Key Lessons from my sewing machine repair journey

[@lindathompson5420]

I am almost 71, been sewing since I was 12 or 13 and have never had a machine serviced. I have a Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 for the last 10 years. It wasn’t working right, so thanks to watching many KZbin videos I repaired it myself!!!

[@MassonLifestyle]

See I'm not crazy!!!! I think if you take good care of your machine, regularly clean it, oil it and don't hit zipper pulls (like I did) or pins it can keep working just fine.

[@Cynthia2v]

I usually get my machines(serger and sewing) serviced once a year, cleaning, etc. like a tune up for your car, take care of it, it takes care of you. My dealer (where I purchased) is very reasonable although they changed hands last year. Turn around is 1-2 weeks, not months. I do have a backup mechanical (think old school, but a newer Viking) that is basic and gets me by in case the other one is down or being serviced. And, it is good to travel with, hard cover. Don’t forget to look at used machines that have been traded in on newer machines with bells and whistles. You might also find one that is considered “open stock” used at an event or as demo, cannot be sold as new but dealers will give you the same warranty as new. You can get a good deal that way.

[@MassonLifestyle]

Great advice thank you! I always worry about used machines, so it sounds like perhaps its something I should consider.

[@SharonSews]

I have had a number of different brands of sewing machines over the years, all at different price points. I bring my machines in annually for service, basically just a check up. My current machines are electronic and are a bit of an investment in my hobby and I’m not comfortable troubleshooting any potential issues myself. BTW I think the bernette b38 is a great machine!

[@craftymystic4868]

I’ve never viewed my sewing machine as a disposable item. I’ve had 2 new machines in my lifetime. 3 different sergers, over 35 years. I get my machines serviced every year or two, or when I’ve done something that caused it needing fixing. My brother is a trained sewing machine repair guy, he told me 90% of the machines he got weren’t kept clean, and the needle needed changing. $50, back in the day. Another tip would be to keep the dust down inside, always pull the thread through the machine,, snipping it near the spool, and pull through the needle. I see a lot of yanking it up the other way, from the spool, and the machine is designed to only take the thread path one way, spool to needle. Hope that helps someone.

[@MassonLifestyle]

I’m always surprised by people who don’t open up their machine every few projects and clean out the lint. Honestly like why let it get so nasty in there!

[@tammiejohnston2809]

I own a Babylock Briliant and absolutely love it. Having learned to sew on a 1950's singer, I appreciate the added modern conveniences. Last month I took my Babylock in for a service check. I had broken a couple of needles and also tripped on my foot petal cord a couple of times. 😅 Two things needed replacement. My bobbin case and foot petal electrical connection. $250 later my machine runs like a dream. That seems like a lot of money to me, but there are very few experienced sewing machine technicians available these days. Good luck with picking out a mew machine. You deserve it!

[@Beth_Ann_K]

So glad you found Mike. I suspect he’ll be in your sewing life a long time-good repair individuals are so hard to find. In NE Ohio I’ve got a guy for my vintage Bernina 910, and hold my breath whenever it’s time for a professional check up (worry he’ll retire and I’ll have to drive farther to locate someone). Repairing items has become a lost art in our county. Used to have two machines for any classes where you had to bring your own machine (since my vintage girl isn’t really portable at 36 lbs). But always went back to my old Bernina even though she doesn’t have any bells and whistles. So passed on my little machine to a newbie. Embrace whatever machine that brings you joy. I “lust” after a new machine every once in awhile but always go back to my old girl when I get to the price tag. Sorta like car shopping!

[@MassonLifestyle]

It IS like car shopping and it really is all about what you need. Based on the repairs on my machine… Mike said “lady you need more horsepower, I can tell you work with heavy fabrics” and I do! I suspect either an industrial or a semi industrial machine is my future. I don’t need fancy stitches I don’t quilt nor is it something I see myself doing anytime soon besides a quilted coat.

[@rhondaa18]

@@MassonLifestyleSometimes it’s just about the gearing. I have two machines: one is computerized, expensive, and works like butter on most things. My second machine is the same model I traded in originally to get the computerized machine. (I searched to find the same older model again!) Number two is a workhorse and works better for topstitching heavy fabrics. You need to test the machines with the materials you want to sew. I also like having a backup machine if I take number one in for checkups. I have two shops within half an hour from me: one would probably keep the machine for two months like you mentioned in video (I see machines sitting around the shop all the time.) I make a specific appointment with the second store and just plan on a little shopping or lunch while I wait same day. Years ago, I had a fancy, computerized sewing machine that my husband bought for me - the inner computer quit working, and I couldn’t get it serviced any longer because it was obsolete! Lots to consider…

[@DianesFM]

Thanks for this - it all needs saying, for sure. I don't tend to bring in my machines for regular service - I can oil and clean myself. I did bring my 30 year old Pfaff to a somewhat local repair shop 3 years ago after being assured by them on the phone that they could handle a Pfaff repair. It was Covid time so everyone was being so careful with masks and not being near people. I wrote out the problem carefully and explained it to the guy I gave it to. He said they would do a 129.99 service and find the problem. When I picked it up - I asked the guy who rang me up if it was fixed. He said he did the servicing. I asked him if it worked now. When he looked at me oddly I should have known something was wrong. Did he ever even see the paper I wrote out outlining the problem? He said it worked. Brought it home... it turned on... and that was the last time it worked. Dead. Almost guaranteed the mother board, which is no longer available. There is a place in PA that revives them - but it is a thousand dollars to do so - and you still have a 30 year old machine. So - I was in mourning (yes - I loved that machine sillily) and bought another machine - a Janome S5. I'm finally beginning to love her all this time later. I wrote a review for the repair place and gave them 1 star. I have other machines (and still have the dead Pfaff) I have a cheap light Brother to take places... it works fine. I have a black Singer from 1957 that sews beautifully, and a Kenmore from around 1970 that is kind of a tank, and also sews beautifully. Vintage machines can be wonderful and are often heavy duty, but for people who don't want to deal with a vintage one there are so many new ones out there that people really love. A great advantage with the old ones is their fixability. Sorry for the long comment!

[@MassonLifestyle]

I’m so sorry he killed your machine, that is a shame. I think I would have gone all crazy Puerto Rican on him. The one thing I learned from being away from my machine was that I Really missed it (and that was a rather odd feeling, even my husband said, you seem out of sorts) so I can understand. I love old machines. I feel that the selection of a machine its such a personal choice. I love that you have a few older ones. I bet they do beautiful top stitching!

[@judyhansen6237]

Omgoodness! I know how heart wrenching it is when your machine breaks and you have no idea who you can trust to fix it! 😥So glad you found someone you can trust and not bamboozle you. I’ve have been there before unfortunately. One tip I can recommend is know your machine well! Research, read the manual. This way when you walk into a repair shop you have a good idea what’s wrong with, how long and roughly how much it should cost to fix! 😅for years I used a cheap machine then finally was able to save and treat myself to a nicer machine. However it is not cheap to fix! So just the other day I had to run it to the repair shop. But when I walked in there I told him exactly what was wrong and I didn’t need him to clean it, and I couldn’t leave it for more then a couple of days because I was sewing for a wedding. He looked at it said yup it’s the timing give me 10 minutes and he charged me $20! 😂

[@MassonLifestyle]

I love happy endings!!!!!

[@blufaerie]

I take my machines in once a year because the timing will be off or whatever. I’ve been going to the same sew/vac place and the machinist tests my machine while I am standing there dropping it off. Then he tells me what he did to the machine when I return. I love the service I receive. Usually takes a week or two.

[@charlotteclark-calderon9733]

The place I use now has a woman who does their repair work and is familiar with all brands and types of machines. She charges about $170, but does excellent, fast work.

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

I purchased a Viking Huskystar at Joann Fabric for $300 in 2005 - it is a basic mechanical, lower-end (for Viking) machine that has never let me down - I sew a lot, but probably not as much as you do. I had it serviced once, in 2020, at the Viking Gallery at the large Joann where I bought it, more out of guilt than need because I kept reading things online about having a machine serviced at least once a year so I thought I should take it in for a checkup! It cost $150 and it has been fine since then. I have a Singer Heavy Duty machine as a backup which my sister's children gave me after she passed several years ago, still in the box, never used, and it is ok but I prefer the Viking. I do feel good knowing if something awful happens, I have a way to sew!!! It's a security blanket 😄! I actually had a hard time leaving my machine to be serviced - it's my companion and I was going to miss it, although it was only gone for a few weeks, as I recall. I am curious what pattern you are wearing as I think the blue flat cable stitch fabric is similar or the same as a tan cable knit I bought at Joann last week and I really like the style you made with it!

[@MaryCunningham-u5j]

Forgot to say I'm maniacal about cleaning lint out but that's all I've ever done for my Huskystar. And I would never criticize someone's choice in sewing machine! Good grief! I know mine is not deluxe, but it works fine for what I do - I don't need a fancier machine and am wary of the computerized models in terms of repairability.

[@m.b.ortega544]

I have been sewing for 7 years and never have serviced my between $80 and 150$ (on sale) sewing machines. I have 5 now, but usually only use 2. I always oil them regularly and make sure to clean them well. I have experienced very little problems with them, and the times I had a technical issue, I went to KZbin to resolve it. I don't see why I should spend more money than the machines are worth, to service them. Now on the other hand, if I had a $3,000 sewing machine it would be another story. Also, I appreciate you using an inexpensive, basic? sewing machine in your tutorials. Many seem to think that you "need" a fancy, automatic sewing machine to create great results. I generally would agree that some (more epensive and modern)automatic sewing machines create nicer buttonholes than cheap, basic mechanical sewing machines, but for the rest I don't see a noticeable difference in the sewing quality.

[@MassonLifestyle]

I couldn't see myself spending $200 to get a machine that cost me $650 to get looked at ... and add on some more to get repaired. That is a bad bad bad deal. $80 to $150.... that's more along my budget. I can see how an embroidery machine would be some $$$ to get it fixed.

[@Joyebb5]

That's the place I go! I love them! So friendly and personable. I live about 50 miles away, but I will make that trip!

[@MassonLifestyle]

They are excellent!

[@SewMyTime]

I have the Bernette B38 and I love it. There is only one feature it doesn’t have and that is a built in walking foot but to get that I would have had to spend over twice as much. My previous machine is a Singer Fashion Mate so this Bernette was an upgrade for me. I have had it serviced once and it cost £95.00. A lot of money and there was a cheaper place locally but I went back to the place I bought it from because I trust their service and I was not disappointed. I agree that keeping the machine clean, never pulling threads upwards through tension discs and changing needles often is essential and saves money in the long run. Also using good quality thread.

[@MassonLifestyle]

Another Bernette owner! So happy to see this comment and that you love your machine.

[@StayStitching]

I'm having a hard time understanding why other people gripe about your sewing machine. I can't imagine a scenario where I would feel compelled to complain about someone else's sewing machine.

[@MassonLifestyle]

Because they look down on it as it’s a beginner’s machine. They feel that since I’ve been sewing for a while I should have something more expensive. I think it’s comical, the lady at the expensive dealer here was treating me like I had never loaded a bobbin before, even though I told her I did a lot of sewing. It was pathetic to tell you the truth. She actually talked me out of getting a more expensive machine. I’m a big believer that you can create something amazing with a simple machine. If this machine had more room on the right hand side… I would be golden and perhaps never change it. As far as I’m concerned I’m the one using it, not them! Viva the Simple Machines!!!!

[@kathleenkolb3316]

Just found your channel as I was looking for the Butterick camp shirt pattern, next on my list. You gave a wonderful sew along. As far as machine repair goes I am tempted to toss my machine out in the road and let a truck run it over! It is a very expensive Pfaff sewing/embroidery machine that I bought 7 years ago to quilt with in the embroidery unit and sew. It worked fine for years but then it went crazy. We moved so I brought it to a different Pfaff dealer, they looked at it and since it was still under warranty they sent it back to the factory at least 3 times. Still had issues and that dealer told me I sewed too much! Not going back there ever! Found a local repair lady and she charges $200 up front. She had it and could not find anything wrong. The needle won't stay in and the tension is a mess up but not all the time .Thought this was my last machine as I am now retired and have time to sew. Now I am researching machines to see what will work best for me. I will be curious to see what you purchase. Really am enjoying your straight forward videos packed with information. Thanks and Happy Sewing!

[@MassonLifestyle]

They told you, you sew too much?! WHO SAYS THAT?! Because you know what? There is no such thing. I will say that my repair technician said I can tell you sew a lot, he also said that I sew with a lot of heavy weight fabrics (which I do!) because the belt on my machine was toast. I’m so sorry about your machine. Nothing worse than getting an expensive machine and it turns out to be a lemon after a few years. My next sewing machine will most likely be a straight stitch semi industrial like a Juki TL series or a Janome HD9 BUT remember I don’t quilt (therefore I don’t use any of those fancy stitches), I also don’t do embroidery and I would use my Bernette to do buttonholes. Juki is coming out with a buttonholes for the Juki TL series so I need to reach out to them in regards to that. Although I do sew a lot of knits, I can use a Maraflex thread for knits or just slight elongate my stitch so it can stretch. It really is about what is important to you and what fits your needs. As far as your Pfaff I would send a letter to them letting them know about your machine. They need to know! I hope you can find a new machine that fits your needs and don’t let anyone pressure you into a purchase, take your time researching…. and ask some questions as in if in two months I don’t like this machine would you buy it back and what is the buyback. Happy sewing!!!!

[@kathleenkolb3316]

Thanks for your response! Great advise on the machine research. I was looking at the Juki. I hardly ever use decorative stitches, maybe the blanket stitch. I did write several letters to Pfaff with no help. They said they had some issues with that model and the dealer would give me a credit on a new machine. Really!! I do have a very inexpensive back up machine that works pretty good. Keep on sewing!

[@jaeninetravelclub8894]

Great tips and thought process. Totally agree with tip 2.

[@carolynnovak9952]

I would recommend taking a pic of your machine and the serial number before taking it in for servicing. A few yrs ago my mom took her new Janome embroidery machine in to the dealer she bought it from for servicing. It came back to her with the front emblem missing. She complained to them about it so they ordered a new emblem. I wondered if they returned someone else’s machine to her. We will never know bc she didn’t write down her serial number.

[@MassonLifestyle]

😱

[@sewndebisdream6953]

Ive been around sewing machine repairmen from working in shops needing the repair and observed it all. I do what I can to service my own machines by learning all I can about it and it has really helped me. Of course not everyone wants to be bothered by working on their machines so it means calling someone to do the work. Mostly it all comes down to cleaning your machine and learning how the machine works. You will pay someone else that has the tools,patience, time, and desire to fix sewing machines. Its an art too! It can be expensive if you let it. I agree!😊 ( If it's computerized...it will have problems eventually that's why I don't have one) Even my washing machine is computerized and it occasionally acts up.) They don't make things to last anymore.😢)

[@MassonLifestyle]

I keep my machine fairly clean and I rather pay someone to do it. It is a lost art and there are only 5 repair service companies around Chicago which seems so little but thankful I was able to find them. They were great, reasonably priced and the turn around was rather fast. I even made sure to write him a glowing review because they deserve it and I will be buying my next machine from them. Cannot recommend them enough.

[@sewndebisdream6953]

@MassonLifestyle Yes its hard to find enough repairmen and ones that won't charge a lot. Once you find a good one you're set! Nothing worse than trying to sew a project and have a machine mess things up. I like buying the vintage machines and fixing them up or just getting them working again. I should have gone into the repair shop business. I'm just happy to be able to sew and create things. I enjoy seeing other people on here that share my passion!👍❤️💃

[@MassonLifestyle]

I was just talking to my husband, he works in construction and said that the biggest issue they are having is getting qualified workforce to get the job done in the field. These jobs will always be needed always! I tell my daughter, learn to work with a computer but also learn how to work with your hands. Sewing, fixing cars, electrical work, etc because that will last forever.

[@sewndebisdream6953]

@@MassonLifestyle I hear ya!!!

[@janetlawrence4324]

Love Bernina. I have an old one made in Switzerland. Metal not plastic ...

[@MassonLifestyle]

Just bought a new machine myself.... Metal and not plastic IS the way to go!

[@dimples7334]

I’ve taken my older pfaff serger for maintenance and it’s not run properly since. They just wanted to sell me a new one.

[@MassonLifestyle]

oh no!!!!!