Frequently Asked Questions

For most home sewing machines, manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly:

• Every 1 year if you sew a few times a week.

• Every 18–24 months if your machine is only lightly used.

• Every 6 months if you sew daily, or use your machine heavily for quilting or embroidery.

Why it matters: Regular professional servicing helps prevent costly breakdowns, keeps tension balanced, and ensures smooth fabric feeding. Even if you clean lint at home, dust and thread still build up inside the machine where you can’t reach.

Every service is a complete tune-up, not just a quick dust-out. This includes:

• Deep cleaning of internal mechanisms.

• Lubrication and oiling (according to manufacturer specs).

• Tension and balance adjustments.

• Polishing burrs or rough spots in the thread path.

• Checking timing, feed mechanisms, and electronics (if applicable).

• Test sewing with sample fabric so you can see the results.

💡 Bonus: Every service comes with free scissor sharpening — something the big-box shops don’t offer.

• Sewing Machines, Sergers & Embroidery Only: $139.95

• Combination Sewing & Embroidery Machines: $169.95

• Large Body Sewing Machines (9.5”+ throat): $169.95

• Combination Large Body Sewing & Embroidery Machines: $209.95

📞 Phone Support: First 10 minutes free, then $30 flat for up to another 20 minutes (max 30 minutes).

🚚 Pickup/Drop Off: Free in Olympia/Lacey; outside city limits $79.95 + $1.50/mile.

Yes — all services come with a 1-year warranty on parts I replace and the work I perform. If something I serviced doesn’t hold up, I’ll make it right. Same 1-year warranty as the big box shops, same or higher standard of service and quality repairs at a lower cost.

Only when needed, and only with your approval. I have access to quality OEM and aftermarket parts, but I won’t upsell you on unnecessary replacements.

Yes — every full service includes one free scissor sharpening. Additional pairs can be sharpened for a small fee.

If you’re having trouble, I’ll walk you through common issues. The first 10 minutes are free — many simple fixes are resolved in that time. If we need more time, it’s just $30 flat for up to another 20 minutes (30 minutes total).

If you’re local and the phone call doesn’t solve the issue, that fee can be applied to your in-person service.

• Currently: Direct pickup/drop off in Olympia/Lacey.

• Coming soon: Convenient quilt shop locations where you can drop off and pick up your machine for service.

This makes it easy to fit machine servicing into your regular errands. If you're located outside of the Olympia/Lacey area and would like an in home pickup there is a one time trip charge of $79.95 plus $1.50 per mile outside of the Olympia/Lacey city limits.

Turnaround depends on demand, but most machines are serviced within 7–10 business days. If parts need to be ordered, it may take a little longer — I’ll always keep you updated. If you're first in line you could get the machine back in as quick as one day (compared to the big box competitors turn around time of about 2 weeks).

• Lower prices: My services cost up to $160 less per machine.

• Same warranty: 1-year guarantee on work and parts.

• Added value: Free scissor sharpening included with every service.

• Convenience: Pickup/drop off options and quilt shop partners (coming soon).

• Expertise: Over 13 years of experience and factory certifications specializing in Janome, Elna, Pfaff, Viking, Brother, Babylock, Juki, and more.

Big-box shops focus on volume. I focus on personal, premium service and making sure your machine sews like new.

Yes — I work on most major brands, including Janome, Elna, Brother, Bernina, Baby Lock, Juki, Singer, Pfaff, Viking (Husqvarna), and more. If you’re not sure about your machine, just give me a call.

Yes — I service both stand-alone embroidery machines and combination sewing/embroidery models and have multiple certifications for different brands such as Pfaff, Viking (Husqvarna), Brother, Babylock, Janome, etc. Since these machines often run at high speeds and produce dense stitches, regular maintenance is especially important to keep them running smoothly.

Some common signs include:

• Skipped stitches or uneven tension.

• Strange noises (clunking, grinding, squeaking).

• Fabric not feeding smoothly.

• Bird’s nest of threads under the fabric.

• Needle breaking or thread fraying often.
  

If you notice any of these, it’s time for a tune-up.

Basic cleaning (removing lint, changing needles) is great — and you should do it often. But there are areas inside your machine that require professional tools and lubricants. A full service goes far beyond home cleaning to check timing, balance, and wear, preventing major repairs later.

Yes - for an additional $40 I will make my best efforts to get the machine finished within 48 hours (dependent upon if parts are needed)

I'm always on the lookout for another sewing machine to refurbish so it depends entirely on my workload and availability of machines that I have. In short, yes but the inventory may vary. All used sewing machines sold come with a 1 year repair warranty.

In my professional opinion it's whatever you have. Most sewing machines can handle most jobs but it's important to understand what it is you'll be making and the limitations of any given machine. Brand wise, I personally am a huge fan of anything made by Japan (i.e. Janome, Brother, Babylock, etc.). In my personal experience Janome's specifically have the least amount of parts needed and an overall cheaper price point per part. So if I had to pick one brand only it would definitely be Janome, especially due to their reliability. Some of the older Pfaff and Viking machines are also great and should not be discounted due to their age (although lack of some parts availability can make maintaining these machines difficult). In general if it was made in Germany or Sweden those machines are built to last, but if I were to be advising a close family member on which *new* sewing machine to buy, you can't beat Janome for price and reliability.

I get this question all the time. In short, if you aren't able to re-balance the tensions then it may be time to have it serviced. However, as with any mechanical device the primary question would be: when was your machine serviced last? If it's been longer than 2 years and you've been using the machine with some frequency then it's probably time to take it in for a service. If not and you feel like it should be a simple fix, feel free to schedule a call and I can help provide diagnostic support remotely (something I've specialized in for years).