Things You'll Need
Lint-free cloth
Lint brush from accessories box
Sewing machine oil
Scrap pieces of fabric
Since 1972, Viking has made sewing machines that do not require oiling; however, to keep older Viking sewing machines, like the Model 2000, Class 20 or Husqvarna Zig-Zag, working according to specifications, monthly oiling is recommended. If your sewing machine was made before 1972, check to see if it needs oiling by rubbing a finger on the needle bar. If it comes away oily, the machine does not need oiling. If it is dry, stop sewing immediately and oil it to prevent damage to machine parts.
Step 1
Unplug the sewing machine from the wall outlet and place it on a table or countertop in a well-lighted area. Remove the top cover. For flatbed Viking models, gently tilt the sewing machine back as far as it will go and let it rest on a wall or table while the base remains anchored in the cabinet or carrying case.
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Step 2
Locate the pages in the sewing machine manual that describe the various machine parts. Remove the bobbin and case, presser foot, needle and stitch plate, and set them aside preferably on a lint-free cloth. Remove the race (the area that houses the bobbin and case) and any removable covers surrounding it. Set them on the cloth.
Step 3
Clean the race and area under the feed dogs, using the lint brush. Remove any pieces of thread that are wound around the spindle or other moving parts.
Step 4
Turn the hand wheel, and put a drop of sewing machine oil on every moving metal part that touches another, as well as in the race area. Try not to get any oil on non-metal gears or belts. Use only pure sewing machine oil because it will not leave a sticky residue on machine parts, which could damage thread and fabric.
Step 5
Re-assemble the race and stitch plate only. Plug the sewing machine into the wall outlet and operate it without the needle for several minutes to ensure that the oil has been adequately distributed. Wipe off any oil that may have gotten on the machine bed, case, table or countertop.
Step 6
Put the needle (do not thread) and presser foot back in the sewing machine, and stitch on a scrap piece of fabric to check for oil stains. If oil is on the fabric, continue to stitch until the fabric is dry, wiping the machine bed clean after every attempt. Thread the sewing machine and bobbin. The machine is now ready for use.
Tip
If your Viking sewing machine is used a lot, consider oiling it after every 12 hours of consistent sewing time. Only a little oil is needed. Just squeeze a tiny drop when oiling machine parts. Consider oiling a Husqvarna Viking sewing machine if you hear loud or knocking noises or if the sewing machine jams repeatedly.
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