Service & Repair

If you're interested in having your sewing machine serviced or repaired, please contact Tim on:  

07985 387223

Tuesday - Saturday Only

Why choose us?

Tim, our sewing machine man, has serviced hundreds of machines of all types. He's been sewing for 50 years, used many types of machines and therefore got to know how they should behave. This experience means we can offer our services with confidence. We've rescued some machines that had been written off and or given up on elsewhere. We are able to keep our prices reasonable because we work in house and don't have to pay agents. We don't price repairs based on the cost of the machine - sometimes the more expensive machine is quicker to service than the cheaper one. We won't replace parts if you don't really need them and if we do you'll get the original returned. Our work is signed off inside the machine to prove we've taken it apart if need be.

Our customer testimonials:


Services and Repairs

IMPORTANT - Please read the following before phoning Tim to discuss repairing or servicing your machine.

We're afraid there are some machines we no longer take on for service or repair to ensure time isn't spent working on machines that aren't economically viable to repair. This will allow us to reduce the waiting list. 

We've put together the following list of machines that fall into this category:

  • All Brother 'modern' sewing machines and overlockers. Jones/Brother older types of machine, please ask.
  • Most older Singers, Hand Operated Singers and Heavy Duty Singers.
  • Most O'push-button' Pfaff's.
  • Most Viking Husqarvanas (especially brown models).
  • Some Bernina's and 1200 Series, Activas, Virtuosos or ones less that seven years old and still  under guarantee with the dealer.
  • Supermarket and Store Models.

Deposit

We now require a £20 non-refundable cash deposit when you drop off your machine. If we suspect that your machine can't be repaired and no work has been carried out, your deposit will be returned when you collect your machine.

Servicing

Your machine will be able to be turned on, is showing a regular display (if electronic) and has been stitching ok until recently. It may be that any tension or timing issues need to be sorted out as well as cleaning and oiling inside. 

Remedial

Generally something more serious is causing problems. Parts may need replacing (if available) and/or the machine will need to taken apart to find out. The machine will have been used recently.

Revival

Usually older, sturdier machines, garage and attic finds and those not used for a while. Often replacing newer parts will reveal the weak points on areas such as gears. With Remedial and Revival Machines we'll have to undertake work and spend time to initially assess the problem. If a solution can't be found, or you decide you wouldn't like to go ahead then a fee will still be payable. 

Collection

Once we have completed the work we will contact you to ask you to collect your machine. Any machines not collected within 28 days will be disposed of. 

 

 

Your machine and what you'll need

Once we have discussed bringing your machine in, please include the following items:
  • the power lead
  • foot-pedal
  • a bobbin specifically for your machine. If you don't have one or aren't sure which is correct, then include them all.
  • a foot capable of being used for any zig-zag or multi-stitch that your machine can do. 
If the machine and covers have been left for a while we would appreciate a quick wipe down before leaving it with us.

What's included in a service?

We base prices on known makes, models, types and problems. There are hundreds of makes, each with many models but we usually see 'the regulars' and know what makes them tick (or not). We cannot know the insides of every machine, but they follow certain characteristics and faults. Sometimes a fault won't be immediately obvious or freeing up an old machine will highlight a weak spot. If there's anything unexpected, we will inform you before doing further work or getting parts. Service prices include checking the operation of the machine and consumables such as needles, thread, grease and oil, cleaners, wipes etc. Items such as bulbs, belts and bobbins are extra if required.

Please note. Through experience we can identify those machines that can be time consuming to take-apart, access and remedy, as well as those that are prone to certain mechanical and electronic failure. It isn't always the cheaper ones either; some high-end makes come with known problems. A discussion with Tim will filter most of these out or at least let you know what you're in to. Sometimes we will decline to take a machine in if it looks like it will be uneconomical for you and us to service, based on past examples. Please be aware that on some older plastic machines the fixing points will be brittle. Whilst we take every care sometimes parts can break . This is often the case with hinged parts like bobbin access doors and accessory trays.


Coverstitchers, Overlockers and Embroidery Units

We generally only accept coverstitchers and overlockers that we have sold although there are a few exceptions. Unfortunately, there are some makes and models that are renowned for being troublesome. These might be fine when they're running well but almost impossible to fix if the timing or loopers have been put out. We often see machines that have had a repair attempted only to run for a little while and the cost of repairs has often got near to the purchase price (see my page on overlocker advice). We will let you know if your machine can be serviced. A service on an overlocker should include taking the machine casing off, cleaning, oil and grease on inside, checking tension mechanisms and clearances. If someone says they have serviced your overlocker without removing any covers it has not been done properly. (Oiling the 2 or 3 points as instructed in your manual is something you can do at home, and you shouldn't have to pay skywards of £75 for it.)

We can service Embroidery combination machines too although generally most of the workings are controlled electronically and if the circuit boards fail there's not much we can do. The regular sewing parts can be checked of course.


Older and Classic machines

We like old machines! Classic Berninas and Frister-Rossmans, Vikings and metal Pfaffs, some Singers, New Homes and Brothers etc.etc. We try to buy good examples either to renovate or for the parts. If you have a machine that you would like us to look at then contact Tim.

Servicing of older machines is perfectly feasible providing they haven't been left too long. Although the build quality is far superior and they keep going longer, parts can be difficult but not impossible to get. The stitch quality of older machines and the ability to cope with heavier jobs makes them popular for upholstery, workwear and curtains etc. Even if there are a couple of scratches here and there is makes no difference to the operation. (see our Classic machine stock page)


Prices

Prices are given as a guide and do not include parts if needed such as belts and bulbs. If you would need a special part we would let you know before starting. Where your machine has a problem that is not easily identifiable and we have to do an investigation then this would be chargeable if you decide that the service or repair was not something you wanted to be done.

Our service includes checking timings, feed dogs, needle position, stitch selection, tension units, degrease and regrease, lubrication, winders, reverse, belts, motors, foot-pedals and electrics and levers and dials. We usually take the covers off but if your model is known for being difficult and lengthy to take apart we will service what we can access and reduce the price accordingly. You will get a proper report on work done (and a receipt!)

General Servicing

  • £57.50 -£67.50 (guide) entry level dial-up stitch types, medium level electronic type, older machines with no issues. Some simpler stitch & tension issues can be fixed for £30-£45.
  • £85-£95 higher end electronic machines, some more complicated mechanical Bernina.
  • From £75 Overlockers sold by us.
  • Older Pfaffs and Husqvarna - Vikings we would have to quote on as there are certain models serviceable but not always repairable due to parts (or the cost of them).
  • Investigation work is in the region of £30, payable in advance and not refundable. However we will not charge full amount if the problem is reasonably obvious. This fee will be included in full or part in the cost of a service if you decide to have it done.

Please be aware that with older machines fixing one aspect may reveal weaknesses in other parts. E.g. fixing a machine to run at proper speed may effect older plastic parts.

Obviously there are many different things that will affect what your machine needs and the relative cost. If you have any questions please feel free to ask Tim on 07985387223

Once you have arranged your service with Tim, your machine will need to be dropped off to our sister store Anglian Fashion Fabrics, 29 Magdalen St, NR3 1LE