Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

Technology and Livelihood Education
Learning Module

DRESSMAKING/
TAILORING
EXPLORATORY COURSE
Grades 7 and Grade 8
K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum 2
Technology and Livelihood Education –
Dressmaking/Tailoring
 LESSON 4
Perform Basic Maintenance

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Lesson you are expected to do the following:

LO 1. Operate machine and assess its performance; LO 2. Clean and lubricate machine; and
 Definition of Terms

Absorbent – a material property that sucks-up or takes in the manner of sponge.

Adjust – change present setting as in adjusting tensions.

Balance wheel – the wheel at the right of the arm that sets the mechanism in motion.

Band wheel – the wheel below the upper mechanism that leads the balance wheel through
the belt connection

Band wheel crank – moves the band wheel.

Bent – a change of shape or angle caused by pulling or pricking to a harder part such as
machine needle driven out of throat plate slot.

Blunt – refers to an unsharp or dull needlepoint that is irreplaceable.

Damp cloth – a cloth applied with moisture on water.

Entangle – forming knots like thread entangled in the bobbin case.

Feed dog – the toothed part mounted on the throat plate that helps move the fabric
against the presser foot.

Fault – something is wrong with the machine, system, design etc, which prevents it from
working properly.

Gummy – a thick of sticky quality such as oiled accumulated dust on sewing machine part.

Jam – to cause a machine to stuck fast so that it cannot work.

Lift – moving upward as in a presser foot lifter.

Lubricant – a material capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts.

Lubricate – the act of applying a lubricating agent between moving parts to reduce friction
and preventing the form of rust.

Manipulation – the act of managing or operating manually or mechanically a given tool or

equipment.

Posture - the correct working body position for a given task.

Pucker – wrinkling of fabric caused by very tight stitches.

Replace – putting something new in the place of an old or damaged part.

Rewind – winding again or repeat winding.

Stitch length – the length of each individual stitch.

Stitch regulator – the part of a sewing machine that controls the stroke of the feed dog and
regulates the length of stitches.

Treadle – this is where the feet rest to drive the band wheel through the pitman rod.

Tension – the force that is applied by the machine on your thread.

Trend – a general tendency in the way a situation in changing or developing.

Vital – extremely important and necessary for something to succeed or exist.

LEARNING OUTCOME 1

Operate Machine and Assess Its Performance

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Proper handling of machine is observed.

Correct procedures in machine operation are identified.
Common machine troubles are resolved.

Materials

Set of sewing machines

 What Do You Already Know?
Let us determine how much you already know about the use farm tools and equipment. Take this test.

Pretest LO 1

Directions: Read and analyze each item carefully and choose the letter of the best
answer from the options below. Write your answers in your quiz
notebook

1. The upper part of the sewing machine head being driven by hand when starting
the machine
a. balance sheet
b. band wheel
c. stop motion screw
d. treadle

2. The control of sewing machine lies on the:

a. balance sheet
b. band wheel
c. belt
d. treadle

3. The part of the sewing machine that controls the looseness and tightness of
stitches is:
a. bobbin
b. presser foot
c. thread guide
d. upper tension

4. A machine problem when there is incorrect size of needle or thread is:

a. fabric jams
b. needle break
c. seam pucker
d. skipped stitches

5. The part of the sewing machine that controls the stroke of the fee dog is:
a. face plate
b. feed dog
c. slide pucker
d. stitch regulator

6. The oil that lubricates and gives the machine longer life .
a. baby oil
b. coconut oil
c. crude oil
d. machine oil

7. The correct cloth used in wiping spilled oils during cleaning .

a. damp cloth
b. dry cloth
c. oiled cloth
 d. any of the above

8. The part of the sewing machine that should be avoided during the application of oil.
a. bobbin winder
b. rubber ring
c. stitch regulator
d. stop motion screw

9. The cleaning material that maintains moving parts of a sewing machine in smooth
operation.
a. absorbent cloth
b. lint brush
c. lubricant
d. water

1. A good practice of cleaning and lubricating the sewing machine .

a. every two weeks
b. once a week
c. once a month
d. twice a week

What Do You Need To Know?

the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

Information Sheet 1.1

Setting of Sewing Machine and Its Troubles

A treadle sewing machine works by foot action and doesn't require any electricity. If taken
care of properly, an antique treadle sewing machine can sew a better stitch than its modern
counterpart can. It takes some practice to keep your treadle machine sewing smoothly, but
once you've mastered the foot action, you can enjoy sewing and getting a little exercise at
the same time
 Treadle Sewing Machine Picture Tour
View of the cabinet with the machine closed.

Cabinet open and the machine in the up

position

The machine for more details be sure to see

the manual.
Close up of the bobbin winder. Note the
heavy brass and the number of connections
in this mechanism, compared to today's
machines.
View of the end of the machine. Tension
mechanism and tread guides.
View of the back of the machine
Close up of the back access panel. This has
been damaged by rust but shows the detail.
Close up of the decal. Note the area in the
red circle. The japanning has remained in
tack but the decal has peeled away leaving
bare metal.
Metal Singer emblem and the machine serial
number.

SETTING OF SEWING MACHINES

Perfect machine stitching is easy to achieve if you set the machine properly.
This involves threading the upper and lower parts of the sewing machine. The beginner
In dressmaking must learn how to thread the head of the sewing machine as one of the
first steps in becoming a competent operator.
THREADING THE MACHINE

Each part of the threading mechanism on the head of a sewing machine has
a definite purpose in guiding the thread from the spool to the needle. The thread must pass
through the various guides in a given order so that the machine will sew properly
the formed stitches.

A. ORDER OF THREADING IN THE UPPER PART

1. Spool Pin
2. Upper thread guide
3. Between metal disc of tension
4. Thread take up lever
5. Lower thread guide
6. Needle

STEPS:
1. Put the spool of thread on the spool pin.
2. Bring the thread to the thread guide .
3. Pull the thread between the metal disc of the tension.
4. Bring the thread up to the thread take up lever and raise it as it
goes.
5. Pull the thread down to the thread guide.
6. Pull it through the lower thread guide.
7. Thread the needle.

B. THREADING THE LOWER PART OF LOCKSTITCH SEWING MACHINE/ or

TREADLE SEWING MACHINE
STEPS:
1. Remove the bobbin case by pulling on the bobbin case latch.
2. Remove the bobbin from the case and wind the thread .
3. Put the bobbin back to the bobbin case and pull the thread through
the little slot at least 4 inches.
4. Be sure that you hear the bobbin case inside the shuttle.
5. Start the mechanism by rolling the balance wheel forward to get
the thread of the bobbin through the needle.
6. Pull the upper and lower thread together by 4 inches.

As you enjoy using your sewing machine , problems cannot be avoided , but
knowing its causes is another challenging skill to develop. How can you classify these
problems or troubles ?

CLASSIFICATIONS OF SEWING MACHINE TROUBLES

If the sewing machine in your laboratory are kept in good condition and are
carefully adjusted and properly threaded , not too many things can go wrong. But there
are certain difficulties that occur during an operation so often , so you should know these
minor and common problems their causes and remedies. There are two classifications
of sewing machine troubles, namely :
1. Minor sewing machine trouble
This refers to problems that arise involving incorrectly attached
accessories or supplies , unadjusted tensions , or that requires a
little dusting or oiling.

2. Major sewing machine trouble

This involves replacing or removing damage spare parts that made
the sewing machine not totally functioning.
COMMON SEWING MACHINE TROUBLES
Machine Troubles Causes Remedies
1. Machine runs noisily  insufficient oil  oil the sewing
 loose screw machine
 thread or dust  tighten loose screw
clogged in the shuttle  clean the shuttle race
race. before oiling
2. Machine rotates  too tight belt  change belt if already
heavily  insufficient oil old
 bearings or shuttle  oil the arm shaft
race is clogged with  clean the shuttle race
dust or thread and bearing , then oil

3. Needle thread breaks  improper threading  check the threading ,

 tight tension change the texture of
 thread too coarse thread and attach the
 needle blunt set needle properly to the
incorrectly needle bar (flat side
 presser foot not of the needle should
properly adjusted face the needle bar) .
 poor quality thread  use correct presser
 seam maybe too thick foot, check if presser
or heavy foot is secured and
 bobbin case turns properly fastened
 fabric is pulled forcibly  if seam is too heavy
 needle may be bent change needle to
 size of needle correct size
 tension  check the position of
the bobbin case,
reset the shuttle race
assembly
 change the bent
needle
 to avoid needle
bending, pull the
upper and lower
threads toward the
rear of the presser
foot after stitching
and cut the threads
 don‘t force the fabric,
just guide it
 change the size of
needle
 adjust tension
4. Stitches skip  bent needle , dull  change the needle or
needle or wrongly correct positioning
attached needle  change needle size
 unmatched size of and thread
needle or thread to  increase pressure on
the texture of fabric the presser foot
 no enough pressure  check the threading
on the presser foot
  threading maybe
incorrect
5. Stitches loop  dull needle  use blunt needle
 improper threading  check the threading;
 unbalance tension if loops appear under
of the upper and the fabric, check the
lower threads upper threading;
 defective thread take adjust the upper
up lever tension regulator; if
the loops appear on
top of the fabric,
check the lower
threading; the thread
may be inserted in
the tension groove of
the bobbin ; check
also the latch spring
of the bobbin case.
 balance the tension
of both threads
 change the thread
take up lever spring.
6. Upper thread breaks  Improper threading  correct threading
 Improperly attached  attached the needle
needle correctly
 Bent or dull needle  change to blunt
 Tight upper thread needle
 poor quality thread  reset the upper
 unmatched needle tension regulator
 use good quality
thread and thread
size or texture
7. Lower or under  improper winding of  winding the thread in
thread breaks the thread in the the bobbin uniformly
bobbin  change the needle
 bent or dull needle  use good quality
 poor quality thread thread
 incorrectly set feed  lower the feed dog if
dog the fabric is thin;
 bobbin does not freely raise the feed dog if
turn the fabric is thick
 too tight bobbin case  check if bobbin is
spring clogged with dirt or
thread
 loosen the adjusting
screw of the bobbin
case or adjusting the
tension of the upper
thread

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum 83

Technology and Livelihood Education –
Dressmaking/Tailoring
 8. Seams Pucker  too long stitch length  adjust stitch regulator
for the fabric to correct length
 tension is too tight  adjust the upper and
 size of needle and lower tension
thread do not match regulator
 too high feed dog  use appropriate size
adjustment of needle and thread
 too heavy pressure  adjust the height of
on the presser foot the feed dog
depending on the
thickness or thinness
of the fabric
 lessen pressure on
the presser foot

9. Fabric does not move  feed dog not in proper  adjust the feed dog to
sewing position proper sewing
 stitch regulator not set position
on zero  adjust stitch regulator
 too tight pressure on to desired stitch
presser foot length
 add pressure to
presser foot by
adjusting the
pressure regulator
screw
10. Fabric jams in  Needle may be too  Change the size of
machine big needle
 Throat plate  Needs round hole
plate

STANDARDS FOR SEWING MACHINE OPERATIONS

Observe while using / running sewing machine and list the things that you have
noticed. By following correct procedures you will make your work easier, more interesting
and challenging. Here are some pointers that you have to follow in the manipulation of your
sewing machine:

1. Start with the right tools and supplies.

Have your needle, thread, screw
driver, pins and scissors ready for use.
With tools at hand, you can start
working continuously on your machine.

.
2. Always maintain good working posture.
Sit on your back slightly leaning forward.
It can prevent body pains after working
on your machine.
3. Thread the sewing machine correctly. You
can follow the guide book if you have. This
will save your time to get a correct threading.
Refer to someone to check if you have
threaded it properly.

4. Be sure that the needle is properly set accor-

ding to the directions for specific models. A
properly attached needle will make your
work without any trouble.

5. Set the stitch regulator according to

project specifications and test the stitches
for possible adjustments.

6. Check tension dials and adjust according to

project requirement of the stitches. A
correct adjustment on the tension dials will
make perfectly sewn garment.

7. Turn power off (for motorized/electric

machines ) when the sewing machine is not in
use. This
will save electricity and avoid possible minor
accidents.
8. Keep sewing tools. Dust the sewing machine then
put a little amount of machine oil in slots. This will
make the sewing machine available for the next
user

Note:
The control of the sewing machine lie on your feet not in your hand so learn to
start and stop the sewing machine instantly at a given point using this control. Lower
the presser foot while sewing but be sure to insert a piece of paper or fabric swatches
so that the feed dog will not be worn out.

Getting to stitch
Before you start, make sure the two threads are back between the two toes of the
presser foot .

CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD STITCHES

1. The length of stitch is proportioned to the texture of the fabric.

2. The stitches are the same in length.
3. The stitches appear the same on both right and wrong sides of the fabric.
4. The stitching follows the intended line smoothly and accurately.
5. There are no skipped or broken gaps in stitching.
6. When retraced, it appears as one line of stitching.
7. The stitching has no tangles.

HOW TO MAKE ADJUSTMENT ON THE MACHINE

There are two tension adjustments on the sewing machine the upper and the
lower. The upper tension controls the thread from the needle, while the lower tension
controls the thread from the bobbin case. These tensions must be adjusted to suit
various fabrics. If the tensions on both threads are properly adjusted, the threads will
lock at the center of the material and form a correct stitch.
The size of the stitches varies with the type of work being sewed. Thin
materials require a short stitch, a light thread, a fine needle, and a tight tension.
Heavier materials require a longer stitch, a coarser thread, a larger needle, and less
tension.
Sewing machine needles become dull through hard usage and also through
ordinary wear; sometimes, they become bent by improper use. The condition of the
needle should be checked when sewing difficulties occur. A defective needle should be
replaced by a new needle of proper size. A dull needle will show a flat shiny spot at the
very tip when rotated between the fingers. The straight of a needle can be tested by
 rolling the larger end on a flat surface; bent needles will wobble and straight needles
will roll true.

A. HOW TO ADJUST TENSION ON THE NEEDLE THREAD

The stitch tension control determines the amount of tension on the

thread as they pass through the machine.

1. Correcting a Loose Top Stitch

When the needle thread tension is too tight, the thread will lie straight
along the upper surface.
 Lower the presser foot
 Turn the small thumb nut at the front of the tension discs to the
left ( counter clockwise ) to decrease the tension.

2. Correcting a Loose Bottom Stitch

When the needle tension is too loose , the thread will lie along the
underside of the material.
 Lower the presser foot
 Check to make sure that the thread is between the tension
discs.
 Turn the small thumb nut at the front of the tension
disc (clockwise ) to increase the tension.
 Check the stitch on pieces of scrap material.

B. HOW TO ADJUST TENSION ON BOBBIN THREAD

1. Checking Bobbin Case

 Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case.
 Clean the inside of the bobbin case.
Remove all particles of lint and dust
with a small point stick.
Note : If the tension spring is bent away from the
bobbin case , or if the ends of the spring near
the delivery eye are damaged, they should be
replaced. Consult your teacher if defective
parts are discovered.

2. Adjusting Tension Spring on Bobbin Case

The tension on the bobbin thread is controlled
by adjusting the tension spring on the outside of
the bobbin case. It is seldom necessary to change
this adjustment once the tension has been properly
set . The operator will usually be able to correct

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum 87

Technology and Livelihood Education –
Dressmaking/Tailoring
 the stitch by varying the tension on the needle thread

a. Correcting a loose bobbin thread

If the tension on the bobbin thread is too loose, the needle thread will
lie straight along the upper surface of the material.
 Tighten the tension
 Turn the regulating screw in the tension spring to the right.
 Test the tension. Thread the bobbin case. Hold the end of the
thread and allow the case to hang freely.
 Check stitch on pieces of scrap material

b. Correcting a Tight Bobbin Thread

If the tension on the bobbin thread will
lie straight along the underside of the material.
 Loosen the tension. Turn the regulating
Screw in the tension spring slightly to the
left.
 Thread the bobbin case and test the tension.
 Check stitches on pieces of scrap material.

HOW TO REGULATE THE LENGTH OF THE STITCH

The length of the stitch is regulated by the stitch regulator on the front side of
the head.
 Move the stitch regulator downward to lengthen
stitch
 Move the stitch regulator upward to shorten stitch.
 Check the length of stitch on pieces of
scrap material.

Note: For normal stitching, set the regulator at 10 to 12 stitches per inch, or
at the number 3 for metric scale machines.

HOW TO REGULATE THE PRESSURE ON THE MATERIAL

The pressure on the material is regulated by adjusting screw on the top of the machine.
 Turn the adjusting screw to the right
to increase the pressure.
 Turn the adjusting screw to the left to
decrease the pressure.
 Check the pressure by stitching on pieces
of scrap material of the same weight .
 Note: A pressure that is too heavy will cause the machine to run hard
and will leave the print of the feed on fine materials.

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 1.1

I .Directions: Write check ( y ) if the statement is a good characteristic of stitches and

cross ( X ) if it is not. Write your answer in your quiz notebook.

1. The stitches have no tangles.

2. The stitching follows the intended line smoothly and accurately.
3. The length of stitch is not proportioned
4. There are skipped or broken gaps in stitching.
5. The stitches appear on both right and wrong sides of the fabric.

II. Directions: Arrange the steps in threading the upper and lower parts of the sewing
machine. Write number 1 for the first step, 2 for the second step, and
so on. Write your answer in your quiz notebook.

A. STEPS IN THREADING THE UPPER PART

Thread the needle
Pull it through the lower thread guide
Pull the thread down on the thread guide.

Bring thread to the thread guide.

Pull the thread between the metal disc of the tension.
Bring the thread up to the lower thread take up lever and raise it as it
goes.
 B. STEPS IN THREADING THE LOWER PART
Remove the bobbin case by pulling on the bobbin case latch.
Pull the upper and lower thread together by four inches.
Remove the bobbin from the case and wind the thread.
Start the mechanism by rolling the balance wheel forward to get the
thread of the bobbin through the needle.
Be sure that you hear the case being locked upon inserting the bobbin
case inside the shuttle.
Put the bobbin back to the bobbin case and pull the thread through the
little slot at least four inches.

III. Directions: Perform how to start and stop sewing machine following the procedure.

How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!

Scoring Rubric

Criteria Excellent Very Satisfacto Fairly Needs Score

Satisfacto ry Satisfacto Improvem
ry ry ent
Knowledge Procedure Some of Few of the Most of the Did not
s were the procedure procedure follow any
followed procedure were not were not of the
step 1 to were followed followed procedures
the last omitted
Speed Finished Finished Finished Finished Did not
ahead of on time but late by but late for finished
time three mins more than
5 minutes
Assistance Did not Needed Needed Needed Needed
required need assistance assistance assistance assistance
assistance once twice four to five most of the
times time
 How Do You Apply What You Have Learned?

Show that you learned something by doing this activity

Activity Sheet 1.1

CONDUCT SAMPLE RUN

Materials:

1. Fabric swatches of silk, denim and cotton

2. Thread
3. Machine Needle – size 14
4. Pair of Scissors
5. Pencil
6. Ruler

INDIVIDUAL TASK:

Prepare swatches of silk, denim and cotton. Stitch on the swatches by

stitching straight lines at various stitch length . Test the output and record your
observation on the table.

Types of fabric Length of Stitches Consistency of Tension of

Stitches Stitches
Silk

Denim

Cotton

How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!

Scoring Rubric

Criteria Excellent Very Satisfact Fairly Needs Score

Satisfact ory Satisfact Improve
ory ory ment
Knowledg Procedure Some of Few of the Most of Did not
e s were the procedure the follow any
followed procedure were not procedure of the
step 1 to were followed were not procedure
 the last omitted followed s
Speed Finished Finished Finished Finished Did not
ahead of on time but late by but late for finished
time three mins more than
5 minutes
Assistanc Did not Needed Needed Needed Needed
e required need assistance assistance assistance assistance
assistance once twice four to five most of
times the time

Activity Sheet 1.2

Materials:

Sewing Machine and Accessories

Sewing Machine Manual

Procedure:

You should follow these steps and see how you can improve your skills but
be sure that you already know its parts and functions.

1. Rest both of your feet on the treadle, one ahead of the other.

2. Lift the presser foot before starting the Sewing machine.

3. Start turning the hand wheel towards you applying

moderate force in it.

.
4. When the treadle starts to move, follow its flow, not
pushing too much pressure against the treadle.

5. Make five rotations or more until you develop a good

control of the sewing machine.

6. Stop your sewing machine by controlling the treadle then

hold the band wheel. Practice more as needed.
 How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!

Items for Evaluation Suggested Student Teachers’

Score Score score
Process ( 70% )
1.Lifted the presser foot before starting to run the
machine. 10
2Rested both feet on the treadle on ahead of the
other. 10
3. The balance wheel and applied moderate force.
4. Followed the movement of the treadle and did 10
not exert too much force on it.
5 .Performed four to five rotations continuously. 10
6. Stopped the machine from running without 10
holding the balance wheel.
10
Work habits ( 30 % )
1. Correct posture was displayed.
2 .Holding of balance wheel was avoided when the 10
machine was in motion.
3. Turning back and forth of balance wheel was 10
avoided.
4 .Followed the procedure correctly. 10
10
Total 100
Activity Sheet 1.3

Materials

Sewing machine, machine needle, thread,

Fabric swatches, pair of scissors

Instructions: Select a sewing machine to be assessed. Write the information called for in
the given form.

DATE SEWING MACHINE NO.

Trouble Cause/s Remedies

MINOR
 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
MAJOR
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!

Criteria Excellent Very Satisfacto Fairly Needs Score

Satisfacto ry Satisfacto Improvem
ry ry ent
Knowledg Procedure Some of Few of the Most of Did not
e s were the procedure the follow any
followed procedure were not procedure of the
step 1 to were followed were not procedure
the last omitted followed s
Speed Finished Finished Finished Finished Did not
ahead of on time but late by but late for finished
time three mins more than
5 minutes
Assistanc Did not Needed Needed Needed Needed
e required need assistance assistance assistance assistance
assistance once twice four to five most of
times the time

How Do You Extend Your Learning?

Instruction:

In your notebook, draw a lockstitch sewing machine and identify the parts and their
functions.
LEARNING OUTCOME 2

Clean and lubricate machine

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

Regular cleaning of machine is observed

Safety procedures in machine cleaning are followed.
Regular maintenance schedules are observed and recorded.

Materials

1. Sewing machine
2. Damp cloth
3. Machine oil
 What Do You Already Know?
Let us determine how much you already know about cleaning and lubricating machine. Take this test.

Pretest LO 2

Direction: Arrange the following steps in chronological order. Mark the first step as a, second
as b and so on. Write your answer on a separate of paper.

A. Face Plate (presser bar, needle bar, thread take up lever, lifter).

1. Put back the Face Plate in place

2. Unscrew face plate and keep it in the drawer while cleaning.
3. Brush dust away then put a little amount of oil while rotating the balance wheel
to inner parts can be accessed.

B. Lower mechanism ( rotary oscillating hook )

1. Put a little amount of machine oil on moving parts

2.Remove dust with lint brush
3. Fasten sides of oscillating hook
4. Return spare parts in place
5. Remove bobbin case.

C. Upper tension (Disc Spring and Dial)

1. Brush dust and wipe with absorbent cloth with oil

2. Remove outer bolt , tension dial , discs and
disc spring
3. Assemble by following the laid parts in your table
4. Lay each part in your front table following its
disassembling for easier assembling
 What Do You Need To Know?

the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

Information Sheet 2.1

Care of Sewing Machine

How to Clean and Oil Your Sewing Machine

Cleaning and oiling your sewing machine is basic maintenance that bits of lint,
thread, dust and even fabric can get stuck in your machine. These make work harder and
can even jam your sewing machine. Clean your machine to fix these help the machine to
last longer and perform more smoothly. If you sew regularly, problems and use sewing
machine oil to help the moving parts function smoothly. You should clean and oil your
machine after finishing any large project as well as any time you suspect it is having a
problem.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the needed tools and supplies in cleaning the sewing machine.

2. Remove the needle if there is any. This will prevent the cleaner from pricking fingers
during the cleaning process.

Face Plate (presser bar, needle bar, thread take up lever, lifter).

 Unscrew face plate and keep it in the

drawer while cleaning.
 Brush dust away then put a little amount
of oil while rotating the balance wheel
to inner parts can be accessed.
 Put back the Face Plate in place.

Cleaning and oiling your sewing machine is basic

maintenance that can help the machine to last longer and
perform more smoothly. If you sew regularly, bits of lint, thread, dust and even fabric can get
stuck in your machine. These make work harder and can even jam your sewing machine.
Clean your machine to fix these problems and use sewing machine oil to help the moving
parts function smoothly. You should clean and oil your machine after finishing any large
project as well as any time you suspect it is having a problem.
UPPER TENSION ( DISC SPRING AND DIAL )
 Remove outer bolt , tension dial , discs and
disc spring.
 Lay each part in your front table following its
disassembling for easier assembling.
 Brush dust and wipe with absorbent cloth with oil.
 Assemble by following the laid parts in your table.

LOWER MECHANISM ( ROTARY OSCILLATING HOOK )

 Remove bobbin case.
 Fasten sides of oscillating hook.
 Remove dust with lint brush.
 Put a little amount of machine oil on moving parts.
 Return spare parts in place.

OTHER MINOR PARTS

 Remove entangled threads between head and balance wheel.

 Brush accumulated dust in the treadle joints connecting the band wheel.
 Clean gummy dust on the band wheel.
 After all parts were dusted, lubricate all joints and oil slots with good quality oil.
 Wipe off all surplus oil then put a piece of absorbent cloth under the presser foot
for dripping oil.

Note : When the machine has thoroughly cleaned and oiled, run it slowly for
several minutes to allow the oil to work on its moving parts. Place a scrap of fabric
under the presser foot and lower the needle to absorb excess oil.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE IN SEWING MACHINE

MAINTENANCE

Cleaning and lubricating a sewing machine is quite a messy task. Personal care
should be observed during this activity. The following health and safety precautions
should be practiced at the shop or at home.

1. Wear personal protective equipment. This prevents your clothing from being
tarnished by oil and dirt .Be sure to wear gloves to avoid accumulation of oil and dirt
in your nails and palms.
( Wearing of protective eye glasses is optional ).
2. Remove the upper belt or turn power off before oiling the sewing machine.
3. When a chemical or small spare parts get into your eyes, call the attention
of your teacher at once.
4. Do not remove any safety device from any machine.
5. Be sure that all screws are well-lightened before starting the machine.
6. Make sure that no screws or tools are left on the floor to avoid slipping.
7. Wipe dry spilled oils on the floor to avoid accidents.
8. Assign colored tags for a newly maintained sewing machine
9. Provide a small bin for your garbage when performing this job.
10. Have a separate cabinet or storage for tools and supplies for sewing machine
maintenance.
11. Always refer to the sewing machine service manual for accurate application of
procedure.

Note: A sewing machine is an equipment that needs care and cleaning. Keep it dusted
and lubricated at least once a week or more often if the machine is in constant use.

How Much Have You Learned?

Self-Check 2.1

Refer to the Answer Key. What is your score?

A. Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer in your quiz notebook.

1. In wiping spilled oils during cleaning, the correct cloth is .

a. Damp cloth
b. Dry cloth
c. Oiled cloth
d. Any of the above

2. The part of the sewing machine that should be avoided when oiling is
.
a. Bobbin winder
b. Rubber ring
c. Stitch regulator
d. Stop motion screw

3. The part of sewing machine that can be considered a safety device since it
covers the lower mechanism and is important during garment construction
is
.

a. bobbin winder
b. slide plate
c. tension disc
d. throat plate

4. The cleaning material that maintains moving parts of sewing machine

in smooth operation is .
a. absorbent cloth
b. lint brush
c. lubricant
d. water
 5. The good practice of cleaning and lubricating the sewing machines
.
a. Every two weeks
b. Once a week
c. Once a month
d. Twice a week

B. (6-10) Enumerate at least 5 Health and Safety procedure in sewing

machine maintenance

How Do You Extend Your Learning?

Answer the following questions. Write your answers in your assignment notebook.

1. Why is it necessary to keep the machine clean and lubricated ?

2. What is the importance of removing the needle before attempting to clean

the machine ?

3. What parts of the machine are to be cleaned and lubricated ?

4. What materials are needed in cleaning the machine properly ?

5. What kind of oil is to be used in lubricating the treadle machine ?

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned?

Show that you learned something by doing this activity

Operation Sheet 2.1

Materials:
Quality oil, lint brush, dry paint brush, screw drivers, pen and record notebook and
cotton buds.

Procedures:

1 .Remove the needle if there is any.

2 . Unscrew face plate and keep it in the drawer while
cleaning. 3.. Brush dust away and put a little amount of oil on
face plate.
4. Put back the face plate in place.
5. Remove outer bolt, tension dial, and disc spring of the upper tension.
6. Brush dust and wipe with absorbent cloth with oil the upper tension.
7. Assemble the upper tension by following the laid parts in your table.
8. Remove bobbin case.
9. Fasten sides of oscillating hook.
10. Remove dust with lint brush.
11. Put a little amount of machine oil on moving
parts. 12 .Return spare parts in place.
13. Remove entangled threads between head and balance wheel.
14. Brush accumulated dust in the treadle joints connecting the band wheel.
15. Clean gummy dust on the band wheel.
16 .Lubricate all joints and oil slots with good quality oil.
17. Put a piece of absorbent cloth under the presser foot for dripping oil.

How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!

ITEMS TO BE RATED RATING SCALE

5 4 3 2 1
Procedure were correctly done in sequence.
Precautions were applied.
TOTAL SCORE

Activity Sheet 2.2

Materials: sewing machine, quality oil, lint brush, dry paint brush, screw drivers, cotton buds

Instructions: Group Work

Role Playing: You will be divided into five groups and each group will be given a task to do.

Group I : Prepare the needed tools and supplies in cleaning the sewing machine.
Group II : Clean and lubricate the lower mechanism.
Group III : Clean and lubricate the inner part of the face plate.
Group IV : Disassemble, clean and assemble the upper tension.
Group V. Clean and lubricate other parts of the machine.
 How Well Did You Perform?

Find out by accomplishing the Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely. Remember it is your learning at stake!

Check the column that corresponds to your honest evaluation

ITEMS TO BE RATED RATING SCALE
5 4 3 2 1
1.Ideas were clearly explained in the demonstration.
2.Procedure were correctly done in sequence.

3.Precautions were applied and explained.

4.Cooperation was manifested by the group.

How to rate your performance:

Refer to the score equivalent to rate your group performance:

16 - 20 = 100%
11 - 15 = 90%
6 - 10 = 85%
0- 5 = 80%

Congratulations! You did a great job! Rest and

relax a while then move on to the next lesson.
Good luck!

REFERENCES

De Cosse, Cy. et al. Singer (Sewing Update). U.S.A. Contemporary Book Inc., 1988.

De Guzman, Ines A. Technology and Home Economics (First Year). Manila. Saint Bernadette Publications, Inc.,1993.