What kind of oil do use on my Janome DC3018 sewing machine? How often should this be done? The thread bunches up under the plate and the bobom Please answer ASAP. My email address is [email protected]

Hi. Use only sewing machine oil on your sewing machine. You can get it at Jo-ann's, Hancocks, or other fabric/quilting shops--or order it online. Try nancysnotions.com--she has an excellent website. NEVER use WD-40 or 3-n-1 oil.

How often you need to oil your machine depends on how much you use it, but generally you'll need to do it for every 8 to 10 hours sewing time.

Check your manual for your machine's oiling ports, but the general rule of thumb is one drop of oil every place metal moves against metal. Don't use oil on any gears you find--use sewing machine grease instead. You can get it wherever sewing machine oil is found.

The most likely reason your thread is bunching up under the fabric is because your top tension is too loose. Here's how to adjust it:

1. Use a different color thread in the top and in the bobbin.
2. Use good-quality thread and a size 12 needle.
3. Hold the tails of the threads out behind the machine as you start sewing. Let go after a few stitches.
4. Sew a few inches and check your stitch. With the different colors, it's easy to see the loose top thread.
5. Tighten the upper tension just a bit.
6. Repeat--recheck--repeat--recheck
7. The tension is right when you don't see any (or very little) of the bobbin thread on top and you don't see any (or see very little) top thread on the underside.

Hope this helps!

Robbie