If you’ve been sewing for a while, you know how attached we get to our machines. I’ve had mine for years, and at this point both are well past their warranties. I’ve been slowly saving for my next upgrade, but I wasn’t quite ready to make that investment yet.
Recently, my embroidery machine went in for cleaning. When I got it back, it wasn’t working correctly. The thread kept jamming. This was especially true when the machine tried to cut the thread. I was wasting so much thread. When I brought it back to the shop, the technician said the machine was “probably on its last leg.” It couldn’t be fixed.
Not exactly the news any sewist wants to hear.
🔧 When a Handy Husband Saves the Day
I called my husband to share the bad news. His response surprised me: “Well… are you going to let me look at it now?”
At that point, I figured if he broke it, I’d finally be free and clear to buy a new machine. So I said yes.
The next night, I showed him exactly where the thread was jamming. He asked when the issue happened. I told him it was every time the machine tried to cut the thread. He immediately suspected the thread cutter.
I found a shop online that sells replacement sewing machine parts. The cutter plus the recommended extra pieces cost around $50. When the parts arrived, it took him twenty minutes to install everything.
And just like that — the problem was gone.
A $50 fix instead of a several thousand‑dollars replacement. I’m hoping to keep this Viking running until it truly takes its last stitch.
✂️ Bonus Savings: Fixing My Serger Too
Since no local shops will service my serger, he also replaced the blade for me. Again, a simple repair saved us serious money.
đź’ˇ Should You Try DIY Sewing Machine Repairs?
If you’re past your warranty, and you have a handy spouse or friend, let them take a look. It might be worth it. Sometimes the issue is smaller than you think. A simple part replacement can extend the life of your sewing machine or serger.
Just make sure:
- You’re out of warranty
- You’re comfortable with someone opening the machine
- You order quality replacement parts
- You take your time and follow instructions
🪡 Your Turn: How Do You Keep Your Older Machines Running?
Have you done your own sewing machine maintenance or repairs? What parts have you replaced to keep an older machine going strong?
I’d love to hear your stories.
— Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 