Very brave that you say you are a recovered alcoholic. And sewing is a good therapy to keep busy indeed. Applause!

I am 85 yrs old and quilting keeps me alive and alert!

A video on troubleshooting tension on sewing AND embroidery machine would be great.

Hi Rob. It would help greatly if you had a tutorial on bobbin tension and how to adjust it for drop in bobbins. I’ve been sewing for over fifty years and just learned how to adjust the bobbin tension. I never knew that there was a bobbin tension on drop in bobbins. So if you could cover that so people could know about it, it will help other people. I love your videos you are really fun. Thanks Joyce

Hi Rob, Thank you for your videos. Yes, I would love to learn more about the technical side of sewing. I think understanding the nuances of needles, tension, and anything else that is important to understand, will only help us take better care of our machines. Thanks again!

Oh my! I just checked my feed dogs and they were filled with lint!!!! Thank you, Rob!

I appreciated your last comment, the one about cutting the thread, keeping the thread moving in the same direction. It never occurred to me and it makes so much sense. Thank you!

Maintenance makes the difference. Much like the sewing machine that'll last close to forever if cared for - hearing that and hoping it's another two years of recovery under your belt and many more birthdays of freedom to you.

Well I learned something new!! I didn't realize that Microtex meant sharps! That's insane! Thank you so much for all of this information.

I haven’t used my machine in several years and am planning on doing small projects in quilting. I used to oil and clean when using. It is incredible the lint that gets in there, but you have to be careful that you don’t over oil because you will get some on your clothes. I am glad for this video because I will need to do this BEFORE I start sewing again

YES, please tell us all there is to know about tension…I don’t understand any of it and pray it never goes wrong. I live in Savannah, GA where there is NO ONE capable of tuning machines well. KZfaq videos are my friends. Thanks

Hi Rob, new viewer. Love the quilt hanging behind you. So bright and colourful. I have been sewing for many years but recently heard elsewhere the tip of not pulling the thread backwards out of the machine. Makes alot of sense and I have changed my bad habit😅🇦🇺

I use a good quality paint brush because it gets into tinier places and attracts the lint with a bit of static electricity. I used to do cleanings for my students and customers who bought machines from me.

Please! All the information you can share helps immensely!

Hi Rob. I just saw your short version of this video, and realized I needed the long to see the long version.

Yes!!! Please do a tutorial on needles and tension!!

Absolutely please do a video on tension! I have nearly 50-year old Kenmore, no plastic internal parts (including bobbin case which is a drop-in.) Amazingly the yearly checkup is enough to keep it running beautifully sewing everything from guaze and lightweight knit to upholstery and denims.

Tension issues are the bane of my sewing existence. I'd love more information!

I learned to sew 70 years ago. My father was a sample maker in the garment center who taught me on his treadle. I've owned and sewed on everything from a treadle to a manual to an electronic and computerized machine. I'm primarily a garment sewer but I've sewn curtains, dolls, linens, et al. Reliable, knowledgeable sewing mechanics used to be in every town or neighborhood. That is no longer true. I'd be very wary of letting just anybody mess with my machines. I've had machines break, but in all these years, it's happened only twice in 70 years. The second time it happened, the mechanic would return it to me with something else broken. I finally had to send it back to the factory at some expense to get it working properly again. The key to keeping a machine working is CLEAN IT AFTER EVERY USE. A drop of oil if indicated by the manual [some computerized machine do not need oil] every so often; and CHANGE THE NEEDLE APPROPRIATE TO THE TASK AFTER EVERY PROJECT. Buy a good stiff brush to clean out lint or one of those vacuum attachments for machines. Your machine will last. I am retired and no longer sew that often; my machines stand idle for months at a time, but presently I have a mechanical, an electronic, a computerized and a serger all in working order.

I like to vacuum out most of the lint. I agree about the drop in bobbins having more lint.

Thank you for telling about the problem I am having with my machine. The bobbin case.

Ditto below. Thanks for great video. Needles and threads remain a great mystery!

I would love more knowledge about tension issues and a reminder about needles

The pipes leaked in the ceiling, and I had my old 1970 s era kenmore right under. Water destroyed the table, but I managed, in the process of drying, fixed what you are describing!!! It works better now better than my newer bernina!!

I am laying on the couch because I am sick watching your videos. Realized I have not cleaned my machine for a while. So I went to my sewing room and did it!!! Thank you for all your tips and tricks ❤

Hi Rob, I would appreciate a tutorial on needle sizes and use, as well as something thread weights and types ( why cotton vs. polyester). Thanks for such straight forward instructions!

Rob, you serviced my machines when you were at the Cotton Ball. My neighbor couldn’t figure out why her machine wasn’t sewing right and yes, she had never cleaned out the fuzz so everything was rising up. I laughed when you stated that as a possible problem. It really happens! A review of tension issues and needles always helps. Thanks for all the help you provide!

I absolutely would like to see a video regarding trouble shooting tension issues!

Have watched your videos for a good while now, even have made some of the quilts you designed, have your book. Never knew you were a recovering alcoholic, gives me even more respect for you! You have done so well!! Color, fabrics, and beauty of design are definitely your go to. Love how you fully explain whatever you have your video on and your sense of humor. Keep it going!

congratulations of your recovery. I know how difficult addictions of any kind are. thanks for your videos

Gracias for your tips and yes please show us more, with economy like it’s been n getting worse money is very tight w living expenses can’t afford repairs, and repair shops for machines I small towns n big becoming more and more scarce as it doesn’t make them enough money. So yes please show us all you can,👍👏🏼👏🏼it’s very much appreciated especially for us older folks.

Hi Rob, Thank you for all the information on keeping the sewing machine running well. I paid so much for my machine and hope to have it for years to come. I sometimes use a pipe cleaner to clean out in places that my brush can"t get to.

Yes, please!!! I'd love more instruction on both needles and correctly tensioning the thread.

Hi Rob, so great to see you back on KZfaq. I have been sewing for over 40 years and I have never known how the needle numbering system works. I would love for you to do a tutorial on this, thanks!

Thank you but now I want to learn more about needles and tension. So please follow up with more😉

Lovely video.I just helped a friend save a service visit by showing her how to clean her machine and improve the tension.I learned a lot and would like to see the videos about needles and tension pkease.

A tension lesson would be great. Thanks for offering

When I first came across this video I definitely judged your book by its cover - but when I heard why you quilt my judgements were put right in their place, thanks for a dose of humility - great video, I’m subscribed! 💙🙏🏽

Beautiful quilt on the wall.

Yes please, a tension issue video!

Hi Rob. Thank you for the simple explanations. I have been sewing for years, but am still a beginner. I cleaned my sewing machine, but never used oil on it. I will try oiling the sewing machine before making baby quilts.

Schmootz? 🤣🤣 my new favorite sewing term. Glad to have found you again! If you haven’t already (and I’m going now to check) but PLEASE do some more technical videos!!

#1 might be just my problem. I’m not near my machine today (I watch KZfaqs silently when travelling on public transport… so double points for enabling closed captions)

Thank you for this video. I’ve been sewing for years, now I can take better care of my machines.

I do clean my machines using pipe cleaners: stick one thru a coffee stir stick and bend or curl the end, cut off end when it gets too dirty, bend the end and clean some more. I would also appreciate videos on needles and tension and the history of your sleeve (I've been watching you for a long time and have seen the tats grow from nothing).

I would love to see video on needles - I know when to use certain needles but not the why. Great job

Yes, please! I would love to have you tall about tensing problems!!

Hi Rob, I’ve found that an eyebrow brush is the best way remove lint in and around the bobbin area. The lint seems to be attracted to the brush. I can remove much more lint in every nook and cranny and all crevices using the eyebrow brush. Give it a try!

Wow i had thought i just cleaned my machine. The amount of lint in my machine, i am surprised it could move! Thanks for the tips.

Yes please-the numbering system would be very helpful!

Yes please discuss how to clean tension discs

Wonderful video. Good reminders. Yes would love a discussion of needl sizes and types. Thanks Rob. Always enjoy your tips.

Oh Rob! I NEEDED this video. I needed to learn about cleaning and maintaining my machine. I have to get the copy of the manual printed. I didn't know that canned air could be an issue. TY! I didn't know to remove my bobbin case like that. This is my first machine with a flat bobbin like that. I would love any in-depth talk about needles and 🧵🪡. I never knew about pulling the thread the way it sees, GREAT LOGICAL TIP! TY!! This was super helpful. You explain and demonstrate very well. I am so grateful that I found you. Thank you for sharing this with us.😊🎉❤✂️🦓🍀😊

Rob, I enjoy you and all the info you offer. BUT you had SSOOO much fuzz in the bobbin area! How’d that happen? Been sewing for 64 years, started when I was ten on a treddle, and that’s the best fuzz collection I’ve seen. Impressive. Hey! Clean your bobbin case more often. That’s hacking back to you. You’re a terrific teacher, speak well with much enthusiasm. You’re inspiring. Stay well, love ya!

I too am a grateful recovering alcoholic. 33 years of sobriety. Fiber Artist and quilter

Yes, need a video on the needles & their numbering system!

THANKS SO MUCH!! AND CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YRS!!

This was a first time watching you. Thank you and I learned things I didn't know.

Yes I would love for you to talk about tension problems

As a former garment sewing teacher, I have taught these tips, but I didn’t know about the sharps needles! I’ve always related them to super fine fabrics like silk. Being relatively new to quilting, I’m glad to have Rob as a great instructor! I love gleaning new information! Thanks Rob!

Hi Rob, you’re terrific making me a long time viewer. I’d like to see you make a chart about thread weight numbers, fibers and use. Kinda an idiot’s guide. I have a 1970’s Elan Super machine, my favorite. I am deligent about cleaning and oiling. It purrs and, knock on wood, has never been in a repair shop. I also own newer brother SE machines, Janome and a Bernina. I am retire special ed teacher and have some private sewing students. Just getting back into quilting with all the new accessories. You’re such fun to watch! Keep up the healthy choices, we need you.

Hey there sewing brother! I’m also a friend of Bills - I love when we out ourselves and show others what a healthy fun exciting sober life looks like:-).

Great info, nice personality/presentation. I've been sewing for 50+ years and I learn several things. Thanks

I would love to know more about tension issues. Thank you for very informative video

Hi Rob a great video, you make maintenance look so easy, I have a Bernina for nearly 40 yrs. and never knew how to oil it, thank you.

YES, really want & need more tips & tricks .... education about machines/needles/threads ALL of it... Thanks again

I've been sewing for years (no formal training) and your video has just taught me so much. Thank you

I got a set of those mini vacuum attachments and I use a small battery vacuum with those attachments and suck out all my machines including my longarm. For me this really gets my machines clean of the lint build up.

Tweezers are a great help in removing lint globs that you can see, first - before using a brush... as brushing may just push it into the machine.... thanks for the tips!

Great tips , but absolutely stunning guitar, my husband would love this 👍👍

Yes, please do a video on threads and needles!!

I haven't done any sewing for years, but used to make my kid's clothes. Now that my granddaughter is making thing's by hand I've got her a small portable sewing machine for her 12th birthday. I guess I'll need to get my machine serviced before I try to get back into it and give her some instructions on machine sewing. I've been learning wood working. So a big thank you for your tips 🙂

I too need a video on tension. I enjoy your videos.

I laughed out loud when you said that the manufacturer did not pack felt in the feed dogs BECAUSE I cleaned this particular area and wondered afterward if that 'felt' was supposed to be there....thanks, Rob.

Yes, needle info and tension would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the videos.

Love your quilts and videos.

Never have I heard about cutting the thread at the top and pulling it through the needle! Great tip.

I just found your videos. Thanks! Yes, please do a video about tension--my biggest issue.

Really appreciate your explanations of everything in this video. I must say I did know about the condensed air cans, sewing needles, cleaning your machine under th feed dogs, & the need to change your needles. However, I've struggled with getting my tension spot on. I started quilting about 3 years ago & am working on my 2nd of 4or more King size quilts. I first learned to sew in 1960 via our local chapter of 4-H. I would like to know more about simple maintence we can do and more knowledge about how to trouble chute problems. What I found watching your video is about the quality of the long staple cotton fibers of the brand cotton brand of that you mentioned. Other than using silk thread on silk projects, or concerns regarding the weight of the thread, serger threads, embroidery thread etc. But I must admit that my go to thread for sewing garments, upholstery, etc, but my fall back thread has pretty much been an all purpose thread. Thanks for your videos & tutorials.

That was the best description of why you always want to pull the thread out through the needle.

I love it! I'm always surprised the amount of sewists who don't know they need to do regular machine maintenance. Maybe it's because I grew up with and am married to a mechanic, but maintenance will prevent so many big problems down the road! I would love to see a troubleshooting tension video so I'll have a go to reference when people tell me about their tension issues.

Yes I’d like a video on tension

Rob - If I may suggest a sub hack when cleaning your bobbin area and that is to use a micro brush. It works much better than a dry brush - watching you fling lint around and have to go after it several times illustrates the point. Just trying to help!! 😃

Thank you. Please do the video on tension discs and correcting tension.

I would also like to know all about the different kinds of needles. Thank you. I do enjoy your videos

After sewing for many years I finally found Aurifil thread and what a difference it makes. Thanks for all the tips!

One of my favorite things to do is maintain my machine. I would like you to do a tutorial on needle sizes. It always confuses me. Thanks for a great tutorial on machine maintenance.

Yes please tension information would be great.

Wow, what a wealth of information! Thank you so much. I’m getting back into sewing garments and my skills are so rusty. Your videos are wonderful.

Thank you for the tips in this video. Many of them I already knew but several of them I did not. It was also helpful to see how to get the drop in bobbin housing back in. I have one machine that just bit the Dust that would not work after the housing came out until I took it in to the serviced. More servicing videos would be amazing.

Great information! I would appreciate a video addressing tension issues. Thank you

Glad you're back here. I have always enjoyed your videos, you are so much fun. Good for you on being in recovery, you are so awesome! thanks for the great tips. IM looking forward to more of your excellent videos and learning with you.

Hi Rob. My mother was a tailoress. She made sure my sister and I knew how to clean our machines and including taking out the bobbin case and dusting underneath etc. It's something I still do today including putting a drop of oil. Thanks for the video. Some more info on needles would be good thank you.

Hello there, yes I would love to know more about sewing machine needles. Thanks Tracy

Yes I’d love to know more about my machine and the tension issues…many thanks for this video

My lady at dealership showed me how put bobbin case in correctly and i learned how to do it

Your hacks are so informative, and better yet, they are explained in such a way that we can understand it! I have been sewing for years on older machines, and would clean, oil, and change needles regularly but I never really understood the WHY. You gave me that AH-HA moment. Thank you so much!🙏🏻

Thanks so much for this info! Please give us some more hacks to regulate the tension on our machines. I've recently had my machine serviced, but I am still having trouble with threads pulling on the back when I am making a circle or a curve with my free motion quilting. Thanks!

Yes to the tension video! This was great 👍

Yes! Would love to how to solve tension issues! Thank you Rob!!