Sewing machine repair: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering sewing machine repair

You service sewing machines, cleaning the hook race and bobbin area, adjusting timing and tension, and replacing worn needles, belts, brushes and pedals. Customers judge you on whether the machine sews a clean, even stitch on several fabrics.

What customers ask

  • Why is my machine skipping stitches?
  • Why do the stitches look different on top and bottom?
  • Is my sewing machine worth fixing?
  • Why is the motor slowing down?
  • Can you service a computerized machine too?

How to win the job

  • On the first call, ask the make and model, the fabrics it sews and the symptom, then give a likely cause.
  • Carry needles, belts, motor brushes, bobbin cases and foot pedals for the brands you service.
  • Clean the hook race and the bobbin area on every visit, since lint is a common cause of stitch problems.
  • Check the timing with the proper gauge before you adjust it, and note the reading on the invoice.
  • Sew test stitches on several fabrics and show the customer the result before they leave.
  • In the quote, name each part, the test that confirmed it and the warranty term.

What to put on your profile

  • Photos of cleaned hook races and timed needle bars
  • The sewing machine brands you service, listed by name
  • Whether you service mechanical, computerized and industrial machines

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Suggest a yearly cleaning and oiling for machines in regular use
  • Recommend changing the needle after each project of heavy fabric
  • Remind the customer to use the manufacturer's needle and thread weight for each fabric

Licenses and permits

Sewing machine repair is generally not licensed as a trade. Check with your state or local licensing agency or business office for any business license that applies in your area.

Questions

Do I need a business license to repair sewing machines?

Requirements vary by state and locality. Check with your state or local licensing agency or business office before you take paying work.

How do I get leads on infinibell?

Pros join free and pay only for the leads they accept. You can decline any lead for free. We review profiles before they go live, and the Insured badge shows once we have checked your current insurance.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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