Question 1

How often should I service my sewing machine?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What’s included in a Full Premium Service?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What are the costs for your services?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Do you guarantee your work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Do you replace parts?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Do you sharpen scissors too?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 7

How does phone support work?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Where can I drop off my machine?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What is the typical turnaround time for service?

Accepted Answer

Turnaround depends on demand, but most machines are serviced within 2-3 days. If parts need to be ordered, it may take a little longer — we’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' turnaround time of about 2 weeks).

Question 10

Why should I choose you instead of Quality Sewing & Vacuum?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Do you service all brands of sewing machines?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Can you fix embroidery machines?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How do I know if my machine needs service?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

Can I just oil and clean my machine at home instead of bringing it in?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Do you offer rush service?

Accepted Answer

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)

Question 16

Do you sell sewing machines?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

What's the best brand of home sewing machine?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

Do I need to service my sewing machine if the tensions are off?

Accepted Answer

If you're tensions still appear off despite your best adjustments, it may be time to have your machine serviced. If there's an occasional loop on the back side then there's most likely one or multiple burrs along the thread path, in which case I'd recommend service since burrs are usually the result of mechanical settings being out of spec.

*NOTE* Some front load hooks will get tension issues if the hook race is not oiled regularly (old style Pfaff, Juki mid-arm, etc.)

Consider when your machine was last serviced. If it's been over 2 years and you've been using it frequently, it's probably time for a service. If not, and you think it should be a simple fix, feel free to schedule a call for remote diagnostic support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions