Basics: How to Fix an Old Sewing Machine
As soon as sewing machines become widely available for home use in the mid-19th century, people have been trying to fix old sewing machines. It can be an intimidating task and it is not uncommon for people to immediately want to buy a new machine instead. A sewing machine requires careful maintenance and can be fixed with the right tools and knowledge. In this article, we will go over the basics of how to fix an old sewing machine and provide some guidance on when it is time to buy a new one.
Assess the Damage
Before you take out the sewing machine tool box, you need to assess the damage first. You need to ask yourself what is wrong with the machine and determine if the issue is something you can fix easily or if it is a more complicated issue. If the issue is complicated, then it might be more cost-effective and convenient to just buy a new sewing machine.
Diagnose the Problem
Once you have assessed the damage and decided it is something you can fix, it is time to diagnose the problem. It could be something simple like a loose thread or a more complicated issue such as a damaged bobbin. Before you start disassembling the sewing machine, get familiar with the different parts and equipments. Take pictures of the machine and all the parts so you remember their original order, this will come in handy when you are putting it back together.
Research on the Repair
If you have a general idea of what the problem is, start doing your research and figure out how to repair it. Search for videos and manuals, read up on tutorials and try to get a better understanding of what needs to be done. If you don’t feel like you can do this step on your own, find a sewing machine professional that can help you.
Gather the Required Materials
Once you know the materials that might be needed for the repair, it is time to gather them. Make sure you only get the parts and material that you need and that they are compatible with the sewing machine. If you don’t want to buy the materials online, visit a store that caters to sewing machines and purchase them there.
Disassemble and Repair the Sewing Machine
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the sewing machine, the parts and the tools, you can begin the repair process. Use the pictures that you took previously to help you remember how to put the pieces back together. Follow the manual and the repair tutorial closely, double check that all the screws and pieces are connected properly.
Put the Sewing Machine Back Together
After you have fixed the problem, it is time to put the sewing machine back together. If you followed all the steps in the previous section, this should be a straightforward process. Put back all the pieces and tools in the exact order that you took them out. Check if all the screws and pieces are connected properly, and make sure the machine is ready to use.
Testing the Sewing Machine
It’s time to make sure your hard work paid off. Test the sewing machine by sewing a few lines of stitches. It’s best to start with a simple design on a basic fabric, as you don’t want to cause any further damage. If the machine works correctly and the stitches are as expected, then you are ready to use the old sewing machine again.
Long Term Care
To ensure your sewing machine stays in good condition and works properly, you need to take care of it. Keep the machine clean and well maintained, use the right oil, and make sure all the parts are in good condition. Aside from that, if a problem arises, deal with it quickly by either repairing it yourself or taking it to a professional.
Advanced Repairs: Electrical Issues and Motors
Sewing machines run on electricity and motors, so it is important to learn how to deal with electrical and motor issues. If the sewing machine has any electrical or motor issues, it is best to take it to a professional for repair. Electrical wiring, motors and control boards can be complicated and dangerous to work with, so unless you are real a confident in your repair skills, it is best to leave it to an expert.
When to Replace the Motor
Replacing the motor can be a good solution if the problem is not a wiring issue and the problem remains unsolved after you have repaired it. It is difficult to diagnose a motor problem and trying to fix the motor yourself can be dangerous. Get professional help and be ready to replace the motor if needed.
Having a Spare Sewing Machine
If you own more than one sewing machine, it is a good idea to keep a spare one, in case anything happens to the one you usually use. It is also a good idea to have a spare needle or bobbin, or any other parts or tools that can be useful in case of emergency.
Do It Yourself vs. Professional Repair
When trying to fix an old sewing machine, it is important to evaluate how serious the damage is, how much experience you have in repair and how complicated the problem is. If you are hesitant to try and fix it yourself, it is best to take it to a professional repair shop. Always err on the safe side and avoid causing further damage.
