How much $$$ for sewing machine repairs?

[SuzyLee]

I have a 4 year old 100$ Kenmore sewing machine that is having some problems. I use my machine almost daily so I am hurting here

I am wondering if it is even worth repairing since it was such a cheap machine to start with.

In case you are wondering, the problem is mostly with the zig-zag stitch. It sometimes "misses" stitches- as I stitch along it just doesn't hook with the bobbin thread leaving a long section with no stitches.

Just today it started breaking thread or needles every time I try to use the zig-zag stitch. I haven't tried it with the straight stitch because I don't want to waste any more needles!

Any thoughts? SUzan, who is going into sewing withdrawal.

[Think of Winter]

Before you take it in, have you done any trouble shooting? Often missed stitches are caused by using the wrong needle. Make sure you're using the right needle and the right thread, with the same thread on the bobbin and needle.

Is your machine computerized? They tend to cost more to repair. Whether it's worth it or not I guess depends on how much you like your machine.

You should be able to get an estimate on the repair. At my local shop, though, they charged $20, which could then either be used on the repair or as a store credit.

[SuzyLee]

I haven't done any troubleshooting- I didn't really knwow hat to look for. The thread shouldn't be the problem- I have tried it with I think 4 different threads now (same on top and bottom). I guess it could be the needle- I have been using a universal. I started having the problem sewing velcro onto PUL, and it got worse sewing coton knit. I would have thought the universal needle would be fine on cotton knit.

Thanks for the info. I have a call into a sewing machine repair shop. It seems silly to spend too much money to fix a 100$ cheapy machine, but we don't have the cash for an upgrade like I want

[KariM]

Around here we have one sewing machine repair person. He charges around $60 for a tune-up and the last repair I had (timing issue) cost me $80.

I typically have several machines around the house in operational status due to the rather high cost of repairs.

I scout out used machines at estate sales and garage sales (testing them whenever possible). With some good haggling I've gotten solid functional used machines from the '50s and '60s for as low as just $5!

[Think of Winter]

My machine was missing sts a lot when I was making diapers, particularly when I was sewing aplix or fleece. I'd try a ball point needle and see how that goes with the pul.

ETA: I don't know if a ball point will help with the aplix. I bet you'd get good advice on the diaper making board. There's also a diaper making group on Yahoo called Sew Your Own Diapers that could be really helpful.

[cristeen]

The first thing I would recommend is opening up the bobbin casing and cleaning out the area really well. Do you have a tension adjuster? Sometimes even the smallest bump to that can make a difference.

It depends on whether your bobbin is front loading or top loading whether or not you can do this, but I'd load the machine, set it to zig-zag stitch, put a piece of muslin or scrap under the foot and advance the machine by hand. Watch the bobbin spinning and see if it's doing what it's supposed to do. I don't think you can do this with a top-loader, but I know I can do it with my front loaders. What it sounds like is your bobbin is either catching on something, or not spinning properly. If none of the above helps, then you may need to take it in.

I hate taking mine in, since the guy I trust is about 60 miles away and he's extremely expensive. A tune up is easily $100. But, I have high-end machines, and he's the dealer that sold them to us 20 years ago.

[retro.mama]

I agree with cristeen and clean out the hook area and oil it (just one drop on the race). I would also change the needle (is it the right size for your material?) making sure that it is inserted in the right direction all the way up, and secured with the screw. Take the bobbin out of the bobbin holder and reinsert it making sure the thread is going the right way (I still have to look at my manual for the right direction and I've been sewing for years ).

My money is on the machine needing a good cleaning. You can google how to do a decent cleaning if your manual does not tell you how. Here's something to start with. It's not hard but you will need about an hour of uninterrupted time. To have a professionally done cleaning/tune-up here costs upwards of $75.

Or, when you went to sew the velcro, the tip of the needle bent.