re working on a project and have paused to oil it, walk away for a while before applying the oil.

4. Some sewing machines require you to disassemble them before you can properly oil them. If this is the case with your machine, be sure to include the allotted time necessary for this process in your overall estimation of how long you’ll need to finish your piece.

5. To avoid trapping lint or dust in your sewing machine, brush the machine’s parts with a small brush or use some canned air before you oil it up.

6. If you apply too much oil, just wipe off the excess with a rag.

7. Always take things slow as you oil your machine. Do small areas at a time to help prevent accidents and using too much oil.

Each sewing machine model differs from others, but the basic steps for oiling a sewing machine are as follows:

1. Read the Manual First, Always

Even if you know your machine pretty well, it’s always a good idea to read your manual before you get started with anything like oiling it. There may be some note or reminder in there that you have forgotten since you last oiled the mechanical parts.

2. Clean It First

Before you oil, you need to remove everything from the machine. Then, turn the sewing machine off, and unplug it. Then, let it cool off for a little while before coming back to start the oiling process.

Then, once it’s cool enough, use some canned air or a small brush to clean off dust and debris from the mechanical parts.

3. Find the Right Oil

Next, you’ll need the right sewing machine oil for your purposes. Be sure to think through the above information on the types of oil before you make your decision, and then get the right one for you.

4. Put Drops of Oil in the Machine

Now, it’s time to add oil. Start with a few drops into the machine parts. You shouldn’t need much at all total.

5. Wipe Away the Excess

Once you’ve gotten the machine parts thoroughly oiled, wipe away all excess oil to avoid dripping or parts getting gummed up.

Sewing machine oil can cost anywhere from $1.50 per bottle to $32 per jug. It all depends on the brand, the amount of oil being purchased, and the retailer from which you’re purchasing the oil.

Where Can You Find Sewing Machine Oil?

Sewing machine oil is fairly easy to purchase. Any craft store worth anything will carry this – including JoAnn Fabrics – and a large number of other retails do as well.

Just a few common retailers that carry sewing machine oil include:

Basically, you can purchase sewing machine oil anywhere that sewing supplies are sold.

Over the years, a number of companies have become known for the quality of their sewing machine oil products. One of the easiest places to find a wide offering off this kind of oil is on Amazon. Just be sure to get something specifically designed for sewing machines, rather than just “mechanical” oil.

Below is a list of some of the most highly rated sewing machine oils offered on the site.

There are a few safe alternatives to sewing machine oil.

Three-in-One Oil

This is pale spindle oil, citronella oil, and corrosion inhibitor in one. This oil was originally designed for bicycles, but it is a safe option for sewing machines as well.

Marvel Mystery Oil

No, this isn’t from the Cinematic Universe. It has this name because the company has kept its oil type a secret since 1923 when they started out. It’s safe for small motorize machines, including sewing machines.

White Mineral Oil

A third alternative to sewing machine oil is liquid petroleum, which is, in fact clear, not white. It’s a byproduct from petroleum distillation. You can purchase this oil in most drug stores.

As you pull out the sewing machine, remember to oil it often, with the right oil. There are a few types, including mineral, synthetic, and natural oil options that can be used.

You can find these specific oils for sewing machines at places like JoAnn Fabrics, Amazon, Wal-Mart, eBay, and Sears. Just make sure you get the right type and a small enough amount that you can use it before it goes bad.