Fiber dust from my sewing machine
@scarywhitegirl (2766)
United States
May 26, 2008 11:10am CST
I woke up this morning with partially stuffy sinuses and a sore throat. Unfortunately, I know that this is from spending most of yesterday hunched over my sewing machine, inhaling all of the fiber dust that sewing machines kick up. This issue happens every time I deal with a lot of fabric or my sewing machine, so I immediately know the source of the problem. YUCK!
For those of you who sew, do you find that you have this problem also? If not, what steps do you take to prevent it? I'm seriously thinking about getting some of those dust masks that carpenters wear! I figure if I can keep my nose and mouth partially covered, it will cut down on my sinus problems.
1 person likes this
5 responses
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
27 May 08
Do you wash or clean your fabric before you sew on it? Most of the dust, fiber particles and other chemicals are from the fabric and the fact that it isn't cleaned before leaving the mills. Then when you figure that it is in transit and sits on the store shelves before you come and buy it. When it is on the shelves it is subjected to people touching it (some may have been ill or becoming ill with the flu or colds) and whatever cleaning the shops receive. Think about the amount of dirt and germs that are brought in on your shoes! I always pre-wash and dry my fabric before I use it. It is an extra step, but it is worth it when I know that I have removed the particulate matter that not only will harm my sewing machine, but also end up in my lungs and ultimately other parts of my body.
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@scarywhitegirl (2766)
• United States
27 May 08
In this case, yes, it was definitely pre-washed fabric. I was deconstructing old clothing of mine and turning it into new items. But even when I'm not doing that, I have started washing my fabric before I use it.
@Loverbear (4918)
• United States
28 May 08
You might try a small fan aimed away from the sewing machine. I did that with my machine and it helped tons. It isn't strong enough to blow the fiber particles way through the house, but it keeps them away from my face and nose. I also use it when I sew mink and other furs into teddy bears. It keeps the hairs from embedding in my face. It's a thought.
Do you have the problem when you use any of the clothes after washing-like when you wear them? Also do you dry the stuff in the dryer or on the line? I know I am asking a lot of questions, but I know what it is like to have breathing difficulties--I was diagnosed with asthma a couple of years ago. I actually have had it all my life, but it was only recently that someone had the brains to realize what it actually was. So now I have an understanding of why I have problems breathing when I dust, empty the fireplace and vacuum. So, I truly sympathize with you about the problems you are having with the fibers.
@moonshadow68 (723)
• United States
26 May 08
Do you think it's related to the age of your machine? You didn't get a new one yet, did you? I mean, I think it's older than most of the people responding here :)
Seriously though, you might want to try cutting your material with pinking shears as they seem to fray less and might give you less dust. Trying to wrack my brain and remember what my Mom did but that was long, long ago...
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@scarywhitegirl (2766)
• United States
27 May 08
Oh no, you missed hearing about my new machine! :) I have a cheap plastic Hello Kitty sewing machine (Janome is the brand name) that I found on clearance--in fact, I think that about 5 of us who are on the Seattle Etsy team all bought the same machine when they went on clearance.
Oddly enough, the old machine never gave me this problem. It's the new one that is causing me difficulty.
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
26 May 08
it's funny-i used to have a kenmore with an area that the dust just fell into-easily disposed,out of sneezing area.the modern ones really don't have that.
short of a mask,i don't know what you can do.i just try to keep it clear with a lil brush.
1 person likes this
@scarywhitegirl (2766)
• United States
27 May 08
Yeah, now that you mention it, I NEVER had this problem with my vintage Singer. It's my new, plastic machine that's giving me difficulty. :(
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
26 May 08
I don't have that problem, yet. When I started reading your post the first thing that came to my mind was a dust mask or a surgical mask. Just something to prevent that stuff from getting into your nose. You may also want to take some preventative allergy treatment so you don't wake up with stuffy sinuses and a sore throat the next day.
1 person likes this
@scarywhitegirl (2766)
• United States
27 May 08
I'm not sure if I have any sort of preventative allergy medication, but yeah, a surgical mask would probably work well also. :)
@cowgirl03051979 (918)
• United States
28 Nov 11
oh goodness that is not good i did not know that you could get stuffy sinuses and a sore throat from sewing alot or inhailing alot of the fiber dust but that does make since i sew alot but i have never woken up with my sinuses acting up or a sore throat from it you might be able to try washing the fabric before you start sewing with it or at least taking a damp paper clothe and wiping it down the only other thing i know of to do would be to take frequent breaks and get plenty of fresh air
