How often to service
As a rule of thumb, home machines in regular use benefit from a service every year or so, and sooner if stitch quality changes. Industrial machines in daily production need daily care and more frequent professional checks. See how often to service a sewing machine.
Signs your machine needs attention
- Skipped stitches or looping underneath.
- Thread bunching (“bird’s nesting”) under the fabric.
- Knocking, grinding or a much louder motor.
- Fabric not feeding evenly.
- Needles breaking often.
Start with our common sewing machine problems guide. Many faults are fixed by rethreading and a new needle.
Repairs in Leicester and the East Midlands
Prices are set by the repairer and depend on the machine and the work needed, so ask for a quote first.
Before you bring a machine in
- Note the fault: when it happens, on what fabric, and any noises.
- Bring the foot pedal, power cable, bobbin case and a bobbin.
- Include a sample of the stitching problem if you can.
- Ask for a quote before work starts.
Repair or replace?
Repair usually makes sense for a well-built machine with available parts. Replacement makes sense when a budget machine needs an expensive electronic board, or parts no longer exist. A good engineer will tell you honestly.
Last updated: 14 October 2026
