Vintage Sewing Machines Blog

I have gone through 2 needles but they both broke from sewing. Is it the way I put the needle in or should I get the machine repaired?

Are you using the correct needles and they are pushed into the needle holder correctly? The wrong needle or a needle that sticks out too far can bump into the shuttle mechanism and break the needle.
Are the needles too fine for the fabric? Thinker and denser fabrics need heavier needles. Always match the fabric to the correct size needles. I’ve had needles break for me this way.
Are the needles old, rusted, or from a cheap or unreliable source? Surprisingly, some needles are better than others. Schmetz, Organ and Singer make good needles.
Are you sewing over pins? sometimes hitting a pin the wrong way will break needles. (been there done that)
Are you sewing a fabric with beads, sequins or those tiny metal dots like a lame fabric? those little metallic dots are miserable to sew, I had fabric like than snap a needle clean in half. Remove beads, sequins from the seam line. Metal dots are permanent, nothing you can do about those except never sew it.
Is there are banging noise when you sew? If so it’s possible you have a timing issue, that’s one I would leave to the pros.
Are their nicks on the throat place by the needle hole? You could have a crooked, bent or out-of-place needle bar, again that’s a pro repair.
You could also have an issue with the bobbin case. is it inserted correctly? Most have a little lever on the side that needs to be pulled out before the case will snap into place correctly. There might also be an issue with the shuttle hook and race, the hook might be bent or it might have a burr.
to further refine trouble-shooting: Un-plug the machine, open the bobbin area and hand spin the wheel and watch what happens as the needle goes into the machine. Do it ultra slow motion matrix time, you might see the problem as it happens.

It’s a good idea to have you machine looked at by a pro, especially if it hasn’t been tuned up in a while. The shop might also help you get a new instruction manual. Describe the problem exactly and take a broken needle with you, the location of the break might tell the technician something.

Tutorial on the setup and operation of the Janome Sew Mini

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Technorati Tags: 09, 21, janome, K2, P1

I have wanted to learn how to sew for a long time, but never bought a sewing machine. I was afraid not to be able to teach myself and have it sitting in a corner collecting dust. Now I am taking a class and am planning on buying one soon. I was wondering if you have any advice on sewing machines. Also, I would be interested to know whether you get good use out of yours and what kinds of projects you use it mostly for (home decorating, new clothes, adjustments, repairs, etc…). Thank you for your input!

My mother bought me a Janome Gem Gold when I was younger and I absolutely love it. She liked it so much she also bought one (simply to have a "To-Go" sewing machine she could tote around).

I’ve used mine for everything from quilting to sewing thin leather (they have special needles you use for it) so it can really handle just about anything. Now I do home decorating quite a bit and it can definitely handle nearly every type of fabric I’ve come across and has NEVER needed a repair (I’ve had it for about 5 years at least). In fact, I have liked mine so much that I have gone out and purchased two new machines (a serger & a sewing/embroidery machine) and made sure they were both Janome.

Furthermore, these Janome Gem machines are relatively inexpensive and incredibly easy to use. I strongly suggest getting one of them. Brands I would stay away from include White (you’ll see these at Walmarts) and sadly Singer. Singer used to be a good name but has since been quite run into the ground. My mother & grandmother both had Singers & would definitely not purchase any of the models that have come out in the past 5-10 years. Old Singer machines are still good but the newer ones are machines I would steer clear from. =\

In addition, though I have three machines now, I still use my Janome Gem Gold from time to time because it is smaller and easier to get out & use than my larger machine. If I ever would travel with a machine – it’s also the one I would choose hands down.

“Sewing Machine” – Steve Poltz, live at the Barking Legs Theater in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on September 23, 2006. Check out www.poltz.com for Steve’s CDs and info. Videotaped with Sony HDR-FX1. (www.pluckey.com)

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Technorati Tags: barking, chattanooga, halloween, legs, machine, music, poltz, sewing, steve

Have a Bicor Sewing machine operating on 110 AC Volts. It has some problems. Need some one in Bangalore – India repair it. Advise

Try contacting usha world in rajaji nagar,the link has the contact info

http://www.asklaila.com/listing/Bangalore/Rajaji+Nagar+Industrial+Area/Usha+World/16RQRIFw/

http://www.GreenAllSelections.com/sewing==Sewing Machine Repair

Although there is no certification required to become a sewing machine repair professional..

The job itself can be a practical way to make a living, beyond just repairing the sewing machines of friends and family members.

Go to fabric stores and see if they need a sewing machine technician. Many fabric stores offer the option, but if they don’t already have someone, they may send a few clients your way.

If you think to a sewing machine repair professional, a lot of guidelines here and simply visit:
http://www.GreenAllSelections.com/sewing

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Technorati Tags: computerized sewing, cost, friendly, old sewing machine, repair, repair cost, sewing, Sewing Machine, sewing machine repair, sewing machines, sewing machines repair

Which models can do it? Thank you..

That will depend on the kind of repair you are doing.
Mends that only require you to sew through two layers of denim at the most, hems etc, you will be able to do. Any more and you will need a full size machine.

Learn how to set up a sewing machine to sew a button on pants with expert step-by-step instruction in this free clothing repair video clip.

Expert: Karen Weisman
Bio: Karen Weisman graduated from Boston University with a degree in Hotel and Food Management. Since then, she has helped a national grocery store chain develop and launch a gourmet food division.
Filmmaker: Karen Weisman

Duration : 0:1:56

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Technorati Tags: button, buttons, clothes, clothing, expertvillage, fix, free, hem, howto, machine, mend, needle, pants, patch, repair, sewing, skirt, Stitch, sweater, video

Hi, I’m relatively new to sewing (my machine is the Kenmore Mini Ultra) and recently when I was using it, some thread got caught deep inside the machine. Now the handwheel will not rotate anymore. I tried to take it apart to get to the thread but I just don’t know what to unscrew to get to the problem. My question is: how much would it be to take this into a shop and get it fixed and if you would recommend me take it to Sears to get it fixed (does Sears offer a good price quote usually on repairs?).

Thank you!

Know anyone who’s been machine sewing for awhile? Chances are they can show you how to clean the thread and bits of lint out properly. My guess is that you need to pull the needleplate to get to the cause of the problems.

Most repair shops charge a minimum of $50-70 for a basic tuneup, which would include unjamming the machine, which is why I’d suggest you look for someone who is experienced in the routine maintenance that we all wind up doing.

Your machine is a Janome in disguise, btw, so if you decide to go the pro route, I’d look for someone experienced with Janomes.

http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/a/machinemaintain.htm
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_c/c-102.html
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/4731/preventive-sewing-machine-maintenance

Discover hundreds of design combinations and easy-to-operate features packed into the Brother Embroidery Sewing Machine. A convenient LCD touch screen allows you to easily select from the many options available for embroidery and sewing. You have 70 built-in designs, 10 border styles and five built-in monogram fonts in three sizes! Choose your most comfortable sewing speed with the electronic speed control. With the fast automatic bobbin winding and quick set bobbin system, you can just drop in the bobbin and you’re on your way to sewing magnificent projects. Quick change your options with the eight presser feet, including the buttonhole, overcasting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blind stitch, button…

Duration : 0:20:15

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Technorati Tags: brother, embroidery, entertainment, sewing