Michelle Nichols, former Bernina instructor shared tips and techniques for maximizing the efficiency of our machines, regardless of make. Michelle's recommendations include:
1.  Always have your presser foot up when you are threading your machine and use two hands to feed the thread through the tension dials to achieve the optimal tension.
2.  When you are unthreading your machine, always discard the used thread.  Once the thread has been through the tension dials, fibers can be split or separated, so rewinding the thread back onto the spool or bobbin will leave you with weakened thread.
3.  Related to this, Michelle reminds us that 60% of mechanical problems with your machine are the result of pulling your thread out backward and leaving small fibers in the tension dials.
4.  Michelle prefers long-staple threads, as short-staple threads beak down faster and leave more lint in your machine.  Check the brand of thread you are using.
5.  Cleaning and oiling your machine is important for maximum performance.  Always use a brush to clean away lint and thread fibers, either the manufacturer's brush or a larger soft make-up brush.  Never use the canned air which can force fibers deeper into the mechanics of your machine.
6.  Listen you your machine. It will tell you when it is time to clean, change needles, or oil your machine.  The frequency of this depends on the thread and fabric with which you are working.
7.  Remember TNT:  thread, needle, tension all contribute to keeping your machine functioning well.
8.  One last tip:  Michelle created a Stitch Bible with stitches from her machine that show different length and width settings. She can readily decide which embellishment stitch she wants to use by checking her bible.  What a difference in appearance simply changing the size of the stitch makes when you are using decorative stitches!

Thank you for so many great tips, Michelle!