Everything You Need to Know About Sewing Machine Servicing
Your sewing machine is a precision piece of equipment. Whether it’s a simple mechanical model or a fully computerised machine, regular servicing is essential to keep it running smoothly, stitching accurately and performing reliably for years to come.
Over time, lint, dust and thread fibres naturally build up inside a machine. Oils can dry out, parts can move slightly out of alignment and wear increases gradually, often without obvious warning signs. Many common issues, such as skipped stitches, uneven tension or noisy operation, can be prevented with routine servicing.
For most sewists, annual Sewing Machine Servicing is all that’s needed to keep your machine running smoothly and prevent minor issues becoming costly repairs.
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"Whilst at my sewing retreat recently, i had two sewing machines serviced. Will is a lovely young man and very knowledgeable. Both my machines sounded and felt so much better to sew with afterwards. I would highly recommend his services and will continue to take my machines to him from now on 😊..." - Julie G
What Does a Sewing Machine Service Include?
When your machine comes into Sew Centre for servicing, it receives a thorough professional clean and inspection from our experienced technicians.
A standard service includes:
- Deep internal cleaning to remove lint, dust and thread build-up
- Checking and adjusting tension for consistent stitch quality
- Inspecting and correcting timing where required
- Oiling and lubricating moving parts where appropriate
- Full stitch and function testing to ensure everything is working as it should
Before your machine is returned, it is carefully tested to make sure it runs smoothly, quietly and reliably across its full stitch range.
Servicing Prices
We offer clear pricing based on the type of machine being serviced:
- £120 - £150 - Mechanical and simple computerised sewing machines
- £150 - £180 - All other, more advanced computerised sewing machines
If you’re unsure which category your machine falls into, our team is always happy to advise before you book.
Servicing vs Repairs - What You Need to Know
When a machine is booked in for a service, we first confirm that it is in working order. If it becomes clear that the machine is not functioning correctly and requires repair work beyond standard servicing, it will need to be booked as a repair.
Repairs are subject to a £50 diagnostic fee, payable once the technician has inspected the machine. This covers the technician’s time to fully diagnose the issue and clearly explain the available repair options before any further work is carried out.
If the machine cannot be repaired, the diagnostic fee still applies. If it can be repaired, the diagnostic fee will be charged alongside the cost of any additional time required to complete the repair. This will be discussed with you before any work is carried out.
UK-Wide Collection Available
If you’re unable to bring your machine to us, we can arrange collection from anywhere in the UK, provided you have the original machine packaging, to ensure it can be transported safely.
This is an ideal option for heavier machines or customers who prefer the convenience of collection. If you’re unsure whether your packaging is suitable, our team can advise.
Fast Turnaround - Back Sewing in Around a Week
We understand how important your sewing time is, so servicing is carried out promptly and efficiently.
In most cases, your machine will be serviced and returned to you within around one week, allowing you to get back to sewing with minimal disruption.
Ready to Book Your Sewing Machine Service?
If your machine isn’t running as smoothly as it should - or it’s simply been a while since its last service - now is the ideal time to book.
Regular sewing machine servicing helps prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your machine, and keep sewing enjoyable. With experienced technicians, transparent pricing, UK-wide collection and fast turnaround, Sew Centre makes sewing machine servicing simple and stress-free.
Book your sewing machine service today and sew with confidence.
Will's Thoughts
With years of hands-on experience and a genuine passion for his craft, Will is at the heart of our engineering department. As our Senior Engineer, he takes pride in continually improving our services, embracing new ideas, and making sure every machine meets the high standards Sew Centre is known for across the UK.
It is important to note that buying a machine from us also means you’ll have ongoing support long after your purchase. We offer comprehensive aftercare through our dedicated Service Centre, where your machine can be expertly serviced and maintained. Our showroom is also used to host classes and workshops, giving you the opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and get the very best out of your sewing machine.
When asked about his favourite machine, Will points to the Bernina 570 QE. He values its exceptional build quality, advanced features, and outstanding reliability — qualities that perfectly reflect Bernina’s passion for precision, durability, and engineering excellence.
Bernina 570 QE Sewing Machine
£2,495.00
The Bernina B570 QE is made for quilters. It’s sized to work in the space you have, but powerful enough to handle big quilts. The automated features keep you fast and efficient with no worries. The great tension and perfect… read more
FAQs
What happens during a sewing machine service?
A sewing machine service at Sew Centre is a comprehensive process designed to restore your machine to its best possible working condition.
During a service, our technicians will:
- Carry out a deep internal clean
- Check and adjust tension
- Inspect and correct timing where required
- Oil and lubricate necessary moving parts
- Test all stitches and functions thoroughly
Your machine is only returned once it has been fully tested and confirmed to be running smoothly and reliably.
What happens if my machine is too old and parts are no longer available?
Occasionally, particularly with older machines, replacement parts may no longer be available. If this is the case, we will always discuss the options with you clearly and honestly.
You can choose to:
- Receive a guaranteed £100 spares and repairs value to use towards purchasing a new machine priced at £500 or more.
- Have the machine returned to you
- Ask us to dispose of the machine responsibly on your behalf
What brands of sewing machines can you repair?
Our technicians are fully trained to service and repair all major sewing machine brands, covering both mechanical and computerised models.
If you’re unsure whether we can work on your specific machine, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
How often should I service my sewing machine?
As a general rule, we recommend having your sewing machine serviced every 12 months.
Machines that are used frequently, work with lint-heavy fabrics, or are used for quilting or embroidery may benefit from more regular servicing. Machines used less often can also require servicing, as oils can dry out and dust can settle over time.
