Repairing Guides

how to repair sewing machines at home

by Ms. Marian Boyle PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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What to Do if Your Sewing Machine Needs Repair?

  • Disassembling the Front Cover. So, the first step here is not difficult; all you have to do is take a flat screwdriver and unscrew the screws to remove the front ...
  • Working on the Mechanism of the Needle Bar. ...
  • Shuttle Hook of the Sewing Machine and Needle Plate. ...
  • Disassembling the Body of the Machine. ...
  • Hardest Parts to Repair. ...

Part of a video titled How to fix a sewing machine - YouTube
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If you have any doubts about whether or not you have the right bobbin for your machine. Pull theMoreIf you have any doubts about whether or not you have the right bobbin for your machine. Pull the bobbin case out of your machine and bring it with you to a sewing machine store.

Full Answer

How to clean and service your sewing machine?

You will need the following sewing tools:

  • Your machine’s instruction manual.
  • A nylon or lint brush to remove the lint and dust that may have accumulated in different parts of your sewing machine. ...
  • New set of needles. It’s recommended to replace the needle every time you have a maintenance session for your machine
  • A soft cloth (preferably muslin)

How do you fix a sewing machine?

  • 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. ...
  • Lubrication – This is important to prolong the machine’s life span.

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How to service your sewing machine yourself?

– Find Out Here!

  • Introduction: How to Service a Sewing Machine. How do you know when it’s time to service your sewing machine? ...
  • Removing Fluff and Dust. ...
  • Checking the Bobbin. ...
  • Lubrication. ...
  • Checking the Tension. ...
  • Checking the Bobbin Winder. ...
  • Checking the Electrics. ...
  • Change Needles Regularly. ...
  • Keep Your Sewing Machine Covered. ...
  • In Conclusion. ...

How to refurbish sewing machines?

Vintage sewing machine checklist:

  • Turn the hand wheel – does it move freely?
  • Any grinding noises when the hand wheel turns?
  • Examine the power cord for cracks and brittleness.
  • Tilt the machine back from the cabinet, and examine the working mechanisms on the underside of the machine.
  • How yucky does it look? ...
  • Does it run? ...
  • Flip the light switch. ...

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How do I service my sewing machine at home?

0:3511:35Sewing Machine Maintenance: Oil and Clean - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore we do our oiling. So I like to have these fantastic. Little lint brushes here um they can beMoreBefore we do our oiling. So I like to have these fantastic. Little lint brushes here um they can be bent if necessary to get into different angles.

What are the 7 common sewing machine troubles?

Common Sewing ProblemsNeedle thread breakage.Bobbin or looper thread breakage.Thread fusing when the machine stops.Skipped stitches.Imbalanced / variable stitching.Staggered stitching.Variable stitch density.Seam pucker.

Is it worth repairing a sewing machine?

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.

How do I fix my old sewing machine?

1:212:49One Way To Fix A Jammed Antique Sewing Machine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe correct solution is to take the machine to a professional. And have him gut the machine replaceMoreThe correct solution is to take the machine to a professional. And have him gut the machine replace the bench shaft.

How much does it cost to fix a sewing machine?

So how much does it cost to repair a sewing machine? Minor repairs can cost around $50, but major ones can go up to $100.

What causes a sewing machine to stop sewing?

If your upper thread or your bobbin thread gets a knot or snags on something, this can make your sewing machine stop and jam up. This is especially true if your bobbin thread gets jammed. Check your bobbin case to make sure no thread or lint is blocking your hook.

What is the average lifespan of a sewing machine?

Typical Life Expectancy of a Sewing Machine In general, sewing machines are known to last well over five years and sometimes as long as 25 years. However, the conditions that the sewing machine is exposed to will make a huge difference in its lifespan.

What do you use to oil a sewing machine?

A variety of natural, safe and domestic lubricants can be used as effective sewing machine oils. Products such as olive, coconut and silicone oils that are normally found in the kitchen can be used individually or blended to create an alternative lubricant suitable for your own sewing machine oil ingredients.

Can I use a regular needle in a sewing machine?

You can be safe in the knowledge that any sewing machine needle purchased from us will be compatible with any relatively modern domestic sewing machine. The number of different types and sizes of machine needle can seem a bit bewildering at first. However, it's not that difficult to get a handle on the different types.

How do you clean and restore an old Singer sewing machine?

0:0013:40Cleaning and Polishing the Body Vintage Singer Sewing Machine ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStarted here's a list of the restoration. Videos assessing and identification clean and polishingMoreStarted here's a list of the restoration. Videos assessing and identification clean and polishing the body the thread tensioner the thread take up lever and light the bobbin assembly.

How much is an old Singer sewing machine worth?

Singer sewing machine models typically sell for $50-$500, depending on the model and its collectibility. That said, you can also find rare collectible models that sell for over $2,000! In general, antique and vintage sewing machine value depends on the year of production, the rarity of the machine, and its condition.

How do you service an old Singer sewing machine?

5:1813:47How to clean and oil a vintage sewing machine Part 1 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first job is to get rid of excess dust first of all give the machine a wipe over with a softMoreThe first job is to get rid of excess dust first of all give the machine a wipe over with a soft cotton cloth.

What are the common troubles of sewing machine and its remedies?

17 Common Sewing Machine Problems and How To Solve ThemThread 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.More items...•

Why is the thread getting stuck in my sewing machine?

0:252:10When Thread is Caught in Sewing Machine | Sewing Lessons - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEither it's too loose or there was a problem in the pickup. And what you'll do is take the bobbinMoreEither it's too loose or there was a problem in the pickup. And what you'll do is take the bobbin out of the machine try to clear out any extra threads.

Why is my Singer sewing machine not picking up the bobbin thread?

First, make sure the bobbin-winding spindle (located on top of your machine) has been pushed back to the left for sewing. If it is not in the correct position, the needle will not go down and pick-up your bobbin thread.

How do I fix bobbin thread bunching up?

How to Fix Bobbin Thread Bunching and Other Threading ProblemsThread the Machine Properly. Re-thread the upper part of the sewing machine making sure the thread is passing through every single thread guide on its way to the needle. ... Change the Needle. ... Inspect the Bobbin. ... Clean the Machine.

How do you service a Singer sewing machine at home?

The best way to service a Singer sewing machine at home is to regularly oil and clean the machine. Additionally, you should also make sure to keep...

How do I service my sewing machine at home?

If you're like most sewing machine users, you probably don't think much about servicing your machine. After all, it's a pretty simple device, right...

What is the basic maintenance of sewing machine?

Just like any other machine, a sewing machine needs regular maintenance to function properly. Depending on how often the machine is used, it may ne...

Can you service a sewing machine yourself?

If you're experienced with sewing machines, you may be able to service your machine yourself. However, it's important to know your limits and take...

How do I clean and lubricate my sewing machine?

Assuming you have a standard sewing machine, there are a few things you can do to keep it running smoothly. First, make sure to clean the lint buil...

What are those three steps to maintain a good sewing machines?

There are three steps to maintaining a good sewing machine:1. Keep the machine clean. This means regularly cleaning the lint from the feed dogs, ho...

What are the common problems in using the sewing machine?

There are a few common problems that can occur when using a sewing machine. These include:The needle can break or bend if it is not inserted correc...

How to tell if thread is stuck in sewing machine?

Whether the thread starts to knot or becomes stuck in the sewing machine, check the bobbin and spool threads to see if they are sticking out toward the backside of the machine.

Why is my sewing machine needle not working?

The most likely reason is a needle that has been broken, bent, or somehow damaged. It is necessary to change the needle regularly for the machine to run smoothly. It is one of the cheapest machine parts, and it is simple to replace with a newer needle.

Why does my sewing needle knot?

Another source of this issue is inadequate fabric under the needle before sewing begins, since tangling the spool thread with the bobbin thread beneath it can occur, resulting in knots.

Why does my washing machine smell so bad?

If your machine is electric, frequent use might cause it to overheat and malfunction. Overheating happens when fibers become stuck in the bobbin or when the machine is not properly oiled. A burned odor usually indicates this issue.

Why is it important to maintain such instruments as screwdrivers, pins, clothes, and sewing machines' oils?

Last but not least, because they help repair and retain the machine, it is necessary to maintain such instruments as the like screwdrivers, pins, clothes, and sewing machines’ oils.

Why is sewing important?

Sewing may help you relax, de-stress, and enjoy yourself. Being how to repair and maintain various items is also a fantastic method to save money.

Why is my hook mechanism not working?

The tangle of threads inside the hook mechanism is most likely the cause of this problem. It is preferable to remove such threads from the region and verify that the screws in question are correctly tighten.

How to take apart a sewing machine?

So, the first thing you have to do in order to take apart the body of the sewing machine is to make sure you have unscrewed the screw. If this not hard at all, you will only need a screwdriver for the job. But do keep in mind that there might be some screws hiding in holes.

What happens when you take the back off a sewing machine?

So, when the back of the machine is removed, you have to make assessments of all the parts you see. You might have to take them apart and check whether the parts are alright or not. When you do see a problem in any of them, some repair work will be needed before you can put it all back together again.

How to remove the front cover of a sewing machine?

So, the first step here is not difficult; all you have to do is take a flat screwdriver and unscrew the screws to remove the front cover of the machine. Right after you remove this part of the tool, you will see two things: the needle bar mechanism and the presser foot.

What happens if you keep sewing denim pants?

If you keep sewing denim pants or shirts with the machine, then soon you will notice breakage and damage in the top gear.

What is the drive belt on a sewing machine?

The Drive Belt. It is one of the most important parts of the sewing machine’s mechanism. A replacement belt or a repair might be needed when you have used the tool for a very long time, and it has started to become too noisy.

What is the cover of a sewing machine made of?

Essentially, the cover of the sewing machine is made of plastic. The plastic was molded and then separated into halves. Then the main body of the machine was enclosed inside the plastic with latches and screws.

Why is the light bulb compartment on my sewing machine open?

Do not be worried or scared to touch anything because all the parts inside are made of metal, and you are not at risk of breaking anything. This compartment of the sewing machine is mainly opened up for light bulb repair.

How to fix a sewing machine?

If you want to know how to fix your sewing machine, the first step is learning your machine inside and out. And reading the manual from cover to cover is a great place to start . This will give you some general knowledge on your machine’s parts, features, and inner workings.

How long does a sewing machine repair workshop last?

Sewing machine repair workshops typically last for 1 to 3 days, and are held at places like convention centers. They are usually taught by sewing machine repair experts with years, if not decades, of experience.

What do sewing books teach you?

These books will also teach you things like how to choose and maintain your tools, how to do routine maintenance, and how to find free or affordable parts sewing machine parts. Some books even cover the basics of starting a sewing machine repair business.

What does a sewing machine manual tell you?

Your manual will probably tell you how to do routine maintenance on your sewing machine to keep it in good working order. The manual might also have a troubleshooting section that details some common problems you might experience with your sewing machine. You’ll also get tips on how you can try to fix those problems.

Why are sewing repair books important?

The great thing about books on sewing machine repair is that they allow you to learn at your own pace, in your own time. You don’t have to rearrange your schedule to attend a class, or scrape together the money to attend a workshop, because books require a lower investment of time and money.

Why do people work on sewing machines?

Working on a sewing machine can help you relax, de-stress, and have fun. And, of course, being able to make and repair certain things yourself is a great way to save money.

Is sewing a good hobby?

Sewing machine repair is a great way to make extra money. Sewing is a popular hobby, and it’s not hard to find sewers in need of repair services. And you can fix sewing machines in your spare time, in the comfort of your own home.

What are the Problems one can Face with the Sewing Machine?

Your sewing machine can have both internal and external problems. But of the cases it’s external and it happens for less knowledge about the using process.

Why do you need to clean your sewing machine every day?

The problems can be easily solved if you know the problem. Clean your sewing machine every day because dirt damages the parts of the machines. Being a new sewer you can do things inappropriately and it can make problems too. So if you learn how to fix by yourself you can fix it later as well.

Why does my sewing needle skip stitches?

So try to insert your needle properly and then try to sew again. Another reason can be a damaged needle. In this case, it can skip stitches.

Why does my needle break?

Your needle can break for several reasons. One of them is not using the proper size needle or the type of needle your machine needs.

What happens if you put too low on a sewing machine?

If too low or too high it skips stitches. So check out these things and you can repair the sewing machine at home.

What happens if you use a needle that is damaged?

Besides that, if the needle you are using is damaged it will not give stitches and your fabric will not move.

What to do if your washing machine doesn't work?

If you don’t look up to these your machine will make noise. So you better have good care of your machine. Still, if it doesn’t work then take to fix it by someone professional at fixing.

Problem: Uneven Seams and Rough Stitching

Answer: This usually happens when you don’t give attention to your machinery, and small lint gets clogged in. So, all you need is an old toothbrush and a screwdriver (if required).

Problem: Bunching of Thread Under The Fabric

Answer: It is the most common problem for tailors and DIY lovers, but don’t worry because the solution is easier than you think. Firstly, make sure that the thread of Bobbin and upper thread are the same because the difference in weight can cause clogging.

Problem: Constant Breaking of Threads

Answer: If your thread breaks, make sure the upper and bottom threads are the same; if yes, then re-thread your upper machine and set the tension with the Tension Regulator presented on top of the machinery.

Frequently Ask Questions

Only simple and essential tools are needed for sewing machine repair at home. A screwdriver will do 90% of the tool work to fix the machine at home. Just remove the screws and set what is wrong, and you are all done.

Conclusion

Sewing machine repair shops charge dollars for a few minutes of work. Thus, knowing about parts of the machine and fixing tricks will be helpful.

What to do after reassembling a sewing machine?

After reassembling is done do a few test stitches to check if it is working properly. If you notice any problem with the gears or if any of the parts need replacement or if there is any sign of wear & tear visible then take your machine to a repair shop.

How to clean a bobbin machine?

It’s time to clean the machine. Get rid of all the loose threads & lints from the machine with the help of tweezers. Clean the bobbin area with a piece of soft brush. You can also use compressed air for cleaning purposes but resist from blowing into the machine since the moisture from your breath can corrode the machine easily.

How to diagnose a machine?

To diagnose the problem of your machine check the machine thoroughly. You can turn the hand wheel to see if it’s working properly, wind threads in bobbin, sew several test seams etc.

Can Singer sewing machines be repaired?

Repairing of some of the singer sewing machines can be done at home. Especially of the older models. The newer ones are technologically complex & need professional help in repairing them. Here are some of the steps of repairing your old & trusted singer sewing machine.

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