Sewing Machine Repair Cost Guide

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.

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.

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.

Sewing Machine Repair Cost Guide

Sewing Machine Repair Cost Guide | Basics & Tips