Sewing machine repair will come sooner or later especially for those that are years old. In this post, you will learn what to do to prolong your machine's life and what repair centers do to fix your machine.
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In this article:
- What Are the Most Common Sewing Machine Problems?
- Tune-up
- Is It Worth It?
- Services Included
- What to Bring For Check-up
- I Want to Do It Myself, What Can I Do?
Sewing Machine Repair Cost Guide | Basics & Tips
What Are the Most Common Sewing Machine Problems?
Before we proceed, it is important to note the most common sewing machine problems users run into:
- Thread bunching up under your fabric when sewing
- Bent or broken needles
- Fabric not feeding
- Thread keeps breaking
- Machine is skipping stitches
- Bobbin tension not consistent
- Seams in stretch fabrics coming out wavy
- Sewing machine seizes up or won't sew
- Needle comes unthreaded before sewing
- Fabric or threads are bunching at the start or ends of seams
- Thread inconsistently knots, loosens, or tangles
- Thread fraying, shredding, and breaking
- Fabric feed is inconsistent
- Machine is making strange noises
- The machine is running, but the needle won't move
- Decorative stitch settings aren't working
- Seams are puckered and distorted
Depending on your experience, you may be able to fix some of these problems on your own. But, if you're not feeling too confident or online tutorials are not enough, there are repair centers you can consult and will gladly fix your machine for you.
Tune-up
A sewing machine tune-up is priced differently depending on the shop, but expect to be billed by as much as $75 to $100. These charges are yet to cover the cost of any replacement parts. Meanwhile, computerized embroidery machines cost as much as $100 for the usual check-up.
Is It Worth It?
Definitely! A well-maintained sewing machine will last longer and will save you a lot more money than buying a new one. There are plenty of things to look out for during a sewing machine repair.
Since it moves a lot, it needs proper lubrication to prevent wear and tear. This is extra important if you have a computerized sewing machine. Doing it manually without proper knowledge is a surefire way to get your finger fried.
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Services Included
Should you decide to have your sewing machine undergo routine service, here is the scope of service you will receive:
- Removing fluff and dust – Technician will start with cleaning the whole machine.
- Checking the bobbin – The bobbin and bobbin case has the tendency to accumulate lots of dust. Cleaning these will avoid jamming.
- Lubrication – This is important to prolong the machine's life span.
- Checking the tension – It's a must to check the bobbin tension as you will get low-quality results and potentially broken or snagging thread if it's wrong.
- Checking the bobbin winder – If the tyre is worn or cracked, it should be immediately replaced.
- Checking the electrics and wirings – Faulty wiring means a non-responsive sewing machine.
- Checking the timing – Needs a constant adjustment, especially when broken threads keep recurring.
What to Bring For Check-up
Aside from your sewing machine, you’ll want to bring the following as well:
- Foot pedal control
- Power cord
- Standard zig-zag presser foot (not a 1/4 inch foot)
- Correct bobbin
- If bringing an embroidery machine, be sure to bring an embroidery hoop and the embroidery foot, too.
I Want to Do It Myself, What Can I Do?
If you use the sewing machine very often, you can do your own regular maintenance. Constant use will accumulate fluff, dust, and lint. As a result, uncleaned machines lead to poor performance. Your output will have skipped stitches, uneven stitches, and broken threads while you are in the middle of a seam.
Here are the most common issues a sewing machine usually encounters courtesy of Jack Creek Road:
Now that you know how much sewing machines repair costs are, you can now make an informed decision on whether to have it repaired or simply buy a new one. At the end of the day, one thing that can prolong a sewing machine's life is proper maintenance and regular cleaning.
It works just like our bodies that need annual check-ups, make sure your sewing machine receives the same treatment!
So how is sewing machine repair cost in your area? Sound off in the comments below!
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Editor’s Note: This post has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Do you know anyone who could fix my Singer680U?
Bought in OF in Taiwan 1966. Made in Japan. The hook assembly had plastic on it and it broke. Have had it to 2 different plsces, said they couldn’t get parts.
I have a brother lb7000 and the bobbin appears to be out of alignment. I have broken 1 needle. I have been manually turning the wheel to see where the needle gets stuck . Right on the edge of the bobbin holder. Any idea what that would cost to fix?
hook timing will cause this condition.
This is the most comprehensive set of sewing machine videos I have ever seen. So well explained with excellent visuals. I had a fabulous Kenmore machine with a cabinet for MANY years that I sold for a portable. HATE IT..but the video explaining the possible problems has helped. THANK YOU!!!
Just watched your troublshooting video. I am hoping that you can help me. I have a Brother Runway5050. The hand wheel is so tight the machine will not sew. I cannot find a screw anywhere to take the machine apart to see where the handup is; any suggestions?
Wow!!! Thank you so much. I have my tensions perfect now. This is a great video for anyone not knowing how to fix the tension on your machine, My machine is happy and so am I !!
Thanks so much.
Sharon
Can you repair a Voyager 17 sewing machine with a Dekkt Out quilting system upgrade? I have it set up on a Hinterberg stretch machine frame for longarm quilting.
My old Singer 603E does not zig zag correctly anymore. I have cleaned & oiled it. Can you help me?
I just recently purchased an old Phaff 1222, with a walking foot. I have it set for straight stitch, and by all intents and purposes, it should sew straight, but for some reason, it will only zig zag, or do decorative stitch, but not straight stitch! Any ideas on what could be wrong? Thank you.
I have a designer 1 and I broke the bobbin winder can it be fixed and how much
My singer needs to be wired. It’s about 60 years old is it worth it?
I have a Singer Athena 2000 electronic machine. It has been extraordinarily reliable. While sewing yesterday it suddenly stopped working. The machine makes a whirring sound when the foot peddle is pressed, but nothing moves. Tension was fine before this happened. Is this likely to be the motor that needs to be replaced since the machine was purchased in 1975?
What about a serger.
Hello! I had a sewing machine Singer 2502, the problem is the bobbin case, where can i get a replacement.?
My grandmother left me her sewing machine when she passed. I have not tried to run it for 20 years. It was new around 20 years ago, just before she passed. It is a Kenmore electronic and now it turns on, but the needle will barely move at all. Do you think this is fixable?
I have had mine for 20 years. Just took it in for its first work up. Its a Kenmore. You cannot buy that brand anymore from what I understand. I’m getting mine fixed. its so worth it for me. I’m 77 years of age. I was thinking of buying a new one with all the fancy things, but then I will have to learn how to use it. My machine will do what I need., from wedding gowns to christening outfits for babies. Please get it fixed they last for a very very long time Look at it for the memories it has started to making more. Many Blessings Dawn.
I have an Singer Athena 2000 from the 1970s and the zigzag doesn’t work consistently. Sometimes – but rarely- it is nice and wide, but most often it is narrow and simply fades to nearly straight stitch. Also, I can’t seem to adjust the stitch length in the straight stitch mode. The repair place replaced the electronic mother board at cost over $500 and it still doesn’t work. Needless to say, it’s going back to be made right, but I wonder what a specialist might deem to be the problem.
My kenmore has auto threader that doesn’t work. Can it be fixed?
I need someone to come to my home to give my Kenmore a tune up. It seems to be stuck in many places. I live in Upper Westside. It cannot be brought to a shop, as it is not a portable. It’s quite old, but I love it.
Thanks
Francine
I have a Janome heavy duty machine. When I was sewing a thick upholstery project, the needle pulled out and stuck in the fabric. I replaced the needle, and over tightened it. This ruined the needle holder. My son and I ordered the part and realized it was too hard for us to get it replaced.
I paid over $400 for this machine. Is it worth repairing?
I line in Abbevile , SC. 29620 Where can I take it?
We expect to be in Greenville, SC in several weeks. Is a service center there?
Like any appliance, repair/refurbishment costs can become a significant part of the price of the machine. If you have a quality machine which has a solid internal frame, it is likely cheaper to repair than replace. the weight of the machine is the best guide, lightweight machines are cheap and nasty and are not worth repairing.
Call Mike on 0401 137 680 for advice on cost to refurbish. Blue Mountains Sewing Machine Repairs
I have a Singer Quantum electronic machine I bought new in 2005. Worked fine until now. It seems the lever to lift the presser foot will not work…at all. I tried to get some lubrication in there but don’t think successful.. there is some metal but think lots is plastic..at least the handle is as is the case.
I have an older Singer sewing machine from the early ‘70s that has just sat for many years. While everything can be fixed, it is at what cost? Is it worth taking the machine in to be assessed and possibly repaired? I have another newer Singer but a backup would be nice. Please advise.
I have a GERTZ M 146 sewing machine that was given to me….the motor runs but the needle wont move….I removed the clutch plate and reinserted it but still nothing moves
My sewing machine is Singer heavy duty 4483 model. It is making a rattling sound and the thread is getting stuck under the bobbin. Tried the trouble shooting exercises but unable to fix this.
I have a Juki HZL-272. The metal part that holds down material during sewing recently came off and I don’t know how to put it back securely so it doesn’t fall off again. I am trying but I maybe doing it wrong. Please help.
The tread in bobbin is not catching on to top tread The bobbin unit fell out on me The needle fell out down the unit Iwas trying to get needle out I turned machine on it’s side and Bobbin unit fell out
I have a 9960 singer quantum machine was sewing with it I didn’t have a foot peddle as I usually did and I hit a pin with a round head I was hesitated for a few seconds and my machine would never start again it lights up that’s it nothing else. What would it be and can I get it fixed it’s new not even two hours on it.
Just took out my Janine portable sewing machine. The thread holder has broken off of the top of the machine. I can’t see how it could be replaced since it’s built in. Any thoughts?
It’s great that you talked about how there are repair centers you can consult and would gladly fix your sewing machine for you. We were planning to use our sewing machine earlier but we just realized that it is actually broken. We do not know how to repair such a sophisticated machine, so we should definitely just ask for sewing machine repair services.